Longtime Long Beach lobbyist has new name

Longtime Long Beach lobbyist has new name    Washington-based lobbying firm E. Del Smith and Co., which has represented Long Beach port interests in the nation's capitol for more than 30 years, has merged with lobbying firm Capri & Clay to form Carpi, Clay & Smith.
   The Smith firm's lobbying income in was $1.4 million in 2005 and $960,700 in 2006, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Smith's clientele was largely government offices, including the cities of Anaheim, Barstow, Long Beach, Port Hueneme, and Santa Barbara; Los Angeles County; the ports of Long Beach and Stockton; quasi-governmental agencies; transportation-related companies and numerous others.
   San Diego-based Carpi & Clay averaged just over $300,000 a year in lobbying income since 1998, according to data from the Center for Responsive Politics. Clients in 2006 include the City of Encinitas, the Port of San Diego, the San Diego County Water Authority, and defense firm Strategic Operations Inc.
   The City of Long Beach, which includes the Port of Long Beach, will remain the new firm's largest client. The city spent more than $450,000 with Smith last year.