San Pedro Today - November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

BLACK KNIGHT PATROL TURNS 5 | SURF SCHOOL OPENS AT CABRILLO BEACH | REMEMBERING PAT CARROLL

THE MEN OF

BEACON HOUSE

WITH A THRIFT STORE AND NEW CATERING BUSINESS, THE 50-YEAR-OLD SAN PEDRO INSTITUTION IS MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY

Smile A While.

Modern Dentistry, with Old Fashion Values.

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

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

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

Dr. Ardalan & Associates Smile A While.

1411 W. 8th Street San Pedro, CA 90732

(310) 832-5559

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. 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

Color Palette:

Dr. Rebekah Coriaty Education: University of Pacific Professional Association: American Dental Association California Dental Association

Dr. Miles Madison #161f70

#4962f5

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

#233f4

Font:

FONT: Lato Designed by Łukasz Dziedzic

ARTISTRY IN CREATION OF HEALTHY REALISTIC SMILES

We provide a full range of options – veneers, crowns, bondings, and re-shaping the teeth (to name a few), and at times the combination of these therapies, to meet (and in the vast majority of cases exceed) your expectations.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE COSMETIC DENTISTRY

BEFORE

Bonding technique – conservative direct composite bonding restorations, produce results that are immediate (by Dr. Souzan Ardalan).

Optimizing the curvatures, angles, comparative lengths, symmetry, and the shade of the teeth can in fact enhance the beauty of a smile supremely. Using tooth-colored material, minor imperfections are corrected.

• Cost-effective • No numbing • Immediate BEFORE

AFTER

• One visit • Simple • STUNNING

EXTREME SMILE MAKE-OVERS For individuals committed to a comprehensive approach to significantly enhance the appearance of their smile, our office is well-equipped to take your smile to unrivaled levels.

AFTER

Dental aesthetics are guided by the harmony of lips, gingiva, and teeth. To improve the dental aesthetic appearance, restorative approach can be combined with other specialties, such as orthodontic treatment.

The example to the left involved: • Orthodontic treatment (by Dr. Marvis Sorrell).

• Dental Implant to replace a missing front tooth (by Dr. Ian Woo).

• Cosmetic Implant Supported Crown, plus a Veneer on another front tooth which was anatomically too small (by Dr. Souzan Ardalan). Indistinguishable From Natural Healthy Teeth.

DR. ARDALAN & ASSOCIATES - WEYMOUTH CORNERS 1409 W. 8TH ST. SAN PEDRO (310) 832-5559 • FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION, VISIT www.DrSouzanArdalan.com.

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

!

Value 0 0 . $98

It’s a crime that it’s taken more than a decade to feature the Beacon House Association of San Pedro on the cover of this publication.

The revered recovery organization that has helped thousands of men recover from drug and alcohol abuse since opening in 1970 has always been on our radar as one of those well-regarded San Pedro institutions, but for whatever reason, nothing’s ever prompted us to tell their story in our pages until now.

This year, Beacon House is celebrating its 50th anniversary, but that’s not the reason why they’re on the cover.

The pandemic has forced all businesses, especially nonprofit organizations, to reimagine how they operate in order to keep their doors open. The Beacon House, which provides treatment as well and room and board free of charge to residents in their program, hasn’t been immune to such changes and has found itself having to reinvent revenue streams in order to continue to fund their services.

It’s a story of ingenuity and opportunity, struggle and redemption, and

20

rs. mber 30, 20 er offe ny oth xpires Nove E

ith a able w

Limit

ombin Not C . sehold

r hou one pe

Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

about an organization that continues to help addicts become productive members of society once again.

WARNER GRAND’S 90th This month, I’m excited to announce that San Pedro Today is partnering with the Grand Vision Foundation to produce a special commemorative issue in January celebrating the Warner Grand Theatre’s 90th anniversary.

It’s been a while since we’ve produced a special edition of the magazine, and we’re excited to dig deep into the fabled history of one of San Pedro’s crown jewels. We’ll be publishing this special edition at the end of the year, just as the Warner Grand prepares for an upcoming facelift. Plans for a thorough renovation, that includes the installation of a much-needed elevator, are scheduled to begin sometime in 2021.

If you’re interested in being a part of the Warner Grand Theatre special issue, see page 9 for more information.

And lastly this month… vote. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

$98.00 Value!

Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

Maximize Your Life!

Fuel Efficiency & Tire Life.

Complete 2 Wheel Alignment

Complete 4 Wheel Alignment

15

%

OFF ANY SERVICE!*

*Up to $150 Discount. Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

Beat the Heat!

5995 $7995 A/C SERVICE

$

*

*

99

*European Cars Extra.

Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

Reg. $152.23

Includes First 1lb. of R134a

System must not be leaking at time of service.

$98.00 Value!

Not Combinable with any other offers.

Limit one per household. Expires November 30, 2020

4 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

Monday- Friday 7:30am - 8pm Sat. 7:30 - 4:30

Difficulty Hearing ???

6 feet Since COVID-19, the introduction of face masks have had a debilitating effect on the hearing impaired population. These masks block faces and prevent our ability to see facial expressions, read lips, and communicate with others.

We have helped many patients and are open to help you!

Call

(424) 570-0117

to experience the difference!

1360 West 6th Street Suite 243 West Building San Pedro, CA

MANY NEW SAN PEDRO DESIGNS!

CURBSIDE PICK-UP AVAILABLE!

5 OFF

$

on any purchase of $45 or more 329 W. 6th Street • San Pedro

Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Excluding Uggs and sale items. Expires 11/30/20

10 OFF

$

$

on any purchase of $75 or more

on any purchase of $125 or more

329 W. 6th Street • San Pedro

Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Excluding Uggs and sale items. Expires 11/30/20

15 OFF 329 W. 6th Street • San Pedro

Must present coupon at time of purchase.

Excluding Uggs and sale items. Expires 11/30/20

M-F: 10am-7pm Sat: 10am-5:30pm Sun: 11am-4pm

329 W. 6th Street | San Pedro | (310) 832-9364 NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5

NOVEMBER 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ADVERTISING:

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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

ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION

Amanda Silva (310) 650-8051 | amanda@sanpedrotoday.com

Joshua J. Stecker Lori Garrett

Joseph A. Castañeda

AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Alexander, Linda Grimes, Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Pastor Nathan Hoff, Mike Lansing, Ricky Magana, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Sophie Schoenfeld, Sophia Ungaro Angela Romero will return next month.

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Mattera Photography

CONTACT INFO:

Phone: (424) 224-9063 Email: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733

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 2009-2020, Empire22 Media LLC.

VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 10 ON THE COVER: Men of Beacon House (l to r): Matthew H., Shane Fleming, director of social enterprises at Beacon House, and Daniel R. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

COME AND ENJOY OUTDOOR DINING IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SAN PEDRO! Visit discoversanpedro.org for more information.

Restaurants practicing social distancing and Covid-19 protocols.

Buono’s Pizzeria* Baramee Thai* Compagnon Bistro* Conrad’s Mexican Grill* Happy Diner* Hoja’s Tea House* Kalaveras Mexican* Kyo Ramen* La Siciliana* Nuda Juice* Pappy’s Seafood*

Sacred Grounds* San Pedro Brewing Co.* San Pedro Cafe* San Pedro Fish Market* Sebastians* Senfuku* Sirens Java and Tea* The Whale and Ale* Think Cafe* Twenty Second St. Landing* Raffaello Ristorante*

*Outdoor dining available For a complete list of all restaurant locations visit:

discoversanpedro.org NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7

VOICES

LOSSES CONTINUE TO MOUNT IN LOCAL SPORTS WORLD

by Steve Marconi It’s been a bad year for local sports because of COVID-19 — no games, no Sportswalk, no Hall of Fame banquets — but it’s been a sad year for

other reasons.

