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The Ten Most Powerful People In Long Beach Are... by Ryan ZumMallen | Ten Most Powerful | 10.15.09 | | Text Size: +
In putting together our third annual Most Powerful People In Long Beach list, we examined dozens of people from all walks of life in Long Beach. The city is full of people who use their abilities and influence to change the way we live each and every day. That made our decision very, very difficult. The list we are unveiling is full of people who have gained notoriety for the decisions they have made, the actions they have taken, and their leadership throughout Long Beach to produce results. We also looked for "the ones to watch" who will continue to have influence in the future. Thanks to an overwhelming response from you, our readers, we received over 200 nominations. We wish we could have included each and every person, and surely some of the people you nominated will continue to expand their influence and appear on our future lists. But for now, we look to the people today who use their power to shape our community so that Long Beach continues to be the best city in the world. 1: Skip Keesal  The founder and CEO of Long Beach's most influential law firm makes the top of the list thanks to his efforts both inside and outside the courtroom – his office is decorated with photos of him with everyone from President Barack Obama to Senator Dianne Feinstein to Former President George Bush. Local and national politicians seek his advice, and his behind-the-scenes work with a slew of local charities keeps their operations running smoothly. He has recently hosted receptions in his office for Attorney General and Gubernatorial Candidate Jerry Brown and Lt. Governor John Garamendi. His influence also reaches far beyond the courtroom and into the lives of everyday Long Beach residents. Whether it is his role on the Board of Governors at CSULB, the Board of Trustees with the Boys and Girls Club, or his involvement with the Long Beach Police Foundation. He is also a shrewd businessman with major development assets in Downtown Long Beach, including a proposal for a new multi-tower development on Ocean Blvd. People come to Skip because he has his finger on the pulse of the city. It’s the highest of compliments to say that Keesal did not make this list because his law firm is one of the city’s largest and most influential; it is because he’s used his local notoriety to benefit the lives of others. Skip Keesal is our most powerful person in Long Beach. 2: Mayor Bob Foster and Chief of Staff Becki Ames  As Mayor Foster creeps closer to his re-election campaign next summer, he is building a massive campaign war-chest, and he continues to make major impacts in Long Beach. He guided a difficult budget process this year, and has been leading regional efforts to green the Port of Long Beach and the clean the air. It has been his leadership with the Clean Trucks Program that has changed the culture of operations at the nation's busiest seaport. While we still wait for initial figures on resulting air quality, no one can deny the impact made by the program's success in replacing 80% of trucks with models that produce cleaner emissions. He is also the dominating force in Long Beach politics and rules much of the Council with an iron fist. Many will still remember the unsuccessful infrastructure parcel tax proposed by the Mayor, but more will remember his signature issues of air quality and greening the port. From behind the scenes, his Chief of Staff Becki Ames is a major power player, lobbying with local officials and statewide legislators alike to change policy and life in Long Beach. She is his right hand, and has been empowered by the Mayor to represent him on important policy issues. When she speaks, she speaks for the Mayor. 3: Dick Steinke  The Port of Long Beach faces difficult times as cargo traffic continues to decline due to the tough economy, but Steinke and his team have already begun planning for the future with the massive approval of the Middle Harbor complex and a possible renewal of most of the Port's rail system next year. Steinke and Port officials are building now to ensure that they’ll be able to handle demand when it picks back up. He leads the biggest and most important economic engine in the region, and the green port policy continues to make a global impact. Energy efficient solutions to decades of problems will determine the success of his tenure and ultimately, the health and air quality of the South Bay region. Under his leadership, the Harbor Commission and Mayor Foster, the Green Port Policy is already gaining international attention. Steinke is number three on the list. 4: The Education Trio  With the Long Beach Unified School District’s $250,000 award for winning a Broad Prize nomination this year, California State University, Long Beach’s continual migration deeper into the heart of the Long Beach community and Long Beach City College’s leadership on the College Promise and student success, the leaders of Long Beach's education systems hold more influence than ever. Chris Steinhauser, Eloy Ortiz Oakley and F. King Alexander impact the direction of our city, region and state every day by educating our youth, young adults and returning adult students. The Long Beach College Promise, a new pact between all three institutions, will increase college access and seamless education in Long Beach. When all three convened in April to draw attention to progression of the proposed Kroc Center, the message was clear: this facility will provide resources to our city’s children that will significantly improve their opportunity to learn and grow. For these reasons and more, Chris Steinhauser, Eloy Oakley and F. King Alexander continue to mold not only young minds but the very way that public education works in our nation. 