APRIL 2019
PLUS: 10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SP HOME MORE $$$ | PREP BASEBALL PREVIEW | HEALTHY “FAD” DIETS?
GoFish!
FROM COMMERCIAL FISHING, TO SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD, TO A FUNKY THREE-EYED FISH TURNED LOCAL ICON, DISCOVER WHY SAN PEDRO’S SOULMATE HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE SEA
Dr. Souzan Ardalan & Associates
Comprehensive Dental Care & Implant Center Backed by 25 years of experience
WHEN YOU VISIT OUR DENTAL OFFICE IN WEYMOUTH CORNERS, YOU FEEL RIGHT AT HOME. Whether you require a cleaning, teeth whitening, invisible braces by Invisalign®, crowns, implants or any other General or Specialty dental procedure, our office will ensure that you are comfortable and have a pleasant experience. OLD-FASHIONED STYLE OF PATIENT CARE IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!
Great Smiles Begin Here! Dr. 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
ASSOCIATES 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.
SERVICES & SPECIALTIES • General Cosmetic and Children’s Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Dental IMPLANTS • Permanent Implant Supported Dentures • Orthodontics (Traditional Braces & Invisalign) • Periodontics • Sleep Apnea
Located in Weymouth Corners 1411 W. 8th Street San Pedro, CA 90732
(310) 832-5559
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
Dr. Miles Madison Education: UCLA School of Dentistry Professional Association: American Academy of Periodontology California Society of Periodontists American Dental Association California Dental Association American Association for Dental Research
Ready to Learn about Dental Implants? What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are permanent and stable. Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
What is an Implant Support Denture?
While a regular denture rests on the gums and are not stable, An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants by special attachments for better fit and retention. There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ballretained. In both cases, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like gums. Porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are attached to the base. Both types of dentures need at least two implants for support.
Your dentist can help you . . .
Can anyone receive dental implants?
Talk with your dentist about whether you are an implant candidate. You must have the proper bone structure for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates.
What can I expect during this procedure?
The dentist must perform surgery to anchor the “artificial root� into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. The dentist then uncovers the implant and attaches an extension, or post, to the implant. Finally, the dentist makes an artificial tooth, or crown, or dentures that attach to the implant post.
What is the cost of implants?
Dental implants for replacement of a single tooth are affordable and most dental and medical insurance policies cover portion of the cost. Your dentist can help you with this process.
Dr. Souzan Ardalan & Associates
Please call to make an appointment for a complimentary consultation
Located in WEYMOUTH CORNERS 1409 W. 8th St., San Pedro
We accept all PPO insurances
Dr. Ian Woo, Oral Maxillofacial surgeon, M.D.
310.832.5559
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
lue! a V 0 $98.0 ith able w ombin Not C old. h e s u r ho
It only took us ten years to put the “Three-Eyed Fish” mural on the cover. Better late than never, right? Landing an interview with the mural’s original artist, Dave Butkus, had been at the top of my list for years, but the timing was never right. This month, because we're focusing on the many ways San Pedro’s rich fishing history has influenced our town’s culture today, the opportunity to feature the three-eyed icon on the cover pretty much revealed itself. My only problem was finding Mr. Butkus. The “Three-Eyed Fish” (or “Harbor Fish” as Butkus likes to call it) story has been one of legend in San Pedro. I’d heard so many different versions through the years of how the mural came to be that I didn’t know who or what to believe. In order to get the real story, I needed to track down Butkus. I’d seen t-shirts and stickers of the Harbor Fish appearing more and more frequently the past few years but was often running into dead ends when I inquired about the artist. I wasn’t even aware the artwork was copyrighted until I discovered that Badfish Clothing Company was the only retail store that carried officially licensed merchandise of the fish. Through Joshua Garcia at Badfish, I was finally able to connect
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with Butkus and we were on our way to making this Harbor Fish cover a reality. Fortunately, the real story behind the mural is funnier and more entertaining than any of the rumors I had heard. In addition to the Harbor Fish, we take a look back at our former commercial fishing and canning industries through the halls of the L.A. Maritime Museum. The museum’s director, Marifrances Trivelli, was gracious enough to pen a virtual tour of their permanent exhibit, “Caught, Canned & Eaten,” that tells the story of San Pedro's original blue economy. We also take a look towards the future with Catalina Sea Ranch founder and CEO, Phil Cruver. I met Cruver when we did a cover story on AltaSea and found him incredibly passionate about the work they’re doing to make aquafarming “the fastest growing form of food production on the planet.” And lastly, we take a fun look at the annual Grunion Run at Cabrillo Beach, one of the few San Pedro events I’m embarrassed to admit I have yet to partake in. This is another one of those stories that I’m surprised we’ve never covered before, but also goes to show the endless amount of tales we have yet to tell about this town. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
APRIL 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ADVERTISING:
ASSOCIATE EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Patricia Roberts (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION
Shana Ghekiere (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS
EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER
Joshua J. Stecker
Caitlyn Piercy
Joseph A. Castañeda
Follow us on
Rebecca Chambliss, Pastor Nathan Hoff, Lori Garrett, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Anthony Pirozzi, Jr., Angela Romero, Jamaal K. Street, Marifrances Trivelli
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
1002 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro, CA 90731 www.HOUSE1002.com Wednesday - Sunday contacthouse1002@gmail.com
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 3 (310) 833-1002 11am - 6pm
General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
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. 25,000 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 2009-2019, Empire22 Media LLC.
ON THE COVER: The Harbor Fish mural (photo: John Mattera Photography)
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7
APRIL Every Wednesday – CREATIVE WRITING CLASS FOR KIDS at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.), 4:30 – 5:45p. Taught by San Pedro Today columnist, Jennifer Marquez. $10 per class. For more info, email jennifermarquez@yahoo.com. MARCH: MARCH 30 (Sat) – FROM BEBOP TO BRAZIL at Alva’s Showroom (1417 W. 8th St.), 8p. Vocalist/guitarist Julie Kelly with the Theo Saunders Quintet takes the audience on a musical journey – from vocal jazz, to the sambas and bossa novas of Brazil. Julie Kelly was named in Downbeat Jazz Magazine's Top Ten Reader's Poll and has garnered critical acclaim for her latest CD, "Happy To Be." An All-Star band will be appearing with Julie. Don't miss it! For tickets and more info, visit alvasshowroom.com/event/ julie-kelly-quintet. APRIL: 1 (Mon) – DOWNTOWN NOW & THEN WALKING TOUR, 10a. Go behind historic downtown San Pedro’s vintage store fronts and explore the area’s various lives as a rough and tumble waterfront, a bustling business district and a burgeoning arts district. Historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela Romero, will guide you through the history while introducing you to everything making downtown’s future bright. Tickets are $15. Additional tours on April 8, 15, 22, and 29. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 3 (Wed) – LITERARY SAN PEDRO WALKING TOUR, 10a. San Pedro leaves a deep impression on all who visit. Led by historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela Romero, discover the haunts and hear the words of local writers who found success and world-famous authors who found inspiration during their time here. Tickets are $15. Additional tour on April 17. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 5 (Fri) – HOLLYWOOD IN SAN PEDRO WALKING TOUR, 10a. San Pedro has been one of the busiest filming locations in Los Angeles since Hollywood began. Led by historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela Romero, trace the steps of your favorite TV and movie stars on this guided location tour of scenes filmed right here in downtown San Pedro. You’ll
be surprised just how many blockbusters and hit TV shows have made their mark here! Tickets are $15. Additional tours on April 12, 19, and 26. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 6 (Sat) – THE OLD CITY WALKING TOUR, 10a. Led by historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela Romero, trace the development of old San Pedro from a sleepy rancho to a bustling metropolis on this tour of all the key historic sites in the old city, including the historic old post office, Vinegar Hill, the Julia Morgan YWCA, the Warner Grand Theatre and more. Tickets are $15. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 6 (Sat) – NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), Noon – 2p. A rewarding opportunity awaits you! Become a critical link in the historical continuity of Point Fermin Lighthouse. Donate your time and knowledge in a variety of available positions, including gardener, tour guide, greeter, and special events support. To reserve your seat and for more info, call or text (310) 293-8000. 7 (Sun) – THE WHO’S WHO OF SAN PEDRO’S STREETS at the San Pedro Library (931 S. Gaffey St). 2p. The San Pedro Heritage Museum will offer a presentation on the history behind San Pedro's familiar street names. The public is also encouraged to bring photos of local buildings to be scanned into the museum's 'San Pedro Built' community project database. For more information, please email angela@sanpedroheritage.org or call (310) 808-7800. 7 (Sun) & 14 (Sun) –HERITAGE QUILT SHOW at the Muller House Museum and Gift Shop (1542 S. Beacon St.), 1 – 4p. Every quilt has a story! Come and hear about some quilts with a San Pedro connection! Sponsored by the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. Event is FREE. For more info, visit sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.org. 10 (Wed) – BAKE SALE at Providence LCM San Pedro Hospital Cafeteria (1300 W. 7th St.), 7a – 2p. Hosted by the Providence LCM San Pedro Hospital Auxiliary, featuring homemade baked goods, Easter items, and gift card raffle. All proceeds benefit the Health Career Scholarships that are given out each year. For more info, call (310) 241-4079.
