Why did the mayor light a fire under updates to a pro-business ordinance?

PHOTO by RUSS ROCA
The city’s local preference ordinance—now being expanded at Mayor Bob Foster’s request—is a stellar piece of narrow-minded legislation. It makes no pretense toward benefiting all; as its colloquial name suggests, it benefits local businesses that service the city—at the [...]

As usual, Mayor Foster has some high-profile appearances planned. Here’s a few:
“Long Beach Better Learning After School Today (BLAST) will hold a fundraising breakfast on May 15, 2008 at 7:30am at the Long Beach Yacht Club.  Mayor Bob Foster and fellow supporters of BLAST will discuss the challenges faced by at-risk youth in Long Beach [...]

Officials say no-tipping policy protects students
A state judge Thursday hit Seattle-based Starbucks with a $100 million fine after she found the coffee giant illegally forced California baristas to share tips with their managers. There’ll be no such squabble at the Starbucks on the Long Beach State campus—where tipping is banned. School officials who run the [...]