It started in March when in the span of ten days, we lost two popular sports figures to the deadly virus: Larry Robertson, 72, a key member of San Pedro High’s Pirate Boosters, and Joe Radisich, 86, longtime Mary Star High football coach.

Now, within just a few weeks of each other, we’ve lost two more major figures in the local sports scene. Tony Rodich was 73 when he died unexpect-

edly on Sept. 10; Bill Vincent was 92 when he died after a short battle with Alzheimer’s on Sept. 29.

A San Pedro High graduate of W’65, Rodich was “the man with a thousand stories,” which he told thousands of times. In the days before freshmen went to high school, Rodich was a rare three-year varsity letterman in football, playing both ways. He was an equally good baseball player. In addition, he lettered in track in the broad jump with a best of 22-8. After graduation, he took two years off before enrolling at Harbor College, where he again played baseball and football.

It’s hard to evaluate his athletic career because injuries cut short almost every season he played. He never put up gaudy numbers, but no one who saw

Ex 11/30/20

8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

Ex 11/30/20

him play at full speed would deny he was talented. For example — a story oft told by himself — in the first league game of his junior year, he caught four passes for 65 yards and made 15 tackles; he was hurt in the next game and was out the rest of the season.

San Pedro High athletic historian Steve Schizzano, a contemporary, said Rodich “was a stud.” He was “probably the best athlete never to make allleague.” He stayed healthier at Harbor, bulking up to 215 pounds, and in his final season, 1968, was named the team’s top defensive end. That was the same position his older brother Jerry played on Harbor’s famed 9-0 team in 1964.

Avoiding the injury bug that plagued his brother, Jerry had a Hall of Fame career at both San Pedro High and Harbor before going on to New Mexico State.

Being denied on-field glory mostly because of injuries didn’t deter Rodich from remaining in sports off the field.

Well-liked by his peers and always eager to relive the past, he was involved in numerous team reunions over the years and helped revive the Sportswalk in 2004. He was the go-to guy for anyone looking to get in touch with a former teammate, be it San Pedro High, Mary Star, Fermin Lasuen, or Harbor College, and his circle of friends included much of the old Marine League.

He lived much of his adult life outside of San Pedro, mostly in Del Mar, La Quinta, and Palm Springs, opening several restaurants and working in real estate. But like so many others, his heart always remained in his hometown, and he moved back here just a few months before he died.

Because of COVID-19, memorial services are pending. He is survived by a daughter, Bichele; his brother; two sisters, Velma Skerston and Mary Richey; and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

Vincent was a football coaching stalwart for five decades, but because his career was all spent in the South Bay, he probably wasn’t that well known in San Pedro. He was, however, a longtime fixture in his Eastview neighborhood,

where the Vincents were original homeowners in the Rolling Hills Riviera tract before it became part of Rancho Palos Verdes; they lived in the same house across the street from Dodson Middle School for 61 years. It’s where they raised their six boys and — when not on family getaways at their Shaver Lake cabin — he could be found working in his yard or garage.

My parents lived across the street from the Vincents for 49 of those years, and they were quintessential good neighbors, always ready to help. After a stint in the Army during the Korean War, Vincent graduated from San Diego State. Doubtless, few of his neighbors knew he received the school’s first Byron H. Chase Memorial Trophy in 1952 as the team’s outstanding lineman.

Vincent was an assistant coach at Aviation High before returning to his alma mater, El Camino College, in 1962.

He spent the next 14 years as defensive line coach and defensive coordinator during Ken Swearingen’s highly successful tenure; it was Vincent who got Fred Dryer, the future Rams great, to enroll at ECC. When Swearingen retired in 1975, Vincent took over as head coach, and in six years compiled a 37-20 record and never had a losing season. Wanting to coach his sons who attended West High in Torrance, he joined Fred Peterson’s staff; it was Vincent’s defense that recorded eight shutouts on the unbeaten 1982 team that won the school’s only CIF championship. He later returned to El Camino, coaching with John Featherstone, before retiring in 1993.

Vincent is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eileen; sons Michael, William, Steven, Scott, and Matthew; a sister; 16 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.

GRAND VISION FOUNDATION & SAN PEDRO TODAY ARE PROUD TO ANNOUNCE

WARNER GRAND THEATRE’S

THE

90 TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

BE A PART OF HISTORY!

The Warner Grand Theatre marquee on its 85th anniversary.

San Pedro Today is proud to announce that it will devote its January 2021 issue to the Warner Grand Theatre’s 90th Anniversary. This special commemorative issue will be created in partnership with Grand Vision Foundation, which saved the theatre from an uncertain fate in the mid 1990s and continues to serve as its Friends Group.

This collector’s item will be chock-full of stories and photographs commemorating the art deco theatre’s storied history. From its opening night on January 20, 1931, to recently hosting rock legend Jackson Browne, San Pedro’s “Castle of Your Dreams” continues to be one of Los Angeles’ crown jewels. -- DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS SPECIAL ISSUE!

DISCOUNTED RATES! RESERVE YOUR AD SPACE TODAY! • ISSUE PUBLISHES DECEMBER 31, 2020 • 25,000 print copies distributed in San Pedro & RPV (plus 2,500+ digital downloads) • Ads included in both print and digital editions.

• All ads are full-color.

• Commemorative/Personal Ads available (text only)

SPACE RESERVATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, NOV. 20, 2020 AD COPY DEADLINE: FRIDAY, DEC. 4, 2020 To reserve space or for more info, contact San Pedro Today at (424) 224-9063 or email ads@sanpedrotoday.com

VOICES

5 CONSIDERATIONS DURING A PANDEMIC HOLIDAY

by Mike Lansing mas present for your kids, relatives, friends, or yourself; it would be a truly special kind of gift. For more info, visit sanpedrosurfschool.com. Cowabunga… surf’s up!

4. Flu Shots — If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to get your flu shot. Why take the chance of getting the flu when at the same time, next two months. the COVID-19 virus is also in the air 1. Be Truly Thankful — By the and wreaking havoc on so many lives time this column hits the streets, over and families? There is no vaccine at 225,000 Americans will have lost their this time for COVID-19, but there are lives due to the pandemic, and millions free flu shots available at your doctor’s more will have had their world turned office, Rite Aid, CVS, and so many upside down due to unemployment, other locations. Never before has a flu eviction, food insecurity, and/or the shot been so very important for you and loss of loved ones. This Thanksgiving, your family. Don’t delay; if you have maybe more than any other time in not done so already, get one today. most of our lives, so many of us should 5. Donate — There are so many be truly thankful for our families, children and families who need our health, prosperity, and opportunities. help, especially during this pandemic, The reality is that the vast majority of and there is no better time than now to us are truly fortunate, and we need to support them. Here at the Boys & Girls recognize that fact and if at all possible, Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor, our be helpful to others who have so much Weekend Wellness program is feeding less than ourselves.

450 families each weekend with enough 2. Wear the Damn Mask — This food from Friday evening through isn’t about you; it is about everyone Sunday, and we are hosting a special else who comes in contact with you.