Celebrating 25 Years
ENROLLING NOW! - Ages 3-5 - Development of the whole child in a Christ-centered environment
Schedule your tour today! CONTACT INFO:
2222 Palos Verdes Drive North Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 preschool@rhcc.net • (310) 521-2596 License #191609328
8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
10 (Wed) – SAN PEDRO PUBLIC ART TOUR, 10a. San Pedro is one of the few communities recognized as a California State Cultural District. Join historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela Romero, on a tour of downtown San Pedro’s art gems hiding in plain sight. From the Warner Grand Theatre to the colorful murals, this tour is definitely a feast for the eyes! Tickets are $15. Additional tour on April 24. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 13 (Sat) – 35TH WHALE OF A DAY CELEBRATION at Point Vincente Interpretive Center (31501 Palos Verdes Dr. W.), 10a – 4p. Bring your family and friends and enjoy whale watching from the shore, special exhibits in the museum, arts and crafts, entertainment, food trucks, beer and wine garden, and activities for kids. No on-site parking. Free parking at R.P.V. City Hall (30940 Hawthorne Blvd). Free shuttle bus available. For more info, call (310) 5445375 or visit facebook.com/losserenos. 13 (Sat) – SPRING EGG HUNT at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30 – 11:30a. Children (ages 2 – 10) are invited to hunt the lighthouse grounds for their annual egg hunt. Hunt begins at 11a sharp (all eggs gone by 11:05a), with craft activities before the event. Finders of the golden eggs will receive a special prize! For more info, call (310) 241-0684. 14 (Sun) – OIL TASTING WITH LOCAL RETAILER OIL AND VINEGAR at Miraleste Library (29089 Palos Verdes Drive East), 2 – 4p. Take a culinary trip around the world and excite your taste buds along the way. This program is part of the 2nd Sunday at Miraleste program series. Sponsored by Jerry & Laura RE/ MAX Estate Properties. For more info, email ewittenmyer@pvld.org or call (310) 377-9584 x452. 20 (Sat) – A BUS RIDE THROUGH SAN PEDRO HISTORY at the San Pedro Library, Phil Scott Meeting Room (931 S. Gaffey St.), 2p. Friends of San Pedro Library presents San Pedro Today columnist, author, and historian Steve Marconi, in a look at early bus transportation in San Pedro. Marconi is well versed on his
subject as his family started the first bus line in San Pedro early in the 20th century. Long-time San Pedrans will recall riding the La Rambla and Point Fermin lines, paying twelve cents for the ride. Marconi is also well known for his 1983 column, "A Real San Pedran." Event is FREE. 27 (Sat) – TEA BY THE SEA at the Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a – 1p. Celebrate the beauty of the lighthouse and its gardens by having a cup of tea with friends and family. Volunteer gardeners will be on hand to answer questions, and craft boutique featuring local wares will be open until 2p. No reservations required. Entrance is free. Donations are appreciated, benefiting the gardens. For more info, call (310) 241-0684. 27 (Sat) – SPHS CLASS OF W’64 55TH REUNION. Attention SPHS W’64 graduates! Celebrate the 100th class to graduate aka the “Centennials.” The luncheon with be held in a restored, historic home that sits on the bluffs overlooking Cabrillo Beach. Please contact Van Barbre at (951) 736-2819 or postalvan@aol.com. MAY: 2 (Thurs) – TEA WITH TOBERMAN at the Toberman Neighborhood Center Gymnasiom (131 N. Grand Ave.), 11:30a – 1:30p. Join Toberman for a fun filled afternoon of networking, tea-tasting, and small bites while supporting one of L.A.’s longest-serving non-profit organizations. Funds raised will benefit the Toberman Summer Academy. This 6-week camp enables local area kids to experience field trips, community service projects, and enrichment activities. $25 suggested donation. For tickets and more info, visit tinyurl.com/tea-with-toberman. 18 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO RELAY FOR LIFE at the San Pedro Athletic Complex (3181 N. Gaffey St.), 10a – 10p. Relay for Life is a community event to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to support cancer research, free programs and patient services. For more info, visit relayforlife.org/SanPedroCA. spt
Want to see your event here? Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Deadline for the May 2019 issue is Friday, April 12. Find more events at facebook.com/sanpedrotoday.
YOUR GO-TO SPORTS MEDICINE & WELLNESS CENTER FOR 38 YEARS
MARINA SPORTS MEDICINE CLINIC
Operation Belle of the Ball
W H E N YO U
Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay has a new program to help with formal outfits. We are loaning dresses and accessories to girls in need in the community. We will help you find a dress, jewelry, and a handbag. These items will be reserved and set aside to be picked up at the time of your prom. Pleae call for an appointment at (310) 832-8355 x221. This is free of charge, but girls will need an I.D. There are more than 400 gowns to choose from. We can’t wait to show you our beautiful gowns to help you enjoy your special day!
MARINA ... “SPORTS DOCS”
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310.832.2622
CABRILLO MARINA 210 Whaler’s Walk Berth 31, Suite 104 San Pedro, CA 90731
310.294.2154
• Occupational Injuries • Chiropractic • Specialized Bracing
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9
VOICES
RETURN OF THE CLASSICS, LITERALLY & ORALLY by Steve Marconi
I wrote last year about a number of significant anniversaries that were occurring in 2018 and included my senior year at San Pedro High School. A quirk of timing put me in a winter class (the Classics), which meant that my actual high school graduation was January 31, 1969. So my 50th reunion, if it takes place, will be some time this year. Winter graduations seem rather quaint since they were eliminated in the early `70s—one night you’re partying hard, three days later, for many, you’re starting college—but until then, it was standard to split students into A and B grades based on birth dates. (A lot of that, I think, had to do with the propensity for June weddings, as myself
and many of my winter classmates all have birthdays around the same time, about nine months after June.) Winter classes were always small. Today, single classes can number in the 600s or 700s. Ours fit nicely on the SPHS auditorium stage. My graduation program lists 221 names, but the 1969 yearbook shows just 180 pictures (with no one missing). Because of that, you usually knew most, if not all, of your classmates. Because classrooms were often a mix of A and B grades, you also got to know a lot of older and younger students. In my case, I hung out with a lot of S`68 and S`69 kids. My class was invited to join the S`68 reunion, and we’re also invited to the S`69 reunion. I personally have never attended a class reunion of any kind, but I suspect that will change with the 50th for the obvious reason that I’m tired of running into classmates at
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funerals or reading about them in the obituaries. It would be nice to celebrate and catch up with people I haven’t seen in decades, especially now that we’ve all forgotten why we probably didn’t like each other in the first place. And the truth is, as I look through the yearbook, I don’t remember a lot of them that well, other than the face looks familiar. The half that I went to Dodson Junior High with, I remained closer to at Pedro, and I still knew a small group from Dana because of my years at Leland Street Elementary. There are a lot of shared memories, however, no matter how close we were 50 years ago. We survived assassinations, a war (our class didn’t lose anyone in Vietnam), riots, the Manson family, and so much more. Now, it’s time to brag about our grandkids. Carmela Lauro is attempting to form a W`69 reunion committee and is encouraging any classmates to get in touch with her. I hope they can pull it off. Social media has put a lot of us back in touch, and while San Pedrans tend to stay close to home, I know many of my classmates have scattered to the four winds: Jimmy Damalas, class president, owns a world-renowned resort in Costa Rica; John Hiigel, who was student body president, is a professor in South Dakota; Susie (Harris) Wood, “Personality Plus,” is in Utah along with Storm (Chalman) Louise Curtis; Linda (Shelton) Condit,“Most Unforgettable,” is in Seattle; retired Navy officer Anthony (Tony) Barbieri hangs his hat in Texas. If you were in my class, call Carmela at (310) 365-0335 or drop me an email. I’d also encourage you to join the San Pedro Born and Raised Facebook community to stay updated. SPOTLIGHT ON DANTE Grand Canyon University, a Christian campus in Phoenix, made news in February for all the wrong reasons, when an invitation to conservative speaker Ben Shapiro was denied and then allowed after a public outcry. At the same time, another event was taking place on campus that had nothing to do with politics and everything to do with San Pedro native, Jonathan Olson. Olson, 38, an assistant professor of English, oversaw a marathon reading of Dante’s 14th century classic narra-
tive poem, Divine Comedy. For 12-plus hours, 50 readers, mostly students but including faculty and others, read outside on the lawn. Olson introduced the marathon oral reading concept last year with Milton’s Paradise Lost. In 2017, Olson co-edited Milton in Translation, a recent winner of the Milton Society of America’s Irene Samuel Memorial Award. Home-schooled by his parents, Randy and Margo, Eagle Scout Olson graduated from Biola University in La Mirada in 2003 and then spent the next nine years immersed in classical education in England. He received his master’s in English at the University of Birmingham and his doctorate from the University of Liverpool before returning to the States. It’s not all classics for Olson, however. Last year, he gave a presentation at the Comics Study Conference at the University of Illinois. His wife, Christi, also has her doctorate and teaches. Olson’s dad, a S`66 graduate of San Pedro High, is retired after a 36-year legal career in which he spent the last 10 years as a Superior Court commissioner in Long Beach. SHAMELESS PLUG You’re invited to join me on “A Bus Ride Through San Pedro History” at 2 p.m. on April 20 at the San Pedro Library. I was asked to speak by the Friends of San Pedro Library, and picking my topic was easy. I’m intimately connected to the long history of private bus lines in San Pedro, starting with my great-uncle Simone Marconi in 1915. Generations of San Pedrans used buses to travel around town, and a little-known but fascinating part of San Pedro’s history is the link of our early Italian community and the transportation industry. And after 40 years of the RTD, evidence of the old bus lines remains. The event is free (as my wife so often says, I’m good for nothing). Hope to see you there. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11
Thank you San Pedro for over 30 Years of Support!
