Long Beach Area Peace Network

(Jan. 1, 2016) (from LBReport.com)-- The LB Area Peace Network ended 2015 with a New Year's Eve fundraiser where it bestowed its annual Peacemaker Awards.

The event, titled "New Year's Eve in Havana," was emceed by Naida Tushnet and held at LB's Unitarian Universalist Church. LB independent photo journalist Diana Lejins says the event drew over 100 people (and shares some photos below.)

The event honorees were (quoted text from event program):

• The Rev. Dr. Pamela Joan Swarts Challis, named Peacemaker of the Year (citing her "passion for peace in the Holy Land [which] began with her first call with colleague, The Rev. Dr. Said Ailabouni, a Palestinian Christian born in Bethlehem...") She has served five Evangelical Lutheran Church in America congregations, the latest of which is Christ Lutheran Church in Long Beach.

• Peter Rosenwald, recipient of the group's Lifetime of Service award (holds MLS degree, specializes in library services to people with disabilities and those who are institutionalized; retired from L.A. County Public Library with 25 years of service; served on a panel at the Left Forum; "active member of the South Coast Interfaith Council Peace and Justice Committee; received the Leon Shirley Grassroots Community Activism award from Families to Amend California's Three Strikes (FACTS) and is involved with A New Way of Life [rehabilitation organization], as well as the New Image Emergency Shelter for Homeless People.")

• ·  Rosa Cassarrubias, Teresita Evangelista and Juana Malera, three long-time employees of LB hotels received the group's Courage Award: ("[T]hey have experienced sexual assault or harassment [and] have also been victims of wage theft...All are leaders in the Stand With Women campaign, which is seeking Log Beach city policies to protect workers.")

• ·  Robert Kalayjian, MD, honored as Community Ally ("took the lead in organizing the First Congressional Church in the Gay Pride Parade, the Martin Luther King Parade, Riding the Rails to L.A. for anti-war marches, the World March for Peace, and the Global March for Climate Change" and played a leadeship role in "placing the Cranes of August" in the church...")

• ·  Taylor Thomas: named the group's Rising Star ("involved in social justice movement since the age of 15...alon with four other community members, co-wrote and performed a theater play called 'The Air We Breathe' which chronicles what it's like living in Long beach and dealing with air pollution...")

• Also spotted among the crowd: veteran LB political activist Sharon Cotrell.

• Among those also present (not pictured) was Robert Harmon, an announced candidate for LB's 6th Council district seat in April. "Happy New Year from the Long Beach Area Peace Network Annual Peacemakers Awards Party in Havana! You gotta have a sense of humor and I do respect and align with almost all of their sociopolitical stands. The one I'm not, I at least have an open heart to" he wrote on his Facebook page.