Thanksgiving distribution the TuesListen to the doctors and scientists and day before that holiday. We are also not our ignorant president, and practice sponsoring free and full-day programthis simple act of caring every single ming for youth while schools are closed. day. You saw what happened due to the lack of masks and social distancing Check us out at bgclaharbor.org. There are plenty of other worthy nonprofits in the White House, the Rose Garden, providing free programs and services political gatherings, etc. You have no during this crisis period. There is The excuse not to wear a mask; it is a fact United Methodist Church (umcmission. that wearing a mask saves lives and takes so little effort. Therefore, wear the org); Rainbow Services (rainbowservicesdv.org); Harbor Interfaith Services damn mask. (harborinterfaith.org); the YWCA 3. San Pedro Surf School — This (ywcaharbor.org); and Toberman pandemic has undoubtedly changed Neighborhood Center (toberman.org); our daily habits, plans, and activities.

Gyms are closed for adults, team sports just to name a few. Won’t you consider donating to one or more of us and help are suspended for our kids, and the “Quarantine 15” weight gain is a much- make these holidays truly special for those less fortunate? Wishing you and too-common reality. Therefore, now is yours a most happy Thanksgiving and a perfect time to take up surfing. San holiday season! spt Pedran Shaun Meadows’ dream is to pass down his surfing/local knowledge Mike Lansing is the Executive Direcand appreciation of the ocean to the tor of the Boys & Girls Clubs next generation. Too cold right now?

Purchase a gift certificate as a Christof the Los Angeles Harbor.

As the holidays gear up soon, starting with Thanksgiving, the following are some things to consider as we start planning to celebrate with family and friends over the

10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

Children’s Clothing • Toys & Books Gifts for the Home • Women’s Accessories

FALL LINES HAVE ARRIVED! SHOP NEW LOOKS FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE TODAY! WE ARE SO INCREDIBLY THANKFUL TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS WHO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT US & LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES!

1438 W. 8th Street San Pedro

at Weymouth Corners

(310) 832-4145

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11

FEATURES

EVERYBODY'S GONE SURFIN' NEW SURF SCHOOL OPENS AT CABRILLO BEACH

by Jennifer Marquez Shaun Meadows holds a photo of his mother Maureen, who was the inspiration for opening his surf school. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

There has never been a better time to open a surf school in San Pedro.

With the pandemic, children are home, away from their friends and school, often staring at a screen all day. Families are traveling less, and local beaches are becoming more important than ever in the community as a respite in nature. Shaun Meadows wants to help create an interest in surfing (which he calls “surf stoke”) with San Pedro’s next generation and plant the surfing seed at a young age. He opened San Pedro Surf School to encourage people to enjoy what San Pedro beaches have to offer.

Meadows, named after a surfer, grew up surfing at Cabrillo Beach and other local beaches. As a child, he would ride his bike to Cabrillo Beach and spend the day there as a junior lifeguard and a member of the San Pedro High School

surf team. It was like his playground, and he describes Cabrillo Beach as a hidden gem of California.

Meadows spent 16 years working for Catalina Express in various positions and holds a captain’s license. His love for the ocean is something he shared with his mother, Maureen Meadows, who passed away suddenly this summer and was his main influence in starting a local surf school. Meadows wants to help bring surfing to the younger generation of San Pedro at Cabrillo Beach which has smaller waves that are ideal for beginner surfers.

“My mom was beautiful, inside and out; she was like a bright positive light,” states Meadows. “I wanted to do something that would be a positive light in the community, so I created San Pedro Surf School. I wanted to show my love of surfing and the love of my mom and tie it together.”

Many families who normally drive to Torrance Beach to take surfing lessons are now staying local at Cabrillo Beach since the opening of San Pedro Surf

School. Often people end up spending the rest of the afternoon after surfing lessons creating a community that is bringing people together on the sand.

Grandparents who used to surf locally are bringing their grandchildren to take lessons and bond over surfing.

“I used to surf at Palms, and Rocco, my grandson, is now learning, thanks to San Pedro Surf School,” says Rocco’s grandmother, Michelle. “Cabrillo Beach used to be crowded and the place to be when I was young, and now the younger families are coming back to bring their kids to learn to surf.”

“Local instructors are friends and family members so when we get to know these kids, it is a circle-of-life type of feeling that we are bringing to the water,” states Meadows. “The scenic views of the water at Cabrillo are beautiful.”

“My daughter absolutely loved the one-on-one attention during her hourlong surf lesson,” says Monica Sabic Weston. “We have beautiful surf right here in San Pedro, so when they started

offering lessons, we could not jump fast enough to enroll our daughter.”

Meadows is offering affordable surf lessons, both private and group. His clients vary from ages 4 to 52 and include a father and daughter and couples on a date. Group lessons can be arranged to include friends and family.

Meadows has seen numerous signs of his mom at Cabrillo Beach, from sand dollars in the waves to the many dolphins that were his mom’s favorite.

Meadows is respectful of the beach, and his surf instructors arrive on the beach early, clearing any trash. He has planned a community beach cleanup for November 1. On the weekends, he brings his mother’s photo to the beach with him as he continues to create his own legacy at the very beach where they shared so many special memories. spt For more info, visit sanpedrosurfschool.com or call (310) 245-1865.

Check out my

000000 reviews on:

“

Dr. Ja'nae Brown, PT, DPT, CFSC Dr. Nicole Palermo, PT, DPT, CFSC O (310) 548-5984

We have worked with Teresa for several years. She has guided us through some complicated purchases and has exceeded our expectations each time.

Couldn’t have done it without her!

BUY SELL LEASE

M (424) 337-1980

”

- Aaron Rittger

ESTATE PROPERTIES

Teresa Volman #5 Miraleste Plaza, RPV 90275 310-935-5027 | teresavolman@gmail.com

12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

@Telehealth Available!

www.physicaltherapysanpedro.com

SPECIALIZING IN Orthopedics

info@physicaltherapysanpedro.com 643 W 6th St. San Pedro, CA 90731

sPORTS MOVEMENT INJURY

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13

A PASSION TO CONNECT GRAND STREET ARTS OFFERS CREATIVE OUTLETS DURING QUARANTINE

by Joshua Stecker Artists Annie Appel and Silvia Askenazi, owners of Grand Street Arts. Inset (top): the quiet dance studio; (bottom) Appel's digital photo lab. (photos: John Mattera Photography)

Never underestimate the ingenuity of an artist.

While most small businesses in L.A. County had to quickly adapt to new rules in order to open their doors during the coronavirus pandemic, the local arts community has been left to their own devices. In an industry that relies heavily on large gatherings (i.e. theatre audiences, art walk crowds, and classes), those in the arts have had to adapt to the times in their own specific way.

For local artists like photographer Annie Appel and tango dance instructor Silvia Askenazi, the pandemic forced both of them to rethink their unique business practices. Prior to the pandemic, Appel, a lauded documentary/ fine arts photographer with work in the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s permanent collection, had been working in a local photo lab, conducting in-person photography classes and shooting events for hire, while her partner Askenazi ran Tango San Pedro, teaching indoor tango classes in a studio on 6th Street with upwards of 70 students at a time. All of that came to a screeching halt when the pandemic shutdowns began.

“I ran a photo lab in a local camera store for 17 years,” says Appel. “When COVID[-19] hit, [the owner] closed the custom lab. He said, ‘We can’t do it.

We just can’t do it.’ So, I hung my own shingle.”

That shingle is Grand Street Arts, a newly redefined creative space located near San Pedro’s downtown district

featuring that group’s work. The next Zoom Photo Bootcamp is scheduled for January 2021.