VOICES
THE SMELL OF MONEY by Anthony Pirozzi
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813 S. Gaffey St. • San Pedro, CA 90731 310.548.5322 • 310.548.3828 12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
For many generations of families in San Pedro, the promises of success began on the waterfront. Also for many, that is still true today. In the days of growing up in San Pedro, commercial fishing was the big industry that many of our families worked. Whether out at sea or in the canneries, the industry was thriving. We knew when our families were back from fishing and unloading at the canneries because all across town you could smell the fish. As the old saying goes, “That’s the smell of money.” My family’s history in the fishing industry had its beginnings with my mother’s father, Domenic Costa, and continues today with my cousins who operate the Ferrigno Boy. My grandfather Domenic came to San Pedro from Ischia, Italy, in 1920 at the young age of 18. Ischia is the biggest island off the coast of Naples and is where many in the San Pedro Italian community are from. My grandpa left Ischia at the tail end of WWI, leaving family and friends behind in order pursue a better life in America. He would make his way to San Pedro and begin his pursuit of the American dream through the local fishing industry. He would save enough money to purchase a fishing boat and became owner of the City of Naples I and eventually, the City of Naples II, and became a property owner in town, as well. For my father, fishing also began in Ischia when he was a kid. Back then, fishermen used a skiff, a small boat with oars, to make their living. He reminds me of the times he used to fish with his father and how difficult and memorable those times were. For example, at five-years-old his first vivid memories were of the Americans bombing Naples to liberate Italy during World War II. Living in this time was difficult, and fishing was the best means of survival whether by selling fish to make money or providing fish to the family to eat. During those days, the uncertainty of fishermen returning home safe during
wartime activity left many on edge until they actually returned home to their families. After the war, my father would learn how to fish with my grandfather Ciro, or better known as “gir’u sic” (aka “skinny Ciro”) and his friends. My father still tells me stories about these times, like when he would stay out late in the evening with his friends only to get a small amount of sleep before the 4 a.m. call to set the nets. If he was falling asleep while rowing the skiff, my grandfather would wake him up by hitting his hand with the oar, or the times when after setting the nets my grandfather would tie a rope around his leg just in case he fell overboard. Fast forward to 1956, when after five years of going through the process to get legal papers to come to America, my grandparents, my father, and his sister Angie (Ferrigno) left Ischia and came to San Pedro for a better life after witnessing the effects of WWII. They would leave the rest of their family behind, only to have them arrive in San Pedro some three to five years later. My father would fish on the Restituta, San Aniello, and Lucy Ann for two years, before deciding to work for the Pacific Curtain Wall framing company while he went to trade school for electronics at night. He would eventually open up Tony’s TV and serve San Pedro for 42 years. My grandfather Ciro worked in the canneries cooking and packing fish at the Franco Italian Cannery, and then retired from the French Sardine Cannery. The life of a fishermen and impact on its family and community is one of sacrifice, commitment, success, and failure. It has left a great mark on San Pedro and it is a story that must continue to be told. Together, we must never lose sight of what this industry gave our families today through the sacrifices of yesterday. We can honor this great history through hard work of pressing forward for a better future for our family and community today. spt Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at apirozzi@yahoo.com.
MEET THE CANDIDATES
for Honorary Mayor of San Pedro Support all seven candidates in their campaign to become the next Honorary Mayor of San Pedro! Join them as they fundraise for well-deserving, local charities and nonprofits of their choice. To learn more, visit sanpedrochamber.com.
MATTHEW BEAUMONT Fundraising for: Marine Mammal Care Center
RYAN BLANEY, ESQ. Fundraising for: Home for Every Living Pet Bridge Cities Alliance Golden State Pops Orchestra
GEORGE PALAZIOL Fundraising for: American Legion Post 61 MOMS Club of San Pedro San Pedro Packages for Patriots Pacific Battleship Center
RUDY CASERES Fundraising for: Animals Rule Rescue Feed & Be Fed San Pedro Meals on Wheels
MANUEL JIMENEZ Fundraising for: Clean San Pedro LAPD Harbor Division Cadets ShareFest
PAM COSTA Fundraising for: Maria’s Closet POLA High School Pedro Pet Pals
HUMBERTO RAYGOZA Fundraising for: Green Girl Farms San Pedro Meals on Wheels
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13
VOICES
SP WOMEN COME TOGETHER FOR LAPD SAFETY SEMINAR by Jennifer Marquez More than 70 women met at the LAPD Harbor division for a Women’s Safety Seminar. Female detectives led the discussion, outlining local crimes against women and demonstrating safety techniques. The event was created after MaryEllen Barnes, coordinator of the Point Fermin Resident’s Association, read Facebook posts by women who were not comfortable walking in the park. Barnes wanted to reassure these women and give them tips so they could take back their parks and neighborhoods. Barnes reached out to the Senior Lead Officer in Point Fermin, Christian Moran, who then organized the event. Point Fermin Resident Association sponsored the seminar that was free to all women and girls in the community. Men were welcome to attend, especially with their wives or daughters. Detective Kimberly Porter provided an update of the brutal rape of a San Pedro woman in her sixties near 11th and Pacific Avenue. The suspect pushed the woman into her house as she was unlocking her front door. She was sexually assaulted, leaving her with severe injuries that required nearly a week of hospitalization. Police contribute the victim’s regular workouts to her survival in the attack. While the suspect is still at large, Porter is
waiting on DNA from the rape kit and confident the suspect will be caught. Police are following other leads and tips that could not be discussed. A nickelstyle necklace was left behind and has been shown on local media, along with a sketch of the suspect. Porter said neighbors heard what they described as blood curdling screams, but did not call 911. Local statistics of crimes against women in San Pedro within the last year reflected that the majority of sexual assaults were committed by someone known by the victim, including family members. Stranger rapes are rare. Detective Garcenilla, a former competitive fighter and now a mother, demonstrated common sense safety tips using humor that kept the audience laughing. She explained that she could not turn the women into ninja’s in 45-minutes or teach them a magic punch, but she could review other important strategies. Being More Aware and Following Your Instinct is Your Biggest Weapon – Criminals are lazy and looking for the easiest target. If a woman is distracted and walking with her headphones on or looking at her phone, she is more vulnerable because she is distracted. Be aware and confident when you are out and keep your head up. If you use headphones, use in one ear only. Don’t sit in your car looking at your phone. If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and leave. Call It In – The police would rather
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you call 911 if you hear somebody screaming who sounds like they are in trouble, then not because you do not want to bother them. It is always better to be safe then sorry if you see or hear something that does not seem right. Run – If somebody is trying to attack you, run as fast as you can into a populated area. Put as much distance between you and your attacker as you can. If they have a weapon, run in a zigzag away from them. Moving targets are challenging to hit. Your best defense is not to be there. Be Loud – Attackers do not want to draw attention to themselves. Yell loud for what you want like, “Stop, I don’t know you!” “Somebody call the police!” or “Help! He is trying to take me!” Draw attention to yourself, as criminals are trying to be unnoticed. Throw Your Valuables – If somebody wants your car or purse, throw your keys or purse away from you and run in the opposite direction. Your possessions can always be replaced, but you cannot. Do Not Get in the Car – If anybody wants to get in your car or take you in their vehicle, do not let it happen. Once you are in a car with an attacker, they can take you to a location where nobody will hear you scream. Pepper Spray, Knives, and Stun Guns – Pepper spray is okay if you know how to use it. It can blow into your eyes if there is wind. Also, you have to shake the pepper spray first as
the pepper goes to the bottom of the can. Don’t think you can use a butter knife to protect yourself. Even with a good knife, you should be knife trained to know how to strike. A stun gun can be useful as long as it is handy, charged, and not at the bottom of your purse. It is always better to try to run away and be loud. Women interested in using a gun are encouraged to attend firearms training and practice shooting at a range. Weapons of Opportunities – Review the rooms in your house and identify items like a baseball bat or a heavy object that can double as a weapon if needed. Canes can be used to strike between the legs and over the head. Heavy purses can be swung to hit attackers in some situations. Bad Guys Look Like Everybody Else – Criminals don’t always look like smelly, unattractive creeps. Don’t be fooled by charming people who you may live on your street or work in your building. Safety in Numbers – Create a buddy system or form a community group for walking or running, especially in more isolated areas. Another more in-depth self-defense class is being organized by Barnes and LAPD and will be announced on local neighborhood watch pages and the Nextdoor mobile app. spt Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on Twitter.
