Cozy pilot experiences a NMAC entering the LGB pattern with a Glasair after a late traffic call by the Tower. Cozy canard blocked view of conflicting traffic during turn to downwind.

Narrative

Chain of events: Cozy was turning from 45 degree entry onto the downwind as directed by LGB Tower at 1;100 FT. Tower called traffic at my 11 o'clock and a half mile (0.5 mile). I looked and the Glasair was directly in front of me at my altitude plus 10-20 FT; flying perpendicular to my path. There was no time to take evasive action. I responded that I had the traffic in sight and the Tower responded 'sorry about that'. I do not know if the Glasair was on frequency as it never spoke on the frequency but I assume it was because the Tower apologized and did not chastise the Glasair.Contributing factors: Cozy canard blocks traffic slightly below the pilot at the 10:30 and 2:30 positions. In a turn the canard can also block traffic that is slightly higher than the Cozy. In addition; the Glasair was flying a non-standard pattern directly across the point where the turn to downwind occurs and the Glasair was at pattern altitude.Corrective actions: Fly a standard pattern and/or fly above the traffic pattern when crossing it. The only direction open to the Cozy at the time was a descent but that would have only changed the Cozy's altitude by 10-20 FT in the limited time available.