Appel also created an all new digital photo lab at Grand Street Arts, putting her 30-plus years of photography and lab expertise to work by providing high PHOTO BOOTCAMP quality digital photo restoration and If there’s one word that describes printing services. She was unsure how Appel, it’s passionate. Not only with the photo restoration work would be her own art, but in drawing out the received, but ever since she started marartist in others. “What turns you on?” keting the service, she’s been getting she asks in describing her approach to calls from San Pedrans sitting on some teaching photography, which focuses on amazing old photographs that can use seeking out the passion in her students her expertise in restoring them to their and drawing it out of them through former glory. photography. Since in-person classes are currently on hold, Appel, like most EMPTY DANCE FLOOR artists these days, has turned to conUnfortunately for Askenazi, the ducting photography workshops online, space that used to host upwards of 70 recently launching her own Zoom people at a time to learn the original Photo Bootcamp. “forbidden dance” is now limited to “I’ve done this workshop for about 15 private lessons with singles or couples years [in-person],” Appel explains. “Ev- only. It’s not the most ideal situation erybody has a camera, but they don’t for a social dance like the tango, but know what to do next with it. It’s very options are limited. Still, Askenazi easy to snap a picture, but then, what is remains optimistic. She’s already it that you have to say?” prepped the space to accommodate a The workshops run for eight weeks limited number of students (using social on Wednesdays. Students bring in distancing meaures) as soon as indoor three new photos each week that get gathering restrictions are lifted. discussed and enhanced using vari“Tango is about the connection ous photographic concepts and Adobe between two partners,” explains AskePhotoshop techniques. At the end of nazi. “[The dance] is blend of different each workshop, Appel creates a virtual styles, and it touches everybody’s heart. exhibition of the students’ work on the Everybody can understand it even if Grand Street Arts website, where stuthey don’t understand the lyrics. People dents have the ability to sell their own are missing that close embrace [right prints or purchase a printed catalog now]. It’s proven that close embraces on 8th Street and Grand Avenue that combines both of the artists’ disciplines — photography and dance — under one roof, while utilizing technology to be able to operate under the current coronavirus guidelines.

14 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

produce oxytocin, which is the hormone of pleasure.”

In addition to the online workshops and private lessons, Grand Street Arts also hosts a virtual art exhibit featuring different visual artists every month on their website (grandstreetarts.com).

Viewers are able to view and purchase original works or prints within a virtual reality art gallery online. It’s impressively designed and worth checking out.

Like all artists these days, Appel and Askenazi are navigating uncharted waters. With everything moving online for the time being, the pivot for two artists whose work depends on that unspoken personal connection between humans in-person has been difficult but necessary.

“For me, [photography] is about the connection that I feel with life, with people, with situations that are so meaningful to me, and the puzzle of rendering that through a camera and lens into a two-dimensional experience. That is like alchemy, it never stops being a miracle,” explains Appel. “Ever since I started in the darkroom when I was nine, after the first print that magically came up, I said, ‘Daddy, I’m going to do this when I grow up.’ And he said, ‘Okay, let’s do it.’ And I have never looked back.” spt For more info on Grand Street Arts, visit grandstreetarts.com.

Delta Bravo Group

Private Investigation

• Loss Prevention • Surveillance • Background Checks • Skip Tracing • Marriage Records • Fugitive Recovery • Witness Statements (Recorded)

• Missing Person(s)

Contact us at: B: 310-707-2560 D: 310-408-6069 dennis@deltabravogroupllc.com deltabravogroupllc.com PPO License #16128 PI License #25444

PROUDLY PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS & INTO THE 21st CENTURY

Beautiful Smiles for All Ages

Visi t Us To day Garrick Denny, DDS is dedicated to providing top-notch dental care for families in the San Pedro, and Rancho Palos Verdes areas. For effective treatment in a comfortable and welcoming environment, contact our office or schedule an appointment online today!

Some of our other dental services include: • Cosmetic Dental procedures • Gum Disease diagnosis and care • Implant Dentistry • Invisalign® & Braces • Oral Surgery • Root Canal Therapies • Adults & Children *ILWU & All PPO Insurances Accepted.

Garr i c k Den n y, DDS , I n c .

737 W. 9th S treet, S an Ped ro

310.833.4419

w w w.Denny Dental.c om

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 15

THE MEN OF

BEACON HOUSE

WITH A THRIFT STORE AND NEW CATERING BUSINESS, THE 50-YEAR-OLD SAN PEDRO INSTITUTION IS MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF COVID AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE RECOVERY

by Joshua Stecker Members of the Beacon House recovery program: (back row, l to r) Matthew H., Matthew Newmark, Daniel R.; (seated, l to r) Cory B., Taylor C., Shane Fleming, director of social enterprises. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

Matthew Newmark needed help.

Two years ago, the 44-year-old former public relations professional had hit a bottom. Again. It was a feeling he was all too familiar with. He had been through treatment for his alcoholism before, when he was 30, a 60-day program that obviously didn’t stick. And here he was, in his early forties, having recently lost his mother after being her caretaker, suffering from addiction and drained of resources.

“My mom had died. I’d spent years living with her,” recalls Newmark. “I was her primary caretaker, and I was using that as leverage to continue to be in the disease and not work.”

Out of options and money, Newmark knew he needed to seek help again if he was ever going to gain back control of his life. Not wanting to repeat the same in-and-out treatment he experienced before, he discovered the Beacon House Association of San Pedro and its free, long-term, residential, all-inclusive treatment program.

“I came here two years ago, and it was very apparent that I wasn’t going to be able to continue living the way I was, because I was an alcoholic,” says Newmark. “I’d lost touch with friends, with society as a whole. I needed help, so I came [in 2018] and went through the primary program. [It’s] a lot of group work. You get counseling. You start to build relationships, and you focus on treatment.”

It took him 15 months to graduate the primary program (the average is between 9-15). He’s currently in the second phase, which involves a role in giving back to the nonprofit organization in some way. With a degree in psychology from UC Berkeley (1998) and writing experience, Newmark works in Beacon House’s marketing and communications department, while also taking online classes to earn a state license in property and casualty insurance.

“It’s powerful, addiction,” says Newmark. “I came in pretty angry and defiant. I had had some success in the past, so I thought I knew everything… I had to learn to be humble. I had to learn to ask for help.”

HALF CENTURY OF RECOVERY Newmark’s story is impressive but not unusual given the men’s recovery program’s storied reputation.

The Beacon House Association of San Pedro was founded in 1970 by Father Art Bartlett, a local minister, with Michael Dowling, an alcoholic merchant seaman, and was incorporated in 1974. The nonprofit is a state-certified residential alcoholic/drug recovery facility for men over the age of 18 who are ambulatory, mentally competent, and who are motivated to achieve sobriety. Being an all-inclusive residential facility, the organization focuses on lifestyle changes of the addict through long-term stay that concentrates on

16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

peer groups and community.

According to Mitch Harmatz, director of advancement, research, and communications for Beacon House, 34 percent of the men that enter the facility complete the program. Over the last five years, 74.5 percent of the men who finish the program are still sober, according to a Beacon House survey conducted in December 2019. The average resident age is 27.

“Half the guys drop out in the first 60 days,” adds Harmatz. “The first year is the primary program, and the second year is a more extensive program where they’re building out their ability to leave here successfully. So all the work done here is built on preparing yourself for a job or a career outside of Beacon House.”

The organization is funded in three ways: through government grants, contracts, and fees for services; social enterprises that include the thrift shop, catering business, and a contract with Portuguese Bend Beach Club; and through fundraising. The campus has a large footprint spanning 11 properties (eight owned, three leased) around Beacon Street between 10th and 11th streets, with plans to expand into Long Beach with a new 13,000 square-foot thrift shop in the coming months.

