MAY 2020
SAFER AT HOME UPDATE | SP ARTWALK & HERITAGE MUSEUM GO VIRTUAL | THE VIRUS & REAL ESTATE
Silver Linings
THERE ARE PLENTY TO FIND IF WE LOOK FOR THEM, EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC
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
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(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
A NOTE TO OUR COMMUNITY Dear friends and patients, First and foremost, our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by this worldwide crisis. I hope you are staying well and in good spirits. Since the beginning of the outbreak six weeks ago, we have adjusted our operation to meet the needs of our patients while keeping them safe. In the spirit of unity with state and federal government agencies, we have followed the directives of CDC, ADA, and CDA. Now, as the world mends and the skies grow more blue, we make plans to reopen and help our community. We have planned out a bridge program (tentatively effective May 14th) to re-open with the following in mind: to provide a safe environment for delivery of dental care, to ensure reduced disruption to treatments which are in progress, and provide access to dental care for those who experience new conditions. To that end, we have redesigned protocols within the premise of the office and implemented the following: • Amplify the existing infection control infrastructure. • Support physical and social distancing practices for staff and patients. • Provide hand sanitizers, gloves & masks to patients as an adjunct to physical distancing practices. • Stagger appointments to avoid congregation at the lobby. • Disinfect the lobby after each rotation. • Keep up to date with broader recommendations by CDC, ADA, and CDA. • Keep up to date with local disease-density-spread data to reinstate measures to revert to stricter guidelines when indicated. I want to thank you personally for continuing to choose us. Our dental office has served the community consistently for three decades, and we look forward to continuing with that trajectory. While we don’t know what the future may hold, we are confident that this community will reemerge with unity and strength. Best regards, Dr. Souzan Ardalan
DR. ARDALAN & ASSOCIATES LOCATED IN WEYMOUTH CORNERS 1409 W. 8TH ST. SAN PEDRO (310) 832-5559
FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT www.DrSouzanArdalan.com.
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negativity. What’s much more challenging is asking a struggling community to find a “silver lining,” something positive If you’re anything that has happened to them as a result of like me, then the this pandemic. But that’s what we did, past month has been by taking to social media and putting an emotional roller- out a call for “silver linings” and mask coaster. Every day, photos. as news of coronaviAs expected, the submissions were rus cases and deaths personal, varied, and motivating. Readrise in L.A. County, ing through them became my own form it’s tough not to feel of therapy. Like many of you, I’ve struganxious about what lies ahead. gled at times to remain optimistic. I’ve When L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti had more panic attacks the past month announced the extension of the “Safer than I’d care to admit, but I’m realizing at Home” orders through at least May now that putting this issue together was 15, it was a tough pill to swallow. Like good for my mental health. My hope is everyone, I’ve been waiting with bated that reading it is good for yours as well. breath for the orders to ease up and for I want to thank everyone who subthe economy to start turning around. mitted their “silver linings” this month. The good news is, according to state I’m confident your stories will inspire and city officials, California seems to others to seek out their own. have “arguably flattened the curve.” Say what you will about our state and HELLO SAN PEDRO local politicians, but according to health In other news, San Pedro Today has experts, their strict and early containfinally jumped into the podcast game ment orders seem to have succeeded in by teaming up with the popular Hello stopping the spread, preventing hospital San Pedro Podcast as its title sponsor. overcrowding and a surge in deaths I’ve been joining host Amanda Silva from COVID-19. weekly on her show to discuss how the Of course, that can all change in an pandemic has been affecting our cominstant. munity, how we’ve all been coping, and Some will argue that these emerwhat we’re looking forward to once this gency orders were an overreaction, to calms down. New episodes are released which I’d counter: Would you rather every week. To listen, search for Hello they had underreacted? Yes, living San Pedro Podcast on your podcast through this pandemic in California app of choice and subscribe. A special hasn’t been easy, but compared to New thanks to Tim Guzman from SpinQ StuYork, New Jersey, and Illinois, it looks dios for use of their new podcast studio. like we dodged a disaster. I’d like to believe that our concerted effort as Cali- MOTHER’S DAY fornians (and San Pedrans) to stay at Also, I want to wish all our San home, wear proper face coverings, and Pedro Moms (especially my mom Pam) follow social distancing protocols have a very happy Mother’s Day on May 10. kept things from getting worse. Even though we can’t celebrate mom All that said, this month’s issue is this year with a nice restaurant brunch, our attempt at coronavirus counterpro- it doesn’t change the fact that we love Lorem ipsum gramming. and adore you all. The original concept was going to be Lastly, on behalf of everyone at San a call for reader submissions answering Pedro Today, I want to thank all our the question: How are you living now? first responders and essential workers But the more I thought about it, the who have been working tirelessly to more I realized that for most of us, our keep our community healthy, clean, fed, current state of living is not ideal, nor and safe. We know it’s been a tough did I think it was the type of story peo- haul for all of you, but your hard work ple wanted to write and/or read about. has not gone unnoticed. Thank you. spt Instead, I decided to flip the script and do what we do best at San Pedro Today, Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorand that’s focus on optimism. in-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters It’s easy to get caught up in the to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
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MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
MAY 2020
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
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Joshua J. Stecker
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Phone: (424) 224-9063 Email: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733
VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 4
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. 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 2009-2020, Empire22 Media LLC.
ON THE COVER: Silver Linings: Readers shared their mask photos and "silver linings" for this month's cover story.
