San Pedro Today - June 2023

DOCKSIDE

THE TRANI FAMILY EMBARKS ON A NEW VENTURE WITH THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED OPENING OF TRANI’S DOCKSIDE STATION

PLUS:

• BELLA & RUDY MAKE MUSIC

• HARBOR CONNECTS: NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

• EAT IN SAN PEDRO: LET'S GRAB COFFEE!

• IN MEMORIAM: NICK LUSIC (1952 – 2023)

• EVENTS & MUCH MORE!

Modern Dentistry, with Old Fashion Values.

Our office is a multi-specialty private practice located in Weymouth Corners in San Pedro. With 28 years of experience, we provide high-quality modern dentistry at an affordable cost in an inviting setting. Our office is equipped to provide most specialty dental services efficiently under one rooftop. We use cutting-edge technology and are versed in all aspects of Cosmetic, Restorative, Dental Implants, Orthodontic, and Oral Surgery services.

ASSOCIATES

Dr. Souzan Ardalan, D.D.S.

Education:

USC school of Dentistry

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Professional Association:

American Dental Association, member

California Dental Association, member

Western Dental Society, member

SERVICES & SPECIALTIES

• General Cosmetic and Children’s Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Dental Implants • Permanent Implant Supported Dentures • Orthodontics (Traditional Braces & Invisalign) • Periodontics • Sleep Apnea

(310) 832-5559

www.drsouzanardalan.com

Ian Woo, D.D.S., MD.

Education:

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Los Angeles County / University of Southern California Medical Center

Dr. Marvis Sorrel, D.M.D., M.D.S.

Education:

University of Pittsburgh, Master of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine

Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Orthognatic Surgery Externship / Invisalign Certification

Dr. Rebekah Coriaty

Education:

University of Pacific

Professional Association:

American Dental Association

California Dental Association

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Color Palette: #4962f5 #233f4d

Dr. Miles Madison

Education:

UCLA School of Dentistry

Professional Association:

Font:

American Academy of Periodontology

California Society of Periodontists

American Dental Association

California Dental Association

American Association for Dental Research

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family has a long history in San Pedro. From Filippo

1913 and opening Trani’s Majestic Café here in 1925 to his great-grandson Dustin Trani opening Trani’s Dockside ily who has seen it all in San Pedro, it’s

gorgeous, and the food is fantastic. We were fortunate enough to attend the Welcome Preview Party on May 16, and judging by everyone’s reaction to the ambiance, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres, the Tranis have another hit on their

One thing I admire about Dustin is that he’s constantly innovating his menu and continuously challenges our palates with his incredible dishes. From what we know of Dockside’s menu so far, he’ll continue that process there. For the foodies, this is exciting stuff.

I want to congratulate the Trani family on opening another amazing restaurant here in San Pedro. Hopefully, when you read this, Trani’s Dockside Station will be open and ready for business.

WEST HARBOR POP-UP

I met a ton of readers who made it out to the recent San Pedro Makers Market pop-up event at West Harbor. Most of the people I spoke to were new in town and, to my surprise, had nothing but great things to say about moving here.

I was expecting someone to complain about something, but I heard none of that. Instead, these new San Pedrans expressed how happy there were “no chain restaurants” and loved the little quirks we’re so proud of. My general impression was that they were not here to change our culture or way of life; they moved here because of it. They want to learn about our history and support our local businesses because this is their home, too.

I dare say, these new residents are

more excited to be San Pedrans than many current San Pedrans. Many of you are nodding your head in agreement.

THINGS TO DO

One topic that constantly came up when speaking to folks who have recently moved here was, “What is there to do?” This town has a real hunger for “things to do” from folks who have never ventured into their new surroundings. It was, by far, the number one topic of conversation, just beating “When’s West Harbor opening?”

Because of that, we’ve expanded our Events section and even added a “top pick” for the month. You can also find more events listed on our online calendar at sanpedrotoday.com. To list an event, email events@sanpedrotoday. com. Details are on page 9.

BYE ‘UNCLE NICK’

When I was a kid, I thought Nick Lusic was my uncle and his wife Kris was my aunt. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I realized Nick was the brother of my real uncle George (who married my Aunt Sharon, my dad’s sister) and not my actual uncle. San Pedro family trees can get confusing sometimes.

I’d known “Uncle” Nick my entire life. He was a dear friend of my father, Billy Stecker, and I grew up with all the Lusic kids. I consider all of them family, so when I got word Nick had passed away suddenly on May 8, it was tough news to hear. My heart goes out to Kris, Nick, Ryan, Andria, and all the family. It’s been a rough month.

San Pedro lost a good one with Nick’s passing. So many San Pedro kids, many in their 30s and 40s now, were coached by him in Little League or softball. I remember the excitement of watching the Little League World Series on TV that summer in 1989, knowing I knew people on the screen.

The San Pedro High School Athletic Hall of Fame described Nick as a “winner.” While many will remember him for being an amazing athlete and coach, to me, he was simply a great guy. And if people can say that about you in the end, that’s a big win. spt

Joshua Stecker is the publisher/ editor-in-chief of San Pedro Today Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

George A. Van Buren, EA, MBA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Joshua J. Stecker

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lori Garrett

ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION

Joseph A. Castañeda

AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS

Jack Baric, Linda Grimes, Sanam Lamborn, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Eddie McKenna, Nadia Nizetich, Anthony Pirozzi, Jr., Amber Sheikh, Lee Williams

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Mattera Photography

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (424) 224-9063 Email: contact@sanpedrotoday.com

San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733

ADVERTISING:

General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com

Patricia Roberts

(562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com

EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC

OWNER/PUBLISHER

Joshua J. Stecker

San Pedro Today publishes the last Thursday of every month and is produced monthly by Empire22 Media LLC. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without written permission by Empire22 Media. 20,000 copies are delivered to San Pedro and portions of Rancho Palos Verdes. San Pedro Today is a product of Empire22 Media LLC. Empire22 Media LLC, their subsidiaries and affiliates are released from all liability that may involve the publication of San Pedro Today. Copyright 20092023, Empire22 Media LLC.

Check out the latest news at sanpedrotoday.com.

VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 5

ON THE COVER: Dustin Trani (center) with his mom, Viki, and father, Jim, photographed at Trani's Dockside Station on May 16, 2023. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

PICK OF THE MONTH

etables, flowers, and community. Get your hands in the dirt as a volunteer, get expert advice, or just relax. For more info, visit feedandbefed.org.

Every Tuesday & Every Saturday –BELMONT SHORE MODEL RAILROAD CLUB at Angels Gate Park (3600 S. Gaffey St., Building 824), Tues 7-10p & Sat 12-4p. – The best kept secret in San Pedro! The Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club is the oldest and largest N scale club and offers clinics on modeling and an opportunity to explore a new hobby. Admission is FREE and open to the public. For more info, call (310) 8316262 or visit belmontshorerr.com.

1 (Thurs) – fINdings CLOSING EXHIBIT CELEBRATION at fINdings Art Center (470 W. 6th St.), 5-9p. – Thanks for the journey! Join us on First Thursday for the closing exhibit celebration of fINdings Art Center. Some of the contributing artists of the past 16 years include Robel Afewerki, Annette Ciketic, Alexa Clement, Gena Gaspar, Stan Hicks, Alan Johnson, Barbara Marbell, Shay McAtee, Christine McNerney, Eve Pericich, Judy Robertson, Rubi Salazar, and Camilla Townsend.