5: Mario, John, Martha, Michelle and Janet Molina (Janet not pictured)  Long Beach based Molina Healthcare has been continually noted as one of the nation’s best systems since being founded in 1980, and is now run by brothers Mario and John. Since taking the reigns when their father passed away in 1996 - Mario as President & CEO, John as CFO - the company has flourished and become a prominent healthcare enterprise serving the city's vulnerable populations.One of Long Beach’s most visible power couples, John and Michelle Molina are constantly exercising their power in the realms of healthcare, charity, development, media and much more throughout the city. As CFO of Molina Healthcare, John has been on the forefront of providing affordable, quality healthcare to millions of patients as the business has grown to now encompass seven states. Michelle is one of Long Beach’s most tireless charity advocates, since creating PeacePartners – now a national organization providing learning environments for children across the country – in 2003. Since the two began running Long Beach Magazine a few years ago, it has become one of the most comprehensive representations of life in the city. In addition to Michelle’s work with young children, Janet Molina Watt has broken new ground with her Little Owl Preschool in North Long Beach, the first privately-owned LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in the city – just one more example of the changing face of education, thanks to the Molina crew. Lastly, Martha Molina Bernadett has taken a proactive role with the ever-expanding Molina Foundation, taking profits made through investments and reinvesting them back into the community through various local charities. It’s truly an all-encompassing effort from the extended Molina family. 6: Rich Archbold & the staff of the Press-Telegram  The Press-Telegram may have its critics, but they are still by far the most read news publication in Long Beach. Executive Editor Rich Archbold, and Opinion Page Editor Larry Allison, leads a team of dedicated and hard-working news and opinion writers. They include Paul Eakins, John Canalis, Kevin Butler, Chris Berry, Kelly Puente, Harold Glicken and many others.Their stories and commentary reach over 280,000 people daily in print, and nearly 100,000 people daily online. If it gets reported on the front page of the Press-Telegram, Long Beach is going to talk about it. Even as they adapt to major changes, they still dominate the news coverage in Long Beach. 7: Councilmembers Gary DeLong & Gerrie Schipske  Seeing Councilmembers Gary DeLong and Gerrie Schipske mentioned in the same breath may come as a surprise, because they really could not be any more different. DeLong’s a Republican, Schipske’s a Democrat. Schipske’s fearlessly independent, DeLong likes to build coalitions with the Mayor, Schipske has led the charge against the Wetlands transaction, DeLong has supported. And the list goes on, and on. Yet, in their constant roles as polar opposites, DeLong and Schipske have become guiding forces on the Council. DeLong, more than any other Councilmember deserves credit for his role in crafting the city budget. Schipske has taken a lead in many reforms and has taken up the cause for many community activists. However, they often take the same side of an issue - take for instance, the issue of employee pensions within the City budget. While taking two different stances, these two Councilmembers have managed to each assume a leading role. Schipske has called for open, public negotiations on City pension contracts and DeLong was the only “No” vote on the proposed Police contract a few weeks ago. Both are seeking re-election in the coming months, it will be interesting to see what their future political ambitions may be. Councilmembers Delong and Schipske are seventh on our list. 8: Deputy Chief Robert Luna and Commander Jorge Cisneros  Two of the top candidates to replace Anthony Batts as Chief of the Long Beach Police Department are also the force's two highest-ranking Latino officers, Deputy Chief Robert Luna and Commander Jorge Cisneros. Boasting a combined 42 years of service with the LBPD, both Luna and Cisneros have served as two of Batts’ top aides for several years, and look primed to be promoted to the top spot at the Department. It is well known that both Luna (who often handled duties in Batts' absence and regularly addressed the media) and Cisneros (Batts' Chief of Staff and chief advisor) want the job. Both are highly-decorated with a long history of police work in Long Beach. They also represent the growing influence that Latinos are beginning to have in the City. 9: Justin Rudd  You know the name, you know the events, and you even know his dog, Rosie. After nearly a decade of community activism in Long Beach, Justin Rudd continues to exercise and expand his power as a citizen simply by willing his events into success. With the 9th annual Howl'oween dog parade fast