JULY 2019
PLUS: THE MICROPLASTICS PROBLEM | TO LIVE & DIE IN S.P. | WAYNE ETTEL'S NEXT GEN BOAT BUILDERS
131 THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO
22.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT ROYAL PALMS STATE BEACH.
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
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I was out to dinner with a group of friends recently. As we mingled, a person at the table whom I had never met before asked me where I was from. “San Pedro,” I said. He looked at me quizzically. “Isn’t that place pretty rough?” he asked. I pause. I know what’s next. After a heavy sigh, I went into a well-prepared ten-minute monologue where I dispel and put into context the negative stereotypes this town has earned through the years while also touting all the recent, positive developments and investment opportunities currently happening. It’s a monologue I’ve been forced to repeat ad nauseam, and it always starts with me saying, “Actually…” I know I’m not alone in this experience. It’s a weird thing to defend your hometown. While we do live up to our “surliness” title at times, reality is rarely as stimulating as imagination. When I was a teenager, I thought New York City was the scariest place on the planet. I had visited there for the first time in 1992, and the city certainly lived up to its undesirable reputation. Then in 1995, one of my good friends from high school was randomly murdered on a New York City street. So, you can imagine how my family felt when I told them I was moving there in late 2000. The New York City I moved to wasn’t the New York City of 1992, nor was it the New York City of 1995. The New York City I moved to had changed. The strip clubs had been pushed out of Times Square, replaced with brand names like Disney, H&M, and The Gap. Property values rose exponentially (with rents following suit). The tone of the city had changed for the better, though it was becoming much more expensive to live there. Despite (and because of) the events of 9/11, the city has become the safest large metropolis in the United States. San Pedro faces a similar dilemma. We’re not living in the San Pedro of 1992, 1995 or 2000. The San Pedro of
2019 is vastly different from those eras, for better and worse. Let’s be honest, homelessness, mental health issues, drugs, gang violence, and crime are all a reality here. But if we’re still being honest, we must also admit the positives greatly outweigh the negatives. Have you seen what homes are going for here lately? Those prices are not a sign of a depressed area. Even homes in neglected parts of town are attracting people looking for a relative bargain, banking on San Pedro finally living up to its economic potential. What I’m trying to say is, towns change. And San Pedro is no different. In my years of reciting this monologue, I’ve realized there are four types of people, generally speaking, that have an opinion about San Pedro. First are the out-of-towners, mostly from somewhere in Southern California, who have only heard the negative things as fed through years of news media covering only the bad stuff. These people have never stepped foot here. Second, you have people from out-oftown who visited San Pedro as a child or teenager. They visited Ports O’Call Village and that’s it. But they remember it fondly, thus good memories. Third, we have those who have never heard of San Pedro. They can be from anywhere. They are my favorite type because they have no preconceived idea of what the town is like. They accept it all at face value. It’s an amazing feeling to view this town through the eyes of someone who has never been here before. I highly recommend it. All you need to do is take them to the views of the ocean off Angels Gate Park and the Korean Bell and half of them will want to buy property here right away. Finally, the fourth type is us. You and me and those of us who live (and/or work) here. We know what it’s like, the positive and the negative, and we accept it warts and all, knowing that this place is unique, and special, and definitely not for everyone. And actually, that’s ok. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
JULY 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
JULY 2019
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ADVERTISING:
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION
Patricia Roberts (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS
Shana Ghekiere (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com
Joshua J. Stecker
Joseph A. Castañeda
John Bagakis, Jack Baric, Ryan Bullock, Mark Friedman, Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Pastor Nathan Hoff, Mike Lansing, Ricky Magana, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Caitlyn Piercy, Angela Romero
PHOTOGRAPHER
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CONTACT INFO: Phone: (424) 224-9063
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Email: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733
VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 6
General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER Joshua J. Stecker
San Pedro Today publishes the last Thursday of every month and is produced monthly by Empire22 Media LLC. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without written permission by Empire22 Media. 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: 131 Things To Do in San Pedro (photos: John Mattera Photography)
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
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JULY 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. Every Friday – SAN PEDRO TEEN SUPPORT GROUP. 4p. A safe place to explore issues like making friends, dealing with bullies, peer pressure, managing stress, self-esteem, body image & much more. For more info, visit artemiscenter.net or call (310) 8092011. JUNE 28 (Fri) – 11th ANNUAL CARS & STRIPES FOREVER! at the Port of L.A. (600 N. Harbor Blvd.), 5p. Hosted by the Port of Los Angeles, Cars & Stripes Forever! is a free community celebration to kick off Independence Day weekend, featuring a classic car show (with more than 100 cars built before 1975), an exotic car display, motorcycles, live bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and grand fireworks finale at 9:15 p.m. The event will be held on Harbor Boulevard and the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. 2 (Tues) – NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL YOUTH & OUTREACH COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEETING at the San Pedro Municipal Building (638 S. Beacon Street, Room 452), 6p. 2 (Tue) – 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 Angela Romero will guide you through the history while introducing you to everything making downtown’s future bright. Tickets are $15. Additional tours July 9, 16, 23 & 30. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve.
12 (Fri) – HOLLYWOOD IN SAN PEDRO WALKING TOUR. 10:30a. San Pedro has been one of the busiest filming locations in Los Angeles since Hollywood began. 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 4 (Thurs) – 4th OF JULY COMMUNITY $15. Additional tours July 19 & 26. Call OBSERVANCE AT THE KOREAN (310) 808-7800 to reserve. BELL at Angels Gate Park (3701 S. Gaffey St.), 10:30a – 12:30p. The 13 (Sat) – LITERARY SAN PEDRO annual festive ceremony will include WALKING TOUR. 10a. San Pedro a processional to the bell led by leaves a deep impression on all who percussion drummers, posting of the visit. Discover the haunts and hear colors by the L.A. Air Force Base Color the words of local writers who found Guard, guest speakers, and ringing of success and world-famous authors who the Korean Bell of Friendship. For more found inspiration during their time info, contact the San Pedro Chamber here. Tickets are $15. Additional tour of Commerce at (310) 832-7272 or visit July 28. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. sanpedrochamber.com. 14 (Sun) – SUMMER SOIREE AND 4 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY ART SALE at 520 W. 8th St., 3:30 – ARTWALK in Downtown San Pedro, 6 6p. Join the San Pedro Waterfront – 9p. Live music, food trucks, art gallery Arts District at an elegant art deco displays, and food and drink specials loft in the heart of San Pedro, from local bars and restaurants. celebrating pioneering San Pedro artists, Ron Linden, and Arnee and Ray 6 (Sat) – THE OLD CITY WALKING Carofano. Enjoy live entertainment TOUR. 10a. Trace the development of and live art. For more info, visit old San Pedro from a sleepy rancho to sanpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict.com. a bustling metropolis on this tour of all the key historic sites in the old city, 15 (Mon) – COASTAL SAN PEDRO including the historic old post office, NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL Vinegar Hill, the Julia Morgan YWCA, BOARD MEETING at Cabrillo Marina the Warner Grand Theatre and more. Community Building (2965 Via Tickets $15. Call (310) 808-7800 to Cabrillo-Marina), 6:30p. reserve.