1 (Thurs) – THE GLASS FAMILY ELECTRIC BAND at JDC Records (447 W. 6th St.), 7p. – Join us on First Thursday for a FREE live performance of the psychedelic band, The Glass Family Electric Band, performing their recently released album Invisible World. Plus, great deals on all vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. For more info, visit jdcrecordstore.com.

JUNE

16 (Fri) – SAN PEDRO SKATEPARK ASSOCIATION PRESENTS

CONCRETE LAW

at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.), 7p. – San Pedro Skatepark Association presents April Jones’ latest film, Concrete Law, a fundraiser for Channel Street Skatepark. Concrete Law explores the battle between skatepark organizers and bureaucratic control. This film uncovers the park’s history, from creation to current status, through interviews with park founders, local and pro skaters, business owners, and city officials. Doors open at 5p. Admission is by donation at sanpedrosk8.org. Cash only donations accepted at the door.

Every Friday – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (396 W. 6th St., corner of 6th and Mesa), 11a-3p. – New location! Pick up essential fruits and vegetables from certified, small family farms. Get a head start on weekend meals with so many delicious and fresh options. For more info, visit sanpedrochamber. com/san-pedro-farmers-market.

Every Tuesday, Friday, & First Thursday Evening – OPEN GARDEN at Feed and Be Fed (429 W. 6th St.). San Pedro’s urban farm opens its downtown garden space every Tues (10a12p) and Friday (10a-1p) and on First Thursday evenings. Organic produce is for sale at the San Pedro Farmers Market (corner of 6th and Mesa) on Fridays (11a-3p). Come share nature’s bounty and beauty as we grow veg-

Every Friday – LAFD HARBOR MUSEUM at Old Fire Station 36 (639 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a-3p. – The LA Fire Department Historical Society invites you to tour and experience San Pedro and Wilmington’s fire protection and rescue history with vintage fire apparatus and displays. Visit or volunteer. FREE admission. For more info, visit lafdmuseum.org/harbor.

May 26-29 (Fri-Mon) – LA FLEET WEEK at the Battleship Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a-6p. – LA Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Memorial Day Weekend. Public events included active-duty ship tours, military displays, equipment demonstrations, live music and entertainment, aircraft flyovers, and much more—lots of fun for the entire family. The weekend event is FREE to the general public. For more info, visit lafleetweek.com.

1 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY in Downtown San Pedro, 6p. – The popular First Thursday ArtWalk is back in the historic core of Downtown San Pedro. The redesigned First Thursday will feature guided ArtWalk tours, open galleries, outdoor dining, and live music on the corner of 6th and Mesa streets.

2-3 (Fri-Sat) – SAN PEDRO CITY BALLET’S SWAN LAKE at Cabrillo Way Marina Berth 37 (2201 Miner St.), 8p. – “On pointe” for June is the debut of San Pedro City Ballet’s Swan Lake performances under the stars at Cabrillo Marina’s Berth 37 at 8p. The beautiful 400-seat performance space will provide heaters, but guests are encouraged to bring a wrap, blanket, and a seat cushion. A sunset reception will take place at 7p with a no-host bar. Cocktails and beverages provided by San Pedro Brewing Co. and NIO Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres provided by Charcuteries by Pam. Tickets $45. For tickets and more info, visit sanpedrocityballet.org.

3 (Sat) – SOUNDPEDRO2023 MINGLE at Angels Gate Cultural Center (3601. S. Gaffey St.), 7-10p. – This FREE one-night event will feature 50+ artist installations and performances, including sculptures, environments, installations, timed and ongoing performances, interactions, and presentations throughout the AGCC’s seven-acre campus. An Art Curated Event (ACE) entitled eARThLB will take place on-site to

demonstrate how an ACE event can unfold over the course of the season through time and space. Visitors should prepare for potential rough terrain areas, sun and wind exposure, and temperature changes (jackets, umbrellas, blankets, practical footwear, etc.). For more info, visit soundpedro.org.

4 (Sun) – DIRTY CELLO at Collage (731 S Pacific Ave.), 7:30p. – San Francisco-based band Dirty Cello will present their exciting blend of blues, rock, and Americana that Oakland Magazine has described as “...funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical” at Collage. The band is known for taking everything a bit up-tempo, running into the crowd, and prompting classic singalongs. Tickets $20. For tickets and more info, visit bit.ly/dirtycello_losangeles or call (424) 450-8239.

17 (Sat) – THE FERMIN FAMILY & FRIENDS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER PICNIC at Mary Star High School (2500 N. Taper Ave.), 8:30a-12:30p. – Exercise, walk, or run. Classic cars, food and beverages, and music. Donations will support Fr. Thompson’s legacy, provide school scholarships, and support local charities. For more info, contact Chuy Ibarra at (310) 347-7508

or Dickie Soto at (310) 547-4509.

17 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO PRIDE 2023 ON THE LOS ANGELES WATERFRONT at San Pedro Town Square (6th St. & Harbor Blvd.), 12p. – San Pedro Pride returns to the LA Waterfront with a lineup of new and exciting festivities, including a drag brunch at noon and a 2p flag-raising ceremony at the LA Maritime Museum. Show your support for our LGBTQ+ community! For more info, visit bridgecitiesalliance.com.

21 & 24 (Wed & Sat) – PECK PARK CANYON HIKES at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 9a. – Exercise walks are led on the third Wednesday of each month at 9a and last 1 to 1½ hours. Nature walks are led on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9a. All walks leave from the trailhead in the lower parking lot at Peck Park.

22 (Thurs) – SAN PEDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS & INSTALLATION LUNCHEON at the DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro (2800 Via Cabrillo Marina), 11:30a-1:30p. – Join the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce in celebrating our business community and installing our new officers and board members. 2023 Business Awards honorees include Marathon Petroleum, Wellington Signs

& Graphics, Rainbow Services, Lee Williams (The Lee Williams Real Estate Group), and Trani’s Dockside Station. Members $65, non-members $75, table sponsors $1,500, and non-profit table sponsors $1,000. For more info or to register, visit sanpedrochamber.com.

30 (Fri) – 13th ANNUAL CARS & STRIPES FOREVER! at Harbor Blvd. and Swinford St., 5-10p. – Jump-start Independence Day this year by attending the 13th Annual Cars & Stripes Forever! classic car show featuring nearly 100 pre-1975-era exotic cars and motorcycles. This Port-sponsored event will be held from 5 to 10p at Harbor Blvd. and the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Come for the cars and stay for the live bands, gourmet food trucks, and beer garden. Don’t miss the fireworks at 9:15p. For more info, visit portoflosangeles.org/community/ events/cars-and-stripes-forever.

July 1 (Sat) – 2nd ANNUAL ALMA PARK PICNIC at Alma Park (21st & Meyler streets), 10a-2p. – Bring your blanket for a FREE family fun day in beautiful Alma Park. Hotdogs, refreshments, and snacks will be served. Come and enjoy Taiko drummers, the Alley Oops Band, and other local musical talent. Big raffle drawings: win a trip for two to Catalina Island or a one-

night stay at the Doubletree Hotel at Cabrillo Marina. Games and activities for all ages and a sock puppet show. Student artwork from Leland, Dana, and SPHS will be displayed. LAPD/ LAFD officers and firefighters will be on hand, as well as display tables representing local city and community organizations and businesses.

July 15 (Sat) – POINT FERMIN DAY at Point Fermin Park (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), 1-4p. – Come and enjoy a variety of live music from the bandshell at Point Fermin Park. This is also a family fun day with activities, games, contests, and creative arts for kids and their parents. Bring your picnic lunch or find food on-site from vendors. FREE admission. Point Fermin Day is an event to support L.A. Harbor elementary school kids. For more info on how you can be a sponsor, email admin@freedomcommunity.com or text (310) 897-5043. spt

Events deadline for July 2023 is Friday, June 16. Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Find more events at sanpedrotoday.com.