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MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7
CORONAVIRUS
'SAFER AT HOME' UPDATE: ALL ABOUT THE MASKS by SPT Staff
EXTENDED THRU MAY 15, CLOTH MASKS NOW MANDATORY The "Safer at Home" emergency order that has been in effect throughout L.A. County since March has been extended until at least May 15. In addition, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti has also ordered face coverings (i.e. masks) be required for essential business employees and the general public countywide. The new health order, issued April 10, requires essential businesses to develop and put into action a social distancing and sanitation plan. According to the new order, employers must also provide face coverings to their employees, while the public must wear face coverings when visiting those businesses or when they are in close contact with others. According to Mayor Garcetti, people may be cited for not wearing masks in public.
• Go to a restaurant for takeout, delivery or drive-thru • Care for or support a friend or family member • Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog, and be in nature for exercise — just maintain six feet of social distancing • Walk pets and visit the vet, if needed • Help someone to get necessary supplies HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN'T DO: • Go to work unless you are providing "essential services" as defined by L.A. County • Visit friends and family if there is no urgent need • Maintain less than six feet of distance from others when you go out • Visit loved ones in the hospital, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or other residential care facility • Go to the beach, park, or engage in outdoor activities in groups of any size
HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO (CLOTH MASKS REQUIRED): • Go to the grocery/convenience store For more info, visit: • Go to the pharmacy • Go to medical appointments corona-virus.la spt (check with your doctor or provider first)
(photo: Andrew Ursini)
FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK GOES VIRTUAL by SPT Staff
May’s First Thursday ArtWalk is coming to a computer screen near you. Due to the current social distancing and quarantine orders, conventional First Thursdays in Downtown San Pedro have been cancelled until at least summer, maybe longer. In an effort to support local artists and to continue downtown’s monthly tradition, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District has come up with an innovative way to visit with the artists of San Pedro on First Thursday by creating a virtual artwalk called the Armchair ArtWalk Tour. The virtual tour will be held on Zoom.com at 6:30 p.m. on First Thursday May 7. The tour will visit with artists David Dory and Michael Stearns, and arts advocate and proprietor of The Grand Emporium, Chuck Klaus. The public is invited to attend by sending an email to Linda Grimes, managing director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com. Attendees will receive the login information for a one-hour virtual, interactive artwalk tour. This is a free service for the community. The Armchair ArtWalk Tour is sponsored by Engage at the Pacific Avenue Arts Colony at 4th and Pacific (www.engagedaging.org). spt
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MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9
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SAN PEDRO SPORTS SCENE TAKES A BIG HIT FROM VIRUS by Steve Marconi For weeks on end, we read and heard about the toll of COVID-19, all while wearing masks and gloves and standing in line staring at empty store shelves. It all seemed to be happening somewhere else, to somebody else. When it finally hit home, it struck like a thunderbolt, within ten days taking two of San Pedro’s leading sports figures, two men inextricably linked to each of our town’s high schools. I never met Joe Radisich, who died March 25 at age 86, but I worked at the News-Pilot during his heyday as Mary Star’s football coach, writing headlines as his “little school that could” defied all odds in beating much bigger schools
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10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MAY 2020
time and again. And working at the Daily Breeze, where the News-Pilot was published, during that time as a composing room foreman was Larry Robertson, who died April 4 at age 72. Coach Radisich was older and in poor health before contracting COVID-19, but Larry was fit and healthy when he was infected. Ironically, Larry may have contracted the virus doing what came naturally for him, helping others. In retirement, he and his wife, Faye, both worked at the cruise terminals, where he assisted passengers on and off the ships, and there were infected passengers at the time. Both were graduates of San Pedro High—Radisich in 1954, Larry in S`65— and both impacted the community they loved. I worked with Larry for 20 years as
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a copy editor for the News-Pilot and Daily Breeze. A year after I left Copley for the L.A. Times, I bought a house in the same neighborhood as Larry and passed by his house regularly, stopping often when I saw him working in his yard or in the garage to catch up on the latest news. More recently, he became an integral part of the San Pedro High Athletic Hall of Fame, which honored his father posthumously in 2017. Before joining me as a committee member, Larry and his sidekick, Leon Carr, were mainstays in raising funds for the hall, selling those ubiquitous 50-50 tickets just as they did for years with the Pirate boosters. Years before I knew Larry, I knew his parents, Jim and Mary, through their friendship with my parents. Back in the `60s and `70s, when my dad needed plumbing help, he always called Jimmy, who was a longtime employee of the Harbor Department. Jimmy was a real handyman; the brickwork he did for my parents still stands at their house. Jimmy also was a well-known figure in the community through his volunteer work with youth sports and the elderly. He was San Pedro’s Citizen of the Year in 1996, the year he died, also at a young age, 74. San Pedro High’s Alumni Field now bears his name. And it was Jimmy, a S`41 San Pedro High grad and treasurer of the Pirate boosters for 13 years, who started the 50-50 sale at Pirate football games. Larry was living proof that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Larry also was proud of his local roots. The last time I saw him, he loaned me a worn copy of Ella Ludwig’s classic 1927 tome, History of the Harbor District of Los Angeles, which includes his great-grandfather John W. Robertson, a San Pedro pioneer. It was only fitting that John’s grandson Jim ended up meeting and marrying Mary Trittinger, whose father was the Point Vicente lighthouse keeper from 1930 to 1945. This month’s column was going to be about the Spanish flu’s effect on San Pedro in 1918, the year John Robertson came to San Pedro, when death struck tragically and randomly and shrouded
the town in sorrow. It is hoped the numbers who die from COVID-19 may never approach what happened a hundred years ago, but the pain for friends and family of loved ones we’re losing now remains the same. SILVER LININGS? It’s difficult seeing anything good coming from the COVID-19 pandemic, but some lifestyle changes have been positive. The most obvious is the enforced bringing of families together. I’ve never seen so many couples out walking together, often with babies in strollers, older kids on bikes, dogs on a leash. It’s heartening, but let’s face it: When the pandemic ends and the parents are back to work, the “old normal” returns. In the meantime, with the lockdown in effect, you can actually drive around town without hitting a traffic jam. But then again, there is no place to drive to. I’ve also been impressed by the creativity shown by so many people in the hilarious memes permeating social media. Pluto the dog on YouTube has been a constant source of joy through these troubling times, a good reminder that laughter is indeed the best medicine. With the rat race put on hold, it also seems like people are being nicer to each other. Maybe it’s because there is no reason to hurry anymore, but people seem to be more patient and understanding and actually polite. It’s refreshing; those random acts of kindness have moved off car bumpers into real life. Take Cathy Michalak of Eastview: She made a batch of sourdough starter and used the Nextdoor app to offer it to her neighbors. A subsidiary benefit that will remain and impact many lives has been the discovery in the States of the wonders of the bidet. I hate to credit the French with anything, but it beats waiting in line for toilet paper at Costco. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.