approaching, and 123 consecutive months of beach cleanup events under his belt, Rudd has proven the power of community as these events and more regularly draw hundreds of residents to volunteerism. The larger parades number in the thousands of spectators. His fitness boot camps and weight-loss challenges are the root of some of the city's most inspirational tales. Why does he do it all? Probably because he can, and the message behind Justin Rudd's activism is that anyone can inspire a community if they really want to. 10: John Morris  A Long Beach legend, John Morris has his hands in a little bit of everything. Morris has played a pivotal role in reintroducing street events to Pine Avenue that drew thousands on New Year's Eve and throughout the summer. In the past, Morris has lobbied for more accountability from the Port on water and air quality, and has been a tireless advocate of revitalizing the downtown business district. He is considered the pioneer of Pine Avenue and uses his influence and network to promote the Downtown and local businesses. From his table at Smooth's Sports Grille, Morris is also the go-to-guy for information. Want to know the latest city gossip, call John Morris. Need help with a development or a project, call John Morris. He has also recently teamed up with the wildly-popular Bouchee's Bistro to integrate their restaurant and brand at Smooths. He knows where all of Long Beach’s skeletons are buried – and that’s powerful. Ones To Watch Bud Johnson  The retired engineer conducted his own study of the breakwater before the City Council even began to commission their own report, and all he ever asked was that his findings be considered. It was better than that - Johnson's study results were included in the City-commissioned breakwater report that will be examined by the US Army Corps of Engineers to consider whether or not to modify the structure, proving that any determined citizen can have a significant impact on a local and even federal scale. Johnson constantly warns that the fight for modification is far from over, and recently hinted that the same can be said for his work. Time will tell. Craig Beck  The economy has hit development in Long Beach hard, but its recovery will largely depend on one man – Craig Beck. Beck is the person holding the development purse-strings as the city’s Director of Planning & Building as well as Executive Director of the Redevelopment Agency. He gives the green light to projects, and has enormous influence over the RDA board and planning staff. Many criticize the power he has been given by city management over projects and funding - but right or wrong, he has it and uses it. He also sits on the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) and has started pulling his weight in that organization. Blair Cohn  Born and raised in Long Beach, Cohn is tirelessly involved with organizations throughout the city, currently serving as executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association. Since taking the lead of the BKIA, he has made drastic and welcomed changes to Bixby Knolls. He has created new programs, recruited new businesses and has infused a new energy and life into one of Long Beach’s most vital communities. Cohn is gaining a huge following for his success and is certainly one to watch. Grumbling and rumors have already begun circulating about his next move, we will have to wait and see. Click here read our policy on covering the Long Beach City Council. Disclosure: Smooths is an LBPOST.com advertiser. Comments
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Mike Ruehle DeLong may build coalitions with the Mayor and other GANG OF SIX group of Councilmembers. However, he certainly does not build coalitions with the residential community in his district. I guess when you are the 7th most powerful person in Long Beach, you don't need to worry about those types of things. Clarice Great list, just wish they didnt all sound like they do the same thing. We need more diversity. Laura D. Yay John, I hope that Pine starts to get more buisness! Fans. Where is the LBPOST.com on this list? Or its managing editor Ryan Zummallen who puts out great work on a daily basis? Id have to say its more powerful than The PT Kristie Bud shouldnt just be "one to watch" but Im glad he made it on this list Reader Pictures look cool, great list. Angela Chester Chris Steinhauser is a great Superintendent, glad to have him over the schools in Long Beach. Jorge Anderson I do not mean to try to say this list is not wonderful in citing some of the city's finest residents but why is it there are no people of American Indian or even African Americans mentioned in this wonderful city of ours. i am sure there are people who are working in this community who are not mentioned in the article but it would be nice to see some of the diversity that makes up Long Beach to be one of the most diverse cites in America. InkPeace Blair Cohn should be higher on the list, but yes, he is worth watching. This guy "gets it" and should you not know who he is or what he does, ask someone NOW. This guy is a dynamo despite his Trojan upbringing. Kathy Hegstrom I am pleased to see that Skip Keesal has been named the most powerful person in Long Beach. He works very hard running his law practice and working with community groups. I am proud to say I know him. Great list. LBJ Gary DeLong. OHMy! Brian I don't have