19 (Fri) – 21 (Sun) – 72ND ANNUAL MARY STAR OF THE SEA PARISH FIESTA at Mary Star of the Sea Parish (870 W. 8th St.), Friday: 5p – Midnight, Saturday: Noon – Midnight, and Sunday: Noon – 10p. Celebrating its 72nd year, with the theme of “A Weekend in Paradise,” support the Parish community and enjoy some family fun! Games, rides, raffles, and of course, lots of delicious food and treats. The 2019 Fiesta Queen will be crowned Sunday at 7:30p. 27 (Sat) – ANNUAL WINE TASTE at the Muller House (542 S. Beacon St.), 3 – 6p. The San Pedro Bay Historical Society invites you to enjoy a lovely afternoon on the scenic Muller House patio, including delicious hors d’oeuvres and an exciting auction. $25 suggest donation per person. For reservations and more info, visit sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.org or call (310) 365-8873. Space is limited. 27 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO PIRATE BOOSTERS ANNUAL CAR SHOW at 14th St. and Alma St., 9a – 3p. Come out and enjoy a day of fun with the family and help support Pirate Athletics! Live music and free spectator admission. Looking to show your car or have a booth? $25 (cars) and $50 (booth) pre-registration donation, deadline is July 14. For more info, contact Leonard Miller at (310) 7019357, sppirateboostersclub@gmail.com, or visit sanpedropirateboosters.com. spt
Want to see your event here? Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Deadline for the August 2019 issue is Friday, July 12. Find more events at facebook.com/sanpedrotoday.
8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
The AuxiliAry of The liTTle SiSTerS of the Poor Presents the 22nd Annual
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1 Trump National Dr. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
For more information call (310) 548-0625 / www.lspsocal.org For more information on Jeanne Jugan and the Little Sisters visit www.littlesistersofthepoor.org or visit the San Pedro home at 2100 S. Western Ave, San Pedro, CA 90732
JULY 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9
VOICES
OLD SAN PEDRO COMES TO LIFE IN TWO NEW BOOKS by Steve Marconi
There are two new books that San Pedrans should put on their summer reading list. Both books were written by former San Pedrans and both are about San Pedro – old San Pedro. One is a historical novel that takes place in the 1920s and ‘30s, and the second is a much shorter memoir about a young girl and her horse during the early days of World War II. Theresa’s Blessings, by David G. Freligh, (406 pp, $14.99, paperback, amazon.com). Freligh (free-ly), a S ‘62 graduate of San Pedro High, drew on his family history and the stories
he heard growing up to paint a vivid picture of his hometown that most of us know only through old photographs. Theresa’s Blessings is a fictional love story, but all of the characters are composites from Freligh’s past. Told in basically two parts, the first half gives the backgrounds of the two main protagonists. Theresa is an Italian orphan hired as a servant by a couple in Niles, Mich. (hometown of Freligh’s late wife), and Will, an orphan Tennessee hillbilly who, in the second half of the book, meet in post-World War I San Pedro. By then, Theresa is a young widow with six children and Will is a budding developer suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder after losing a foot in the war. Theresa and Will are meant to rep-
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resent Freligh’s grandparents; his real parents’ families arrived in San Pedro separately in 1919. The U.S. Hotel on Fifth and Beacon streets, which plays a prominent role in the book, aactually was run by Freligh’s maternal grandparents; the painted red line in the hallway beyond which no women were allowed was put there by his grandmother. His mother grew up there. That isn’t the most interesting part of Freligh’s family history. It’s not in the book, but in the ‘20s, his father lived for three years in a tent on an empty lot on 26th Street. It was a large tent on a wood floor that he shared with his mother and stepfather. While living there as a 13-year-old, Freligh’s father was told by his stepfather to dig a foundation for a house; meanwhile, the stepfather would steal the materials needed to build the home. Freligh’s parents graduated from San Pedro High – his father in 1926 and his mother in 1928. They were classmates with Vincent Thomas, whose nickname back then was Snake Oil. “His passion was running things. My parents never spoke ill of him,” Freligh recalls. “My roots, my flavor of San Pedro, goes right to my kitchen table, where I heard these stories. Many of their (his parents’) friends… they would reminisce and laugh about things. All of those stories, all went in there.” Freligh hasn’t lived in San Pedro since high school. He went on to the University of New Mexico, got married, served in the Vietnam War and became a private investigator. Today, he lives in Pella, Iowa. Like so many other homegrown San Pedrans, however, his heart remains in the “gritty seaport town” he remembers so well and writes about so eloquently. Mooney: A Story About a Girl and Her Horse, by Betsy Gude Borda, (105 pp, $7.50, paperback, amazon.com). Not far from the place where David Freligh’s father grew up in the 1920s is the home at 1060 Paseo del Mar where Betsy Gude grew up in the ‘40s. The house, with a huge peaked roof and tall stone chimney in front, still is there, sitting right across the street from the low wall on the cliff near the Point Fermin Park annex with Catalina in the
distance. This part of San Pedro was still sparsely settled as late as WWII, and it will probably come as a surprise to many that several residents in the area had horses. That was the dream of Betsy, an 8-year-old self-described tomboy – to have a horse of her own. Like Freligh’s novel, this is a very personal book, but, also like Freligh’s novel, it will resonate with a larger audience. Freligh’s book describes a San Pedro that didn’t extend much beyond Pacific Avenue, where a family treat was a visit to LaRue’s soda fountain. San Pedro was spreading out in the picturesque Point Fermin area when the Gudes arrived at their big house on Paseo del Mar, but there were still lots of open fields and pasture land, and residents, along with their Victory Gardens, raised chickens and pigs and had cows. Betsy tells the story of her and her horse in a series of vignettes, illustrated with drawings and family photographs. Along with an intimate glimpse into life in the Gude home, we experience with Betsy the growing pains shared by children of all generations. San Pedrans of that era will recognize many of the names of her circle of friends and the adults who were involved in her life. Besides her Norwegian immigrant parents and older brother, we meet her neighbor Mr. Looysen, the dentist Dr. Shinn, the veterinarian Dr. Smith and Dr. Thompson, whose bratty daughter, Clara, serves as Betsy’s foil. Among Betsy’s close friends is Bungy Hedley, whose family during this period had the distinct privilege of living in the only house at Royal Palms. Bungy’s unique connection to the sea is the subject of her own memoir, View From the Top of the Mast. Gude, now 85 and living in Portland, Maine, wrote and drew this tribute to her beloved horse in the 1950s, always hoping to get it published. It finally happened thanks to her family, but if Mooney is any indication, Gude could have been a published author long before this. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.
JULY 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11
VOICES
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As the beginning of July brings the start of another fiscal year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, I thought this would be a good time to utilize this column to update our progress. Expanding Once Again – On January 1, we took over operations of the five Clubs being operated in Harbor City/Harbor Gateway by the South Bay organization, which was about to close their doors. The choice was simple: either take over operations and the expense to keep these facilities open for the youth or close them down until we had secured all of the resources necessary to meet our standards. Our board rightfully decided to keep these locations open and the youth engaged while also scrambling to secure both building and program funding. We have been successful so far to meet both needs – our goal now is to serve even more youth in this highly impacted area. Summer Fun – With this newest expansion, we now operate in three separate Harbor Area regions: San Pedro, Wilmington and Harbor City/ Gateway. This summer, we are operating two Summer Camps in each of these regions to hopefully maximize the number of youth engaged during these nine vacation weeks. Our programs include swimming, sailing, robotics, the arts, field trips, sports activities and leagues, a literacy program, college visits, internship collaborations and more. We expect to serve more than 800 youth and young adults daily in our six Summer Camp locations this year. Rancho San Pedro & Barton Hill – Back in 2001, we entered into a partnership with the Port of Los Angeles to open a Club at their Liberty Hill site, which would allow us to prioritize youth from our Rancho San Pedro Public Housing community. This has been a fantastic partnership with the Port and we expanded our impact in that neighborhood by eventually securing the afterschool program at
Barton Hill Elementary. These two sites now serve more than 300 RSP & Barton Hill youth each day during the school year, and we are sponsoring once again a free summer program for the RSP youth at our Port Club site this summer. Our main goal continues to be to serve more of those who need us most, and our collaboration with the Port and Principal Michael Pile at Barton Hill Elementary is allowing us to do just that. San Pedro Club Facelift – Our San Pedro Club is almost 55 years old. As such, we have modified this facility over the years to maximize both the programs we can sponsor and the number of youths we can serve. We have built out separate elementary, middle school and high school centers within this Clubhouse to best meet our comprehensive program and attendance goals. As such, we need to both upgrade the facilities once again inside the building and we are finally going to give the outside a long overdue facelift. As such, we will be expanding our electrical capacity, building out new restroom facilities, initiating a fire suppression system throughout the facility and we have already added a new roof and HVAC system. Owning Club facilities takes a lot of ongoing capital maintenance and replacement. We should have all of these important upgrades completed by the end of this calendar year. We now operate 18 sites in our three Harbor Area regions, employing more than 230 staff and serving more than 2,500 youth daily during the school year. Most importantly, we sponsor the most comprehensive youth and young adult development programming available. We only accomplish this through the generosity of so many individuals, corporations, local businesses and so many other investors. Thank you all, once again. We’re looking forward to another fantastic year for our youth. spt Mike Lansing is the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.