SAN PEDRAN LED FAST & FURIOUS LIFE AS COP

MIKE POWELL’S NEW BOOK GIVES AN UNFLINCHING LOOK AT LAPD LIFE IN THE 1970s

by Steve Marconi

San Pedro native Mike Powell struggled as a child, took down bad guys as a cop, mingled with the rich and infamous as a bodyguard, and as a private detective, took part in covert operations for the federal government that involved the Mafia.

It was enough to get him two lengthy News-Pilot stories in the early 1980s, the last one a profile when he was only 31. Almost 40 years later, encouraged by his therapist, Powell decided it was enough for a book, the recently published and aptly titled Escaping the Kill Zone: My Journey From LAPD’s Zebra Unit to Undercover Federal Operative in the Las Vegas Mafia

With an introduction by San Pedro’s Xavier Hermosillo, the former crime reporter for the News-Pilot, Escaping

the Kill Zone is an unflinching, soulbaring memoir of what it was like being a Los Angeles police officer in the notorious “Shootin’ Newton” Division in the mid-‘70s. You know you’re in for a wild ride when the book opens with a 1981 arson attack on his San Pedro home.

The middle of three boys who all graduated from San Pedro High, Powell, small and dyslexic, was the target of bullies as a child until he was taken under the wings of an uncle, Bobby Wood, a former professional boxer. Powell learned how to fight, gaining the confidence and bravado that served him well later in life, and soon turned the tables on his oppressors.

He graduated in 1970, worked at several odd jobs — never thinking of a law enforcement career — and was in the Marine Corps Reserve when, just for a lark, he took and passed the LAPD entrance exam. After graduating from the academy, he was assigned to the

Newton Division in crime-ridden South Central Los Angeles, and, a year later, was attached to the plainclothes Zebra unit. It began a short but action-packed four years, with one interlude involving babysitting Charlie’s Angels star, Jaclyn Smith.

It came to a screeching halt, literally. Seriously injured in an accident while pursuing bank robbers who had just killed a security guard, Powell, only 28, was retired with a disability pension in 1979. By that time, he’d already survived four shootouts, earning the reputation of being a “cowboy” for his penchant for sniffing out the bad guys, whether in uniform or undercover, and had been involved in enough blood and mayhem to keep him in therapy for years to come.

Powell’s “war stories” fill the book’s first half, but leaving law enforcement not only didn’t get him out of the “kill zone,” it put him in an entirely new one. His bizarre relationship as a bodyguard for porn magnate Larry Flynt results in the firebombing of his San Pedro home. Unknown to Flynt, Powell had made enemies with some of his coworkers. He later becomes involved with yet another porn magnate, Penthouse magazine’s Bob Guccione, who offers him $1 million to get dirt on his Hustler rival, Flynt. Then there’s Powell’s involvement in a Louisiana murder investigation in 1982. Still a cold case, a Louisiana crime writer read Powell’s book and recently published an update on his website: bayoujustice.com/2023/ 02/41-year-old-pot-box-murder-stillunsolved.

Fittingly, the book ends in the early ‘80s with the mob and a Las Vegas sting operation. For reference, Powell suggests viewing Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed 1995 movie, Casino. Those entanglements with various nefarious characters in the second half of this 242-page book keep Powell on the razor’s edge, a place he admits early on that he enjoys. The pain resulting from the broken back and ruptured disk in the pursuit accident that nearly killed him left Powell addicted to painkillers and alcohol. Still, while he overcame that, adrenaline remained his “drug of choice.”

However, no drug could erase the memories of seeing a baby shot to death in front of him during a domestic violence incident, leading to the post-traumatic stress syndrome he suffered from long after his physical injuries had healed. This is a no-holdsbarred look at policing, particularly the “old school” version of the LAPD under Ed Davis and Daryl Gates, making it interesting history on top of a selfintrospective memoir.

Put this book, sprinkled liberally with references to people and places of ‘70s and ‘80s San Pedro, on the top of your summer reading list. It’s available at shootinnewton.com or Amazon. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.

SPECIALIZING IN Sports

Orthopedics

CLASSY CONSIGNMENT

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE’S GIFT/CONSIGNMENT SHOP OFFERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

by Jennifer Marquez

Last year, my father passed away, and my mom died about ten years before him. They lived in the same house for over 50 years. It was hard losing my parents. Going through their belongings and deciding what to do with them was a lot of work and overwhelming.

I kept a few of my favorites but did not have the space for much, so I opted to give away most of it to friends, family, and on Buy Nothing. One way I was able to repurpose some of my parents’ belongings was by utilizing the San Pedro Assistance League Consignment Shop.

The San Pedro Assistance League, a nonprofit agency, was founded in 1936. The consignment shop started over 25 years ago. Patrons like myself bring in items, and volunteers decide if they will accept them. The cut is 50/50 between the shop and the person selling the item. The shop uses the money for many of its programs, including dentistry for low-income children, new school clothes for struggling local families, a monthly luncheon for individuals who are blind or have low vision, and other services provided to people experiencing poverty locally.

A retired teacher, Patty Key has volunteered in the consignment shop for over ten years. She enjoys seeing new and different products and learning about their history. “It is interesting to learn why they are donating,” she says.

The consignment shop accepts items three days a month, on the first three Thursdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (no arrivals after 1:30 p.m.). The shop does not accept clothing, bedding, homemade items, or anything too large, as they have limited space. Items must be in perfect condition and clean. They accept jewelry, especially vintage, crystal, vases, glassware, serving trays, and some purses.

Once received, the goods will be on the shelf in the gift shop for up to three months. After that time, if the item has not sold, customers can pick it up or

donate it back to the Assistance League. Unsold items are donated to the Beacon House Thrift Store.

The consignment shop has many unusual things for purchase. “If you see something you like, buy it. It may be a one-of-a-kind item that the shop will not have again,” says Michele Kielbasa, office manager.

People start lining up to sell their items before the consignment shop opens, and there is a competitiveness about where you are in line. It is advised to bring your patience. Patrons utilize the shop when downsizing, need extra money, or have inherited items. Most items I have been consigning from my parents are vintage jewelry, hurricane lanterns, and crystal pieces.

The gift shop is often busier on Fridays after consignment days, as new items have been put on the shelves for sale. During the holidays, vintage tree ornaments, decorations, and a boutique with new and consigned items are available, with the proceeds benefitting Assistance League programs.

Gail King, who has been volunteering for over ten years, says, “It feels good to help out in the community. People love to buy old jewelry that was special in somebody else’s family.”

Upcycling my parents’ belongings was very personal, and I did it without hiring anybody or having an estate sale. The consignment store was an excellent way for me to give some of their items a new home while benefiting people in need. I know my parents would be happy. I used to buy my dad See’s Candies regularly at the Assistance League, and coming into the shop now brings back fond memories of him, who I miss so much.

For more information about volunteering or gift shop hours, contact (310) 832-8355 or visit assistanceleague.org/ san-pedro-south-bay. The Assistance League is located at 1441 W. 8th Street in San Pedro. spt

Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on Twitter and Instagram.

Dr. Ja’nae Brown

Dr. Maile Bay Jacques

Dr. Daisuke Saiki

Dr. Geovanni Sandoval

by Lee Williams

SailGP, the Sail Grand Prix, is coming to San Pedro at the Port of Los Angeles July 22-23, and there are some things you should know before they get here.