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COVER STORY GO FISH!
Heritage on the High Seas by Angela Romero When we decided to establish the San Pedro Heritage Museum to share San Pedro with the world, we didn’t just want to focus on the community’s history. It was equally important for us to recognize and promote San Pedro’s unique culture. History + Culture = Heritage. A big part of that heritage comes from our being a fishing town. Fish culture in San Pedro goes way back. It may even be at the heart of what makes San Pedro such a tight knit community – the idea that success comes through working together. Men on a boat for weeks or months at a time, miles away from home, had to depend on each other for their family’s livelihood. It’s a fraternity on the high seas where one false move can mean a loss in wages, or worse, a loss of life. When the men came home, it was always an occasion for celebration, and how big depended on the size of the catch. The ones who had families waiting for them often invited the single men back to the house for a warm meal. While the men were at sea, their wives were a support network for each other. The threat of, “Just wait until your father gets home!” only went so far. For their own sanity, the fishermen’s wives would scuttle all their children, mostly by bus or foot, to the closest park for an extended family picnic. A lot of these women also worked in the canneries, processing the fish the men brought home.
'There were so many fishing boats in the wharf that you could walk from one side of the dock to the other by walking across the bows.' (photo: courtesy Los Angeles Maritime Museum)
In the early days, a catch employed the entire family, even the kids. Everyone knew the horn of the Alpha, the first gasoline-powered fishing boat in the harbor. When the Alpha pulled into the main channel, the sound of its horn would cause teachers to stop short in the middle of a lesson, and quickly followed by the rumble of boys bounding from their seats to grab their knives and run down to the docks. The family’s success came from everyone working together. The tuna boom after World War II took the fishing fleet to its greatest heights and elevated San Pedro right along with it. Two of the world’s largest tuna brands were born right here, StarKist and Chicken of the Sea. I always like to remind people that Charlie the Tuna is a Pedro boy. There were so many fishing boats in the wharf that you could walk from one side of the dock to the other by walking across the bows. If you owned a boat, you were a made man. But even if you didn’t, you were making a pretty penny. This wealth spread throughout town, back then you could get anything worth buying on Pacific Avenue. New houses
even pushed the boundaries of the town westward. So even if you’re not a born and bred San Pedran, you might just be living in one of the houses that tuna built. Tuna even helped build one of God’s houses, Mary Star of the Sea. Annette Ciketic told me her father, Ante Kaloper, was the one who came up with the idea of donating one ton of each catch to help build the new parish on 8th and Meyler Streets. The golden statue of Mary on top of the church’s clock tower faces the ocean to bless the fishermen as they left on their journeys, and was the first face to welcome them home when they returned. For many of the Catholic Italian and Croatian fishermen, God was an important member of their crew. That’s why the fleet was blessed every year in what became known as the Fishermen’s Fiesta. What started as a small religious procession from Mary Star to the docks became one of the most widely televised events after the Tournament of Roses Parade. The Fishermen’s Fiesta was ultimately a celebration of the success of commercial fishing in San Pedro. The fishermen would go all out decorating
their boats for a fantastical floating parade with all of the families waving to the spectators. Ciketic called it the first example of “Take Your Daughter to Work Day.” Girls competed for Fiesta Queen, and the runners up became the queen’s Skipperettes. At the height of the event’s popularity, it even attracted elected officials, as both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan made appearances at the Fishermen’s Fiesta before becoming president. Eventually the fish left, followed by the canneries, and now, we’ve only got a handful of fishing boats left. It may not be what it was, but we can be grateful for each squid and mackerel boat down at the slip, for the bustling fish markets, and, most importantly, for all of the historic fishing families who remain. Fish culture helped build San Pedro and its values run through our generations. San Pedro is our home and we can still succeed if we all work together. spt Angela Romero is a local historian and founder of the San Pedro Heritage Museum. For more info, visit sanpedroheritagemuseum.org.
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COVER STORY GO FISH!
Italian American Fishermen on the San Pedro docks, July 1949. At the far left is Frank A. Iacono, one of the most successful local fisherman whose financial success would later earn him the nickname "Captain Morgan." Insets: Tile mural originally installed at the Van Camp Seafood Company featuring the five types of tuna; fishing boat San Pedro Boy. (photos: courtesy Los Angeles Maritime Museum. Gift of the Iacono family)
Caught,Canned,&Eaten AN EXHIBIT AT THE LOS ANGELES MARITIME MUSEUM CHRONICLES SAN PEDRO’S LEGENDARY FISHING AND CANNING INDUSTRIES by Marifrances Trivelli, director Los Angeles Maritime Museum The Los Angeles Maritime Museum documents the history of the Port of Los Angeles through exhibits, collections, and educational programs. A significant part of this history focuses on how the local residents built the harbor into the country’s most successful fishing port. The exhibit “Caught, Canned, and Eaten” is the result of years of research and collecting on the part of the museum’s staff and volunteers. Retired fishermen, cannery workers, union leaders, and cannery executives generously provided their photographs, artifacts, oral histories, and financial support. In addition to the artifacts and videos available to view in the exhibit, archival records are accessible for research in the museum’s research library. Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted by a seven-foot high tile mural featuring the five types of tuna (Bluefin, albacore, yellowfin, skipjack, and bonito) that were once plentiful in Southern California waters. The mural was originally installed outside the entrance of the Van Camp Seafood Company on Terminal Island. When the cannery closed in the late 1980s, the mural was donated to the museum. The wavy kelp patterns on the mural’s edges inspired the graphic design that is repeated throughout the exhibit. CAUGHT The first section of the exhibit explains the techniques of catching tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Here, visitors can learn about the purse seine boats (whose nets encircled the fish as if in a drawstring purse), how fishermen pulled in large tuna 18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
while working on a bait boat with a pole and barbed hook, and the importance of using and maintaining the right kind of net. A video shows the Frankie Boy (under the command of Captain Frank Iacono) searching for sardines in the dark of night. Since most of the museum’s visitors are not from a fishing background, the presentation is not highly technical, but is designed as an introduction to this important industry. For example, while most visitors are familiar with StarKist and Chicken of the Sea, most do not know that those two multi-national companies originated on Terminal Island. Immigrant families from the former Yugoslavia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the Philippines comprised most of the labor force on the boats and in the canneries. Through hard work and skills acquired in their native countries, the fishermen and cannery workers were responsible for catching and processing seafood for a worldwide customer base. The fact that San Pedro’s L.A. Harbor was the leading fishing port in the nation well into the 1950s (outranking even Gloucester, Massachusetts) comes as surprising news. CANNED The second section of the exhibit focuses primarily on the women who worked in two-dozen canneries, cleaning and packing fish around the clock. One real-life example was 15-year old Domenica “Minnie” Lavarini, whose family immigrated to the United States from Italy. Minnie was sent to work for French Sardine (later Star-Kist) until she left to marry and raise a family. It was typical for immigrant families to rely on their children to help supplement the family income.