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VOICES
THE BEST NETWORKING IN TOWN by John Bagakis
How many memberships or subscriptions do you have today? Are you getting your money’s worth? Are you a subscriber to Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Hulu? Do you subscribe to the Los Angeles Times, Daily Breeze or New York Times? Locally, are you a Wine Club member at Off the Vine? Do you work out at All Fit or Heyday? Are you a San Pedro Elk? Do you have season tickets to the Dodgers, Kings, or USC Football? What about a Disneyland annual pass? Yes, in 2019 we are engulfed in a world of memberships and subscriptions. However, in San Pedro, one of the most important memberships one can have is with our Chamber of Commerce. The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce has been around since 1906 and currently has more than 500 businesses, nonprofits, and individual memberships. Some of these companies have been members since before the Vincent Thomas Bridge was built. The most common question when it comes to joining the Chamber is, what do I get out of it? If you’re a small business owner, whether it be a restaurateur, running a clothing store, or your own web design company that doesn’t have a storefront, a chamber membership opens the door to hundreds of others just like yourself, looking to promote and strengthen their business. When people ask me what’s the most important thing you get from being a Chamber member, the answer is simple: networking. This is my favorite way to meet new people, introduce my business to them, and learn how we can work together in the future. The San Pedro Chamber hosts some of the best networking in the Harbor Area and South Bay. The Chamber hosts regular networking breakfasts every second and fourth Friday of the month at Pappy’s Seafood (301 W. 6th St.). These Breakfast with the Chamber mixers are open to members and non-members alike, for a small $15 breakfast fee (plus gratuity). The spread alone is worth the price of admission. This small group started with 14 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
8-10 guests and now regularly hosts nearly 50 at every gathering. Imagine handing out 30-40 business cards twice a month. It can only increase your chances of finding someone in need of your services. If Friday mornings don’t work for you, what about an evening mixer? The Chamber hosts evening mixers every quarter, with the most recent one at Little Fish Theatre. Every December, the Chamber hosts a Holiday Mixer at Crafted, which includes some shopping, wine tasting, appetizers, and of course, networking. If networking isn’t enough of a reason to become a member of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, what about marketing help? Yes, the Chamber can help you market your business (San Pedro Today even offers a New Chamber Member advertising discount). How about a Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting party? The Chamber will invite its entire membership to attend. Finally, being a Chamber member gives one the opportunity to keep up-todate with what’s going on in San Pedro. You can attend committee meetings and listen to presentations on future projects coming to town, ask questions of local elected officials, attend the annual Business Expo, be a part of Fleet Week and the annual Holiday Parade, attend seminars that can help your business grow, and learn about labor issues. Marketing, networking, and information on any and all things San Pedro. As a San Pedro Chamber of Commerce member for more than a decade, I’ve taken advantage of everything I’ve written about above as a small business owner (Big Nick’s Pizza). Chamber memberships aren’t as expensive as one might think, and they now offer monthly payments to join instead of one lump sum. For more information, walk into the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce at 390 W. 7th St. or call them at (310) 832-7272. They can help you in the office or one of their board members can arrange a meeting to answer all of your questions. spt John Bagakis is the owner of Big Nick's Pizza and is a San Pedro Chamber of Commerce board member.
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JULY 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 15
ENVIRONMENT
IF YOU EAT SEAFOOD, YOU’RE PROBABLY EATING PLASTIC MICROPLASTICS TEAMS IN HIGH SCHOOLS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO SOLVE THIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM by Mark Friedman, special to San Pedro Today
Microplastics on the beach (photo: iStock)
Researchers announced this past January that regular seafood eaters could be ingesting up to 11,000 microplastic particles per year. Although 99% of the particles pass through the body, at least one percent or about 60 particles, are absorbed into the body and do accumulate over time. In the ocean, plastic acts like a sponge picking up toxins and chemicals. Annually, about 8.8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean, and about 9 million tons of plastic make its way into the world’s oceans. These plastics come from a diverse range of sources, including clothing made from synthetic materials. When these types of clothes are washed, they shed thousands of tiny plastic microfibers. These microplastics are then ingested by marine organisms which we, in turn, eat. In addition, the sun’s ultraviolet rays break down the plastic polymers into chemicals that disrupt human hormonal systems, especially those of adolescents and pregnant women. Increasing evidence shows the negative impact of these plastics on marine organisms and humans. One such chemical component of plastics, described by Physicians for Social Responsibility, is Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is used in polycarbonate (i.e. hard) 16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
microplastics at these locations. plastic products like water bottles, Japanese marine biology teacher, medical equipment, toys, consumer Yasuyuki Kosaka initiated this colelectronics, household appliances, and laboration with the Animo High School automobiles. Epoxy resins containing Marine Biology Club in Los Angeles. In BPA are used as liners for many food and beverage cans and, surprisingly, in advancing this international collaborathe very-common thermal cash register tion, Kosaka presented the students’ research data from receipts. Wakasa High We are pleased School at several to report that a workshops at the new collaborative 2017 National Scieffort between the ence Teachers AsNational Assosociation (NSTA) ciation of Biology convention in Teachers (NABT), Los Angeles. He biology club high shared that the school students Japanese students in Los Angeles, found microplasWakasa High tic particles in School marine L.A.-based Microplastics Team on Dockweiler beach, one of their beach sand research sites. the stomachs of science students (photo courtesy: Mark Friedman) oysters found in in Japan, and other the Sea of Japan—a source of seafood student and environmental groups in Cambodia, Singapore, and Chile, in ad- (aquaculture and shellfishing) for the city of Kyoto. dition to students in several other U.S. The NABT Los Angeles Microplastics states, are working together to form an Team from Animo High School had also international partnership to research collected water and sand samples from the impacts of plastics. local sources such as Alamitos Bay, San This school-to-school collaboraPedro harbor, and beaches at Dockweition with Japan began in January of ler, Cabrillo, and Redondo, and found 2017 and already has students in each country selecting particular waterways, tens of thousands of plastic nodules, including harbors, oceans, and beaches macro- and microplastic debris, and to investigate types and the quantity of substantial amounts of microplastics
and filaments. With instruction and collaboration with Linda Chilton (USC Sea Grant and NMEA board member), the Animo High School students developed standardized protocols. They took random quadrat samplings (with GPS coordinates) to a depth of 2 cm. Sand along with other biotic and abiotic matter was placed in buckets of water, the floating plastic was siphoned off and passed thru filter paper, and then counted. For analyzing plastic in harbors and waterways, the Animo students used Algalita and 5Gyres protocols, focusing on plankton net tow for specific time and GPS coordinates, collection of biotic and abiotic matter from the codend that was poured thru filter paper and counted. This data was shared with other organizations and posted on a student developed website, featuring this club’s and other high schools’ research and action projects, articles, PowerPoints and videos, and plastic removal innovations. The Microplastics Team captain Diana Cervantes from Animo High School shared that she had gained valuable experiences from the collaboration saying, “I have learned to be a better communicator and team player. Thanks to this overseas collaboration, I’ve also learned how to communicate with dif-
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ferent people, and how to properly get my messages across.” Another member of the Microplastics Team, Jessica Gonzalez had a similar experience. “We realized that there is little awareness in our community on plastic pollution,” Gonzales said. “We collected samples of microplastics at nearby beaches to show that microplastic pollution is a problem that directly affects marine organisms and humans. That initial passion to create awareness allowed us to present our research at science fairs to spark individuals from our community to make changes in their lives that will end the growth of microplastic pollution.” Mikinori Matsui from Japan’s Wakasa High School says, “Through study of microplastics, I learned not only the seriousness of plastic pollution, but also the importance of cooperation. We must collaborate with people in other countries to solve this global problem. Now we collaborate with Los Angeles students. Our research has become very exciting. We want to continue to find solutions to this problem with them.” The high school students from Los Angeles were participants in the Algalita International POPS Youth Summit.
