(Nov. 30, 2007) -- Yes. Virginia: there is a Christmas Tree at the Pike @ Rainbow Harbor.
LBReport.com has learned that the Nov. 30 rain-cancelled (Dec. 7 rescheduled) event which Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal's website described as a "Holiday Tree" was called a "Christmas Tree" (several times) by the event's privately run [non City Hall] sponsors: the Pike @ Rainbow Harbor, Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village.
The event website www.rainbowharborholidays.com, which includes logos of the Pike, Aquarium and Shoreline Village, [as visible on Nov. 30] stated in pertinent part:
Due to weather conditions, the Official City of Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonyhas been rescheduled to: Friday, December 7...[S]ee The Pike's Christmas tree, Menorah and Kwanzaa display while enjoying musical entertainment and on Friday nights, experience the Aquarium's Shark Lagoon and hear live bands playing holiday tunes. Shopping, dining and family entertainment opportunities abound.
In verbiage that rankled several of our readers, an announcement on Councilwoman Lowenthal's City Hall website [visible on Nov. 30] stated that she and Mayor Bob Foster planned to "officially light the City of Long Beach Holiday Tree and recognize the Menorah and Kwanzaa display..."
LBReport.com reported the Councilwoman's website text...and readers responded. To view some of the blazing email we received, click here.
Specifically, an announcement on Councilwoman Lowenthal's website stated:
[Councilwoman Lowenthal website text]: Councilmember Suja Lowenthal and Mayor Bob Foster Officially Lights the City of Long Beach Holiday Tree, Friday, November 30, 6:00 pm
All second district residents are invited to join Mayor Bob Foster and Councilmember Suja Lowenthal as they officially light the City of Long Beach Holiday Tree and recognize the Menorah and Kwanzaa display on Friday, November 30, at 6:00 pm at the Pike Event Park on the corner of Pine Ave. and Shoreline Dr.
The tree will feature a seaside-theme, and The Surfaris, a ‘60’s surf band whose hit songs including "Wipe Out" and "Surfer Joe," will perform. Santa, of course, will be there, and refreshments will be served, compliments of Borders. The event is free.
In addition, The Pike, Shoreline Village, and the Aquarium of the Pacific are joining together to create free evening holiday experiences on the weekends from November 30 to December 30. For a full list events and activities, please visit www.RainbowHarborHolidays.com.
Clicking on the RainbowHarborHolidays.com site's link to "Official City of Long Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony" on Nov. 30 led to the following:
Official
City of Long Beach
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Due to weather conditions, this event has been rescheduled to:
Friday, December 7
6pm at The Pike Event Park
WOW
Join Mayor Bob Foster and Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal as they officially light the Holiday tree and recognize the Menorah and Kwanzaa display....
SEE
- Scrooge visiting from Shoreline Village.
- Blue the surfing blue Whale from the Aquarium of the Pacific.
- Santa surfing in from the North pole.
HEAR
“Wipe Out” to the hits of The Surfaris!
MMM…
Hot cocoa and treats from Borders.
Rainbow Harbor Holidays is presented by:
[Logos: Pike @ Rainbow Harbor, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village]
Mayor Foster's website didn't mention the event.
City of LB Public Information Officer Ed Kamlan said his office hadn't sent out any releases about the event. Asked about Councilwoman Lowenthal's website text, Mr. Kamlan said his office is a branch of the City Manager's office and questions about content on Councilwoman Lowenthal's website should be directed to her office.
LBReport.com advised Councilwoman Lowenthal's prior to running a story at midafternoon on the near unanimously negative emails we were receiving. We also left a contact (after hours) phone number and email for responses which we'll report as received.