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Female cannery workers wore the required white nurse uniform and cap. Prior to World War I, most Americans did not regularly eat canned food. Cannery owners believed that a nurse uniform would help convey the belief that canned food was healthy and hygienic. Several oversized murals depict photos of the workforce, and often visitors are happy to discover the face of a close friend or relative among the “cannery nurses” in the crowd. EATEN How were brands marketed in the days before social media? Prior to memes and hashtags, canneries found creative ways to get their logos into the consumers’ homes. Items such as recipes, glasses, watches, a phone, jewelry, even toys bear the images of Charlie the Tuna or the Chicken of the Sea mermaid. This section of the exhibit includes an opportunity to view classic commercials starring Charlie the Tuna. FISHERMEN’S FIESTA The Fiesta was an annual celebration intended to celebrate and give thanks for the success of the fishing fleet. The Fiesta usually took place in the fall, between the end of tuna season and the beginning of sardine season. For one magical weekend a year, sturdy workboats were transformed into colorful floats, and sailed in parade formation for the enjoyment of hundreds of thousands of cheering spectators. The highlight of the weekend was the Blessing of the Fleet. Eventually, rising costs, labor disputes, increased commercialism and a lawsuit protesting the religious ceremony made it difficult for organizers to continue the Fiesta. There were no fiestas between 1973 and 1980, though there were later attempts to revive the event. The Fiesta portion of the exhibit includes trophies and souvenirs owned by Japanese American fisherman, Frank Manaka. Manaka was one of the few Japanese fishermen to return to the harbor after World War II. His boat, Western Explorer, won several Fiesta awards. In the days following Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese Americans were viewed with suspicion and those on the west coast were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to internment camps. (Be sure to visit the Museum’s special exhibit, “Taminaru: A Day in the Life of a Japanese American Fishing Village” to learn more about these former residents of Terminal Island.) DECLINE OF THE INDUSTRY Despite enjoying great success, the fishing fleet and cannery operations diminished greatly as the 20th century progressed. Among the factors were the relocation of canneries overseas, imported fish, the seizure of American boats by Latin American countries, rising insurance rates and increasing regulations, the cyclical nature of fish, and the effects of largescale harvests on the environment. One of the last attempts to revive the industry happened in 1987, when the Fishermen’s Cooperative Association purchased a former Star-Kist plant on Terminal Island. Operating as “United Food Processors,” this canning operation employed approximately 200 workers, before filing for bankruptcy in 1992. COLLECTING FOR THE FUTURE When the exhibit first opened more than a decade ago, one wall was intentionally left blank in anticipation of future donations of artifacts. In 2010, the museum was honored to receive the neon sign from Canetti’s Seafood Grotto, along with the famous “Table #1” and four chairs. This generous gift from the Canetti family is a testament to the enjoyment of time spent with family and friends telling tall tales after a hard day of work. spt The museum continues to seek donations of artifacts and photographs to help enhance the exhibit and inspire future research. To learn more, contact the museum’s archivist, Derek Spinei, at (310) 548-7618, ext. 215. The Los Angeles Maritime Museum is located at 600 Sampson Way (Berth 84); The museum will close for a two-year renovation project, starting in July. For more information, visit lamaritimemuseum.org. 20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
Left column (top to bottom): Canetti's Seafood Grotto's neon sign; Frano-Italian Packing Co. cannery workers; the blessing of the fleet at the Fishermen's Fiesta; a fishing boat decorated for the Fiesta; second column (top to bottom): a fleet of fishing boats in San Pedro Harbor; Japanese American fisherman, Frank Manaka; cannery workers hard at work, the nurse uniforms were thought to convey that canned food was healthy and hygienic. (photos: courtesy Los Angeles Maritime Museum)
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COVER STORY GO FISH!
Fish Out of Water ORIGINAL ARTIST DAVE BUTKUS REVEALS THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THE ICONIC 'THREEEYED FISH' MURAL by Joshua Stecker Original 'Three-Eyed Fish' artist, Dave Butkus (photo: John Mattera Photography)
simple image, it doesn’t take much time to fix.” With each passing preservation, the fish has taken on slightly different variations from its original look. Today, the fish rests on a blue oceanic background (neither Milling nor Butkus knows who added that) and is slightly more bulbous than before. It wasn’t long before the community started to take notice of this new piece of art. In the beginning, a few of Butkus’ friends decided to print some A LIFE OF ITS OWN t-shirts and have some items embroiFor years, no one knew the identity dered with his blessing. Soon after, local of the Harbor Fish artist, and Butkus t-shirt printers were using a variation of certainly did not want the spotlight on the Harbor Fish image on their prodhimself. “It was a different time,” he ucts and local artisans were putting the says. “Back fish image on then, grafcoffee mugs, fiti was still stickers, and not very cool. anything else You stayed they could sell. anonymous to Without any it for a while. I copyright enIT'S ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT forcement, the The way Butkus explains it, the inspira- never anticiimage seemed tion for a three-eyed fish came from his pated it lasting to become de experience in the harbor water. “Back in at all, maybe a couple of facto public the late 1980s, at the end of the wharf property. where the new Cabrillo Marina is now, weeks. I figured the City “For 12 there was this big pile of coke fuel. If would paint years, I kind of you ever swam in the harbor for any First photo of the Harbor Fish taken the morning afjust let people reason at that time, you knew the water over it, which ter it was painted in late Sept. 1991. (photo: Dave Butkus) they eventudo what they was nasty. So, I figured that anything ally did.” want with it. It started appearing on living in the harbor must’ve had three A few years (and several touch ups shirts and stuff,” says Butkus. “It was eyes.” cool, people were embracing it and Cut to September 1991, and Butkus, a over graffiti) after painting the mural, the City painted over it and it reaploving it, but it was still my image being Miraleste grad, is driving down Gaffey used.” Street. He notices a fresh blotch of paint peared the very next day. “Someone, not me, repainted it again,” says Butkus. on a curved blank wall at 38th Street “That’s when it seemed to take on a life RECLAIMING HIS ART that the City painted to cover some In 2004, Butkus decided to protect his graffiti. The oddly-shaped blotch, whose of its own.” Bob Milling, a local muralist, is creation and received the copyright for edges outlined the graffiti that was the Harbor Fish image. That same year, underneath it, inspired Butkus. “I drove credited with maintaining the mural by that wall and said to my buddy, ‘I’m through the years, though he wasn’t the he also went public in the community, original preservationist. He is quick to doing an interview in a local publicagoing to make that into a fish.’” point out that it’s really a community tion and attending all the neighborhood This is where the 12-pack of beer effort. “I’ve been in Point Fermin for 17 councils to introduce himself as the comes in. years, anytime the mural gets vandalrightful artist of the Harbor Fish. A few days later, Butkus and his ized, myself or a few of my neighbors The road to reclaiming his art hasn’t then-wife are entertaining their neighwill repair it,” says Milling. “It’s a been easy. He’s had to deal with everybors at their house. While the wives What do you get when you mix dirty harbor water, an oddly-shaped paint blotch on a blank wall, and a 12-pack of beer? If you’re artist and contractor Dave Butkus, you end up creating what has become San Pedro’s “official” unofficial mascot, the “Three-Eyed Fish,” which resides on a mural at 38th and Gaffey. Before we begin, Butkus, 56, would like to dispel some rumors. First, its name is not “Blinky” and it wasn’t inspired by an episode of “The Simpsons” (even though that episode did air a year prior to the mural). Second, he is not responsible for the One-Eyed Octopus mural nearby. Third, even though San Pedrans commonly refer to it as the “Three-Eyed Fish,” it doesn’t have an official name, though Butkus likes to refer to it as the “Harbor Fish” (and we will for the rest of this article). Finally, yes, he owns the copyright.