a problem with this list at all, but what is interesting is that I saw Henry Rogers name nominated quite a bit by people commenting and giving their votes last week. Hmmm, I guess not being tall and having good hair is not enough to make the list, as was one of the reasons given by a lady who nominated him last week. Good job LBPost. Yolanda Carrington Justin Rudd?! really? on the top ten? Do I need to go into details or does everyone already know why i think it is bs. Christine what about Chris Garner? He has an immense amount of influence and has done numerous things that affect Long Beach's economic growth. Without him i charge of Long Beach Gas and Oil we would be in way more financial trouble. Sally B. I was glad to see the educational trio. Now if TALB would remove Michael Day as president, Long Beach would be unencumbered on the road to building our schools for our students. Tom Martin I am glad the Post recognized teams of people more than individuals as the top ten. Seldom does one person exert influence but a team of people; the key to influence is the ability of one to unit many to action and never is it just one person that brings change Thinker Interesting list. I think you ought to do this by categories (ie Government, Business, Arts, Sports, Law etc.) Nickie It would have been nice to have our City Manager listed on this list. CHARLIE Well, Ryan, you did it again - your Reader's have put together an excellent list, all though I never heard of Skip Keesal before, but perhaps that's because I don't travel in the legal eagle circles, but nontheless, he got the most votes so number one he is; Now you take your number 2 and 3 guys & gal - they're number one in my book, and we might even throw John Morris in there, because they have directly effected the "economic & employement" areas of the community which is so important these days in my humble opinion.. MB I'm so happy to Justin Rudd on the list. He does so much for the city. We, and our pets, are very lucky to have him. ANONYMOUS In answer to your "WHY" question, JORGE; The voting by the Reader's is based on accomplishments and influence - regardless of the race or color of the individuals... Scott Blumenthal Very good list indeed....however as always some good and deserving folks didn't make it. MuffinLB I echo Mike's sentiment. I'm hoping that next year at this time all of us in the 3rd District will be saying "Gary who?" Surprised Laura Dowd didn't make the list. Juan Pardell The most powerful person in Long Beach is the taxpayer/voter. They just don't know it. Red Eye Media Blair Cohn has done and continues to work really close with the Bixby Knolls community . . . thanks a million! Keep up the great work! Loree Scarborough Congratulations to all and thank you for your time and effort to help make our city a better place to live. John Greet What Juan Pardell said! JR Salazar I would have been inclined to add the staff at the LBPost among the list of people to watch, but that would be a bit too flattering. These rankings are on the money, I must say. Kellie It's a shame there aren't more woman on this list. So What? Well that was quite congratulatory. So what are we supposed to do with this information... know who to kiss up to? Richard Gutmann Bill Pearl should be included on this list. For years LBReport was the only media outlet in this city that reported anything except what City Hall wanted us to know. KaRi from LBweekly I've beeb BANNED from SavePine. Imagine that! All I did was post events on there so the locals would know what's happening and give Pine Ave their business. Who RUNS that site, anyway? Guess my contributions weren't negative enough. Congrats Justin Rudd and the rest! KaRi Who decided this list? (Who is "we")? If you look at the nominees from your initial post on the 6th, NAOMI RAINEY should be on your Top 10, no? Pigeon Maybe next time you can run a list on the 10 most corrupted influential individuals. Sadly, some would make both lists. Policywonk Not a single Lowenthal on the list. The times, they are a changing... DeLong , oh please How you can say that an embattled Councilman like DeLong, who has been on the wrong side of so many issues so often, and who has been responsible for lawsuits, and missteps, and controversy after controversy is 'powerful', boggles the mind. This guy has a real chance of getting ousted, but your colors, and sponsorship are pretty clear this time. Gary has a lot of problems, and is very unpopular in his District, and amongst his colleagues. Just ask them. Matt I do find it interesting that in one of "the most diverse cities in America" that there is little to no diversity on the top ten. Perhaps this is a statement about upwards mobility and opportunity in our great city. I am pleased to see the education trio on there, they really deserve it. Tony B. I'm curious to know why Yolanda Carrington thinks Justin Rudd should not be on the list. The way she presented it almost makes it seem as if it should be obvious why he shouldn't be on it. Doug Wow! seems like having a top 10 list sure brings out the best in some of you folks! ANAYMOUS Well, Tony B, Yolanda probably doesn't like dogs - refering to Rosie of course. :<): marcosjon Wow...Yolanda Carrington is a mean-spirited person. I would let it upset me as I think Justin puts a lot on the line to create and inspire communities. Maybe she doesn't think a gay man should be on