Harmatz, a familiar face in San Pedro as the former owner of the Shell gas station in Park Plaza, got involved with Beacon House through their food

service program after selling his business in 2017. A regular donor to the nonprofit with a strong network in the community, Harmatz saw an opportunity for the organization to restructure their social enterprises and was asked to come onboard to help.

“I’ve known [Beacon House] executive director, Brian Smith, for years,” he says. “He asked if I could help run their community involvement and community relations, and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

The San Pedro institution, which turns 50 this year, was recently recognized as one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers by Newsweek magazine. However, the coronavirus pandemic has presented Beacon House with a new set of challenges. A budget shortfall due to a lost contract, the loss of prior revenue generating enterprises (like monthly bistro dinners), and managing a concentrated population of nearly one hundred while a virus spreads, has forced the organization to find new and creative ways to generate revenue in order to keep their members safe, their recovery ongoing, and their services free.

ENTERPRISING FUTURES Everyone working inside the Beacon House Thrift Shop on Pacific Avenue is on some path to substance abuse recovery, though you’d never suspect it. The staff are young, energetic, and

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17

friendly, and willing to offer help when necessary. The experience and job skills learned are part of their recovery process.

“Depending on the level of responsibility, [residents] get a certain stipend and free room and board,” explains Harmatz. “It’s well above minimum wage when you package all the benefits they’re receiving.” This also includes therapy, programs, and treatment.

To San Pedrans of a certain generation, the men of Beacon House were widely known as the grunt workers of San Pedro. At nearly every public event held in town in the last 20 years, these men in recovery would help set up and take down fencing, pick up trash, and provide security. It was easy, cheap labor that became normal practice for years. According to Harmatz though, those days are long gone.

Under the direction of Shane Fleming, Beacon House’s director of social enterprises and a former graduate of the recovery program, the nonprofit is now focused on providing its residents with higher quality jobs, such as working in the thrift shop or working for their newly created catering business, that will look better for them on their resumes when they graduate the program and reenter society.

“This is a reality check,” explains Harmatz. “If I give you a resume and it says, ‘I spent two years setting up events,’ or it says, ‘I spent two years running an inventory system for a million dollar retail store,’ or ‘I was running inventory control for a catering business,’ I think that’s a more powerful resume than saying, ‘I was putting up barricades.’”

The thrift shop, which opened its doors in 2018, closed for three months this summer due to COVID-19. Since reopening in June, Fleming says the shop is experiencing its best sales months ever.

“The whole point of having a good margin and being profitable in our enterprise is twofold,” explains Harmatz.

“It funds our program. It gives guys the ability to work, and when they leave here, they’ll have money in their bank account. It also teaches our guys all the skills necessary to have a good resume and move on to a real job when they leave.”

Interior of the Beacon House Thrift Shop on Pacific Avenue. The proceeds help fund the organization's recovery programs. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

program’s culinary students. But since the pandemic has shut down any type of large gatherings for the foreseeable future, the organization had to find a creative way to utilize their kitchen and maintain that important revenue stream.

As Harmatz explains, the constraints of the pandemic fostered some creative ideas that resulted in a new catering business. “When the coronavirus hit, BISTRO TO-GO we quarantined the whole campus,” he Prior to the pandemic, one of Beacon says. “We couldn’t bring 80 guys to the House’s most popular fundraising kitchen to eat, so we packaged everyevents was their monthly bistro, where thing, and the residents would come the public was invited on the last Friday through, and we’d serve six at a time. of the month to try dishes from the We realized we could convert this into a business.”

Through funds raised over the last 12 months, Beacon House is in the process of converting their bistro into a full commercial kitchen in order to better service the new catering endeavor. They currently prepare and deliver 450 meals a day to the two new homeless shelters in San Pedro, with a goal of providing a total of 1,200 meals a day, spread across various local organizations.

“Our catering business is part of our pillars of recovery,” said Brian Smith, executive director of Beacon House, in a statement. “With long-term treatment and workforce training, our men can build a solid foundation of sobriety and develop the marketable skills to reenter the workforce. Skills that lead to careers that will allow them to be providers for WE ARE ESSENTIAL & their families, as well as taxpayers and contributors to our community. And WE’RE TAKING NEW PATIENTS! given today’s crisis, catering will help keep our doors open.”

The culinary program offers residents (310) 732-0036 the chance to work in a commercial kitchen, either on the cooking side by Light Therapy with Cold Laser. creating dishes and preparing food or in • Accelerates Healing: Light therapy increases blood flow. Energy from the light managerial roles, monitoring inventory stimulates collagen, enzymes, DNA and RNA to facilitate healing. and handling orders. One of their recent • Pain relief: Light therapy has an inhibitory effect on peripheral nerves to graduates is now a chef at Terranea. decrease pain.

For Stephen King, a graduate of the • Safe: Approved by FDA in 2002. This non-invasive treatment has no side effects. recovery program who now helps run It can be used on sprains, strains, back pain, carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, their commercial kitchen, having the wounds, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and joint pain. freedom to create with food has helped 28901 S. Western Ave., #103, RPV | coast-physicaltherapy.com assist in his recovery.

18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

“I’m an artist, and I like to create with my hands,” says the 47-year-old from Huntington Beach. “This is like being a painter or a musician, except I do it with food. Also, I love the environment. It’s fast-paced. This allows me to have things just happen that are unpredictable. And then there are times when things are very structured, scheduled, and need to be done on time. So it fits both aspects for me.”

Due to the success of the San Pedro store, the Beacon House Association of San Pedro is expanding into Long Beach with a new 13,000 square foot thrift shop that will be opening next year. Also, the nonprofit recently partnered with L.A. Harbor College, bringing new educational opportunities for residents. They’ve also partnered with Strides to Recovery, providing residents with long-distance walking and running programs to assist in their treatment.

“You come in here and you don’t know anybody, and you make friends,” says Newmark. “The food is taken care of, your bills are taken care of, everything’s taken care of so you can focus on your sobriety.”

Fleming adds, “A lot of the guys don’t show up here with the skills needed to even exist or compete in the job marketplace. So our job is to help them get there. Yes, we’ve got to treat the disease, but we also have to get these guys able to function in society. We have to put them back out there so they could be a taxpayer, pay rent, and do all these things. That’s my job. I want to get them there. If they come [to Beacon House], there’s some work in front of you. There’s some recovery work, and then there’s some actual work.” spt For more info on the Beacon House Association of San Pedro, visit thebeaconhouse.org.

To view more photos from this story, visit sanpedrotoday.com.

LOWER PRICES! NEW OWNERSHIP!

PATIO OPEN FOR DINING!

Open Mon - Sat 9a-9p, Sun 9a-2p Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner!

Curbside Pickup & Delivery thru

CALL (310) 519-3662 View our menu at thinkcafesanpedro.com

302 W. 5th Street • San Pedro

Thank you for supporting us for 30 years!

WE HAVE MOVED!

NEW HOURS Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed on Mondays

We’d like to welcome you to our new location

Albertson’s Shopping Center 28152 Western Ave.

(310) 547-4554 • www.taxcorestaurantpv.com

Pick up - Deliveries - To Go

• Better Quality Ingredients!

• New Menu Additions!

• Renovated Dining Area!

($35 min. order)

ENTIRE ORDER! Exp. 11/30/20

OFFERING TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY 726 S. PACIFIC AVE. (310) 832-9196 • JOLLYBURRITO.COM WE DELIVER! Order online with Eat24

Check Out Our Tuesday Burger Special!