22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
were discussing motherhood (both were pregnant at the time), Butkus, a few beers late into the night, decides to cash in his idea. “I asked my neighbor if he’d drive me out to that wall, I wanted to paint the fish,” he laughs. “So, I cut the tops off a couple of beer cans, poured some black and white paint, grabbed some brushes, and he drove me over. I hopped out of his car and went to town.” And a San Pedro icon was born.
thing from other artists unsuccessfully filing false copyrights on the image to local businesses and artisans continuing to sell plagiarized merchandise. He’s not looking to rectify the past, but he wants to make sure that his work is protected in the future. “They had their fun and I’m happy those folks were able to make some money off it. I thank them for keeping it popular, but it’s time to move forward,” says Butkus. “To this date, I haven’t made much on it. Everything I’ve made has mostly gone to lawyer fees.” The only retail store that carries officially licensed Harbor Fish merchandise is Badfish Clothing Company. Their two locations in San Pedro carry t-shirts, stickers and other items emblazoned with the three-eyed icon. “Joshua [Garcia, principal at Badfish] is a standup guy,” says Butkus. “When he got word that I was the artist, he contacted me saying he’d been selling shirts with the Harbor Fish image on it and wanted to make good with me.” While the Harbor Fish has become San Pedro’s “official” unofficial mascot, its original intention was to poke fun and draw attention to the polluted waters within our harbor. As he takes more control of the legal aspects of his image, Butkus hopes the fish can reclaim that original inspiration and gain notoriety outside of San Pedro’s borders and into other beach cities as a way to promote environmental awareness. Today, Butkus lives in Long Beach and is a licensed contractor and designer working around the South Bay. He continues to come up with different ideas and ways to promote his Harbor Fish creation and is willing to work with local artisans and businesses to legally sell his copyrighted artwork. When asked if he’s still shocked that a beer-fueled evening resulted in an iconic local mascot of sorts, be bursts out laughing. “I never thought it was going to be anything.” spt
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150-foot depth of this massive underwater plateau is optimal for deployment and maintenance of aquaculture cultivation gear. Being located six miles offshore eliminates visual blight from operations and minimizes potential conflict with recreational sports such as sailing, jet skiing, and surfing. The further offshore, the better for minimizing shellfish exposure to inland storm water runoff, contaminated with bacteria and other pollutants. Moreover, the ocean flushing characteristics in offshore waters provide a cleaner environment for preventing disease that is a prevalent problem with inshore aquaculture. The San Pedro Shelf is exemplary for developing a sustainable aquaculture industry to help meet growing consumer demand, reduce U.S. dependency on imports, create jobs in coastal communities, and maintain working waterfronts. Its proximity to San Pedro, having a sea-savvy skilled workforce and seafood industry infrastructure, is ideal for economical processing and distribution logistics.
Sea of Sustainability interview by Joshua Stecker
Q&A WITH PHIL CRUVER CEO, CATALINA SEA RANCH Catalina Sea Ranch, one of the most active tenants currently at AltaSea, is an aquaculture farming company that manages a 100-acre sea ranch six-miles off the Southern California coast. The company, which is the first offshore aquaculture facility to be granted a federal permit to operate in U.S. waters, currently cultivates Mediterranean mussels, giant kelp, giant rock scallops, Pacific oysters, macro algae and abalone. San Pedro Today spoke to founder and CEO, Phil Cruver, to discuss his company, the future of aquafarming, and how it will affect the future of San Pedro.
diverse crop of native mussels, scallops, oysters, abalone, and seaweed. The Catalina brand will reach a market that appreciates locally harvested food and is acutely aware of the carbon footprint associated with imported shellfish, resulting in a competitive advantage.
In your opinion, why is it so important for humans to focus on aquafarming as a next generation source of food? About 70 percent of the world’s fisheries are threatened by overfishing, and we hit “peak fish” two decades ago. Therefore, if we can’t take more wild fish out of the ocean, aquaculture must meet the seafood demands of a growing, global populaFor those just learning about Cata- tion. Terrestrial crops consume prelina Sea Ranch, can you explain cious fresh water resources and require what your company is all about? harmful fertilizers; livestock produce Catalina Sea Ranch, LLC, has developed an enormous carbon footprint that is the first offshore aquaculture facility in unsustainable. That is why aquaculture federally regulated waters of the United is the fastest growing form of food States. Our strategic plan anticipates production on the planet. the continued cultivation of mussels on our initial 100-acre site during 2019 to According to NOAA Fisheries, they improve the technologies, validate the estimate that the United States economics, and monitor and document imports more than 80 percent of any environmental impact and the posi- the seafood we eat (half of this tive ecosystem services of mussel crops. imported seafood is from aquaWe are now expanding our aquaculture culture), resulting in an annual facility to 3,000 acres with the cultiseafood trade deficit of more than vation of additional sustainable and $10.4 billion. How does domestic regenerative marine species including aquafarming and CSR hope to California's giant kelp. change that? NOAA's data shows the seafood trade deficit is now about $15 What types of sustainable seafood billion – in 2017 it grew another $1.1 is CSR currently cultivating? We inbillion. With the current regulatory tend to develop a “Catalina” sustainable environment, the deficit will grow expobrand appealing to the growing “green” nentially. Over the past few years, we market of environmentally conscious have been documenting science-driven consumers seeking to eat locally prodata, based upon evidence rather than duced food. By promoting a fresh and conjecture, for showing that sustainable “open ocean” product, we anticipate and regenerative shellfish and seaweed charging a premium for cultivating a crops actually have a positive impact
Phil Cruver, founder and CEO of Catalina Sea Ranch (photo: John Mattera Photography)
for feeding the future. The San Pedro shelf is the largest underwater platform on the West Coast. Can you explain why it’s perfect for offshore aquaculture? Catalina Sea Ranch's aquaculture facility's location, six miles offshore on the San Pedro Shelf, is one of its greatest competitive advantages, as it is located on the periphery of about 26,000 acres (40 square miles) of U.S. Federal waters. The San Pedro Shelf is the largest underwater plateau offshore of California, and is close to major seafood markets and fishery infrastructure. It has favorable oceanographic conditions, infrequent major storms, and deep clean water with good exchange close to shore. Mussels grow rapidly as a result of the high productivity of phytoplankton present in the warmer and pristine offshore waters. Most importantly, the enormous upwelling phenomenon from adjacent 3,000-foot depths produces phytoplankton flowing onto the shallow San Pedro Shelf serving as rich feed for rapid growth of shellfish. The consistent
You are currently based at AltaSea, why did CSR decide to partner with AltaSea? What benefits does CSR have by working with them? AltaSea has such a unique campus with a deepwater channel and expansive warehouse space for expansion. Located in the massive Port of L.A., there is skilled workforce and infrastructure supporting both our R&D and offshore operations. It is ideally located in the gateway of a major seafood market for Catalina Sea Ranch becoming the “Aquaculture Capital of America.” You’ve said you want to make San Pedro the capital of aquafarming for the 21st century. What’s it going to take to get there? Eat more mussels! We are promoting our brand to the California market as local and traceable for increasing America's per capita consumption of mussels from .15 pounds to that of Europe, which is five pounds per capita. Consider 40 million Californian’s annual consumption equaling Europe's, which would amount to 200 million pounds. A conservative local and traceable premium of $2.50 farm gate price per pound would create a half billion dollar company. spt
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22ND STREET LANDING SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR (141 W 22nd St.) With views of the Cabrillo Way Marina, 22nd Street Landing remains a seafood dining staple in San Pedro. CRAZY FISH GRILL & MARKET (28158 S. Western Ave.) Celebrating their one-year anniversary, Crazy Fish certainly has made a splash in San Pedro, offering a variety of fresh catch and delicious options.
CABRILLO BEACH GRUNION RUN REMAINS A FAVORITE SPRING SPECTACLE by Caitlyn Piercy
Grunion running on a Southern California beach. (photo: grunion.org)
Let’s start with the facts. Grunion don’t actually run. There’s no sprinting or sneakers involved. However, that doesn’t mean their appearance on our coastal shores isn’t impressive. Since 1951, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has invited onlookers to Cabrillo Beach to experience the natural wonder of what’s known as the Grunion Run. Former director, the beloved John Olguin, witnessed first-hand how visitors were eager to take part in local marine life and wanted to share these unique experiences. From then on, the annual spectacle has become a favorite among both locals and visitors alike, attracting crowds of spectators every year, and anywhere from 800 to 1,200 people every program. “The moment when the fish appear on the beach and you hear the excitement in the crowd gets me every time,” says Jim DePompei, CMA Education Curator. “It’s a unique Southern California phenomenon that everyone should experience.” Beginning in March and continuing to as late as August, the 5- to 6-inch, silvery, and smelt-like grunion wash themselves up on the beaches of Southern California to Baja California, a few nights after the new and full moon, for some serious baby-making. In an odd move for an aquatic animal, grunion propel themselves out of the water and
onto the sand for a strangely remarkable event. DePompei explains the fish’s spawning ritual, saying, “After high tide, female grunion and their male suitors wash up on the shore en masse, while the females wriggle tail first into the sand, laying some one to three-thousand eggs. The males encircle them, depositing milt along their bodies, and fertilizing the eggs below the sand’s surface.” He describes the next phase, saying, “In this protected pod, the eggs develop for some ten days, when the next high tide agitates and hatches the baby grunion out.” Though not unique to only San Pedro, naturally, our town has taken great pride in the grunions choice to breed along our coast. The grunion has become a celebrated symbol for the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and they kick off their Meet the Grunion season each year with a special Grunion Fishtival, which took place on March 22. Fish-tival goers donned the tradition of aluminum hats, while taking part in a variety of grunion-themed activities before hitting the beach for the main event. Each season also includes an evening program in the aquarium auditorium, which sheds light on the fascinating fish and its life cycle. The program is followed by a guided observation on the beach.
