What Would JUSTIN Do?

RUDD ALL ABOUT IT

Long Beach makes Dog Fancy's list of canine-friendly cities.

Here's one to howl about: Dog Fancy magazine again named Long Beach one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. The city, which is home to a dog park and dog beach and several annual pet events, made the South Orange County-based national magazine's Top 9 list for the second consecutive year.
The dogs, of course, are the stars, but it is a human who is responsible for Long Beach's ranking, Justin Rudd. Belmont Shore community organizer Rudd created the dog beach at the foot of Granada Avenue three years ago this fall.

He also puts on several pet-related events a year, including holiday costume parades for pets (sometimes owners, too) and adoption days, and sends out an e-mail-based newsletter to 9,000 pet lovers.

Rudd, of course, is not the only reason Long Beach made the list. The October issue of the magazine, which will be released next week, also cited the winning cities' natural resources, veterinary care, adoption rates and animal shelters. Credit should also go to the army of volunteers who look after the dog park, the city's Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, the city's special events office. "But it was their above-all-else love of dogs that sealed the deal," the editors wrote.

That's where Rudd comes in. Editors referred to many of his annual activities, including the interfaith pet blessing, which is on Sept. 29, and the Howlo'ween Parade, which this year will take place Oct. 28.

Not mentioned, but worth noting, are the Canine Easter Parade, Operation Santa Paws, which collects treats and toys for shelter animals, the Bulldog Beauty Contest and a dog poetry contest.

These are all simple, family oriented events that make residents - and presumably pooches - feel good about living in Long Beach. And they are all staged by a non-profit organization that goes by a rather ironic acronym, CAT, which is short for Community Action Team.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY RILEY!

Long Beach Losers' Shed the Pounds for Hard Cash

THE VIDEO

LONG BEACH, Aug. 13, 2007 (KABC-TV) - Long Beach was recently named on the list of fattest cities in America. Some people there want to shed that dubious honor, so they are putting their money where their mouth is.

There's a competition underway where the team that loses the most weight takes home a chunk of cash.
Justin Rudd is a fitness instructor who is used to people paying him to whip them into shape. But he's trying something new by paying the self-proclaimed "Long Beach Losers" to slim down and shape up; and he wants the entire country to know it.

"Recently, Men's Fitness magazine came up with a list of the fattest cities in the country. Long Beach happened to be number 11 on the list," said Rudd.

"I'm not happy about that," laughed Lisa Bland, who is part of Rudd's exercise program.

That's what motivated Rudd to start his 12-week program to get Long Beach to lose weight.

Each team of five will monitor their weight and body fat loss. The best "Long Beach Losers" will split a jackpot of $13,000.

"They work together to try to come up with a plan to lose weight by diet and exercise, just encouraging each other; the camaraderie factor," explained Rudd.

These "Losers" agree they could use a little push and nothing motivates like a little cash.

"We're all shapes, sizes, and weights which makes it good, and it's very supportive, very educational and it's good -- it's a good cause," said one exerciser.

Eight-year-old Julia Bravo watches her mother work up a sweat but she doesn't care if her mom wins the money.

"She'll be able to play with us more because usually she'll be too tired," said Julia.

"I think there's always improvement that anybody can do wherever they are in their lifestyle," said Rudd. "So in that respect, everybody here is a winner."

Justin's Sunset Beach Body Sculpt Classes

WATCH KABC-TV7 this MON.
The news came and taped a segment during the weigh-in and sculpt class on Wed., Aug. 8. the segment is expected to air during the 11 p.m. news on Mon., Aug. 13.

JUSTIN'S FROM THE BOONDOCKS

Justin went to college (and sang in the a cappella choir) at Samford Univ. with the two female members of LITTLE BIG TOWN. We just had the chance to see them recently at the Orange County Fair.