Fortunately, there is a fun and effective way to melt away the extra pounds that insist on welcoming in the new year with you. All you have to do is sign up for Long Beach Adventure Boot Camp, show up to class on time and do what they tell you to do. If you are like the 200 other Long Beach residents currently enrolled in boot camp classes, you might even enjoy it and see real results.
Long Beach Adventure Boot Camp is a one-hour outdoor workout program, offered in six-week sessions, that combines core conditioning, short distance running (less than one mile), muscular strength and circuit training. Whether running bleachers at Wilson High School, enduring a circuit of push-ups and “booty” camp (yes, that booty) exercises, or conquering sprints on Signal Hill, an hour of your time is well spent in pursuit of your fitness goals.
Shannon Paul, who has a BS in kinesiology, is National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and Apex certified and a specialist in Titus Motion Therapy (an exercise therapy designed to eliminate chronic aches and pains). She started Long Beach Adventure Boot Camp in 2005 and has enjoyed a steady growth in the popularity of the camp over the last three years. Over the years, Paul has expanded the number of classes offered in response to demand. She runs the program with coach Carolyn Fiegen, who shares Paul’s passion— and campy sense of humor— for helping campers reach their fitness goals.
“What I love about Adventure Boot Camp is the excitement and variety of the workouts and the camaraderie of the campers,” said Paul. “Long Beach Adventure Boot Camp will give you a jumpstart to your fitness plan in a fun and supportive environment. You don’t have to worry about getting bored with the monotony of a routine because every day at camp is different.”
Boot camp is a place where women and men from all walks of life come together for one hour in the morning or evening to make a difference in their lives. Boot campers challenge themselves physically and mentally to get through the work out. Whatever your goals are, the beauty of boot camp is that you have the guidance of a trainer as well as the support (and the motivating pressure!) of a group of your peers. You might feel like quitting in the middle of an exercise, but when you look around and see that everyone else is still working hard, you get back to work.
In order to measure how effective a boot camp session can be toward achieving weight loss goals, this past year Paul and Fiegen incorporated a weight loss challenge into several of the scheduled sessions. Over the course of six weight loss challenges, boot campers shed nearly 2,000 pounds. That’s the equivalent of ten 200-pound men or women! In the Biggest Loser-style competition, individuals with the greatest percentage of pounds lost were the winners.
Whether your goal is to shed weight, increase your cardiovascular conditioning and muscular strength, or simply give yourself the gift of an hour that is focused solely on your well being, Long Beach Adventure Boot Camp is there for you. And don’t let the fact that it is called boot camp scare you. There is no yelling of commands or breathing down your neck to psych you into working hard. Just a bit of friendly cajoling and peer pressure to encourage you to push a bit harder than you might if left to your own whims.
Just in time for holiday recovery and a fresh start to the new year, the next session begins January 5. Classes, which are held at Wilson High School or Recreation Park, are offered daily at 5:30am, 9am, 3:30pm (a special teacher’s edition, held at Marshall Elementary School), 5:30pm and 7pm.
If you don’t think you could manage the 5:30 am work out in the dark, cold mornings of January, think again. While you choose to snooze and lose in your warm bed, there are at least 70 boot campers out there completing their workouts. And you aren’t just losing out on the chance to get rid of those extra pounds hanging on to your middle, but the opportunity to jumpstart your day in a positive and healthy way.
For more information or to register, visit www.longbeachbootcamp.com

Long Beach Police Department knows Jeffrey Leland Johnson as commander of the Detective Division, but to his band mates and fans he is known as Jeff Leland, the musician who uses his talents in an altruistic way. He released his first album six months ago, and has since sold around 5,000 copies. The proceeds go to two different nonprofit organizations: the Long Beach Bar Foundation’s Shortstop Program for at-risk youth, and the Long Beach Police Officers Association’s Widows and Orphans Fund.
His band’s album I’m An American has a diverse composition. “Its blues, rock ‘n’ roll, country and easy listening,” Leland said. The first song, “I’m An American,” was written in response to the negative statements some Europeans were saying about America declaring war on Afghanistan and then Iraq. It’s about Americans’ self sacrifice.”
Leland’s voice is his strongest instrument. He began singing in church then choir during his senior year in high school. Choir may seem like social suicide in high school, especially for a football player, but his decision to follow Leland’s love for music has made a positive impact on his life as well as others. “It is rewarding to get ideas for a song when I’m not even thinking about it. Finalizing a song and recording it is rewarding, (but) for me, the most rewarding is performing live,” he said.
The official band name is Jeff Leland & PosseGato. Vince Delgado played lead guitar and produced the album, putting in synthetic music where needed. He is currently developing MySpace and Facebook pages where he plans to market their music to military families.
Leland gave each song a melody that accompanied the subject. “Telephone Hell” is played in a melancholy style. In “Life is What Happens,” Delgado picks at the guitar to characterize a country style, and “Come Sit Awhile” was produced as a hymn which “pays tribute” to his heritage.
Every song is written from personal experiences, and many were written specifically for veterans programs. In his 26 years as a police officer he has seen many parolees get right back into trouble. “Back in Custody” is a humorous look at those situations. He also worked six years on the graveyard shift. “Watch One” describes how he felt patrolling the streets at night. Leland said that he’s had nurses and firefighters tell him “Oh, yeah. I get it,” about working until the sun comes up.
Leland believes he keeps an open mind about politics and society. “I trust bureaucracy and I detest bureaucracy.” He certainly shows it in this collection of songs.
One result of 9/11 is that officers now require more training and, consequently. more work. During 9/11, local police departments had to send employees to cover the harbor, the airport, and the World Trade Center. Now, there are police divisions such as Homeland Security to focus on those specific areas. “We have to worry about people taking pictures of the World Trade Center,” he said. Whereas before they didn’t even think about that kind of incident.
Leland shows his idea of America on the cover of the album. It’s a barn with an American flag painted on the side. “It seemed Americana, nothing pretentious. Just an average, down-to-earth [image]” he said.
Jeff Leland and PosseGato have three new members joining the band: Joseph Balderian, bass; Dave Merander, drums; and David Cannan, keyboard. The band has yet to perform, but council people and coordinators are enthusiastically waiting.
To order the $20 CD call the Long Beach Police Officers Association at (562) 426-1201, or the Long Beach Bar Foundation at (562) 981-7525. It can also be ordered via the Association’s online store at www.lbpoa.org.