First, what is SailGP? It is a global championship of high-tech sailing that uses identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans that fly over the water at over 60 miles per hour. Although the boats are the same, the teams are represented by the best of the best sailors from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, and Switzerland. There are several races around the globe where the teams compete for points, with recent races in

Bermuda, England, Denmark, France, Spain, Dubai, Singapore, Australia, and the U.S., including stops in Chicago, San Francisco, and now Los Angeles.

The mission is to bring one of the fastest-growing watersports to the most iconic locations around the world with a message of sustainability and an emphasis on the skill and ability of each team rather than the technology of each boat. The teams of elite athletes have won 14 Olympic medals, six America’s Cup titles, 10 World Sailor of the Year titles, 80 World Racing Championships, and five Volvo Ocean Race titles. Couple that with the fierce nation versus nation rivalries and you get two days of adrenaline-filled competition viewed by a loyal international following.

For San Pedro, one key component of the race is its economic and envi-

ronmental impact locally. The Crowne Plaza and the DoubleTree hotels are booked all July as work crews prepare for the race in town. The production crew hires local security and chefs who source low-carbon, plant-based meals for the athletes and staff throughout their stay. They estimate an average of $16 million in direct community benefit for each event, with another $30 million in advertising to highlight each race and venue. The teams are incented to engage with the community for youth sports and environmental education. SailGP is already working with the Boys & Girls Club, LAMI, AltaSea, the Battleship IOWA, and our local yacht clubs.

The environmental focus is to provide global awareness of ways to combat climate change to inspire, accelerate our transition to clean energy, and fundamentally change how we impact our planet. This takes shape in many ways. The food vendors must eliminate single-use containers for water, use biodegradable packaging, and eliminate use of plastics wherever possible. For many, this is an incentive to retool their businesses and rethink their impact at major events in a way that is likely to carry on long after SailGP’s first visit to San Pedro. The teams also engage in local impact projects specific to the host venue. For example, they planted trees in Taranto, Italy, protected seagrass in Saint-Tropez, and helped develop the city’s largest solar farm in Plymouth, England.

As you may expect, a production of this scale has many moving parts with trucks, boats, support crews, and infrastructure. SailGP is committed to 100 percent clean-energy-powered events by 2025. That includes the tech base, media center, fan village, guest experiences, and broadcasting operations. Teams often bike to the racecourse from their hotels. Spectators will be able to sail to the event or watch from shore.

The fleet of F50s is fully powered by nature, and SailGP wants its innovations to reduce the carbon footprint to lead the way and inspire others to do the same.

SailGP is expecting 11 million viewers through live broadcasts and online streaming. There will be about 3,000 visitors to San Pedro on race days, with the course adjacent to Berth 46 (the outer harbor). Crews will start to arrive July 6 to begin preparations. The real action will take place the weekend of July 21-23, with racecourse closures likely taking place between 3 and 5 p.m. for the rehearsal on Friday and official racing on Saturday and Sunday.

San Pedro has an excellent opportunity to showcase our town in a new and environmentally conscious way. The broadcast will highlight our town’s history and connection to the ocean. The world will see how the Port of LA has led the way in clean air innovations to protect our neighborhoods better while our workforce moves the cargo better and faster than any other port on the globe.

The LA Maritime Institute (LAMI) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor will showcase ocean and underprivileged youth education. AltaSea will provide solutions for food insecurity, ocean exploration, and clean energy. And lastly, the Port of LA will continue to bring world-class performances, entertainment, and sports to San Pedro, making us the diamond destination we were always meant to be. spt

For more info on SailGP, visit sailgp.com.

Lee Williams leads The Lee Williams Real Estate Group at REAL Broker and is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be reached at lee@lamove.com.

SailGP in San Francisco. (photo: Simon Bruty for SailGP)

NAPOLI, CAMPIONI D’ ITALIA

THE AUTHOR FOLLOWS IN HIS FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS TO CELEBRATE A CHAMPIONSHIP

by Anthony Pirozzi, Jr.

In 1987, Napoli rose to the top of Italian soccer after acquiring soccer legend Diego Maradona in 1984 and was positioned to win their first championship, the Scudetto, which no other southern Italian soccer team had ever won.

So, when my dad asked me to go with him to watch Napoli win the Scudetto in Naples, I was excited, because I knew he waited his whole life for this moment. When he said the game was in May, I realized it was during my finals week at Cal Poly Pomona, and I couldn’t go. I still remember how emotional he was when he called us from Naples to tell us Napoli had won the Scudetto. “Can you hear the people celebrating in the street? I am on the 5th floor of the hotel.” It was amazing to hear the celebration over the phone, but I could only imagine how the experience was for him being there. Napoli went on to win their second Scudetto in 1990.

Since my father passed away in 2020, Napoli has been knocking on the door to their third Scudetto, and this year seemed to be the year it might happen. In Europe, the team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned champion. Napoli eventually built a 21-point lead atop the league, the highest in league history. By March, I began to calculate when Napoli might clinch the title by predicting wins,

losses, and ties for upcoming games and landed on the week of April 30 to May 7. With two home games and one away game that week, nine points were available, three for each win.

My family knew the story of ’87, so it was no surprise when I told them I was going to Naples to see Napoli win the Scudetto. Only my son Vincent could join me, so I planned the trip — a day in Rome, weekends in Naples, and a few days in between in Ischia. My friend Giancarlo Lauro, who was at the game with my dad in ’87, joined us for the Florence game on the 7th.

When we arrived in Naples, every street was decorated in Napoli’s blue and white colors. Streamers, flags, and banners hung across balconies, and life-size images of players lined the streets. The Spanish Quarter, with its giant mural of Maradona, was packed full of admirers. I had seen the photos on social media, but seeing it in person was even more impressive.

We headed to the Salerno game by taxi with friend Enrico LoBue. As we neared the stadium, the streets were packed with thousands of fans waving banners, singing, and chanting as blue smoke and loud explosions filled the air. After maneuvering through the large crowds, we entered the stadium, located our seats, and took pictures, one with a banner of my dad in a Napoli Jersey holding a Forza Napoli scarf over his head. It didn’t take long for the stadium to fill with fans waving flags, singing songs, and chanting to support Napoli. Napoli needed a win to clinch the Scudetto, but the game ended in a

tie. The Udinese game was our next opportunity; by then, only a tie would be needed to clinch the Scudetto.

Before leaving for Ischia, we returned to Naples a day early to watch the Udinese game in a nearby piazza. Around 1:30 a.m., we entered the lobby to change our reservation when Luciano Spalletti, the head coach of Napoli, walked in. We couldn’t believe it! Vincent immediately went up to him while looking at me, saying, “Dad, it’s Spalletti. Come over here.” Spalletti was impressed that we traveled all the way from Los Angeles to watch Napoli win the Scudetto and seemed disappointed that they didn’t deliver earlier against Salerno. I said, “It’s okay. It’s coming, just slowly.” What a moment.

After returning to Naples, we watched the game with a thousand other Napoli fans at Piazza Giulio Rodino. The atmosphere was incredible. Our nerves were rattled when Udinese scored in the 13th minute, and Napoli was down 1-0 at halftime. Napoli began to control the second half’s tempo and pressure the goalkeeper. I looked at Vincent and said, “The goal is coming. I can feel it.” Then in the 52nd minute, Napoli scored with a shot by top scorer Victor Osimhen. The place went crazy! Red flares, blue smoke, cheering, singing, crying, and hugging. It was complete chaos.