VOICES
great food to eat. Restaurants and organizations like Babouch, Angel Gown, Alpine Village Market and Restaurant, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro, Polly Ann Bakery, Community’s Child, Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, Grab and Go meal program, Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, Christian Care at Mary Star of the Sea, Supervisor by Jennifer Marquez Janice Hahn, and so many more have contributed food, masks for volunteers, quickly went from being a skeptic to and funds. It was a couple The Meals on Wheels program is of years ago when a fan. Now two years later, Meals on I tried to convince Wheels has been something my dad not not only about access to healthy food; only looks forward to but counts on. it is also about older adult well-being. my dad to try When a person receives food from a Meals on Wheels. For me, it has relieved so much stress, wondering what and when he is eating. volunteer, many times it is the only He was not fond person they will see all day. Volunof the idea at first. Each delivery has fruits, vegetables, a hot meal, and a sandwich for later. teers get to know the people they He had macular Watching firsthand how Meals on are delivering food to, and it builds degeneration and was losing his vision. Wheels has made such a positive difcommunity for those who are often He lives an hour away from me, and unable to leave their homes. Particisince he was not driving any longer, he ference for our family motivated me pants in the program who have pets did not frequent his normal restaurants. to get involved with the local Meals on Wheels in San Pedro. I am now also receive free pet food delivered His eating seemed sporadic when I volunteering as a member of their once a quarter through their AniMeals inquired with my nosy-yet-caringboard of directors and couldn’t be more program. Meals on Wheels also serves daughter’s interest when I called him. I wanted to respect his independence, impressed with the community support individuals with disabilities or those received during these challenging times. who’ve had a recent hospital stay. but we needed to make a few changes. Restaurants and businesses, some who Food security is often associated So I signed him up for Dial-A-Ride so are struggling to stay afloat themselves, with individuals who are living in he could get out on his own and eat came together in San Pedro fashion to poverty. However, that is not only the at his favorite restaurants. I took him grocery shopping and most importantly, make sure people who were homebound case, unfortunately. There have been and elderly were not only fed but had cases of seniors living in San Pedro he agreed to try Meals on Wheels. He
MEALS ON WHEELS DELIVERS
who are well-dressed and live in nice homes with empty refrigerators and bare pantries. Sadly, the appearance of a well-put-together person does not automatically translate into being a well-fed individual, as other issues can come into play, creating obstacles to good nutrition. San Pedro Meals on Wheels was founded in 1972 and has served 1.5 million people; it has a rich history serving our community and is looking forward to growing even more. The kitchen they use was built in 1950, and efforts are being made for upgrades. In addition, Meals on Wheels is in discussions with Willenberg Career & Transition Center to receive produce from their garden. The LAUSD center provides vocational training for students with disabilities. Meals on Wheels is also making plans with local nonprofit Green Girl Farms to help bring healthy produce to more people in San Pedro. There are many ways to be involved with Meals on Wheels, such as volunteering, donating, or asking the seniors in our families and neighborhoods, “What did you eat today?” spt For more information about Meals on Wheels, visit sanpedromealsonwheels.org or call (310) 832-7335.
MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11
VOICES
RESILIENCE & THE ADAPTIVE CYCLE OF CHANGE by Tim McOsker
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Over the past weeks, we’ve all wondered when we’ll “get back to normal,” to life as it was before COVID-19. At the same time, some question whether we should settle for the “old” normal. Maybe we should aspire to come back better, smarter, stronger, and more resilient than before. We could use this time to plan for change and growth. But how would we learn to do that? When has a crisis been managed and turned into strength and stability? For the best examples, we could look to the longest-running, most successful R&D and innovation lab in the history of the world: Mother Nature, the earth herself. Since long before man, nature has constantly played and replayed cycles of growth, stability, crisis, reorder, and rebirth. Nature only knows how to grow, respond, and adapt to the circumstances around her. Whether it’s meteors, ice sheets, earthquakes, volcanoes, wildfires, or humankind, nature meets challenges, evolves, and thrives. She will repeat these cycles long after we are gone. Science tells us so. From the 1950s to the 2000s, ecologist C. S. Holling blended the study of nature with systems theory, simulation modeling, and social sciences to develop several new scientific ideas, one of which was called the “adaptive cycle.” With apologies to the great scientist, the adaptive cycle can be over-simplified to describe how nature adapts to crisis and survives. The practical application of the model is that it illustrates how human institutions can respond to challenges and thrive, as well. The adaptive cycle is sometimes graphically described as the “infinity symbol.” Imagine an element of the natural world traveling through that figure. As it sweeps up from left to right, nature is growing and thriving. It is stable, conserving itself, and all is well. As that natural element gets to the top of the right-hand curve, it is in some circumstance of significant change, whether from fire, drought, flooding, or the like. The theory tells us that while in crisis, nature can be rigid and unchanging, or it can begin to respond (termed “release”). If rigid, it breaks and dies. If responsive, it is malleable, capable of change, and survives. By responding to the circumstance, it heads toward a
moment of “breakthrough,” developing innovations by which it reorganizes and restructures itself. Now it heads to the second, left-hand curve of the symbol. This curve represents the moment of adaption when nature changes itself or its behavior in a manner to allow it to interact with its changed circumstance and live. Once adapted, the element of nature is back to where we started and in a stage of growth, then stability. We know from the model that it is also readying itself for the next crisis and adaptation. Through this cycle, nature is resilient. One can see how the adaptive cycle has been applied to study and improve the resiliency of systems that we create: businesses, governments, churches, social structures. Each of these can have periods of growth and stability. Each invariably faces critical moments of challenge that require a response. We are at one of those inflection points now. The COVID-19 pandemic is a tragedy. Our hearts go out to those who contract the virus, to their families, and to the millions who suffer financial harm in the lockdown. The terrible effects of the virus cannot be overstated. But, as in nature, this is a crisis that followed a period of stability. Now we are in a “time out” and have a chance to respond. We can hang on to “normal” as it was before. But that might be the “rigidity” mistake of the adaptive cycle. Or we can break down old ways of thinking (the “release”) and promote an environment for breakthroughs that lead to innovations and adaptations. The most pressing innovation will be a vaccine; but it could also be a reformed healthcare system, new housing policies, stable job markets, stronger social networks, or an equitable economy. Or all of that. As I write this, it’s Earth Day, April 22. I’m looking southeast out my home office window on a cloudless, warm, spring day. The clean, clear air allows a view down the main channel of the harbor, to the breakwater, past Angel’s Gate, and on to a peaceful, blue Pacific. It is as if the ocean is saying “Watch me, here’s how I respond; see the challenges that lay ahead; adjust; embrace the chaos of change, find something that works, and go with that. Once you’ve figured it out, use your resources well, but don’t get complacent; you may need to do this again.” I am sure she’s right. spt Tim McOsker is the CEO of AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles.
VOICES
AN EMERGING HUNGER PANDEMIC
food shortages and urged swift action to avert disaster. At the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, we have seen our families struggle for years to provide by Mike Lansing adequate food for their children, but never more than today. In response to this growing hunger crisis, since This unprecedent- happens when one lives paycheck to ed COVID-19/coro- paycheck and an injury/illness requires schools closed in mid-March, we have a visit to the doctor or one blown gasket now established seven “Grab & Go” navirus pandemic has obviously had a cripples one’s transportation to that job, food distribution centers in the greater harbor area. On March 23, with only tremendous impact or when a family emergency requires missing a couple of days of work? What one center open, we served 87 meals on all of our lives happens when the unemployment inand snacks. On April 20, as I am writbut especially for ing this column and sponsoring seven those who have lost surance runs out and there is nowhere to find work or the work found leaves locations, we are now serving 2,800 loved ones. Meanwhile, a much more parents “one paycheck away” from not meals and 2,800 snacks daily (and having enough food to adequately feed those numbers are growing). The need persistent crisis has taken hold - one their children? for basic food allocations that almost all that has been here for decades but has On the world stage, the hunger of us take for granted is overwhelming grown and come to the forefront due to outlook is even bleaker. “While dealing at times. What we have in our pantries the economic crisis that has paralleled with a COVID-19 pandemic, we are on and freezers would probably feed 20 the current health one. the brink of a hunger pandemic,” David food-insecure families for a week. I’m Even before COVID-19, “food inseBeasley of the World Food Programme not trying to make any of us feel bad curity” had become an ever-increasing recently told the United Nations about that; it’s just a fact which sadly health crisis as the growing number of highlights the huge food disparity in working poor families in our communi- Security Council. “There is also a real our own community. ty and country had grown exponential- danger that more people could potentially die from the economic impact of Besides our daily meal and snack ly over the past 10 years. Long before COVID-19 than from the virus itself.” distribution program, we are also this pandemic, far too many families partnering with donors and vendors were barely making it even with two in- He cited conflict, an economic recesto 1.) provide 300 families a hot meal comes, due to the realities families with sion, a decline in aid, and a collapse in oil prices as factors likely to lead to vast weekly––about 2,000 dinners in all; 2.) minimum wage earners face. What
distribute “staples” (bags of beans, rice, canned goods, etc.) to needy families for the weekend; and 3.) due to the tremendous generosity of San Pedro native son Chuck Ursini, we are distributing over $100,000 of Vons gift cards per week to needy families. If you are interested in donating to this growing effort and need, please visit our website at bgclaharbor.org. Food insecurity will still be here for thousands of our neighbors and millions of Americans after a vaccine is found to combat COVID-19. Daily lack of food is the largest health crisis facing too many of our neighbors today and tomorrow. I thank all those already providing food support, but so much more needs to be done at a local, national, and world level. We can either rally around solutions, and thousands of children could subsequently go to bed nourished in the days and years to come, or we can rally around excuses, and those same children would go to bed hungry. Which option will we choose? spt Mike Lansing is the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.
MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13
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The expression “every cloud has a silver lining” means that even the worst situations have some positive aspect. As we enter another month of quarantine, we couldn’t think of a better time to ask our readers (and a few contributors) about the “silver linings” they’ve discovered during this coronavirus pandemic (and to show us their masks). Our hope is that these responses inspire you to search for the positive during these challenging times. It’s there if you just look for it.