Now Open Until 8pm Mon-Fri! 813 S. Gaffey St. • 310.548.5322 • 310.548.3828

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 19

Manuel Jimenez, CEO and president of Black Knight Patrol. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

PROTECTING PEDRO

BLACK KNIGHT PATROL CELEBRATES 5 YEARS SERVING SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

by Sophia Ungaro Once upon a time, a young man from San Pedro aspired to protect his hometown. Now Manuel Jimenez is the CEO and president of Black Knight Patrol, a private security company celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Born and raised in San Pedro, Jimenez attended 15th Street Elementary School, Dana Middle School, and San Pedro High School Police Academy Magnet, where he served as senior class president, showing an eagerness to lead at a young age. At age 14, he enrolled in the LAPD Cadet program, where he would serve as a cadet for four years.

It was here that he gained his first experience with law enforcement and security. Additionally, Jimenez found a love for charity and worked tirelessly doing community service.

The program provided him with a

sense of belonging. After graduating from high school, Jimenez enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as an active Marine for four years. His service inspired him to found Black Knight Patrol.

“I always wanted to become a cop, [but] now I think I can make a difference and a change in the private sector, both with our community and our employees,” says Jimenez. “Being able to employ and create jobs here in San Pedro is a reason why I wanted to continue being part of the community.”

Black Knight Patrol is, at its core, a private security company. But as the last five years have progressed, they have made themselves a San Pedro staple. The patrol services Los Angeles County, Riverside County, Ventura County, and Orange County. Their

20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

clients range from San Pedro Fish Market and Toyota Arena in Ontario to the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills.

Jimenez has a staff of over 120 employees and hires many veterans. According to Jimenez, about 30% of his staff are from San Pedro.

“The discipline the Marine Corps instilled motivated me to always be driven and give everything 100%,” says Jimenez. “Uniformity is really big for us, [as is] military discipline and always striving to achieve perfection.”

When hiring, Jimenez requires all staff to already have obtained a California “guard card.” Once hired, the recruits are trained and earn their baton, pepper spray, and weapons permit. “We have a whole training division here that shows they are qualified to possess these permits,” says Jimenez. “I

think it’s just having a good attitude, a good personality, and the drive to want to work here. We are firm believers that the patrol is the extension of our clients.”

The guards are expected to make good impressions, as they are often the face of the hospitality locations. As long as the patrol has been in existence, they have yet to use lethal force. The team relies heavily on verbal judo and de-escalation tactics. “That’s not to say we are not going to protect ourselves or the public,” says Jimenez. “We always try to resort to de-escalation. At the end of the day, we just want individuals to leave our premises peacefully.”

Black Knight Patrol is heavily involved in the San Pedro community.

Jimenez has created a prosperous relationship with LAPD and even teamed

OPEN FOR CURBSIDE PICKUP & DELIVERY! subs wings burgers salads

&

more!

1902 S. PACIFIC AVE. | (424) 264-5322 | WESTCOASTPHILLYS.COM

Kris Lusic I am thankful for all my clients for buying and selling their homes with me.

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Holidays!

310-699-4316

28901 S. Western Ave Suite #139, RPV Lusic5@sbcglobal.net

We Have 7 HDTVs to see all the games!

Now with 6 beers on tap!

Choose from Pizza • Appetizers Salads • Sandwiches Calzones • Pasta Dishes Dinner Entrees & Desserts

Gluten Free Pizza Crust is here!

FAST DELIVERY

310.732.5800 What A Deal!

Me Familia

Pick Up Special Large 1 Topping

with up to 2 Toppings 1 Dozen Wings & 2 Liter Soda

1199

$

Not valid with any other offer excludes gourmet toppings & extra cheese 310.732-5800 Limited time only.

Large Pizza

2999

$

Not valid with any other offer excludes gourmet toppings & extra cheese 310.732-5800 Limited time only.

Double Trouble 2 Large Pizzas with up to 2 Toppings each

2799

$

Not valid with any other offer excludes gourmet toppings & extra cheese 310.732-5800 Limited time only.

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21

up with them at the beginning of summer 2020. The project in question is the Ice Cream Patrol, an initiative to give out 5,000 ice cream treats. Moreover, Jimenez and his team put on an annual Veteran’s Day event where they feed over 1,000 veterans and other community members aboard the Battleship USS Iowa. This year’s Veteran’s Day will signify the fifth anniversary of Black Knight Patrol.

“We like to say we’re very engaged with the community,” says Jimenez.

“We have a very diverse group of individuals that strive to leave an imprint in the community, whether it’s here in San Pedro or other locations where we have clients.”

Black Knight Patrol utilizes social media in an appealing way as well.

Sharing posts with daily updates and fun facts, the patrol connects to the community with their authentic content. On Instagram, the regular postings present the patrol as a friendly team that is determined to protect the community. The account shares photos showing client locations or “Fleet

Fridays,” where they show off Black Knight Patrol’s vehicles. The patrol also has a YouTube account with short video explanations. The videos range from more “Fleet Fridays” to footage from their community outreach events.

Shari Weaver, a director of the Coordinated Entry System at Harbor Interfaith Services, praises Black Knight Patrol for the services they’ve provided her work. Harbor Interfaith Services provides services to the homeless by offering 90-day emergency shelter and 18-month transitional housing programs. They currently house approximately 450 residents. Black Knight Patrol oversees operations at Harbor Interfaith’s family shelter, two single adult shelters, and their access center.

“Reliability and accountability are two things that rise to the surface for me,” says Weaver. “[They] go above and beyond what they’re contracted to do with us, as far as services. They’ve done philanthropic types of donations with us.” Not only did Black Knight Patrol take initiative on creating hygiene kits for the residents, but Weaver has

Happy Thanksgiving!

Serving Our Community for Over 40 Years!

• Commercial & Residential Real Estate • For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Rosemarie “Bitsy” Lauro • Short Sales Owner/Escrow Officer • FHA & Conventional Refinance • Income/Investment Properties • Hard Money Loans

Independently Owned & Operated

864 West 9th Street San Pedro, CA 90731 ∙ (310) 548-1263 www.ranchosp-escrow.com 22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

Jimenez (center) with BKP staff at a past Día de los Muertos event in Downtown San Pedro. (photo: blackknightpatrol.com)

noticed that the people at the site create a welcoming environment. “What is really important to us at these sites is having responsiveness,” says Weaver.

“They’re never hesitant to respond to any concerns or issues that we have, and I think that’s really important.”

In the future, Jimenez hopes the patrol will continue to work closely with the community and take on bigger projects with LAPD. He also adds that there is always room for growth.

“Our long-term goals are to continue to grow and employ military veterans and deliver the utmost professional security service,” says Jimenez. “It’s all about changing the views of how people view security and continue to provide services to our clients throughout Southern California.” spt For more info on Black Knight Patrol, visit blackknightpatrol.com.

24 Hours 7 Days Residential & Commercial Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Service

Serving the Community Since 1986 Family Owned and Operated

EPHENS STPLUMBING • HEATING AIR CONDITIONING

Free

Consultations for plumbing, heating & AC

$75

Dr. Kardovich and team enjoying the day at the coast!

Braces for Children and Adults San Pedro • Torrance

AC/Heating Tune-Up

Call Now For

10% Off

Your Next Service Call!

(310) 832-9009

616 W. 6th Street • San Pedro, CA 90731

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 23

VOICES

UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION

by Sophie Schoenfeld (photo: Amir SeilSepour from Pexels)

Having worked in a private practice setting with recovering addicts for 15 years, I have come to realize that our societal relationship to addiction is often flawed, which is why addiction is such a persistent and difficult-to-treat affliction in our communities. It has been a hundred years since our legal system banned drugs and introduced legal sentences against drug users. While this trend is slowly changing, we still have a long way to go.

