What is Power and how do you define it? Is it influence, the ability to lead, or the strength to motivate others towards a common goal? Perhaps it is a little of everything…
Below is our first annual POWER LIST. The final list was decided by the publishers, the managing editor, a committee of posters, and input from you…our readers.
We appreciate the numerous comments, suggestions and phone calls about who should, and who should not be listed….
So here they are, ranked in order….the 10 MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN LONG BEACH…
1. ALAN LOWENTHAL
Alan Lowenthal is our clear choice for the most powerful person in Long Beach. A former community activist and professor at Cal State Long Beach, Lowenthal has climbed the political ranks from the City Council, to the Assembly, to the State Senate He is the go to person in the California Legislature on pollution and port issues, and is a regional leader on the environment and mobility. The Senator is also the most coveted political endorsement in the city and was the most instrumental person in the recruitment and election of Mayor Bob Foster. Alan Lowenthal is also the patriarch of the powerful Lowenthal family, which includes Vice-Mayor and Assembly candidate Bonnie Lowenthal, eldest son and Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Danny Lowenthal, daughter-in-law and Councilmember Suja Lowenthal, and his youngest son, businessman and community leader Josh Lowenthal. The State Senator is our #1 most powerful person in Long Beach.
2. BOB FOSTER:
From President of Southern California Edison to Mayor of Long Beach, Bob Foster has established himself as powerbroker-in-chief. In his first year in office, he has clearly positioned himself as an influential and a dominating figure in not only local but statewide politics. He changed the City Charter to give his office more power – while leaving the Council as is – passed a tax increase, and hand-picked the City Manager. With a rolodex that stretches from LB to Sacramento and all the way to DC, coupled with decades of experience in the highest corporate and political circles, no one in the city has more clout or influence than Mayor Foster. Political insiders are speculating on Foster’s next move, which many think is a run for Lieutenant Governor or perhaps the top job itself. The Mayor is #2 on our list.
3. DR. CHARLES REED:
While many folks may not recognize Charlie’s name, this Belmont Heights resident runs the largest state university system in the world – yes, that’s right, the world. The California State University System is headquartered in Long Beach and its Chancellor lives and works here running the 23 campus system. His leadership and vision create an educational ripple effect throughout the state, the nation and the world. A former chief of staff to former Governor Bob Graham of Florida, Dr. Reed, along with the faculty, staff and administration of the CSU (President F. King Alexander included) are building the workforce of tomorrow. Oh, and did we mention that Bob Foster used to be Reed’s boss when Foster served as a Trustee for the Cal State System? The two are close friends and strong supporters of each other….watch out Sacramento.
4. SKIP KEESAL:
There is one person in Long Beach on the must see list for every major statewide and national politician….and that is Skip Keesal. Keesal, Young and Logan – the law firm he founded – has played host to Presidents, Senators, distinguished guests from both parties, and even Prime Ministers. His firm hosts a significant portion of all major political and philanthropic fundraisers held in Long Beach. While he keeps a low profile, he knows what power is and how the game is played better than most. The word is that Keesal is planning a major new development in Downtown…let’s see where he ends up on next year’s list.
5. BECKI AMES:
If the Mayor’s Office is the door to one of the most powerful people in Long Beach, then the person holding the key is extremely important. Becki Ames has a tight grip on that key…a really tight grip. As Bob Foster’s Chief of Staff, she is the gatekeeper, enforcer, strategist and chief advisor to the Mayor. Every player in town knows nothing happens with the Mayor until Becki says so. She learned to wield power in Sacramento in the Speaker’s Office and while her hard knuckled politics might have ruffled some feathers in town, no one doubts her power or influence. Ames is number #5 on our list.
6. JOHN MOLINA:
Being the head of one of the largest companies based in Long Beach – Molina Health Care – and one of the few that is growing significantly, and the head of one of Long Beach’s most influential families certainly has earned John Molina a place in our Top Ten Power list. Molina has an impressive portfolio that includes large Downtown development projects and the recent acquisition of Long Beach Magazine. Molina is a calm and calculating businessman who is increasing his presence strategically in political and philanthropic circles. An attorney by profession, Molina is a key player to watch in the development of Downtown.
7. CHRIS STEINHAUSER:
As the Superintendent of Long Beach Unified, one of the largest school districts in the state, and the only one in the Nation to be recognized twice by the Broad Foundation for educational excellence, Steinhauser is a natural power player. He could be in for a rough time if TALB (Teacher’s Union) continues its successful electoral campaigns…but he has broad support in Long Beach and is widely respected in national academic circles. He could write his ticket to ANY large school system in the US, but he enthusiastically calls Long Beach Unified his home.
8. THE LONG BEACH GODFATHERS:
The Long Beach Godfathers are the long time insiders of Long Beach. They are led by Jim Gray, Chris Pook and Mitch Rouse. They are a tight knit circle of friends and associates who, as some of the wealthiest folks in Long Beach, have hosted many fundraisers for politicians and charities alike. They have had their hands at the wheel of many campaigns and companies in Long Beach for decades. They are much sought after for help to fund campaigns and causes – and know how to use the relationships they have built to their advantage. Alone, any one of the Godfathers usually gets their way – when working together, they are a powerful force. However, this crew needs to watch out…a new generation of power players is growing and gaining influence – fast.
9. STEVE JAMES:
Steve James, elected three times as President of the Long Beach Police Officers Association, has made the LBPOA a dominating force in local politics. Don’t believe us – just ask former Councilman Dennis Carroll how formidable they are. Also, ask a rank and file cop whose pay will increase by an average of 25% over the next 4 years after being flat for nearly 10. A call by Steve James is answered by everyone in City Hall and Sacramento. Not content to stop there, he is a national leader in the Fraternal Order of Police and worked diligently to attract their national convention to Long Beach.
10. JUSTIN RUDD:
If you have never heard the name Justin Rudd, you probably don’t live in Long Beach. He is the city’s most influential and powerful community activist. Justin, who signs his name with an exclamation point, is not only a person but a brand. He is the Donald Trump of community organizing and a master of the media. Google his name and you will find hundreds of articles about him or any one of his programs. He is the founder of Community Action Team (CAT), and organizes the Haute Dog Parades, the LB Turkey Trot, Operation Santa Paws, the 30-Minute Beach Clean-Up, Spelling Bees, and when he finds the time, trains women for Miss America and Miss USA. Oh, and he’s the only person on this list to have been a guest on Jay Leno’s Tonight Show.
The two to watch out for…..
LAURA RICHARDSON:
It is only a matter of time until Congresswoman Laura Richardson breaks into the Top 10 because Congress rewards longevity. Still, her remarkable journey – from City Council, to State Assembly, to Congress (in one year!) – is an impressive achievement. Her hunger and aggressiveness will likely translate into power sooner rather than later.
PAT WEST:
As the new City Manager of Long Beach, Pat West is sure to leave his mark all over city hall. He is already beginning to promote his favorite managers and it won’t be long before he shakes up those departments that are under-performing. Let’s hope he uses his new power to create positive change for the city – good luck!