Thirty-eight minutes plus injury time left in the game. We could all feel it. Then — five, four, three, two, one… Napoli were champions of Italy! I couldn’t stop the tears coming from my eyes. I looked up to heaven at my dad as I hugged Vincent. It happened — I finally saw Napoli win the Scudetto! I am crying as I write this.

Naples went crazy. We all went crazy. What a moment, 33 years in the making. The streets were packed full of people. Over 100,000 people made their way to Piazza del Plebiscito to celebrate – thousands of flags, crowded streets, people standing atop statues cheering, and balconies full of people singing. The joy was contagious. We felt like we were in a dream. What a gift! The celebration went on all night.

I was in tears as I called home to share the experience with my family and my mom, just like my father did in 1987. My dad gave me the dream that is Napoli. We could feel his presence the whole trip. Seeing Napoli win their third Scudetto filled a void that I have been feeling since my dad passed away. Forza Napoli Sempre! spt

Anthony Pirozzi, Jr. is a retired San Pedro resident and former Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be reached at apirozzi@yahoo.com.

Pirozzi with his son Vincent holding a banner featuring his late father, Anthony, Sr. (photo: courtesy Anthony Pirozzi, Jr.)

DOCKSIDE

Filippo Trani arrived in the U.S. in 1913, making his way from his landing point on Ellis Island to the small fishing community of San Pedro. He came from Ischia, an island off the coast of Italy, its surrounding ocean peppered with distant islets.

Who knows what Filippo thought when he came to San Pedro — did the sight of Catalina remind him of his home isle? Was he surprised to find that the fish in the Pacific were similar to those circling the waters he’d left behind?

We’ll never know for sure.

But what we do know is this: Filippo Trani had a vision. He founded The Majestic Café in San Pedro in 1925, serving American and later Italian favorites to his new neighbors. Later, his family would carry on this spirit with J. Trani’s Ristorante, a local favorite that has become a San Pedro institution. Now, the family has expanded that vision and enthusiasm with Trani’s Dockside Station, which should be open to the public by the time you read this. [Editor’s note: Don’t blame us if you read this and they’re not open yet.]

“We wanted to execute a completely different concept than what we’re doing at J. Trani’s,” says Dustin Trani, Filippo’s great-grandson and head chef at both restaurants. “There you have your pizzas, pastas, steaks, all that kind of stuff, but here we’re doing something different.”

According to Dustin and his dad Jim, the majority owner of Dockside, the new restaurant specializes in seafood with European coastal and global elements. From a raw oyster bar to octopus charred over live coals, Dockside plays with fire and ice. “You can expect a lot of crudos, a lot of raw items, and a few pastas,” says Dustin, “but we’re carving out our own niche to it. We have an open wood-burning hearth, and we’re skewering and grilling fish — it’s all about going right off the dock and into the restaurant.”

Accordingly, their menu changes daily based on what’s fresh. In addition to coastal cuisine, the restaurant also experiments with other concepts, like zero waste — a choice that’s equally about sustainability as it is flavor, according to executive sous chef Zach

Morrison. “We’re making our own powders from shallot ends. We’re taking other scraps and making vinegars with them,” says Zach, whose pedigree includes eateries like the acclaimed Bestia in Los Angeles. “It gives us a unique flavor profile that no other restaurant can match. People can try to imitate it, but they’re just not going to.”

For Dustin, zero waste is also about quality. When restaurants outsource as little of their menu as possible, they have more control over their end product. “We’ve always done everything ourselves. We’ve always made the bread at J. Trani’s, we made the sausages,” he says. “And we know that when you do that, you’re able to give the customer something that no other restaurant can. It’s a lot more work, but the result? There’s no comparison.”

Though Italian is ostensibly off the menu, the restaurant still pays homage to the Trani’s Ischian and San Pedro roots. To start, the Tranis filled the space with heirlooms from San Pedro’s past, repurposing a 1,600-pound bank table that once stood in the former First Bank of Italy (on loan from the San

Pedro Bay Historical Society). They also saved the classic serpentine bar top from the old TC’s Cocktail Lounge for Dockside’s bar.

The restaurant resides in the former home of Canetti’s Seafood Grotto. Before that, the building was an immigration facility for the city of Los Angeles, which processed thousands of immigrants just like Filippo throughout the early 1900s. “This was the Ellis Island of Los Angeles, and you can really feel that aura in here,” says Dustin. “It’s a really unique and special space.”

They’ve also partnered with San Pedro artisans to source their ingredients — Cliffside Mushrooms supply their mushrooms, and their fish comes from next-door wholesaler J & D Seafood. On staff is local mixologist Derek Sepulveda, who creates cocktails that complement the day’s dishes. “The idea behind our drinks is very similar to our cuisine,” explains Dustin. “Whatever the star of the dish is, the drink is going to put that forward with accents.”

With so many moving parts, it’s clear that the Tranis are master restauranteurs, but they still faced challenges

Dustin Trani (center) with his mom, Viki, and father, Jim, photographed at Trani's Dockside Station on May 16, 2023.

(photo: John Mattera Photography)

story by Nadia Nizetich | photos by John Mattera Photography

THE TRANI FAMILY EMBARKS ON A NEW VENTURE WITH THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED OPENING OF TRANI’S DOCKSIDE STATION

when getting Dockside off the ground. Securing permits for the space was tricky when starting in 2018, and the pandemic’s supply chain challenges presented another hurdle in 2020. What got them through it was the support of others. “Mike Galvin gave us a lot to get us down there,” says Jim, “and Megan Sestich really helped make this thing happen.”

Then there was their general manager Bart Thompson, who assembled a team of staff from innovative restaurants across Los Angeles. And there was San Pedro itself. “Born and raised here in San Pedro, you have the trust of the community,” says Dustin. “You can come in here and do something off the wall, and this town is going to give it a shot.”

With that in mind, the Tranis are optimistic that San Pedro will embrace Dockside wholeheartedly — and they hope to give that same spirit back to their hometown.

They’ve created an “immigrant wall” at the new restaurant, filled with photos of San Pedrans just after arriving in the town, and they’ve left space to add images brought in by their customers. Beyond that, they’re simply here to stay.

“We owe it to our friends, family, and the town for 98 years of support,” says Dustin, “and hopefully, we can give you all another 98.” spt

Trani’s Dockside Station is located at 311 E. 22nd Street. For the latest updates, follow them on Instagram @tranisdocksidestation.

Above clockwise (l to r): Dockside's new signage; dining area with the "immigrant wall" on the left; the serpentine bar refurbished from TC's Cocktail Lounge; interior looking towards the raw bar; Dockside's exterior with two patio areas on both sides of the restaurant. Below: Trani's Dockside Station investors (l to r): Jack Logrande, Tracie Logrande, Dustin Trani, Viki Trani, Jim Trani, Willy Carranza, and Bill Albano. (photos: John Mattera Photography)

DYNAMIC DUO

FROM SAN PEDRO ALLEYS TO THE WHISKY, THE MUSICAL JOURNEY OF BELLA AND RUDY

by Jack Baric

The beautiful thing about music is that it can be played anytime, anywhere, and has the unique capacity to lift us out of the darkest of times. For Rudy Rios and Bella Gomez, that happened in an alley near 40th and Pacific during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were neighbors when we were younger, so what we did is we met up in the alley, we would get an amp out, and we would play music,” explains Gomez. “And my mom would record videos and post them to YouTube, Facebook, wherever.”

With the whole world shut down and nothing to do, Gomez and Rios, both students at San Pedro High School at the time, were able to use their newfound group, Bella and Rudy, to provide some much-needed entertainment and connection for their friends.