Our current belief system regarding addiction originated from multiple rat

experiments that were conducted earlier in the 20th century where groups of rats were given a choice between heroinlaced water and pure water. After a while, the rats inevitably became addicted to the heroin water, hence, confirming the theory that given enough exposure to addictive substances, addiction is inevitable. Recently however, Bruce Alexander, a psychologist from a university in Vancouver, conducted an altogether different kind of experiment. Dr. Alexander created a rat park filled with interesting activities that his rats could engage in and populated it with other rats so they could play with each other. The second rat group was held in classical rat cages, isolated, and deprived of all stimulation.

24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

What he discovered was that the first group did not become addicted to heroin water while rats in cages did.

Humans follow a similar pattern. Addiction tends to be rampant in economically-depressed and remote areas. In addition, addicts tend to have comorbid mental health issues and often history of trauma. Yet the majority of treatment centers insist on treating addiction as the primary diagnosis and often wean clients from all medication, focusing all interventions on drug detox and 12-step drug treatment. While complete abstinence from all substances works for some, addiction still is widespread in our communities.

The 2020 shutdown due to COVID-19 has caused a spike in substance abuse, and if we use the above-mentioned rat experiment as a guiding principle, it starts to make sense why. We are like those rats stuck in cages; we have limited interaction with others, our activities have been considerably restricted, and whatever concurrent mental health issues have become magnified due to stress. Under these conditions, substances become a way to escape a difficult reality.

Thirty years ago, horrific reports from Romanian orphanages emerged, describing babies dying due to deprivation from human contact. Humans are intrinsically relational beings. When an individual is isolated, his/her environment becomes intolerable. But isolation does not simply refer to physical separation from others; it can also refer to psychological and emotional isolation.

We all know what it’s like to feel alone in a crowded room or in a disconnected relationship. Childhood trauma is created when a growing child who is left neglected or unsafe develops a sense of intolerable emptiness within. It’s as if he/she is missing a piece of themselves.

As life experience imprints its cruelty, heartache, rejection, and feeling of failure onto our souls, an already fractured self collapses into despair, hence, we become attached to something constant that will never disappoint, a substance that makes these empty feelings go away.

Persistent problem behavior of an

addict can become infuriating for the loved ones, and empathy towards individuals who struggle with addiction can be difficult, but there is a difference between empathy and codependence.

Codependence enables addiction; empathy allows us to speak to it directly.

Now that many families are faced with an increase in addiction, here are some signs to help spot high-risk behaviors: • Distant • Secretive • Avoiding eye contact • Active at odd hours • Defensive • Lying • Emotionally uneven Instead of confronting, accusing, shaming, and guilting, try to have a conversation about what is bothering them and what they are thinking about, and bring up your own state of mind and struggle to invite open communication and normalize feelings. When discussing issues, try to be straight without being too emotionally charged. Addiction is a secret because it’s shameful, yet addiction is a fairly common response to stress, isolation, and trauma. Try to demystify addiction.

This will create a feeling of connection between you and the addict. Addicts tend to gravitate towards other addicts because there is a sense of camaraderie and togetherness.

Remember, an addict is a terribly lonely spirit. Addiction makes an individual feel useless; that is why facilities like the Beacon House in San Pedro have been so successful in helping individuals with recovery. Engaging addicts in community service and creating a sense of togetherness restore a feeling of individual integrity and sense of self-respect. Addiction is a symptom of an internal orphanage. We must work consciously at creating connected and meaningful environments in order to heal from addiction. spt Sophie Schoenfeld, MFT is a local marriage and family therapist. For more info, visit sophiemft.com.

BRE#00778233

STEFANI COUGHLIN

San Pedro • PV • South Bay

SELLERS & BUYERS I WILL HELP YOU GET WHAT YOU WANT!

CALL OR TEXT ME TODAY TO GET STARTED!

Veteran Approved Realtor & VA Loan Specialist

INTERESTED IN A REAL ESTATE CAREER? CALL OR TEXT ME, I WILL HELP YOU! CALL OR TEXT ME (310) 877-0073

BUY • SELL • LEASE • INVEST | stefcoughlin@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 25

HEALTH & FITNESS

THE WORST YEAR EVER

by Ricky Magana

Why work with us?

• Professional Marketing and Maximum Exposure on your Home • Local knowledge and strong ties to the communities we live and work in.

• Experienced, strong and fair negotiators.

• Over 20 years of combined real estate experience with hundreds of properties sold.

HARPERHAZDOVAC.COM 310.850.9951 | Mike 310.739.9743 | Peter

26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

BRE#01381971, 01897455

In my relatively short life, I can honestly say 2020 has been the most difficult year for many of us. The more people I talk to, it seems everyone pretty much agrees that 2020 is a dumpster fire. And yet, it is not (by a long shot) the worst year we, as humanity, have ever gone through. At least not according to one medieval scholar who has deemed the year 536 AD as the bona fide worst trip around the sun we’ve ever had.

Imagine waking up one day expecting the sun to rise, only to find total darkness. “Hmm, that’s weird. Did someone set the sundial back and not tell me?” You rub your eyes and light a lamp to see what’s going on, only to find everyone else as puzzled as you are.

You think, “Surely, this is some anomaly, and it’ll all go back to normal in the morn.” What follows is 18 months of continuous darkness.

Centuries ago, before you could check Twitter to determine which political party caused such a mess, you had to chalk this up to an angry God and hope you could atone for whatever sins got you there. Unbeknownst to you, a once-in-a-millennia volcanic eruption in Iceland had just formed a massive ash cloud that enveloped the western world. This triggers massive temperature drops, prompting the coldest decade in 2,300 years, according to Science magazine. It decimates crops and results in mass starvation and famine. Shortly after, the bubonic plague takes hold and ravages the Roman Empire, wiping out 50 million lives.

Amidst the mess we find ourselves in 2020, it can be easy to think that this is the worst things could ever be. That’s why it’s important, now more than ever, to keep perspective. Yes, things are bad.

For many, it’s really bad. But generations before us have dealt with their fair share of adversity. They made it out. So will you.

But one of the patterns I’ve seen among many is the hunkering down.

The sit-and-wait till the storm of 2020

passes. Living life on pause, anxiously waiting for the year to be over, as if 2021 will wipe the slate clean. All the while, constantly refreshing the social media feed, consuming unhealthy doses of fear porn. And the twisted silver lining of 2020 is that it has given everyone a hall pass for not moving forward. We all have the ultimate alibi for stagnation or complacency because when all this is over, if you’re still in the same place than before the pandemic, nobody will blame you. But the question is: Is that what you’re willing to settle for? Are you just going to wait around binging Netflix for God knows how long before you pick back up again?

If you’re like many, you’ve taken some major hits the last couple months, and it’s hard to keep pushing. It’s hard to march on, when just as you’re expecting things to get easier, it gets even harder. And 11 months in, the psycho thriller that is 2020 hasn’t let up. But you can only control what you can control. Sure, you can’t save the economy, but you can save money. Sure, you can’t cure coronavirus, but you can get yourself as fit and healthy as possible. It’s in your slice of the world that you can affect the most change. In hard times, it’s easy to settle, to freeze, and do nothing, but doing so is a missed opportunity to grow. As we get older, we tend to replace courage with compromise. We negotiate on behalf of our lesser selves and lower our expectations to meet our less-than-desirable circumstances. I know I have. It’s in these times, I have to remind myself: Calm seas don’t make skilled captains.