• Mondays (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.): The Long Beach Musicians League gives an opportunity for locals to practice while conquering the small–crowd venue. Ken Huntington, the sound guy, manages the show and all bands must schedule with him before their jam session. It is an excellent way to listen to music that is being produced in the Long Beach area.
• Tuesdays (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.): Apparitions of The Past’s DJs spin music that caters to the crowd. They play garage-soul from the 1960s, all the way up to new wave. They enjoy the clean, quiet, well-lit atmosphere, which allows people to talk to each other and occasionally hula-hoop.
• Wednesdays (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.): DJs Scotty B. and Chuck throw in a twist to their DJ skills. They have started a new routine, bringing in a featured guest to sing live R&B while they spin. One guest, Demo, conveys neo soul, but the vibe is mainly reggae, soul and funk.
• Thursdays (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.): Starlight Entertainment presents karaoke with Sammy. They carry a large selection of music for a gregarious audience. The place is packed with groups of people eager to sing. Each person usually does a few songs, but every night brings a different crowd and the music ranges from country, rock, electric and rap.
• Fridays (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.): A different line-up of bands plays weekly. Crowd intensity depends on the band’s following. Cover charge is $5 however, starting in October, the Puka Bar will discontinue Friday live music and will only have DJs.
• Saturdays (9 p.m. to 1 a.m.): Live music will always be the main attraction on Saturdays. DJs complement the music being played, and there is a $5 cover charge. Danny Dean and The Homewreckers play swing-rock regularly, and the high notes played on the guitar are reminiscent of the sounds of the ukulele, which fits perfectly into the seaside atmosphere.
• Sundays (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.): The Lock Brothers play a Pro Blues Jam. There is a sign-up sheet for those who want to showcase their talent. Walk-ins are welcome. The leader and drummer Lenny Gee can accommodate any sound that a proficient musician is looking for. It is a great opportunity for solo musicians to adjust and challenge themselves to performing with professionals.
Stop in to listen to your favorite tunes, or hear some new ones. Puka Bar is located at 710 West Willow Street. Hours are 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more info, call (562) 997-6896 or visit myspace.com/pukabar.

During Signal Hill’s oil heyday, Curley’s was famous for cashing checks while their customers grabbed a beer. Those who contributed to the oil industry relate to the oil signs and pictures adorning the walls. The generations of families who have become patrons of the restaurant know why they keep coming back: classic burgers and eclectic music. It’s the perfect combination, enjoying a meal while listening to soothing melodies from the vintage eras. Curley’s brings in all ages, but a majority of the regulars are over 40. Each month is filled with events and daily food specials that keep the place packed.
• Mondays (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.): Newcomers and old timers join Jerry Rothschild’s Ragtimers’ seven-piece band. Rothschild plays the piano and gives information about each song to the audience. This music seems like the perfect soundtrack to a Charlie Chaplin movie. Comically, the food bell chimes in perfect harmony with the bands’ performance. Customers not only show their appreciation after each song, but after each solo as well.
• Wednesdays (5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.): CJ and Katie play popular music from the 1910s to the 1930s. They play the tuba and the banjo, which fill in for a guitar and bass, taking the sound to a whole new level. They also give out lyric sheets for all the songs they play so it’s a good idea to eat early before the sing-a-longs begin.
• Thursdays (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.): Eddie Marie carries a wide selection of music for karaoke night, but customers mainly sing songs from the 1950s and on. Three generations come here to croon their favorite tunes and, if the song is not in her collection, customers are encouraged to bring in their own CD. Eddie comes back every Thursday because she enjoys hearing the same happy songs sung by the same friendly faces.
• Fridays (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.): The Cherry Willow Jazz Band plays music from the 1920s and 1930s to a full house. They are well rehearsed and multi-talented, showcasing their ability to play multiple instruments. Patrons show off their talents as well with noisemakers the band gives out. As well as all the talented music, the band also has an amazing line-up of jokes.
• Saturdays (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.): Three different blues bands alternate on Saturdays during lunch. There is plenty of seating on the patio, and the umbrellas hide everyone from the sun. Tupelo Blue is one great blues band that personifies mellowed passions. The harmonica is an essential part of the blues and the vocalist uses it as a second voice. The instrumental solo expresses the fat cat bass, the simplistic drumbeat and the high-tone guitar as a force desiring happiness.
When it comes to music, Curley’s ain’t just whistling ‘Dixie.’ Curley’s is located at 1999 E Willow Street. Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed Sundays. For more information, call (562) 424-0018.