Rios recalls, “We had close friends who could come over if they were comfortable with it.” Rios and Gomez kept their gigs safe by sticking to pandemicera safety standards. Gomez points out that even the two bandmates were careful to be safe by keeping their distance from each other when they performed. “We actually practiced social distancing (while playing), like six feet apart.”

Gomez and Rios met during a much simpler time. Their musical connection was born on the stage of the Warner Grand Theater when they were both performing in an Encore Theatre

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Group production of The Wizard of Oz. Rios says, “We were really young. I was 11 years old, and she was 9.” He laughs and adds, “She was the mayor of Munchkin City, and I was the coroner.”

After reconnecting musically in the alley, the duo started playing music together all the time, and with COVID-19 safety regulations beginning to ease, they landed their first show. Gomez says, “We had our first gig at [The] Corner Store, and then we had more people reaching out to us. We decided to start a music page.”

The Corner Store gig and the music page led to more shows. The duo soon found themselves securing regular slots entertaining diners on Saturday nights at the Lighthouse Café in San Pedro and two Thursdays a month at Jimmy E’s restaurant in Signal Hill.

Rios says, “When people see me before a gig or something, they’re like, ‘Hey, what kind of music are you going to play?’ I’m like, ‘Whatever you like.

We take requests.’” Gomez adds, “We have a mix of a lot of different music. We could play Pearl Jam to Jack Johnson to Fleetwood Mac.”

Although the duo plays regular dinner shows and has performed at many First Thursday events in Downtown San Pedro, they are not the only places they have appeared. A highlight includes a gig at the world-famous Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood. Their next big gig is opening for Ambrosia during Fleet Week. They have also formed Sudden Stranger, a full band with friends Adam Fuller on guitar, Jack Ghekiere on drums, Isaac Sharp on bass, and Shaun Luera subbing in as the alternate bassist. Sudden Stranger has a show at The Sardine on June 1.

The duo has dreams of making a living playing music. It has become such a big part of Rios’ life that he recently quit the Long Beach City College baseball team to focus on music. He says,

“I quit baseball this year. It was hard because I’ve been playing my whole life, but I want to perform everywhere, anywhere, make it as far as we can. Especially doing it together.” Gomez adds, “I want to be well known enough where our music can reach people, just touch people.”

Although Rios and Gomez have started to write their own songs, they still love performing cover songs that their audience can instantly recognize. Rios explains, “When we play Billy Joel and there’s like a 60-year-old couple that we never met before, we’ve never talked to them, we can make a connection with them. Music really takes people back to a different time and place in their life.” Gomez adds, “It’s a universal language.” spt

For more info about the band and a schedule of upcoming shows, visit bellarudymusic.com.

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Bella and Rudy's Bella Gomez and Rudy Rios. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

IN SAN PEDRO: LET’S GRAB COFFEE

by Sanam Lamborn

In the past few months, we have gone from endless rainy days to May gray, and now we predictably transition into June gloom. What does one do to brighten up what feels like endless gloomy mornings? Drink good coffee, of course!

Until recently, San Pedro remained unaffected by the popularity of craft coffee culture all over Los Angeles. One could argue that Pedro is simple and can’t be bothered with fancy hipster expensive coffee. As someone who habitually makes her own strong coffee at home, I remained indifferent, because experience has taught me that expensive coffee does not automatically equate to a good cup of Joe. But recently, I have been venturing out for morning coffee dates.

Colossus Bread’s (2311 S. Alma St.) opening was a game changer in town because their offerings are very different than Pedro’s long-standing bakeries. Owner Kristin Colazas Rodriguez is an experienced pastry chef, and her husband Nick Rodriguez is a coffee connoisseur whose company, Penny Coffee Roasters, supplies all the beans at the bakery.

The years of experience shine through the coffee drinks and baked goods. My regular order is primarily iced drip coffee and, occasionally, a latte. Colazas Rodriguez recently told me their Breakwater coffee, a cold, sweetened sparkling vanilla bean Americano topped with a dollop of house-made whipped cream, is very popular. The sweet and savory baked goods are the perfect companion to your coffee option. Overall, Colossus’ popularity is not coincidental; they consistently offer delectable options with quality ingredients.

When we first walked into Distrito Coffee (345 W. 7th St.), most longtime residents thought the same thing, “This is so not Pedro.” The minimalist décor is not what we are used to. But in my opinion, Distrito is the type of coffee shop that none of us knew, or realized, we needed in town. The menu, created by owners Gene Nagata, Kari Kennedy,

Paula Bernal, Julián Ramírez, and Mateo Toro, is inspired by the Latin American coffee culture. They use organic ingredients and make in-house syrups with panela, an unrefined cane sugar popular in Latin America. The difference in taste, compared to commercial overpowering sugary syrups, is noticeable because there is a balanced level of sweetness.

Overall, what keeps me going back is the consistency of the drinks. Popular menu items are honey vanilla latte, panela limeade, and cortadito (espresso, panela, and milk). My new delightful discovery is their espresso tonic, a cold drink made with a shot of espresso and botanical tonic. They also have a selection of good sweet and savory pastries to enjoy with your coffee.

The oldest coffee shop in town is Sacred Grounds (468 W. 6th St.); however, its future is uncertain due to the upcoming Warner Grand Theatre’s

renovations closure at the end of the year. During a recent visit, owner Dave Lynch told me that the coffee shop remains open until further notice and that, for now, there aren’t any plans for them to reopen on the property in the future.

For a long time, Sacred Grounds was the only coffee shop in Downtown San Pedro; it has endured the test of time and has served our community for many years. Its clientele and vibe are unique; it’s unpretentious, with a steady stream of regulars who pop in to pick up coffee or hang out in the sitting area. They roast their beans in-house, and their menu offers a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks. It is also the only coffee shop that offers self-serve coffee. My friend Mitch Riggin, who moved to town a couple of years ago and enjoys stopping by regularly, suggested ordering the off-menu dirty chai, a chai latte with an added espresso shot. I had never had one and liked it. They offer the usual coffee shop sweet options such as muffins, cookies, brownies, bagels, etc. But if you are a pecan bar lover like me, you must treat yourself to one with your coffee. They are simply perfect. spt

Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram account in April 2020 to entice people to patronize San Pedro’s eateries.

CAFFEINE FIX (clockwise l to r): Colossus Bread’s Breakwater coffee; Distrito Coffee's cortadito with a croissant; Sacred Grounds' dirty chai with a pecan bar. (photos: Sanam Lamborn)

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS A CALL TO ACTION

by Amber Sheikh

Stories have power. I know this because so many of you have reached out to me over the past few months after reading the stories I’ve shared, wanting to see how you can help and what more can be done for our neighbors. It’s been such an amazing reaction. Thank you. Thank you for feeling the power the stories shared, and being empowered to act, to make things better.

A common question I get asked is, “How can I help? I’m just one person.” My answer is one person helping another person is all it takes to push that lever. It may take some time, but it will make a sizable impact if enough of us do this. I promise.

The nonprofit Harbor Connects was formed to do exactly this — help people, one at a time. Having evolved since it was founded three years ago at the onset of the pandemic, Harbor Connects has already assisted over 300 individuals and families, who are now in a better place today than yesterday.

Leading this purpose-driven enterprise is a group of ardent board members and a tenacious executive director, Kent Wallace-Meggs. This month, we chatted with Kent.

Sheikh: Tell me about yourself. Wallace-Meggs: Born in South Carolina, I moved to Los Angeles in my early 20s.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A Kangaroo rancher. I wanted to raise kangaroos.