1.) This is my friend Cathy Coppa. She has given me permission to submit her photo. She has been able to bring laughter and a sense of continuity at work. She is so positive about how we will be okay and about how blessed we are to continue to work and do our part each and every day. – Lily Allen 2.) In true San Pedro fashion, this community never fails. The community support for restaurants has been overwhelming. Complete strangers shopping for the elderly. Donations to needy organizations and volunteers on a daily basis. As usual, when faced when adversity, the people of San Pedro deliver. – John Bagakis
virtual meeting platforms that allow me [to provide] continued support for my patients healing from home. As a physical therapist, a significant portion of my treatment is performing hands-on intervention. Now in these unprecedented times, I’m challenged to adapt to telehealth visits where I am limited to words or demonstration only. I’m so proud of my patients who continue to push forward and thrive amidst these great challenges. – Maile Bay Jacques, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
5.) I've always enjoyed being a homebody, but it's a bit disconcerting when it's imposed on one. My silver lining through these unusual times is taking more of an interest in so-called little joys. Every day 3.) I encourage everyone to write since I've practiced social distancdown positive thoughts – social me- ing, I've photographed one lovely dia posts, gratitude journals, whatflower and shared the photo on ever. Doing that has really helped Facebook. It's amazing how many me during the crisis. I’m starting an different and colorful flowers I've inspirational sports media company discovered just steps away from my that uses lessons learned from front door! – Marie Milick Borsports to teach positive mindset chardt principles, and so I’m helping my partner (former USC all-American/ 6.) Our community has really NFL quarterback Paul McDonald) to stepped up to help those who need write a book. I’ve been writing a lot us most! The best of humanity has during the crisis. I can’t tell you how been shown these past couple of therapeutic that’s been. Fight on! – weeks. Through food and grocery Jack Baric gift card distribution, virtual programming and a hot meal program, 4.) I am grateful for the use of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los 16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MAY 2020
Angeles Harbor has worked to keep our promise to our youth! To learn more, go to bgclaharbor.org. – Christina Choy 7.) By no means am I thankful for the current state of our world, but I am thankful. Thankful for the forced time of slowing down. Thankful for the love that fills our lives. Thankful for having a best friend who will be by my side all the days of my life. – Ken Creighton 8.) We live on a walkable street, so when our friends and neighbors stroll by, we can wave from a distance and exchange a few encouraging words. Being isolated does not mean you have to lock yourself inside. Get out in the yard and plant something, then watch it grow. The silver lining is a deeper connection to home and health. – Susan & Michael Davis 9.) We are grateful to be healthy and happy during this unpredictable time. The unknown can be scary, but we’re doing our best to embrace it positively, taking the necessary precautions to continue to live in “normalcy.” We are utilizing the extra hours in the day to spend time with one another as our typical schedules constantly had us in opposite locations at opposing times. Talking/playing virtual games
with family and friends, going on long walks, discovering new online workouts, cooking, watching movies, tackling those “I’ll get to it one day” tasks, working on our various art projects – all within each given week of the quarantine – would never be a possibility in our past lives. Time is the silver lining during this EpicDemic, and from utilizing those minutes wisely comes many blessings. We continue to send out our prayers to those who have suffered or lost a loved one from COVID-19, as well as for the safety and well-being of our front-liners, neighbors and those throughout the world. – Gino & Sarah Di Leva 10.) This pandemic has reminded me of our community’s generosity. I’m high risk, as are some others in my family, and we’ve been blessed with numerous offers to help shop for groceries and supplies. Friends, family, and even acquaintances have graciously reached out to us to make sure we have what we need. Knowing that everyone is struggling in one way or another right now, it reminds me how generous and selfless our community can be. – Lori Garrett 11.) As difficult as the quarantine is, it has given me the opportunity to stop and smell the roses a bit. Having a family with two teenagers and
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MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17
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a busy work schedule, I am constantly on the go. This has given me the chance to spend some extra time enjoying my family and quality time with my boys. That is a nice unexpected benefit to all this. – Mike Harper 12.) The time of quarantine has really forced me to slow down the pace of my life. Instead of rushing to the office every morning, I now go on a nice family walk with my wife and daughter. Friendly smiles (pre-masks), “good mornings” from neighbors, beautiful parks, and views of Downtown L.A. and Catalina have reminded me how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful community. – Peter Hazdovac 13.) I’m a proud San Pedran, and I commute [more than two] hours daily for work. My silver lining is being able to spend more time in my community: going on walks in the neighborhood, enjoying the views, ordering from local restaurants, and passing the time with my parents and dog. I'm even starting to get to know my neighbors! – Xana Hermosillo
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14.) Donald Bark, age 95, life-long San Pedro resident. After learning he had to wear a mask, which his daughter made for him, asked if she would make extras for his friends who are always so kind to him. Once they were ready, he asked his other daughter to help deliver them while practicing social distancing. – Leslie Hoback 15.) I would have to say that what’s going on nowadays with this virus has certainly given me a new insight to love. Being with my loving wife longer has really caused me to appreciate her more, love her better and treat her the way she deserves, as the queen she is. Also, [I’m] taking the time to get closer with God. There is a good side to all this, after all. Never again will I take creature comforts for granted. – Scott Hughs 16.) This is what Easter Sunday looks like in 2020! – Gloria & Moe Ibarra 17.) People helping people. Public/private partnerships. Coming together for the safety and well-being of the community. Best of humanity. – Manuel Jimenez
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18.) A silver lining from all this is that people are starting to appreciate the things they took for granted. I see in social media how the first thing they will do is go to the beach or to the park. I've also noticed people being more aware of personal space. It might be because they are afraid of getting something, but I'll take it if I don’t have to worry [about] getting sick. – Angel Lem 19.) The pandemic has wreaked havoc on business owners like us. You tend to think that in times of crisis, people look out for themselves, but one of the amazing things to witness has been the overwhelming support of our members to [help] make sure we make it through. You don’t quite realize what you mean to people (and what they mean to you) until things go sideways. – Ricky Magana 20.) I have been very thankful during this challenging time that [I’ve been able to continue] to work in social services, as I have done for the last 25 years. My job brings needed resources like soap, diapers, new socks, and other essential items to over 200 nonprofits and Title 1 schools in Los Angeles County. Working from home exclusively now has given me more time to spend with my family and put more effort into growing my own food in a small garden. Lastly, I have been seeing my father from a distance. This photo was taken when I took him to get a needed medical procedure on his eye that could not be postponed. I am happy to report he is doing fine and enjoys his Meals on Wheels and any other special treats I bring him or have delivered. I have not been in a grocery store