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The 2019 CMA Meet the Grunion season is already underway at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3720 Stephen M. White Dr.). For tickets, full schedule, and additional information, visit meetthegrunion.org or cabrillomarineaquarium.org.
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PAPPY’S SEAFOOD (301 W. 6th St.) Pappy’s Seafood celebrates one year of serving fresh, locally sourced eats to the community. Grab a craft brew and check out their Taco Tuesdays, live music on Wednesdays, and trivia nights on Sundays! SAN PEDRO FISH MARKET (1190 Nagoya Way) A family-owned and operated empire, these “Kings of Fish” are known for their famous shrimp trays, which attracts thousands of locals and visitors of San Pedro to their waterfront location. And check out their sister-restaurant, Crusty Crab! STILL HUNGRY? • The traditional English Fish & Chips at The Whale & Ale (327 W. 7th St.) make you feel like you’re in jolly ‘ol England. • In addition to several unique seafood dishes, every San Pedran knows no meal at J. Trani’s Ristorante (584 W. 9th St.) is complete without their New Style Calamari. • San Pedro is home to many highly-regarded sushi and poke restaurants. Senfuku (380 W. 6th St.) is a Downtown San Pedro favorite.
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Though the occurrence brings a massive amount of fish, covering the shores in a sea of silver, grunion are not free from the dangers of an ever-changing ecosphere. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, “The most critical problem facing the grunion resource is the loss of spawning habitat caused by beach erosion, harbor construction, and pollution.” That being said, it’s important to note that in addition to appreciating this natural wonder, we must also take an interest in protecting it for future generations to experience. “As Californians, we take the grunion run for granted,” says DePompei. “But to see the amazement on the faces of out of state visitors and guests from other countries is priceless.” He adds, “Sharing this experience with the world is my favorite memory that gets refreshed at every Grunion Run.” spt
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SPORTS
TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME 2019 PREP BASEBALL PREVIEW story & photo by Jamaal K. Street Spring is in the air, and America's favorite pastime is beginning to blossom. Prep baseball teams at San Pedro, Mary Star of the Sea, and Port of Los Angeles High School are all looking to make 2019 their year. In 1992, San Pedro won the CIFLos Angeles City Section championship, and it remains to this day the only non-San Fernando Valley-based City title in the last four decades dating back to 1974. Mary Star reached a CIF-Southern Section final back in 2002, while POLA won their first CIF-LACS crown in 2014. Going into the 2019 season for these three high schools, San Pedro again appears to be the top team to watch after last year's Marine League championship run and CIF-LACS Open Division playoff berth. However, watch out for both Mary Star and POLA who look to make significant title runs in their respective leagues. Here's a look at all three teams so you'll know what to expect this spring. SAN PEDRO (13-17-1 in 2018) – Steve Tedesco enters his fifth year as head coach for San Pedro, who had a ragged start to 2018 but recovered quickly to earn a share of their second straight Marine League title, and even garnering a home game in the inaugural CIF-LACS Open Division playoffs, where it fell in extra innings to San Fernando. Junior P/INF Travis Connelly had a
28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
San Pedro High School baseball standouts (l to r): Travis Connelly Jake Harper, Josh Duarte, Alex Pacheco and Cain Lusic.
strong fall and winter campaign for the Pirates and will look to build off last year’s run to a Marine League tri-MVP selection. San Pedro returns several All-Marine League selections like senior Anthony Scognamillo, sophomores Jake Harper and Cain Lusic, plus juniors Josh Duarte and Alex Pacheco. San Pedro will once again battle fellow co-league champions Banning and Carson for the top spot, but never underestimate Narbonne. The Marine League also gets a new challenger with Rancho Dominguez Prep now in the mix. Out of the 24-player roster San Pedro possesses, only two players are seniors and there are no incoming freshmen. Already this season, San Pedro has made waves in beating the likes of Serra, Redondo Union, and winning the El Segundo Tournament Gold Division championship on March 12 with a 8-4 win over Garfield at East Los Angeles College. MARY STAR (19-8 in 2018) - Rick Ibarra enters his fourth season in his second term as coach for the Stars, who had the best record of anyone in
town last season, but finished second in the Camino Real League to Cantwell Sacred Heart, and was unceremoniously bounced in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division 5 playoffs by Sunny Hills. Now Mary Star will deal with St. Anthony and St. Paul in the new Camino Real League, while rivals Salesian and Bishop Montgomery remain intact. Junior pitcher Marco Ibarra and the senior trio of Andy Vega, Joe James, and Ryne Lina are returning all-league selections, while junior Aaron Martinez is a three-sport standout who has shined brightly for both the football and boys basketball teams at Mary Star. Fromhold Field, near Royal Palms, provides the best atmosphere of any of the three schools for high school baseball. In one game this year at Fromhold, the Stars made a massive statement with a 16-2, five-inning win over Bishop Montgomery, in which Vega clubbed two home runs in an 11-run first inning. Ibarra also homered in that same inning. POLA (14-13 in 2018) - Co-coaches
Brian and Dennis Emerson will try to get the Polar Bears back in contention in the CIF-LACS Division 3 title chase, as they will now compete in the new Imperial League. In their last year of Coliseum League play, POLA finished third at 7-3 before falling in the quarterfinals to rival Harbor Teacher Prep, who is the Imperial League favorite. Already this year, POLA defeated Gardena from the Marine League in a non-league road game, which bodes promise. Players to keep an eye on for the Polar Bears includes senior P/ INF Justin Bales, junior OF/P/INF Matthew D’Anna, sophomore CF/P Rudy Rios, junior infielder Ian Renn, junior P/INF/OF Tim Stevenson and senior infielder Will Magrini. The new Imperial League, along with POLA and Harbor Teacher Prep, will also feature Dymally High School, Jordan High School, Washington Prep, and King-Drew Magnet. So far in 2019, POLA owns an early 7-1 victory over Harbor Teacher Prep and scored a school record 32 runs against University Prep in a non-league rout. spt
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VOICES
NEIGHBORHOOD THEOLOGY by Pastor Nathan Hoff The farther I get away from my office at 1450 West Seventh Street, it seems, the more I discover about God. I have learned more about soteriology, or the study of salvation, from rescued trafficking victims in Tanzania than in my safe confines surrounded by books about soteriology. Getting out and talking to actual immigrants and refugees has taught me more about the early Christian experience of being ‘stranger and alien’ (found in Ephesians and Peter’s epistles) and has helped me understand God’s love for everyone in the whole wide world (found in every book in the Bible). Inspired by Pastor Fryer from Immanuel Church in Manhattan, New York, I asked retired firefighter and friend Jim Holland to make a Peanutsstyle Lucy booth. You remember the “Psychiatric Help 5 cents” and “The Doctor is in” booth where Lucy doles out advice to people willing to part with a nickel? I’ve been looking for a way to break the magnetic pull my office has on me, so I asked Jim to make a similar booth that says, “Spiritual Help 5 cents” and “The Pastor is in.” The booth is portable, yet sturdy. Actually, that is how I think our faith is supposed to be: portable, yet sturdy. Three days in the booth has already made my faith more portable and sturdy. Setting up the booth near Dr. Jaksic’s entrance (by the way, a super dentist) and the corner of Trinity’s property has offered a prime location to connect with San Pedro pedestrians. Dog walkers, bus riders, and Seventh Street School students and their guardians are all on the move. I sit there and offer blessings, a “word for the day” randomly picked and prayed over before I give it to whoever will take it. I’ve prayed for people who want prayer and given advice to those who ask. Some tear up in less than a minute of conversation. It's like there was Someone who ordained this ‘chance’ connection. One guy, trying not to make eye contact, walked halfway down the street, and
stopped and turned around and said, “Okay, I can’t stand it—what are you doing?” When I told him, he tried to give me $20. I didn’t take his generous offering. I gave him a nickel. I actually give nickels to everyone who will take one. That’s what the “5 cents” on the sign actually means to me. Maybe they will feel the nickel in their pocket later and remember the blessing or the word that was worth far more than the nickel. The Trinity congregation is behind this idea. In fact, they brought all their extra nickels and donated hundreds of them last Sunday. It will take me years to get rid of all those nickels. One time I gave three kids a nickel each, and their exhausted-looking dad a quarter. I told him he looked like he needed more than a nickel. He gave me a grin. I’m giving nickels away, along with free blessings, “words of the day,” even paperback Bibles if someone wants one. I’m also becoming a better theologian away from my office than in it. A mom was walking her daughter down Seventh Street last week, at what I would call “Godspeed.” They weren’t in a hurry. They were holding hands, and swinging them. Daughter was chatting and mom was smiling. They greeted me, and I them. They were happy to take a “word of the day” and two nickels. I can’t read minds, but the daughter looked like she could have been thinking, “My mom wants to be with me.” Reminded me of Our Father. When they got to the red light at the corner of Weymouth and Seventh, the mom looked at the daughter, smiled, swept her off her feet, embraced her, and twirled her around. One word dropped into my heart – assurance. I have commentaries on Johaninne literature in my office, but what I saw in that mother and daughter taught me more about 1 John 3.1 than any commentary, “How great the Father’s love for us, that we should be called children of God.” Stop by if you see me in my booth. I have plenty of nickels. spt Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at: trinitypastor.blogspot.com.