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Two Latina high school students from Los Angeles will be travelling to Chile in May, invited by NMEA member Carla Christie from the Universidad Austral de Chile, to present their findings and organize future collaboration with teachers and students. All the NABT biology club high school members perform bilingual community outreach in Los Angeles. These take place at local aquaria (e.g. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium), parent meetings, health fairs, Earth Day, and other related events. One Saturday each month, the team leads L.A. Maritime Institute’s (LAMI) tall ship passengers on a hands-on research and data collection expedition in San Pedro’s harbor called, Explore the Coast/Explora la Costa, thanks to a grant from the California Coastal Commission. (The Commission supports environmental education programs that are often-overlooked in the Spanish speaking community.) The team teaches and shares the concerns about microplastics while passengers dissect Albatross boluses, separate plastic particulates from local sand samples, and discuss the human impacts and solutions during the expedition. The high school students involved in
"I LEARNED NOT ONLY THE SERIOUSNESS OF PLASTIC POLLUTION, BUT ALSO THE IMPORTANCE OF COOPERATION. WE MUST COLLABORATE WITH PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES TO SOLVE THIS GLOBAL PROBLEM."
-- MIKINORI MATSUI WAKASA HIGH SCHOOL (JAPAN)
the program around the world continue REFERENCES to share their research at local, regional, Biello. D. (2008). Plastic (not) fantastic: Food containers leach a potentially harmful chemical. Scientific and international science fairs, while American. hoping to spread solutions to the micro- Dockrill, Peter. (2015). Scientists find worms can safely eat the plastic in our garbage. Science Alert. plastics problem as far as possible. spt Moore, Thomas. (2017). Microplastics in seafood could be Mark Friedman is mentor to the Microplastics Team. Teachers and student environmental clubs interested in collaborating on Microplastic research and educational action campaigns can contact him at marklewisfriedman@gmail.com.
a health risk, experts fear. SkyNews. Physicians for Social Responsibility. Hormone Disrupting Chemicals. Fact sheet. www.psr.org. Rathi, Akshat. (2017). Even your sea salt is contaminated with plastic. Quartz Media, LLC. Rochman, Chelsea, M., et al. (2015). Anthropogenic debris in seafood: Plastic debris and fibers from textiles in fish and bivalves sold for human consumption. Nature.
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CONSERVING CLASSIC CRAFTS WAYNE ETTEL IS TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF BOAT BUILDERS story and photos by Jack Baric
One of many old, wooden boats waiting to be refurbished by Ettel's team of young boat builders.
I drive through the dirt lot of a nondescript Wilmington dock, past piles of wood scattered all about, and see what looks like the rotting carcass of an old wooden boat. If I didn’t know better, it would seem this is a waterfront junkyard, home to a graveyard for boats that are no longer fit for the water – definitely not a place that would seem special at first glance. Crossing a pedestrian bridge, I am greeted by Wayne Ettel, and we climb aboard a tugboat (where he quite literally lives and works). I soon learn he’s hatching up something that’s quite the opposite of a boatyard cemetery. His dock is actually a place where glorious old wooden boats are resurrected, and it’s where Ettel is passing along his vast skills as a master wooden boats craftsman to the next generation before the art – and many of the boats – is lost forever. Ettel got into building boats as a teen when he was in the Orange County Sea Scouts. “People would donate boats to the Sea Scouts, and we would fix them up and use them,” he explains. “There were lots of leaders around that couldn’t afford boating, they weren’t rich, so they would volunteer. A lot of them were ex-Navy, ex-Coast Guard, merchant marines, and so they would help the kids and we’d all get these boats fixed up and sail them.” Sea Scouts gave Ettel a sense of purpose, he knew that a life of being around boats was what he wanted. In 1971, when he was 18-years-old, Ettel got his first job working as a crew member on a boat and this led him to getting a job on another boat doing planking and decking work. “I have a 20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
passion for boating and an aptitude for fixing things, so it just ended up being a business,” says Ettel of his 35-year career in maintaining, repairing, and restoring classic old wooden boats. Ettel got his big break when he was only 22 and still working out of the back of his pick-up truck. Don Haskell, the owner of Ardell Yacht and Shipbrokers in Newport Beach, was the owner of the Chubasco, a famous wooden boat, built by Wilmington Boat Works in 1939. The Chubasco was leaking, and even though Haskell was pretty much the godfather of the Orange County yachting world, he couldn’t find anyone who could fix it. Ettel had done work for another yachtsman named Bob Sloane, who recommended him to Haskell. “He told him, ‘I know a young kid and he’s pretty good.’ So, I went down and figured out how to fix it. Don took the boat sailing and it didn’t leak a drop. From that time on I was the only guy he would let work on the boat,” recalls Ettel. During this era, Ettel worked out of Newport Beach. The wealthy seaside town was still filled with classic wooden yachts that conjured up memories of the glamourous world of 20th Century yachting, when Hollywood stars and titans of industry sailed the waters off the Southern California coast in traditional wooden schooners, yawls,
and sloops. They were made with beautiful old-world craftsmanship that’s been lost today as modern-day boaters sail in vessels made of fiberglass. “Gradually, as the old generation of classic wooden boats started dying off, the boats landed in the hands of people who didn’t have the passion or the finances to keep them operating,” explains Ettel. Many of these boats ending up sinking in marinas and the L.A. Harbor had to develop a disposal dock where they were discarded. “We lost a lot of great, classic old boats,” says Ettel. “Fortunately, now that’s kind of changing. People are Wayne Ettel starting to realize, like old houses, airplanes, and that kind of stuff, it’s like, ‘Wow, these things are really beautiful.’ It’s the wow factor, you pull into Catalina with a fully restored boat and everybody rows their dingy around it and takes pictures of it.” There might be a desire for people who value traditional craftsmanship to restore the magical old wooden boats to their former glory, but the workers with the required experience are disappearing. “We have a huge demand, the guys that re-build engines, the canvas building guys, sailmakers, we’re getting older and we’re swamped, and we need the help,” explains Ettel. “There are people who want to learn this. They have the talents and aptitude for it and passion for the sea, but they
don’t have an avenue to do this. They took all of the shop classes that we had when we were kids out of the schools, and I’m getting up there in age.” Knowing that the classic wooden boats that he loves so much could disappear – and recognizing the great job opportunities available for skilled young people – Ettel has created Maritime Preservation Trust, a nonprofit dedicated to training young people to learn boat building craft and carry the torch of repairing and restoring the classic vessels. On the day that I visit the dock, there are three young men and a young lady, all in their early 20s, who are working on restoration projects on various boats around the yard. Ettel tells me they are interns at the nonprofit who have come there to learn and gain experience. These young people are examples of what Ettel sees as the next generation of master boat builders in Southern California. “What better way to learn than restoring an old boat? You can see what’s done, all the mistakes that were made, you restore the boat and now you’ve learned how to design and build new ones.” As I drive out of the yard and past those same wood piles I saw on the way in, I have a new appreciation for how they will be used to create something special – a craft and a return to appreciating things that are built to last – on a dusty old dock where a slice of our maritime history can be preserved. A special place where magic happens. Thank you, Mr. Ettel. spt For more information, visit maritimept.org.