18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MAY 2020
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since March 13 and have taken the lockdown very seriously. – Jennifer Marquez 21.) Rushing from one thing to another was my regular way of life, and I thrived on it. But now our world’s new normal has forced me to slow down – and I have to admit, I really appreciate it. My current days have more family game nights and movie nights more often. I am also thankful to be crossing off many tasks from my home’s overdue “to do” list as well. So while I’m looking forward to the return of many things (especially sports!), I’m going to hang onto a lot of this relaxed lifestyle from now on. Stay strong and well, San Pedro! – John Mattera
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22.) During this pandemic, I have realized that so many things in our lives are not necessary. The things that are, are not really things at all. They are people, especially family. I have been blessed to be able to spend almost every day with my grandbabies, and I know not everyone has. So for that, I'm grateful. I'm also so grateful for my loving and caring husband. This too shall pass. – Jeanine Orcutt 23.) I have enjoyed seeing neighborhoods come alive and families spending quality time together! More and more neighbors are walking through the neighborhood and stopping to talk with fellow neighbors while social distancing. Our family is enjoying spending each night eating at the dinner table and talking about our day and many topics. Life is at a much slower pace and reminds me of how I grew up, and I hope it continues after the virus passes! – Anthony Pirozzi, Jr. 24.) [It’s a] mid-April day with the top down in my electric Smart car, driving through one of my favorite local spots, Troy’s Burgers, on Pacific. For a few moments, I almost forgot about all the people back at the house who haven’t been “out” in weeks. I'm a port truck driver working through this COVID-19 age. So I always call home to find out what I can bring home. This day it was "onion rings.” – Peter J. Reynolds
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25.) My silver lining has been discovering all of the beautiful places I can walk [to] right in my own neighborhood and still get a really good workout, taking a different route every day, and stopping along the way to appreciate and take photos of the gorgeous scenery, flowers, birds, and views. – Debbie Scanlon 26.) Since this pandemic disrupted our lives, my husband and I can clearly see how much we have and how little we need to make ends meet. I started up the Hello San Pedro Podcast again. My son and I look for bugs in our yard and read books together every day. At two years old, he is a little behind in his speech, but I have a feeling when this is over, he’ll be a big talker! – Amanda Silva 27.) The silver lining for our family during this crisis is spending much needed quality family time. We have been taking evening neighborhood walks together, [enjoying] family workouts, and having movie night every night. If we didn't have this Safer at Home [order], I don't believe we would have had this time to spend with our children. – Pensinee Singson 28.) Six feet apart is better than six feet under! Seriously, let’s beat this thing by doing all the right things. To me, the silver lining of this [pandemic] has been that I have been showered with so much love from family and friends, and I’m looking forward to the day when I can give [them] a big hug in person. – Heli Swenson spt
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HISTORY
LET’S PUT THE ‘WE’ IN WEDNESDAYS
SAN PEDRO HERITAGE MUSEUM GOES VIRTUAL WITH 'HERITAGE AT HOME' by Angela Romero MILK WAS A BAD CHOICE: Will Ferrell in a scene from Anchorman filmed on 6th Street in Downtown San Pedro. (photo: Dreamworks)
When we decided to create the San Pedro Heritage Museum, we knew that we were building for longevity and not speed. This meant slow and sustainable growth with a virtual presence. Back then our idea of a virtual museum was holding in-person history talks and pop-up exhibitions at various locations around town. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced us all into a more literal definition of virtual with most of our personal and business interactions happening through conferencing programs like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom. It’s not ideal, but I wouldn’t have been able to get through the last few weeks without it. Times of crisis are hard for everyone, but they are also times of great creativity and ingenuity. I’m sure you’ve heard how Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus and came up with his theories on gravity while social distancing during the plague. No one is expecting us
to discover a new type of math, but I’ve enjoyed seeing how locals have tried to stick together while staying apart. The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce has switched their wildly successful Friday breakfasts to a virtual event; Grand Vision Foundation held their virtual open mic on First Thursday; and Pat Carroll, San Pedro’s premier First Thursday art guide, hosted the virtual Armchair ArtWalk Tour. This is all happening over Zoom. Obviously, this separation is temporary, and we’ll eventually be together again, but until then, I’m ready to join the party. Beginning on Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m., the San Pedro Heritage Museum will host a weekly Heritage at Home event via Zoom. We will kick it off with a fun look at one of my favorite subjects—filming in San Pedro. Wednesdays will be our day to come together as a community to have discussions about our heritage, but I will also include other virtual Heritage at Home content that you can enjoy at your own leisure. This will include some of the talks I had already planned for the year. One of the events I’m really looking
forward to hosting is called San Pedro Show & Tell. Most of us have a lot of time on our hands and are looking for things to do. Quarantine is a perfect time to dig out your boxes of photos and trunks of family heirlooms. One of the museum’s first initiatives was San Pedro Built, a crowd-sourcing photo database of homes and commercial buildings in town. I’d like to invite you all to scour your family photos for pictures to add to our database. We can also talk about the historical significance of photos and artifacts if you’d like to submit them. To submit photos and register for our first Heritage at Home event on May 20, please email info@sanpedroheritage.org. There are so many ways we can interact, and I’m excited about all the fun we’ll be having. We chose Wednesdays at 7 p.m. because we plan on it being our best way to engage with the community for the foreseeable future, even when some of the restrictions are lifted. Hopefully, you’ll come to look forward to our Heritage at Home programming. So far, we’re looking at Heritage Discussions, San Pedro Show & Tell,
Trivia Nights, maybe some virtual bingo and Ask Romee—where you get to ask me all your burning Pedro questions. If you have any programming suggestions, please email me at angela@sanpedroheritage.org. I can’t wait to put the “we” in Wednesdays with you all. spt May Heritage at Home Events: San Pedro on Film: Best Characters – Wednesday, May 20 at 7 p.m. San Pedro on Film: Favorite Couples – Wednesday, May 27 at 7 p.m. All Heritage at Home events can be found at sanpedroheritage.org. Pre-registration is required for each event; please email: info@sanpedroheritage.org. Angela Romero is the founder and president of the San Pedro Heritage Museum. For more info, visit sanpedroheritage.org.