Since the kangaroo thing didn’t work out, what have you spent your time doing? For about 25 years now, I’ve been working for social service agencies and nonprofit organizations. My personal and professional mission is to break cycles of poverty and violence.

What does your day look like? Being hyper responsive. From responding to emails from someone seeking assistance, to checking in with service providers to see what they need to help their participants, to connecting a neighbor with the person or place that will get them what they need, sooner than later.

Often the day doesn’t start at 8 a.m. or end at 5 p.m. Crises can, and do, occur beyond regular business hours, when service providers are closed or case managers are unavailable. Friday evenings are the toughest time, the choices being limited and sometimes having to wait until Monday to help. That’s really the power of what we do; we find them a bed or resources on a Friday night, or at least we try our best.

What is different about how Harbor Connects is able to help and support neighbors? I’d say expediency and follow-through. Also, we directly support service providers to help their participants. Certain needs are easier to

fulfill and process than others, but our goal is to take action, and directly cut through some of the barriers people in crisis face.

Sometimes a simple solution can make a huge difference to someone’s quality of life. For example, recently a mother participating in a local service provider’s program, requested to purchase a smoke eater HEPA air purifier to combat the secondhand smoke from smoking neighbors. Her child suffered from allergies and breathing issues, and if she could not get the air purifier, they would need to relocate. Funding restrictions limited what the service provider could purchase, so they submitted a request to Harbor Connects. The $130 expenditure was approved, and the mother was able to buy the air purifier and stay in their new home.

In another situation, a partner organization reached out about a student who needed goggles to take a class at the occupational center. They were working on a certification to sustain employment in order to keep their housing. I was able to go to the school and pay for the item. That pair of $14 goggles was the gap that needed to be filled.

In both these instances, simple, expedient, and direct assistance was all that was needed to help these neighbors on their path toward self-sufficiency.

Why do you think San Pedro is poised to pilot this type of program? There is an incredible, cohesive partnership between businesses, service providers, and community members here. There is much more of a collective here, and people’s ears are more open.

I’ve worked in greater L.A., New

York, and D.C., and the engagement of the business community here is evident, and with everything they do, especially the Quality of Life Committee [at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce], I’ve never seen that type of involvement and investment from a chamber. The conversations that come about when I’m around that table are inspiring, and everyone is dedicated to change and making a positive difference and impact.

So, for the good part, what can we do? Donate if you can, but also volunteer. We are currently designing a program, Neighbors Helping Neighbors. Some cases need an investment of time and resources. Participants can have as many as four case managers from different agencies trying to help, and no one is working in tandem. Meanwhile, these people are suffering the consequences of bureaucracy.

A lead volunteer will work closely on a case and be a liaison with service providers, the participant, and Harbor Connects to assist with something as easy as driving someone to doctor’s appointments. Another two to three volunteers on the team will support the lead in helping with appointments (there needs to be two people in a car) or making phone calls to agencies. The team also serves as advocates for the participants (individual or family) and ensures they can navigate the system to get the resources they need. Volunteer assignments are between three to six months, with about 10 hours a month for the lead and about three hours a month for the support volunteers.

We would also like to find a volunteer mental health advisor. Some participants need extra attention, and we want to ensure our volunteer team has the support they need.

As a founding board member of Harbor Connects, hiring Kent was a game changer for us and what we have been able to accomplish. In him, we found a leader who moved into the community and quickly became a part of it. He has immersed himself in the work, making incredible strides from day one.

Connect with us! We’ll be launching our Neighbors Helping Neighbors program this month, and it’s an avenue for significant impact. For more info, you can email info@harborconnects. org. spt

Amber Sheikh is a San Pedro resident, mother of two, community advocate, and owner of Sheikh/ Impact, a nonprofit consulting firm. She has nearly two decades of experience working in and with organizations solving homelessness and income inequality.

HARBOR CONNECTS BOARD: (seated l to r): Amber Sheikh, Pastor Lisa Williams, Peter Rothe, Kent Wallace-Meggs (executive director); (standing l to r): LAPD SLO Richard Lee, Rev. Dr. Amanda Adams Riley, Lee Williams, Rabbi Cassi Kail, LAFD Assistant Chief Jaime Moore. (Not pictured: Amy Grat) (photo: Tammy Khan)

ADVENTURES IN PUBLIC ART

HOW ARTS COLLABORATIONS BEAUTIFY SAN PEDRO

by Linda Grimes

I Sometimes, murals are more than just paint on a wall. In June 2019, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District launched a pilot program called Adventures in Public Art to give high school art students and community members hands-on experiences creating public art. We designed this six-week mural workshop program to engage participants in public art projects, encourage them to become more astute arts enthusiasts, and foster a sense of community ownership and inclusion.

The first mural was a 100-square-foot project led by Teaching Artist Virginia Broersma and was painted on the back of Sirens Java & Tea by the 12 workshop participants and 36 community members. If you look closely, the mural has an homage to Sirens owner Yolanda Regalado’s brother and her husband Ray’s childhood address.

We received a Port of LA Community Grant in 2022 to paint an Adventures in Public Art mural on the Los Angeles Maritime Institutes’ shop building in West Harbor. We hired a teaching artist, Media Arts Teacher Jay Davis, to lead the San Pedro STEAM Magnet high school students through the process of mural creation and to include

the community in painting the mural on the wall. He is also a part of media arts development at the district and national levels as San Pedro High School continues establishing media arts as a fifth arts discipline in U.S. K-12.

We are excited to be working with Jay Davis on this LAMI mural, and I asked him some questions about his background, motivations, and inspiration.

Grimes: How did you first discover you were an artist? Davis: My family was the first to give me positive feedback on my art and the vocabulary to self-identify as an artist. It really became a central part of my identity when my ability was consistently acknowledged in grade school, and I won contests.

They were supportive and made sure I had supplies and artistic experiences and got me enrolled in an LAUSD “gifted and talented” magnet [program] in San Pedro, Harbor Math/Science Magnet (now Park Western Place Elementary), in the ‘80s.

Why is creating public art important to this community? Public art creation is essential due to the dynamism the Harbor Area embodies in its diverse population. We have so many fascinating narratives and legacies flowing through such an important region of the city of Los Angeles. The stories public art can facilitate highlight the area’s deep history and serve to enrich us all culturally, intellectually, and spiritually, while promoting the dignity and recognition our communities and natural spaces deserve. I’m especially interested in how public art in our local context and setting can draw in audiences with socially engaged art practices.

Describe your process for making the mural on LAMI’s Building G. A mural painted with an engaged community requires the study of numerous stakeholders’ ideas before artistically reconciling and harmonizing a variety of visions, stories, and pieces of information.

The mission of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute and the biodiversity of our beautiful marine environment provide unlimited creative inspiration.

I attended LAMI’s 30th anniversary celebration event, where I listened to lively oral histories while meeting people who essentially are social institutions. In my art classroom, students’ recollections of participating in LAMI’s program and their hoped-for representations are recalled, imagined, and collected. My own unique experiences and design ideas are mapping out

how this could all visually and conceptually interrelate. I’m also exploring technologically layering murals with web-connected multimedia content to engage audiences further and meet many young people where they are as digital natives.

Why are arts districts key to promoting our unique identity? San Pedro has a phenomenal arts community presence, physically and spiritually enduring to me, which has clearly coalesced through the decades into a dynamic creative landscape.

This unique culture and related economic activity were born from the historical and contemporary contributions of heavily working-class communities. Sustaining an arts district requires recognition and support for development, honoring this history with respect for the quality of life needs of the varied groups who comprise an arts district, intended to benefit all.