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131 THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO compiled by Jennifer Marquez and SPT Staff photos by John Mattera Photography In August 2013, we published "125 Things To Do in San Pedro" to celebrate the town's 125th anniversary (followed up in February 2016 with "100 Things To Do in San Pedro Before You Die"). Through the years, we've had numerous requests from readers for copies of the original list. With so much change happening in town, the time felt right to produce an updated version, this time with 131 to-dos to coincide with this year's 131st anniversary. As it was with the original list, some things you'll disagree with, some you'll have no clue about, and others you've probably done a million times. Nonetheless, San Pedro, for as small a town as we are, has a ton of things to do that are unique and worthwhile. How many can you do between now and next summer? 1. Catch a live show or movie at the Warner Grand Theatre. 2. Try one of the more than 100 omelettes at the Omelette & Waffle Shop. 3. Purchase a piece of local art at the First Thursday Art Walk. 4. Take a hike at White Point Nature Preserve. 5. Enjoy Family Sandcastle Building Day at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. (This year, it's July 27.)
8. Buy groceries for a homemade Italian meal at A-1 Imported Groceries. 9. Jog (or walk) along Paseo Del Mar. 10. Visit the Paseo Del Mar landslide location (and complain about why it hasn't been fixed yet). 11. Ride a bike from Catalina Express to Cabrillo Beach. 12. Experience the touch tank at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.
1.
CATCH A LIVE SHOW OR MOVIE AT THE WARNER GRAND THEATRE.
15. Catch the John Olguin Independence Day Spectacular Fourth of July fireworks show at Cabrillo Beach.
19. Walk along 6th Street in downtown and view the Sportswalk to the Waterfront plaques.
16. Try the award-winning fish & chips at The Whale & Ale.
20. Try the "new style" local calamari at J. Trani’s Ristorante.
6. Have a coffee at Sacred Grounds.
13. Try a shawarma sandwich from Nazelie's Lebanese Cafe.
17. Catch an early morning soccer match at The Whale & Ale or San Pedro Brewing Company.
21. Check out the birds, fish and native plants at Salinas de San Pedro Salt Marsh.
7. Meet the Grunion at Cabrillo Beach.
14. Take a Harbor Breeze Cruises whale watching cruise.
18. Take an early morning stroll around Cabrillo Marina.
22. Watch the sunset at Royal Palms State Beach (see cover).
22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
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40.
WATCH THE DUCKS AT AVERILL PARK.
23. Enjoy some fresh produce from Green Girl Farms.
39. Attend Seal Day at the Marine Mammal Care Center.
24. Try the Belly Buster at Busy Bee Market.
40. Watch the ducks at Averill Park.
25. Visit the 25th Street Mosaic Mural by Julie Bender (and find the San Pedro Today cover tile). 26. Try a frozen yogurt from Granny’s Yogurt on a hot summer evening. 27. Grab some friends and visit the Muller House Museum. 28. Dress up and participate in Old Fort MacArthur Days. 29. Ride on a block of ice down a hill at Averill Park. 30. Donate canned food or supplies to Harbor Interfaith Services. 31. Play tennis at Daniels Field. 32. Eat a funnel cake and ride the Ferris wheel at the Mary Star Fiesta (July 19-21). 33. Go to the Taste in San Pedro (whenever it comes back). 34. Listen to the seals bark on a quiet summer night. 35. Brave the winter waters and join the Cabrillo Beach Polar Bears for their annual Swim or Dip on New Year's Day. 36. Support local artisans and treat yourself to something unique at Crafted at the Port of L.A. 37. Get your adrenaline pumping by riding in a dragon boat. 38. Volunteer to walk a dog at Harbor Animal Shelter.
55. 24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
41. Enjoy the playground at Deane Dana Friendship Park (and wish it still had "The Bubble.") 42. Participate in the Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade. 43. Attend a Music by the Sea concert at Point Fermin Park. (Every Sunday in July.) 44. Play horseshoes at Peck Park. 45. Catch the annual L.A. Harbor Boat Parade in December. 46. Try a couple of old fashioned sodas at The Corner Store. 47. Visit the Cabrillo Beach Bathhouse. 48. Celebrate a child's birthday at the Deane Dana Friendship Park picnic tables. 49. Join San Pedro movers and shakers at the bi-monthly Fish Luncheon at the Dalmatian-American Club. 50. Listen to Scary Stories at Angel’s Gate Cultural Center in October. 51. Be daring and swim to the buoy at Cabrillo Beach. 52. Sit in silence and listen to the fog horns in the early morning hours. 53. Trick or Treat at Sea Scare at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. 54. Check out the mural by artist Fletcher Martin inside the historic Beacon St. post office.
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83. Watch the blue lights turn off late at night on the Vincent Thomas Bridge. 84. Attend an Alta Sea Open House. 85. Grab sandwiches from Pirozzi's Deli and have a picnic at Averill Park. 86. Grab a late night burger at Fantastic Cafe. 87. Check out the model trains at Hi-Railers and Belmont Shore Model Railroad Clubs at Angels Gate Cultural Center.
72.
88. Try the homemade lasagna at Sorrento’s Restaurant. 89. Attend L.A. Fleet Week on Labor Day weekend. 90. Roast marshmallows in a bonfire at Cabrillo Beach. 91. See a play at Little Fish Theatre. 92. Challenge yourself and try to Conquer the Bridge on Labor Day. 93. Purchase a used book from the San Pedro Regional Library bookstore.
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55. Take a tour of the Point Fermin Lighthouse. 56. Play a game of hoops at Bogdanovich Recreation Center. 57. Have dinner and watch the belly dancers at Babouch Moroccan Restaurant. 58. Check out Sound Pedro at Angels Gate Cultural Center. 59. Try the pizza at Joseph's Bakery. 60. Catch a full moon overlooking the Port of Los Angeles. 61. Brave the crowds and try a shrimp tray on the patio at the San Pedro Fish Market. 62. Try one of the many hot and cold teas at Hojas Tea House.
69. Watch container ships come and go into the Port of L.A. from a bench at Plaza Park. 70. Try the "John Wayne" special at the Pacific Diner. 71. Fly a kite at Angels Gate Park. 72. Take a tour of the S.S. Lane Victory. 73. Go fishing off the Cabrillo Beach Pier. 74. Pay your respects at the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial. 75. Watch a bell ringing at the Korean Bell of Friendship. 76. Enjoy the panoramic view from Lookout Point Park.
63. Visit the Los Angeles Fire Department Harbor Museum.
77. Walk out to the small island at low tide at Royal Palms State Beach.
64. Get involved and attend a neighborhood council meeting.
78. Play bocce ball at 22nd Street Park.
65. Take a ceramics class at Blue Water Clay.
79. Buy tamales from the "tamale guy."
66. Shop for fresh food at the Downtown San Pedro Farmer's Market every Friday.
80. Volunteer at the Marine Mammal Care Center.
67. Try the famous Chinese Chicken Salad at Sandwich Saloon. 68. Play some chess or checkers at the Cruise Ship Promenade. 26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
81. Try a Shanghai Red ale at the San Pedro Brewing Co. 82. Watch cruise ships disappear over the horizon from Point Fermin Park.
80.
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108.
EXPLORE THE TIDE POOLS AT WHITE POINT PARK.
94. Take a Townee Tour of San Pedro.
102. Take a guided VIP museum tour of the Battleship IOWA.
109. Try a Divine Burger at Utro’s Café.
121. Try a cannoli from Amalfitano Bakery.
95. Attend a San Pedro High School Football game.
103. Treat yourself to some See’s Candies at the Assistance League Gift Shop.
110. Explore the underground bunkers at Fort MacArthur.
122. See a live concert at the Grand Annex.
111. Attend the San Pedro International Film Festival (SPIFFEST) in October.
123. Volunteer at the International Bird Rescue.
96. Check out the public art installation “Ship in a Bottle” by artist Mark Dion at Cabrillo Marina. 97. Take a guided VIP museum tour of the Battleship IOWA. 98. Check out the "Caught, Canned & Eaten" exhibit at the L.A. Maritime Museum. 99. Try a Crazy Bowl at Crazy Fish. 100. Take a Tango lesson at Tango San Pedro. 101. Try The Buona Lisa at Buono's Pizzeria.