Happy Mother’s Day
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MAY 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21
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HEALTH & FITNESS
NICE BUT NOT NECESSARY by Ricky Magana Imagine if you will, where one day you wake up and gas is cheap, traffic has evaporated, and you have been given six weeks off from work. Sounds like a dream come true, except everything is closed, the economy is shut down, people are dying, and all the toilet paper is gone. You realize this isn’t a dream, it’s a nightmare. And thanks to the coronavirus, this is reality. Our lives have become an Alanis Morissette song. And it’s been that way for you as it has been for me for the last month and a half. The gym I own, along with my co-founder Eddie McKenna, has been sitting empty for six weeks. Tens of thousands of dollars of exercise equipment accumulated over the ten years of building a fitness business; bars, plates, bikes, rowers, etc., all sitting and collecting dust, unable to be used. But as we closed our doors in mid-March, we knew one thing that many people were about to learn: Gyms and all the fancy equipment are great; but for the average Joe and Jane, they’re nice, but not necessary. Unless you’re a martial artist, competitive athlete, bodybuilder, or Olympic/powerlifter, your fitness results shouldn’t suffer because you don’t have a gym to go to. You don’t need the four walls of a gym and ellipticals to get in shape. You simply need resolve. Provided you’re not on the front lines fighting the virus or on the brink of financial ruin, you’re fresh out of excuses. You can still march forward towards your fitness goals provided you’re committed enough to deal with the inconvenience. If there’s one thing that this pandemic has taught us, it’s how to prioritize and improvise. We live lives of endless distraction and noise, but in a flash, you were forced to identify what was absolutely essential and, quite painfully, had to amputate everything else. And what was left, you had to reconfigure in ways you never had to before, completely on the fly. That’s exactly what happened to our gym. One day we’re a group-based fitness facility running 30 workouts a
week for hundreds of members and the next, we're a public safety hazard forced to shut down. The immediate shock of shutting down hurt, but stripped down to its base parts, our community exists to turn busy, everyday people into strong, indomitably fit people. We train on the premise that what you do in the gym should arm and equip you to thrive in any challenge or circumstance outside of the gym (and wow, did Mother Nature call our bluff). So while closing was a very painful and expensive mandate, at the end of the day, we didn’t need barbells and treadmills to accomplish our mission. For however long it takes to beat this thing, we decided we can adapt and bring the gym and community to you. Like many other gyms, we pivoted, moving our training program to the digital realm and our gym floors to the living room, doing live workouts virtually six days a week. People from six different states joined in weekly. One of the silver linings I’ve witnessed is seeing the breakthroughs many people are having as a result. We tend to tell ourselves how much we need things to be perfect; we overcomplicate what’s required to get and stay fit. We confuse what’s nice to have with what’s absolutely necessary to get the job done. So when a pandemic blows up “normal” to oblivion, people are suddenly forced to make it work. And surprisingly, when backed into a corner, you discover you’re a lot stronger and more resourceful than you thought you were. Finding that out about yourself is one of the most powerful epiphanies you can ever have. It’s self-reliance that, if achieved, proves that if you can do this now, you can do this no matter what happens. While this lockdown will prove to be costly in many ways, if you can learn that about yourself, maintain a healthy lifestyle and grow as a result, you’ll have made good use of a bad time. So I’ll leave you with a quote stolen from somewhere on social media, “The biggest waste would be if you didn’t come out of this a stronger person.” In other words, embrace the challenge. spt Heyday Elite Fitness is currently offering home video workouts. Visit sanpedrofatloss.com for more info.