the list. Like I said, I would let it upset me, but gracious, who is Yolanda Carrington? Christine All wonderful individuals, but the city's most influential people should reflect the city. Not sure if the list or the powerholders need to change. Dan I live in DeLongs district and am thrilled with his representation. He does a fine job, is professional, educated and a man of character. His take charge on the budget is just what this city needs. Go Gary Are you kidding? Gary DeLong as a "powerful person"? You've got to be kidding! He may be "powerful" to those wealthy develop3rs who have supported him--and the ones who would profit from his behind the scenes very slick behavior, but to the huge majority of his constiuents he is Mr. Teflon and the "invisible man". He will never declare what he supports (which are projects that will benefit his benefactors!), he handpicked a committee of his supporters to have a secret SEADIP revision so that they could build whatever they want on the wetlands--then declares he wants to save the wetlands. He didn't even attend the recent scoping meeting about the 2nd and PCH EIR -- that didn't record the comments fronm people who oppose the monstrous project... The list goes on and on. He might be considered "powerful" by a few supporters, but he certainly is not respected by or popular with most of hi constituents! Mario Molina It is an honor to be included on the same list as Skip Keesal. He and the firm of Keesal Young and Logan work tirelessly on behalf of the city. They support many charities and community organizations. However, I agree with Juan Pardell, the most powerful person in Long Beach was left off the list, the voter. It is great to live in a democracy, but only if we exercise our right to vote. I hope the voter realizes just how important he or she is to the future of our community. Gwen S. marcosjon - i find it pretty ridiculous that you are attacking someone for stating an opinion. you Rudd supporters have now painted her as both a dog hater and a homophobe. that's a good way to support the "community" you claim Justin inspires. Yolanda could very well have substantial and rational reasoning for not agreeing with Justin's name being on this list. Maybe she is a home owner where he has his overgrown chaotic events. Surely, you are not. Show some respect for peoples opinions and stop throwing cheap shots with your ignorant assumptions. :) LB Voter Some people commented on the Long Beach voter should have been on the list...I just looked at last year's list and it was number 1 last year, FYI. http://www.lbpost.com/newsdesk.php?id=3304&item=1655 Ms Charlie Tuna Gwen S, I would be willing to bet that when Yolanda saw Justin's picture and his life style, she most probably thought - what a waist! :>) Gwen S. i dont think his waist is visible in that photo. but cool. yolanda acted like she had multiple reasons why he shouldnt be listed. i dont think rosie and the fact that he is gay were on it. but who knows. i like everyone else, should not assume Ms Charlie Tuna Well you got that right, Gwen S, but ooops, I spelled waste wrong. Personally, I have no problem with Justin or Rosie - THEY'ER SERVING THEIR COMMUNITY... Lalo Very interesting list. Skip is truly a top billing type of guy. A giver hard worker for many people behind the scenes,the Molina's , great choice, They employ many people and provide excellent health care options before Obama care ,Port of LB guy ? Good luck with Punta Banda port down there in Baja, Press telegram ? PLEASE, the council members, really ? City council to Sacramento, that seems like a lot of our previous council members real goal,The cops, tell that to the folks over there within the core of our city over there in the gang bang zone, Mr. Morris should have a higher slot for all the BS he has had to deal with from our own city hall,dog man,I don't know much about what he has done except look sweet, all in all interesting list of locals. The mayor seems really relaxed in his new gig. So far,so good. OK You've listed 20 or so people for your top 10 people. You ought to rename this and keep it real. 10 people means 10 people. CHARLIE Your right OK - everybody wants to get into the acr.:>) dont sue me normally i would say this is a silly fluff piece that exemplifies the true issues with our wonderful city, but instead i will go with the current trend and say "great! good stuff! its all good!" hooray for everyone! beezleboss Wow! What a list of people that are all connected in one way or another? Funny! #1 is were he is because he saves the butts of #'s 234578 when they make legal or bad judgment calls. #10 is in there because #8 would have nothing to do and because he is a LBPost advertiser (Read disclaimer@bottom) #6 is in there because they write all about it and #9 is here because he likes pets and is ready to clean up the mess from #3. Ones to watch out for is exactly that watch out people:) Charlie I don't write often, but I can't stand to see a vocal minority bad mouth Gary DeLong, he has not only done great things for his district, he always has the entire city in mind. He should have been closer to number 1 on the list. He is important to the success of this city.
Ten Most Powerful
Our third annual list of the most powerful people in Long Beach, unveiled today after overwhelming responses from you - our readers
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