104. Purchase a used book from the San Pedro Regional Library bookstore. 105. Check out the classic cars and fireworks at Cars & Stripes (June 28). 106. Become a member of the Friends of the San Pedro Library. 107. Try a breakfast burrito from The Chori-Man. 108. Explore the tide pools at White Point Park.
112. Take a dance class at People's Place.
124. Attend the L.A. Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) in March.
113. Volunteer to deliver food for San Pedro Meals on Wheels.
125. Try a cold pressed juice at NUDA.
114. Go for a swim at the Hey Rookie Pool.
126. Go to an art show at Angels Gate Cultural Center.
115. Donate gently used clothing, school supplies, hygiene products or backpacks to The Giving Room at Dana Middle School.
127. Try the fried chicken and potatoes from Slavko’s Harbor Poultry.
116. Attend a lecture at the Pacific Food and Beverage Museum.
128. Clean out your closet and donate items to the YWCA or the Beacon House Thrift Store.
117. Visit the "Ghost Fish" public art installation in front of Utro's Café.
129. Have a cappuccino at the new Sirens Java & Tea. (Opening soon!)
118. Take a stroll along Whalers Walk.
130. Send a letter from the Assistance League Post Office, the only allvolunteer run post office in the United States.
119. Shoot hoops at the famous basketball court at Angels Gate Park. 120. Attend a POPFUJI summer concert at Brouwerij West.
28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
131. Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a beach clean-up the first Saturday of each month. spt
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HISTORY
TO LIVE & DIE IN S.P.
A LOCAL POET CELEBRATES SAN PEDRO'S CONTRADICTIONS by Angela Romero "A Pedro Death" by Christian Hanz Lozada, from the book Leave With More Than You Came With by Christian Hanz Lozada & Steven Hendrix I want to die here in the first earth I purchased on the ground I claim as mine but don’t own.
Christian Lozada sits at the gravesite of legendary writer Charles Bukowski at Green Hills Memorial Park. (photo: Angela Romero)
kalua pork, but the fellowship of words. I had never been exposed to, nor particularly interested in poetry before, and now I loved seeing those who could express themselves in that medium. I want to die here Unfortunately, the store was shortin a city where you need lived, but I walked away with great generations of credentials for an friends and a new found appreciation opinion for poetry. and I have none. Christian and Steve have released a new book of poetry, Leave With I want to die here More Than You Came With, featuring like I lived here several San Pedro poems by Christian. always on the outside My favorite is the final poem, “A Pedro always wanting Death.” In it, he mentions Charles Bukowski’s gravesite at Green Hills So bury me when the weight of with his famous headstone that reads, want breaks my body “Don’t Try.” Neither Christian or I had on that hill next to Bukowski and his written warning: “Don’t Try.” ever gone to Bukowski’s grave, so I thought it would be the perfect setting for a conversation on poetry and Pedro, Bury me to show him it was especially this close to Mr. Bukowski’s always about the attempt show him that success is only given 99th birthday next month. When thinking of San Pedro as a to fools poet’s muse, Christian says, “Location who confuse luck for is everything. You can go to the beach accomplishment. and the parks to write nature poetry. The metaphor of the ocean is there, Bury me in San Pedro the metaphor of the port is there. The because I’m too stubborn to fall whole contrast of small in the face of elsewhere big, being a small town that’s part of and too smart to think a big city. Those contradictions are I can have what I want. amazing. Bottom of the hill versus I met Christian Lozada five years ago top of the hill, the poverty that’s here, when he and his wife Lessa and writing the wealth, poor, middle class, upper partner Steven Hendrix opened a small middle class, even longshoremen with bookstore at Crafted called Read on ‘til only a high school diploma making six figures, all in the same neighborhood. Morning. The store specialized in local writers, carrying nothing further north It’s just begging to be written about. Throw a rock and you can write about than the Valley or south of Orange something.” County. They’d hold regular events We home in on the contradictions, with featured authors, followed by an like having hardcore conservative views open mic. I came to look forward to the open mics. Not only for Christian’s and being a hardcore union supporter 30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
all at once. “It’s such a beautiful place, all the contradictions, all the things that make it almost impossible to believe. All those contradictions in the same person. Now, having an entire neighborhood made of these kinds of people, it’s crazy and schizophrenic and just amazing to be around.” Like the time Christian, an English professor at Harbor College, was grading papers at Anderson Memorial Park while homeless people enjoyed some beers and a young couple pushed their child in a stroller on the path. Christian points out that even our silent conversation partner, Charles Bukowski, fits perfectly in the “Pedro Contradiction” category, “How do you celebrate somebody who was, on video, being an abuser, in writing, talking about rape and abusing? How do you celebrate that?” he asks. “But then you go, no, the life that he [lived] was hard and at the same time he was mining it for those universal truths, those important spots of beauty. Take any one aspect out and you miss the entire picture. And that’s what he’s trying to show, the entire picture.” As we sat there with Bukowski, looking towards our shared home, I asked Christian if he thought Bukowski would like San Pedro now. “I think there’s still enough of what it was,” he says. “He came here after a lot of the hardness, both in the town and in himself. I don’t think he’d write about the changes. He would be writing about the homeless people and all the things you see on [certain Facebook groups]. In its base horribleness, he’d still be trying to show that there is a beauty in that life. One that we might not necessarily agree with or even
acknowledge, but it’s still there.” Christian and his wife Lessa have been living in San Pedro for ten years and are about to buy their second home here, but Christian still feels like an outsider looking in. “I’m a transplant, so my opinion doesn’t seem as valid,” he says. “I can’t control where I was born. It’s that old history that’s there. I like being close to it, as close as I can be without necessarily getting to be a part of it. And I’m fine with that, too.” As someone who knows both San Pedro and Christian, I see “A Pedro Death” as his coming out to the world as a San Pedran. Throughout our interview he hit all the marks, recognizing “Pedro” as being a town with its own identity, wishing we weren’t part of the City of L.A., and finally, embracing the whole package of walking contradictions and celebrating them. “[San Pedro] is a port where people are constantly coming and going,” he says. “I can see why, for a lot of locals, the generational thing is so important, because people leave. It’s almost the goal to leave here. I love San Pedro because I recognize that this is a place where performing your claim, showing that this is you, where you belong, this is your home, is a key part of us. This is where I plan on being.” spt Leave With More Than You Came With is published by Arroyo Seco Press and is available for purchase at Amazon.com. Angela Romero is the founder of the San Pedro Heritage Museum. She can be reached at: angela@sanpedroheritage.org.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
THE 'NEAT' WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT by Ricky Magana
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A few months ago, an anonymous reader of this column reached out to me to find out about our training program. She had struggled with weight and the usual gain-lose-gain cycle and wanted a methodical and sustainable way to fit into her old jeans and feel healthy again. She was turning 60 this year and wanted to go into the new milestone birthday feeling and looking great. Fast forward 45 days, she lost 23 pounds and 6% body fat in time for her 60th birthday. A few weeks later, she was nearing 30 pounds. Shortly after the completion of her program, another client was frustrated for not seeing results as quickly as she’d hoped. More than a month of work and she was only down three pounds, which, while still progress, indicates that something was off. After some examination, I immediately noticed a part of the plan the first client did that this second client had overlooked. I told her to this fix one thing and that we’d talk in a week. A little over a week later, I saw her and noticed something was different, so I asked, and she said she’d lost six pounds in the last ten days. My jaw hit the floor because it was amazing that this one thing made such a huge difference. I want to tell you that one thing both of these ladies did that you can do today to boost fat-loss, lose more weight, and add years to your life. But first, I have to tell you about the longest living people in the world and a surprising discovery that was made when National Geographic studied them. You may have heard of Blue Zones. They are five regions in the world that researcher Dan Beuttner claims to have the highest concentrations of centenarians (people who live past 100 years). Not only that, but these people seemed to know the secrets of longevity that the rest of us didn't. They skydived, farmed, and seemingly lived all around happier, vibrant lives decades after most people have been sent off to nursing homes. Buettner studied these populations to find what they had in common and one
of the most interesting discoveries is the fact that none of the populations he studied actually exercised. At least not in the sense that we think about it. They didn’t have gym memberships to giant fitness clubs. They didn’t hop on the elliptical in their living room before work. Rather, they had physical activity hardwired into their daily life. They moved throughout the entire day. Their lives consisted of building, farming, walking, climbing, carrying, working, and tending to gardens. Basically, they maintained youth because they acted youthful… by moving. It is this directive we give to every client that begins training with us. Yes, we want you to change your diet. Yes, we want you to lift weights and exercise. But the habits of nutrition and exercise should be built on a foundation of a healthy lifestyle. And a healthy lifestyle requires movement. The scientific term for this is NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) and it is the calories one burns through life; not exercise. If we can optimize your NEAT, we can dramatically boost fat-loss without having to diet or exercise more than you already do. It is estimated that 10,000 steps per day will burn an excess of 500 calories. Tabulate that over seven days and it’s a pound a week. One of the mistakes people make is that they try to lose all their weight in the gym or by dieting. They workout seven days a week, then try to cut more and more calories out of their diet. While that works for a little while, we all burn out. The problem is, the more you exercise the hungrier you get. And the less you eat, the less energy you have. A true catch-22. Increasing your NEAT is a third layer that complements diet and exercise and in doing so, amplifies what you’re already doing instead of working against you. So, if you’re looking to increase your fat-loss and have maxed out your dieting and exercise, I highly recommend you grab a pedometer and set the goal for 10k a day. Get to steppin’. spt Heyday Elite Fitness offers a 2-minute scan that provides a full 1-page body fat analysis to help you tailor your fitness goals. For more info, email ricky@heydaytraining.com.