We give honest consideration to stakeholders, such as immigrant young people like those in my classroom, longtime residents, community-based artists and arts groups, and independent businesses who contribute to our art district’s vibrancy.

As we paint this mural, the community is invited to join us, the SPHS students, and LAMI. The mural painting days will be June 13-30.

Visit sanpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict. com after June 1 for the sign-up form and available times. spt

Linda Grimes is a retired sales and marketing geek with a passion for art, design, and creative placemaking. She serves as the Executive Director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.

For more information, visit SanPedroWaterfrontArtsDistrict.

Jay Davis

STRONGEST DAD ON THE BLOCK

THE INSPIRING STORY OF PETE’S PERSEVERANCE

by Eddie McKenna

When I was a little kid talking amongst my friends, the topic of whose dad was the strongest always came up. I always thought my dad was the strongest. I still won’t cross him. He’s gotten increasingly sneaky as he ages, and I feel he can still take me on.

As a dad, I think we all want to be that in our kids’ eyes. Now, I do not have any kids yet, but I plan on being the strongest dad one day. I would like to tell you a story about one of my clients who is a father of four, an entrepreneur, and has had a double hip replacement twice. Let’s call him Pete for anonymity.

Pete was diagnosed with advanced osteoarthritis in 2016 and was scheduled for a double hip replacement. For those unfamiliar with osteoarthritis, his hips became bone-to-bone in the joint and began developing multiple bone spurs. He was in a ton of pain all the time. After the double hip replacement a year later, his new hips became infected, and they had to remove them and reinstall new ones. Yes, I know, crazy. Pete went ahead and had four hip replacements. Needless to say, Pete is a tough dude. I forgot to mention that he is currently 55 years old.

Pete reached out to me during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, when everything was shut down. He called to ask if I could train him virtually. My first question was, “Pete, do you have any injuries or issues I need to be aware of before we begin?” His response still makes me laugh to this day: “I have this thing called negative butt syndrome.”

He said this with such sincerity, I had trouble holding in my laughter. Then he cracked, and we both laughed together. He told me about his health, his history of surgeries, and sought something more aggressive to help him return to normal. Normal for him was standing up without assistance, or taking a knee and getting back up without someone having to help him. He was in bad shape.

When we started, there was not much we could do, and we were virtual, so he worked out in his garage doing all the crazy stretches and movements I could think of that he couldn’t get injured doing. Pete agreed to meet with me three times a week at 6 a.m. amid his busy schedule. He has done this now for three years. When we met, he could not sit down to a standard chair height without falling to it, he could not do a push-up, and he could not lunge to save his life.

It’s 2023, and Pete can now carry 65-pound dumbbells in each hand for 50 yards. He is squatting below parallel regularly without falling. He swings 53-pound kettlebells for multiple reps and sets. When I ask him to do pushups, he smiles and asks, “How many do you want today, coach?” All that stuff is cool, but what was really cool was when he asked me if his kids could work out with him a few months ago. I, of course, said yes; I love working out with families. His family came and had a great time getting their butts kicked.

The next day, I asked him how they liked it. His daughter said, “Dad, no offense, but I didn’t think you could do any of that stuff.” Seeing her dad dilapidated from his past surgeries and struggling to get his strength back, and then doing a workout with him where he runs circles around her and her brother just blew her away.

I recalled this story at a dinner I attended and it brought tears to my eyes. It is so rewarding to see someone start where Pete started, to persevere through all the crap we all go through daily, and then to get to the end where he can be “The Strongest Dad on the Block” in his daughter’s eyes.

I don’t know how far you’ve fallen behind on your fitness journey. Perhaps, you think it’s too far. But as I think back on all the clients I’ve trained, few had as far to go as Pete. And yet, he persisted. And if he can do it, I’m sure you can, too. spt

Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.

TRANI'S DOCKSIDE STATION'S WELCOME PREVIEW PARTY

MAY 16, 2023

ON TUESDAY, MAY 16, Trani’s Dockside Station opened its doors for the first time, inviting friends and family for a Welcome Preview Party. The new restaurant, located in the old Canetti’s Seafood Grotto location at the end of 22nd Street, was filled to the rafters with a mix of new and old San Pedro faces. Guests were treated to delicious hors d’oeuvres prepared by Chef Dustin Trani and his talented kitchen staff while enjoying cocktails served across the curved bar top that once belonged to TC’s Cocktail Lounge. The date also marked the 98th anniversary of the opening of the original Trani’s Majestic Café. San Pedro Chamber of Commerce board members were also on hand for a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony.

(photos: John Mattera Photography)

REMEMBERING SAN PEDRO BASEBALL GREAT NICK LUSIC

OCTOBER 21, 1952 – MAY 8, 2023

by Joshua Stecker

Nick Lusic, a standout athlete at San Pedro High School who would later coach Eastview Little League to the Little League World Series in 1989, passed away on May 8 at 70.

When the subject of all-time great San Pedro athletes comes up — and it comes up often — Lusic’s name has always been part of the conversation.

Born Nicholas John Lusic in Milwaukee, Wis., to Ivo and Radmila Lusic, who came to the U.S. from the former Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Lusic’s family, which included his two brothers Mike (older) and George (younger), moved west to San Pedro in 1960.

Lusic attended 15th Street School and Dana Jr. High, but his athletic prowess took shape at San Pedro High School. Although he was an incredible all-around athlete, earning first-team All-Marine League as a point guard in basketball, Lusic’s passion was focused on the baseball diamond.

Lusic graduated from SPHS in 1971 after being awarded All-City infielder/ pitcher and All-League third baseman (twice). He went on to Cal Poly Pomona and played baseball under celebrated head coach John Scolinos. Lusic and his brother George would be inducted into

the San Pedro

High School Athletic Hall

of Fame in 2014.

Lefty Olguin, another San Pedro legend who has coached for over four decades, says that if asked to “pick an all-star team, his first choice would be Nick Lusic,” according to the 2014 SPHS Athletic Hall of Fame program.

After his playing days, Lusic married his “one and only love,” Kristine Spence, in 1976, and raised three children, Nick, Ryan, and Andria. Fatherhood brought on a new passion: coaching.

Lusic would coach hundreds of kids in Little League and softball, including a memorable trip to the Little League World Series in 1989 as part of the coaching staff of Eastview’s All-Star team.

In recent years, Lusic became a grandfather and enjoyed all the duties that come with wrangling seven grandkids (Karly, Steven, and Kelsey Kordic, Camryn and Kendall Lusic, and Niko and Nika Lusic).

Before becoming a proud member of ILWU Local 13 for more than 25 years, Lusic owned a local industrial painting company. He was still working as a clerk for Local 63 at the time of his passing.

Lusic is survived by his wife, Kris; their three children, Nick, Ryan, and Andria; seven grandkids; his brothers Mike (Roseann) Lusic and George (Sharon) Lusic; sister-in-law, Patty (Chris) Davis, and numerous extended family members. spt

Nick Lusic; (inset) Lusic playing for SPHS in 1971. (photos: courtesy Lusic family)

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THE BEGINNING: The original Trani’s Majestic Café on 7th St. opened on May 16, 1925. During the 1930s, family patriarch, Filippo Trani, palled around with blue collar workers as well as heavy hitters, such as gangster Mickey Cohen of the Jewish Mafia and Freddie the Leg Breaker (aka Freddie the Hat), who collected debts around San Pedro. The café closed in 1978, but was followed by Trani’s Majestic (1978-1989), J. Trani’s Ristorante (1990-present), and now Trani’s Dockside Station (2023).

Photo circa 1955. (photo: courtesy Trani family)