Staff Infection

HISTORIC PRESERVATION DEATHWATCH

Miles ClementsTue. October 30
 


PHOTO by SUSAN SABO

Theo has the scoop on the old Looff’s Lite-a-Line: Surprise! It’s dying a slow death. So with the last remnant of the old Pike all but destroyed, the question is “What’s next?”

It seems most preservationist energy is focused on the Jergin’s Tunnel, the underground pedestrian passageway that once connected the Jergin’s Trust building to the Pike. Most were unaware of the tunnel until this past weekend when it was unearthed and reopened for the University by the Sea. But it didn’t take long for the tunnel’s ornate charm to woo those who visited, and only a little longer for Councilwoman Suja Lowenthal to speak out in favor of saving the tunnel.

But with the fate of Looff’s already sealed, is that assurance enough? Will the Jergin’s Tunnel be next on the Historic Preservation Deathwatch?

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  • Chris Ziegler
    Coming soon in Historic Preservation Deathwatch: Julian Ship Supplies!

    JULIAN'S SHIP SUPPLIES
    Founded: Mid-1940s
    Owner: Flo Martinez
    Employees: Five
    Business: Provides food and other materials for merchant ships and some smaller private vessels. Supplies include fresh fruit and vegetables, wire and rope, maps, lumber and any other item requested. The company can also serve as a liaison and translator for foreign crews.
    Sales volume: Unavailable
    Trivia: The company's historic headquarters since 1954, at Magnolia and Broadway, was recently condemned by the city of Long Beach to make way for a retail/residential development. The building may ultimately be moved to a new location because of its historical value, but the business itself will relocate to 16th Street and Daisy Avenue.

    It's a specialty business, one built on personal relationships and quality of service. No one knows this better than Flo Martinez, whose late husband, Julian Martinez, opened Julian's Ship Supplies in downtown Long Beach nearly 70 years ago.

    Flo took over after Julian died in the late 1990s and has watched as the harbor has evolved from its Navy days to become a key link in international trade.

    Some customers date back decades.

    "We know a lot of people, and that's helped us survive," Martinez said. "We can get them whatever exotic foods they might want, or if they need special equipment, it's our job to find it."

    Often, a ship captain or agent will send an order by e-mail, detailing supplies needed and expected time of arrival and departure.
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