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WELLNESS
DON’T OVERLOOK YOUR HEARING by Dr. Ryan Bullock
I was recently discussing the importance of having a hearing test with a friend of mine and the issue of reluctance was brought up as to why people may not want to have their hearing tested. I believe this has something to do with the unknown factor. After practicing in the area for several years, I opened Harbor Hearing here in San Pedro. While my parents were visiting, I offered to check their hearing, even though neither of them admitted they had any trouble with it. My mother was completely open to the idea, but my father declined to be tested. We both asked him why, to which he replied, “I don’t want to know if there’s a problem.” I think many people feel the same way. At times, we tend to think that if someone has a hearing problem, they should be tested and will need a hearing aid. No one wants to be told they need a hearing aid. It’s the fear of the unknown. There’s comfort in not knowing because you do not have to do anything about it, like when I was in college not wanting to check my bank account because the fear of the unknown felt better than being an adult and just taking a look. This fear of the unknown causes us to put things off. Hearing is a vital sense to one’s overall health and wellness. We often get our eyes checked, do our routine overall physicals, get our teeth cleaned, but what about our ears? Hearing tests are comprehensive diagnostic evaluations that take a detailed looked at how sound is transferred to our brains and how we comprehend speech and everyday sounds. So many factors influence how we hear, and no two individuals or ears are alike. Like a baseline physical, a hearing test establishes a reference point for our overall 34 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2019
hearing health. Over the years, I have seen many different cases where this was vital to someone’s proper diagnosis and treatment. If you suddenly woke up tomorrow and could not hear, where would you go? What would you do? Sometimes the problem is as simple as earwax buildup, and other times the problem can be as complex as damage to the hearing organ (inner ear), which could be temporary or permanent. Time is of the essence in treating a hearing problem, and the correct treatment often depends on having an established reference point: a baseline hearing test. I once had a patient who was considering hearing aids. He was not an appropriate candidate due to his very mild hearing loss at the time. However, a few years later he contacted me stating he no longer could hear from one ear. My immediate thought was earwax or maybe an ear infection. I told him to come in so I could inspect for wax and run a few quick tests. Turns out, the change in his hearing was in the hearing organ and he was referred to the appropriate doctor with his hearing tests. Because of this information and quick treatment, his hearing recovered to his prior mild hearing loss. The bottom line is that hearing is an important part of overall health, and critical to everyday communication. Getting your hearing checked is not about getting a hearing aid, it’s about being proactive and staying healthy. A hearing aid is only one of the options that may be needed. If you have never had a test, it might be a good idea to have one just to know where you are in case one day you need to reference it. As for my father, he’s off the hook until he visits again. Dr. Ryan Bullock, AuD, FAAA, is the owner of Harbor Hearing in San Pedro. For more info, visit harborhearingpc.com.
Celebrating a decade of telling your stories. Thank you, San Pedro.
To advertise, email ads@sanpedrotoday.com or call (424) 224-9063
JULY 2019 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 35
WEDDING
LOVE ROCKS ERNIE & NANCY GALVAN APRIL 6, 2019 story by Caitlyn Piercy photo by John Mattera Photography
In any good song, two simple yet significant attributes are necessary: rhythm and melody. You can’t have bass without the treble. Two unique sounds that may have their audible differences, but in theory, counterpoint one another in perfect harmony. Through various key changes, verses, and improvisations, a catchy tune always returns to its main theme. That memorable chorus that makes you say, “I love this song.” As for Ernest “Ernie” and Nancy (Norton) Galvan – their love truly rocks. The couple originally met back in 1999, through Ernie’s sister, Sofi. Nancy, a San Pedro native, and Ernie, hailing from Wilmington, briefly dated before Ernie moved away to North Carolina for twelve years. “Through various relationships and [his] move, we always stayed friends, and I stayed close with his family,” recalls Nancy. When Ernie moved back to California in 2014, it didn’t take long for the former couple to rekindle their romance. “We have been inseparable since,” says Ernie. “Nancy
said she always knew we would be together, thank God for that.” Both sharing a passion for life, Ernie and Nancy enjoy traveling, cheering on their favorite sports teams (Raiders, Lakers, Dodgers, Kings, Galaxy), and most especially, live music. “If we are out on a weekend or on vacation, you can be sure there’s some kind of music or sports event involved,” says Nancy. A memorable trip that included all the above was Nashville, Tenn., to celebrate Ernie’s birthday, where they attended a Raiders game, as well as visited the Country Music Hall of Fame. “We were supposed to go out for a nice dinner the night of my birthday,” recalls Ernie. “We went to a bar close by to the Hall of Fame for lunch, and there was a live band playing. The music never stopped and neither did our dancing.” He adds, “We didn’t make dinner.” Ernie’s love of entertainment also translates onstage. A musician himself, he often lends his talents, singing and playing bass, and performs with local bands. “I love listening to him and watching him perform onstage,” Nancy
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says proudly. “I can definitely say that no matter what kind of music he is playing, I will always be his biggest fan… and his official roadie.” In 2018, the couple planned on becoming husband and wife, although, the official proposal had yet to happen. On Memorial Day, Ernie decided to pop the question in a meaningful way. “We knew were getting married,” he explains. “We had a plan, a ring, and a date, but I was nervous on how to purpose to her. With everything mostly planned it was hard to surprise her and make it special.” Before attending a party at a friend’s house later that day, the couple paid a visit to Ernie’s father, Magdaleno Galvan, Jr. (aka Chito), a war veteran who had recently passed. As they adorned his gravesite with American flags and took a moment in his memory, Ernie got down on one knee and proposed. “I wanted his blessing,” says Ernie. On April 6, 2019, Ernie and Nancy tied the knot in front of 150 friends and family aboard the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach. Their ceremony was held within the Royal Wedding Chapel. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her son, Justin Norton, and father of the bride, John Norton. As a special touch, the bride’s entrance was accompanied by music written for her by Ernie and his friend, Andy Pincetich, who performed on the guitar. The bride and groom were also joined by mother of the bride, Ann Norton; mother of the groom, Carmen Galvan; maid of honor, Kelli Gould; bridesmaids Renee Bula, Lisa Drucker, and Sofia Galvan; best man, Mark Galvan; groomsmen Tony Alvarado, Phillip Armijo, Matt Mora, and Paul Noriega; flower girls, Lily Castro and Zanelle Quintanar;
ring bearer, Nathaniel Quintanar, and friend/officiant, Cheryl Hunt. Nancy especially enjoyed planning their special wedding day and all its unique details, including much of the décor made DIY. “Two words: Nancy’s dream,” says Ernie humorously. “It was all her. I wanted it to be her day, and wanted her dream to come to life.” And that it did. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour, which included music from a lively mariachi band. The navy blue, gold, and ivory-themed reception, also aboard the ship, included dancing the night away with tunes provided by DJ Scott Martin, as well as a special surprise performance by the father of the bride’s Dixieland jazz band. Ernie and Nancy chose “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne as the soundtrack to their first dance, and the bridal party also choreographed a special dance to “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles. After their awesome celebration and saying, “I do,” the newlyweds later traveled to the desert for a relaxing honeymoon in nearby Palm Springs. “One of the best places to do nothing,” says Ernie. “It was perfect,” agrees Nancy. As this duo embarks on their own tour of marriage, they hope to one day plan another amazing gig – a big anniversary party! In addition, Nancy sweetly describes their future plans, saying, “Growing old gracefully, loving, laughing, and rocking out together.” Ernie and Nancy currently reside in Chino Hills. Ernie is a production manager for Peabody Engineering, and Nancy is a call center supervisor for American Honda. spt