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 31
VOICES
CAN A 'FAD' DIET BE HEALTHY? by Lori Garrett
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It seems like every year there’s a new “fad” diet making waves in the weight loss community. The latest happens to be the ketogenic diet (aka keto), which has participants raving about the dramatic results. Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet, which forces the body into ketosis, a state in which the body uses fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. While some might write off every diet trend as a passing weight loss fad with little to no value, or perhaps even as dangerous, some people are actually turning to these diets for the potential heath benefits. These include increasing energy levels, boosting mental clarity, improving cardiovascular health markers, and managing various medical conditions. For example, according to a 2016 Healthline.com article, keto has been shown to help treat conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, some cancers, and numerous neurological disorders. I understand this concept personally because several years ago, I launched my own quest for a healing diet. In my desperate search to find something to help with my Crohn’s disease management, I eventually discovered Paleo (what some might call a “fad” diet) and never looked back. Years later, I still follow a modified version of Paleo, and it’s still the most effective anti-inflammatory tool I have in my arsenal to help keep my flares at bay. Still, some critics insist that such diets are universally unhealthy, and many try to discourage people from falling “prey” to them. But here’s the thing: any diet can be unhealthy if it’s approached in the wrong way. And just because something is a trend, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a passing fad. So the question looms: can a “fad” diet be healthy in the long term? I think the answer is yes. But it depends on the person and how you approach it. Instead of generalizing and discouraging people from making potentially positive changes in their eating habits (like breaking the patterns of sugar addiction or working to lower inflammation), I think it’s more important to focus on the right way to approach any new nutrition plan. Whatever diet or nutrition plan
you’re thinking of trying, here are some general rules to keep in mind for those looking to achieve long-term optimal health: Eat Real Food – Avoid processed foods and additives, and seek out foods that are as close to their natural form as possible: ditch factory-farmed proteins and seek out pasture-raised meats, poultry, and eggs. Look for produce that has been harvested with the least amount of pesticides. Instead of farmed fish, consume wild-caught seafood. Toss out those highly refined “vegetable” oils (like canola, corn, soybean oils), and go for cold pressed extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil, unrefined coconut oil, pastured butter, or ghee. If you eat grains, choose whole grains and avoid refined versions. Eat Lots of Colorful Veggies – No matter what your diet, it should ideally include a large amount of colorful vegetables. In Paleo, for example, many like to follow the “three quarter rule,” with three quarters of your plate consisting of veggies and plant-based foods. The more color, the better to ensure you’re getting a wide variety of phytonutrients. Remember We’re All Different – This is important: what works for one person may not work for the next. Just because someone you know is enjoying success with a particular diet, doesn’t mean it will be ideal for you. Keto is proving to be successful for many people, but it’s not right for everyone (Diane Sanfilippo has a helpful section about this topic in her book, Keto Quickstart). Furthermore, it’s important to use a lifestyle diet like a template and modify it to fit your individual nutritional needs. Keep Long-Term Goals in Mind – While “restart” diets can be helpful in the short-term, they can also lead to yo-yo dieting and challenges in the long run. Keep your long-term health in mind, and choose a nutrition plan that will not only nourish your body, but also one that you can modify to your individual needs and realistically maintain over time. spt This information is not meant to replace the advice of your doctor or certified nutritionist. Follow Lori Garrett's wellness blog, www.adventuresofasickchick.com.
APRIL 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 33
Kris Lusic
Wishing you a Blessed Easter Season!
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10 THINGS THAT MAKE YOUR SP HOME MORE VALUABLE by Rebecca Chambliss, realtor The value of any home is based on the amount the property would sell for if it went to market. Besides factors such as current inventory, square footage, condition, and number of bedroom and bathrooms, here are 10 factors that contribute to adding value to homes in San Pedro. 1. Living near a park – We have some of the best parks of Los Angeles in San Pedro. From the duck pond at Averill, the basketball courts with ocean views at Angeles Gate, and the White Point Nature Preserve on Paseo Del Mar. Living in close proximity to a park adds about 8-20% of value over homes further away.
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2. Trees – Mature trees on your block add value, while mature trees on your property add even more. In addition to their beauty, trees provide shade, and a place for wildlife to rest. Our jacaranda trees are heading toward an endangered variety, and while people have a love/ hate relationship with them, each tree can add thousands of dollars of value to a property. 3. Outdoor living space – Whether it's a deck, an outdoor kitchen, a covered patio, or just a big grassy yard – outdoor living is valued, and buyers are willing to pay more to have it. Investments in outside space usually have a 1:1 return when selling.
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4. Surf breaks – Being close enough to walk to Royal Palms or other surf breaks in town adds $106,000 in value, according to surfonomics experts at the Monterey Institute of International Study. 5. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – Having a second fully-contained unit on the property adds 25 – 34% in value. California recently passed two bills allowing property zoned as single family to add an ADU. Turning a garage into a living structure is now allowed, as well
as building a new structure. ADUs can be used as a rental, a guest home, or home office. Check with the city to see what they might allow on any particular lot. 6. Character Homes – San Pedro is full of old Spanish, Tudor, craftsman, and mid-century modern homes. The key to maintaining the highest value is to keep the style cohesive when updating. If you have a mid-century modern home, don't add a Mediterranean-style kitchen. On the flipside, don't go super modern in a Spanish or Tudor. Buyers find the charm of character homes highly desirable, but only when the design is consistent. 7. Walkability – The measure of how friendly an area is to walking, including the presence or absence and quality of footpaths, sidewalks, or other pedestrian rights-of-way, traffic and road conditions, and safety, among others. Living close to the Corner Store, Pacific Diner, or a grocery store in town adds value to a property. 8. Schools – Park Western, Point Fermin, Taper, and White Point all score 8 out of 10 on the great schools scale. Being in the district and being able to walk to one of these schools makes a property more desirable for families with school age kids. 9. Views – Whether it's the ocean, the harbor, the mountains, or downtown – San Pedro has some of the most stunning views. Any home with a view is at least 25% more valuable than the same home without a view. We don't have view restrictions in San Pedro, so an unblockable view is even more valuable. 10. Neighborhood Watch – Point Fermin has an active neighborhood watch, as does South Shores with their cyber watch. Regular meetings, open communication, and neighbors who know each other, all make the area much more desirable to buyers and thus more valuable. Think about starting one if you live in a neighborhood without an active group. spt
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Call for a complimentary consultation. Who you hire to sell your home makes a difference. Sold
827 North Gaffey Place San Pedro
Sold
1362 West 17th Street San Pedro
Sold
2286 Sparta Drive Rancho Palos Verdes
Under Contract
Darling 3 Bedroom Coming Soon
Rebecca Chambliss 310.989.4466 rebecca.chambliss@compass.com insidesanpedro.com DRE 01442217 Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdraw without notice. To reach the Compass main office call 310.858.6800
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Anatomy of the
World Famous Shrimp Tray San Pedro Fish Market sells more than 150 tons of shrimp a year, most of which end up on their signature "World Famous" Shrimp Trays. Here's a look at what's inside...
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1. Two foot-long loaves of garlic bread baked in a local San Pedro bakery, buttered and toasted in the restaurant
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2. 3 pounds of 21/25 shell-on Mexican shrimp
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3. 1 pound of sliced tomatoes 4. 1 pound of sliced white onions 5. 1 pound of red potatoes 6. 1 pound of bell peppers 5
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38 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2019
The ingredients are mixed, sautĂŠd in butter and topped with SPFM's signature seasoning. An entire Shrimp Tray can feed up to six.
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(photo: John Mattera Photography)
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