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REAL ESTATE
COVID-19 & THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY by Mike Harper & Peter Hazdovac Where and how do we even begin? Our lives changed so dramatically and rapidly overnight with everything becoming a complete blur since mid-March. One day we were telling “coronavirus” jokes, and the next, the NCAA was announcing it would be playing their beloved “March Madness” tournament in empty stadiums amid growing COVID-19 fears. Later that same day, the NBA suspended their season indefinitely, which prompted the inevitable cancellation of the NCAA tournament altogether under mounting public pressure. At this point, it was clear this was no longer a joke, and although we may not have realized it at the time, our lives would unequivocally change entirely over the following days, weeks, and months to come. Fast forward to mid-April, and much of the United States has been in lockdown mode for nearly four weeks at the time we sat down to write this column. Many industries have been decimated by massive job losses, substantial reductions in pay and/ or available hours for those fortunate enough to keep their jobs, and a collective uncertainty for what the future has in store for many Americans. Who knew the terms “essential” and “nonessential” services would come to have such important meaning in our lives? To be completely forthright, the real estate industry was initially filled with chaos and uncertainty when this all went down. The initial executive order issued by the state of California did not clearly include real estate on its list of “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” Real estate services were eventually added to the state’s executive order and to the public order issued by the city of Los Angeles on April 1 but stated: “open houses and in-person showings of housing for lease and sales are prohibited.” The fact is that there are different restrictions to local orders for the city and county, which left many real estate offices, brokers and agents confused at how to assist and advise clients in need of their services. 24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MAY 2020
It also left risk management attorneys everywhere with varying interpretations of the local shelter-in-place orders and what was considered acceptable practices in the real estate industry. On March 31, the California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) moved swiftly to create its Real Estate Best Practices Guidelines during COVID-19, which has become the primary set of operating procedures in the real estate industry for brokers, agents, buyers, sellers, and third-party services during the shelter-in-place orders. These guidelines were developed with the fundamental goal of guiding agents in fulfilling their fiduciary duties to clients while protecting the safety of the people and communities they work in. For a complete list of C.A.R. Best Practices Guidelines, visit carcovidupdates.org/best-practices-guidelines Through all this, it has become quite clear that people still need to buy and sell real estate during these unprecedented times in our lives. Although volume is down considerably, we have witnessed the real estate industry and the general public make the necessary adjustments to adapt to the best practices guidelines required for doing business in this new environment. Inspections, appraisals, and the loan process all have their challenges, so being patient, having solid communication amongst all parties involved, and working with experienced professionals will go a long way. We are experiencing much more of our business being conducted virtually and electronically, with an emphasis on being mindful of safety and the well-being of our clients and the communities we work in. By the time you read this, we hope to be getting back to some semblance of normalcy in our lives, but only time will tell. One thing that has been refreshing throughout the COVID-19 emergency order is to witness our community coming together to support local businesses and one another. We have always been there for each other, and together we will get through this. Stay strong and safe. spt Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are both licensed realtors with Keller Williams Realty. For more info, visit harperhazdovac.com.
FAITH
GOD OF SILVER LININGS by Pastor Nathan Hoff Even though you are home, do you feel a little homesick for “normal?” We are collectively experiencing an exile from normal. We are not unique. Past relocations, displacements, disorienting or disappointing events have made everyone feel homesick for normal at some point. But now everyone, and I mean everyone in the world, seems to feel this together...apart. One of the great motifs in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures is that of exile and homecoming. From Adam and Eve’s exile from the garden to Israel’s exile to Assyria to Judah’s exile to Babylon to the church’s exile from Jerusalem, this theme of exile is returned to regularly in describing the very human experience of “this is not normal” to “finally, we are back to
normal.” The last book in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) is Malachi. He writes about 100 years after the exiled people of God returned to Jerusalem. Picture it with me. The temple is rebuilt. The walls are secure again. The farms, business trade, religion, and politics are all open and buzzing again. People are gathering freely. The exile experience is a distant memory. One day, this experience will be a distant memory for us. We will say, “Remember 2020? What a year!” But a century after the exile, Judah had forgotten all the lessons of exile. Suffering itself is tragic. Loss of life. Sickness. Economic ruin. Depression. All of these are grief-worthy in their own rights. Purposeless suffering is the only thing that is worse. The God of the Bible is well acquainted with silver linings, the theme of this issue. Some people of faith might even say God is
the cause of silver linings. Purposeless suffering is suffering with no silver lining. The God of the Bible is the God of exile and exodus, of death and resurrection. Talk about silver linings! The way Malachi delivers his prophetic message to the forgetful people isn’t in direct accusation or preaching at his audience. He uses the oldest teaching trick in the book— questions. Malachi asks 22 questions in his 55-verse book. God asks questions. People respond. And vice versa. In this short book, there are six disputes between God and his people, and God shows no intention of giving up. God is not disinterested or passive. God shows up, even when the people are picking a fight. Malachi’s God doesn’t have a last straw—no ‘give up.’ One day, we too will be post-exile. We will be “open for business.” But will we be happy? Will we have recognized any gift or purpose from this season? This message of Malachi has a direct point. The city, temple, marketplace, and nation might be open and even restored to some former state, but that is not the ultimate goal. God’s got his eyes on a different prize: heart
restoration and relational reconciliation (Malachi 4.5-6). If we get back to “open for business” without restored hearts and reconciled relationships, the good exile will have been wasted. Silver linings are real but can easily be forgotten. I encouraged our congregation, now online, to reflect on the following questions with their family or friends. What is a good thing you’ve seen come out of this exile? A silver lining? Are there any old commitments that you are calling into question? Commitments you hope not to take up again post-exile? Have you experienced an evaluation of what is most important to you during this time? Have you found yourself saying, “I will never take __________ for granted again”? Finally, I don’t want to let this article pass without offering a blessing to those who have experienced any kind of loss during this season. May the Lord lift up his favor upon you and give you peace. spt Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at trinitypastor.blogspot.com.
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STAY SAFE: April 17, 2020 - The marquee of the Warner Grand Theatre carries a message of hope. (photo: Angela Romero, San Pedro Heritage Museum)
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