(August 3, 2008) -- A bright idea by Press-Telegram reporters Kris Hanson, Kelly Puente and TheDistrictWeekly's Dave Wielenga to create the "Long Beach Press Club" drew roughly fifty media non-moguls to an informal inaugural get-together at Nino's Italian Restaurant on Friday night on August 1.

Photo credit: LBPRESSCLUB

"We're going to start with first-things-first -- which means with the social side of things," said Mr. Wielenga in an email. "The organizational stuff we'll leave for whatever day down the road that it seems like the best next step."

KPCC reporter/host Debra Baer signs in. Photo credit: LBPRESSCLUB

Mr. Wielenga's email said the name "Long Beach Press Club" came from "a great old dive bar" that was formerly across from the old Press-Telegram HQ that was formerly at 6th/Pine.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Mr. Wielenga invited his email recipients to "spread the word." Word spread; photos follow.

Arriving guests were greeted by a memory-flogging typewriter with a snazzy logo on the platten.

Photo credit: LBPRESSCLUB

The logo was created by Smolarcorp founder Ryan Smolar.

Former 2nd district Council aide Rachel Potucek and Mr. Smolar created last year's University by the Sea...and indicate it'll grow this fall. [Comment: What a great looking couple!].

Ms. Potucek and Mr. Smolar. Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Below: Mr. Smolar and LBReport.com publisher Bill Pearl.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Photog Steve Carr wonders if he's covering a wine tasting.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

One of the co-creators of the "Long Beach Press Club," PT reporter Kris Hanson.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Photogs Steve Carr, Jeff Gritchen and reporter Kris Hansom compare shots.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Charter Communications Production Manager/TV Kahuna Ron Petke plays the role of a management negotiator dealing with PT writer (and union bargaining team member) Joe Segura. LBReport.com publisher Bill Pearl hopes this occurs regularly in the PT command bunker.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

TheDistrictWeekly's Dave Wielenga.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

PT reporter Joe Stevens, Photog Jeff Gritchen and PT reporter Kelly Puente.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

LB media power couple: PT reporter Tracy Manzer and hubby, American Shipper/CA-Pacific Connection West Coast Associate Editor, Keith Higginbotham.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Gazettes Editor Kurt Helin and 8th district Councilwoman Rae Gabelich.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

TV Kahuna Petke and creative maven Smolar recreating a scene from the Godfather.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins

Councilwoman Gabelich with Photog Diana Lejins.

Photo credit: Diana Lejins