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FAITH
SUICIDE DOES NOT END PAIN by Pastor Nathan Hoff
In junior high, a few of us went down to the guidance counselor to get help because our common friend was talking about ending her own life. That counselor was a safe person to process with, even if he was a horrendous theologian. He encouraged us to stick close to our friend, and keep talking, even openly. He suggested we try and identify an adult with whom our friend might talk. Then he started his theological speculation. He should have stopped while he was ahead. He posited that a person’s eternity would be a continuation of their final moments. All I could think of was extended suffering, extended car accidents, extended hopelessness. I know we live in a pluralistic society, but some beliefs are worse than others. His was the worst. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide takes the lives of nearly 45,000 Americans a year. Suicidal thoughts are more common among females, but suicide is more common among males. The National Center for Health Statistics reports a 30% increase in the rate of death by suicide between 2000 and 2017. (These stats and more can be found at the CDC’s website: www.cdc.gov.) One of my mentors, Jim Kok, wrote a book entitled, 90% of Helping is Just Showing Up. That is true. Do you have a gut sense that someone is fading out of life? Fade in to their life! “Just thought I’d stop in and see how you are doing.” “I’m worried about you.” “You’ve been on my mind, what’s happening?” We all feel like our words are inadequate. How do we really know how the sufferer is feeling? Usually, our words are inadequate, but “showing up” is enough. If they bring up the topic of depression, despair, giving up, ending it, or even speak directly about suicide, you will not harm them by going with them in the conversation. Some of us are nervous about giving them the idea of suicide, but this is not usually the case. “Have you thought of harming yourself?” “Do you have a plan?” “Do you
need help to find your way out of this?” Need help, call the suicide hotline telephone (24 hours a day): 1-800-273-8255. There are many pat answers, clichés, advice, and sentiments around all suffering, including suicide. Very few of them are helpful. In the Bible, Job was in the lowest place a human could go. It was a great blessing when his friends showed up. The blessing became a curse when they opened their mouth and started giving advice. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention suggests this phrase, “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you.” Suicide does not end pain, it transfers it. The growing rates of death by suicide mean growing numbers of survivors, many of whom are all around us. You can’t see their bandage, or their scar, or their blood, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a wound. Their wound is closer to their core. Grief is weird. Some grief is uncomplicated. You grieve when your elderly grandpa dies. You miss him and his quirks; holidays are never the same, and there is a hole. This is pretty uncomplicated grief. Other grief is super complicated, and grief following death by suicide is among the most complicated kind. The grief is often mixed together with regret, guilt, anger, confusion, and a hundred other feelings. Having a safe person or even a small group with which to process this grief is valuable. A local pastor or counselor might be helpful, or connecting with Alliance of Hope (allianceofhope.org), an organization that facilitates an online support system for suicide loss survivors, might be a safe first step. Finally, God does not take people from this life. Cancer takes people. Depression takes people. Accidents take people. Suicide takes people from life. Only the God who has “been there” can take people from death. spt Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at: trinitypastor.blogspot.com. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
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by Mike Harper & Peter Hazdovac
The concept of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also referred to as granny flats, second units, or in-law units, is nothing new to our area and has been around for many years. However, ADUs have been gaining popularity in the City of Los Angeles due to housing production not keeping pace with demand. Further, affordability and rising housing costs in California are outpacing the rest of the United States, which is causing people to consider alternative forms of housing. So what exactly is the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit? According to the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is “a dwelling unit with a full kitchen and bathroom which is an accessory use to a primary or main single-family residence. An ADU can be used as a rental, but cannot be sold separately from the primary or main single-family residence. The existing residence must be a legally established structure.” An ADU can essentially take on three different forms: Detached: The unit is separate from the primary structure. Attached: The unit is attached to the primary structure. Repurposed Existing Space: Space (i.e. master bedroom) within the primary residence that has been converted into an independent living unit. Recent updates to state laws have made it easier for homeowners to convert and build ADUs on their existing properties. For example, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development, in 2018 the Legislature revised laws to allow ADUs to be built “concurrently with a single-family home, opening areas where ADUs can be built to include all zoning districts that allow single-family uses, modifying fees from utilities, such as special districts and water corporations, and reducing parking requirements.” In 2019, further revisions allow
“homeowners who created ADUs without the required building permits the possibility of bringing their ADUs into compliance. For ADUs that were constructed without building permits, local building officials now have the option to inspect an ADU and apply the building standards that were in effect at the time the unit was constructed.” So if you’re a homeowner in San Pedro with the thought of building an ADU on your property, the following are some considerations to keep in mind: 1. Most owners of single-family homes can build an ADU as long as there is room for it on their property. Local governments may restrict setback and ADU size requirements, so it is always best to check with your local Department of Building & Safety. 2. ADUs aren’t required to be attached and can be established using existing structures, such as underused garages or pool houses. Homeowners may even convert a portion of their existing home into an ADU, as long as it has a dedicated entrance, kitchen, and one bathroom. 3. How large can you build your ADU? State law dictates that there are limits on the size of an ADU depending on the size of your existing home and lot. In the City of Los Angeles, for example, an attached ADU cannot be larger than 50% of the existing home. Additionally, most ADUs cannot exceed 1,200sf in size. 4. If you live in the City of Los Angles you will need permits and most likely be required to run project plans through your local Department of Building & Safety. 5. One thing we learned as part of our research is that the cost to build ADUs is all over the map. The cost of your ADU will vary depending on size and construction. The cost-per-squarefoot is likely to be in line with any other new residential construction. spt Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are both licensed Realtors® with Keller Williams Realty. For more info, visit www.harperhazdovac.com.
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1908: San Pedro experienced one of its first traffic jams the weekend the Great White Fleet came to visit. This is the crowd on its way out of town on North Pacific Avenue, you can see the old Barton Hill Elementary school on the bluff above the cars. (photo: San Pedro Bay Historical Society)
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