So as we approach the end and hopefully uneventful climax of 2020, resist the urge to stay in your cave. In a year of trials and tribulations, it won’t matter how many fights you won on Twitter; what will matter is how you allowed 2020 to shape you. So get out and get after it.

And if getting in shape is what you need, you know where to find me. spt Ricky Magana is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.

REAL ESTATE

BUYER STRATEGIES IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET

by Mike Harper & Peter Hazdovac 2020 has been a bizarre year, and Q3 proved to be a furious three months in real estate. Recapping our local market during Q3, there were 110 homes (SFRs) sold in San Pedro, which was up nearly 15% from the year prior. The average sales price was $810,000 and up nearly 11% from the same period the previous year.

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, there were 114 homes sold, which was virtually flat from the year prior. However, the average sales price was $1.842MM, which was up a whopping 20% from the same period the year prior.

There are several theories on why local real estate prices have continued to increase in the midst of a worldwide pandemic, which we speculated on in our September column. Whatever the reasons, the fact is that we are living through a highly competitive market with listed homes receiving multiple offers in many cases.

Being a buyer in this market can be very frustrating, especially when writing offer after offer and not having success getting yours accepted.

If you are a buyer, the following are strategies to consider that will make your offer more competitive.

1. Work with an Assertive Real Estate Agent - Working with the right people to achieve the desired result is always important no matter what the task. Having an assertive agent who is experienced in negotiations and can navigate through the complexities of a real estate transaction is imperative. In many cases, this can be the difference between securing a well-negotiated deal or losing out to another buyer.

2. Include a Loan Pre-Approval Letter with Your Offer - It’s no secret that cash is king in real estate. There are many advantages to working with a cash buyer due to not having to worry about loan or appraisal contingencies.

However, real estate is a substantial investment, and many buyers require financing. At the end of the day, the money is all the same to a seller. Make

sure to work with a reputable lender that can deliver on what they promise.

They will review your qualifications and provide a loan pre-approval letter that lets the seller and listing agent know you are financially qualified to complete the transaction. Frank Kostrencich, of C2 Financial, offered this perspective, “Time kills deals!

In order to win in a competitive real estate market, you must be able to close your purchase before everyone else. We can close a purchase loan in 21 days. We can release contingencies faster and provide full control of the process to you and your Realtor®.”

3. Consider Favorable Terms to the Seller - There are many moving parts in a transaction, and the seller may be under substantial pressure with their move. If you’re a buyer with flexibility in your current living situation, you may consider offering a rent-back agreement to the seller. In this scenario, both parties agree to close the transaction while allowing the seller to continue living in the property for a period of time. The seller may pay the buyer’s PITI (i.e. principle, interest, taxes, and insurance) or another negotiated amount. This could be an important term to the seller that alleviates some of their pressure caused by having to move. This is just one of many examples we can illustrate.

4. Consider Shortening or Removing Contingencies - The standard Residential Purchase Agreement has the following primary contingencies: 1.) inspections (17 days), 2.) appraisal (17 days), and 3.) loan (21 days). In a seller’s market, it is common to see the inspection period reduced to 10 days or less. Loan and appraisal periods may be adjusted down slightly as well. If a buyer has a larger down payment (20% or more) with solid cash reserves and the loan is a slam dunk, they may consider removing these contingencies altogether. In a competitive market, this shows the seller that a buyer means business and can give them the confidence to select your offer over another offer. spt Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are both licensed Realtors® with Keller Williams Realty. For more info, visit harperhazdovac.com.

NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 27

FAITH

Whatever happened to...

Joe DiCola?

“I fell and ended up in the hospital. I knew I could not go home and be by myself when my wife had to leave during the day. With her nursing background, she had heard only great things about Harbor Terrace. We went together to visit Harbor Terrace and the first time I saw it, I said, ‘This is the place for me!’

“I have made so many enjoyable friends here. The food is good, and my friends and I spend long hours talking and laughing together in the dining room. In addition, the patient and kind staff offer assistance with showers, help me to dress in the morning, and they even wash my clothes! I am very pleased to be living here.”

Joe DiCola Resident of Harbor Terrace

• A Full-Service Retirement Community • Independent Apartments • Assisted Living Services • Delicious Chef-Prepared Meals • Housekeeping & Linen Services • Daily Recreation & Social Programs

License # 198200855

435 W. 8TH ST., SAN PEDRO www.HarborTerraceRetirement.com

(310) 547-0090

10 INTENTIONS FOR ELECTION DAY

by Pastor Nathan Hoff Four years ago, I wondered who would be elected the next president of the United States. I wrote some intentions that I wanted to commit to regardless of who won the election. They have been a steady standard for me, even though I haven’t always lived up to my own ideal. I return to them regularly and mean to do better when I fall short.

This article will go to print before we know who will win this election. There is fear on both sides of the divide that the reaction could be unrest or even violence. May God give us grace for this process, civility to our politics, and a commitment to our common life.

In writing this monthly article, I typically try to be sensitive to the broad readership, people from every faith, and those not connected to a faith community. This month is a little more personal, so my intentions will be a little more particular. Because of that, there is space for you to consider adding your own particular intentions: 1. I plan to have goodwill towards our president.

2. I will pray every blessing on them and their family.

3. I will pray that everything in alignment with the agenda of God will flourish, and that everything in rebellion against God and his agenda will wither.

4. I will wholeheartedly support and

Chelsey Jones

seek the common good, and when I must dissent, I pray it will be loyal.

5. I will try to intercede and advocate instead of whine and blame.

6. I will accept the repositioning of the church in America. We are not at risk of losing power, prestige, or influence. It is lost. This is a promotion. The church has been freed from our self-interest, our hoarding, and our defensive stance. We have been promoted to missionary status.

7. I will take my place with the exiles instead of the emperor, and I will plant gardens, raise kids, do business as if I was going to be here forever, but my blessed hope will not be here and now.

8. I will align with the "down-toearth" God who sets aside power to side with the vulnerable.

9. If my views on marriage, which I believe are biblical, are rejected or seen as antiquated, I pray my actual marriage will reflect the "better or worse, richer or poorer, sickness and health" covenant that could impact marriages from the ground up.

10. I will let the good news of the unmerited favor of God continue to be the engine that changes me and can change the world.

What are your intentions for this season? spt Nathan Hoff has served as pastor at Trinity San Pedro since 2005 and can be contacted at nathan@trinitysanpedro.org.

s t y l i s t

BRING OUT YOUR BEAUTY Specializing in: • color • cut • blow dry • keratin treatments • extensions

Find me at:

@ Cé 28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

la

luna Salon, 1861 n. Gaffey St., Suite G & H (310) 528-8848

IN MEMORIAM

REMEMBERING PAT CARROLL JUNE 21, 1939 - JUNE 21, 2020

by Linda Alexander & Linda Grimes (photos: courtesy Linda Grimes, Facebook)

Pat “Pedro Pat” Carroll was a renaissance woman: farm girl, carpenter, UCLA BA, Pepperdine MBA, marketing executive, and lover of all-thingscultural.

Pat’s love of all things Italian began when, as an undergrad at UCLA, she spotted an extremely attractive Italian language instructor. She continued her fascination as she immersed herself in Italian classes. Pat developed a wide circle of friends to share classes, dinners, Scrabble (all in Italian), and most of all, frequent travels to Italy. She loved Italian films, and her favorite silent auction item was tickets to the LA OperaItalian operas. Los Angeles Councilman Joe Buscaino recalls the many times she encouraged a conversation in Italian (after they hugged!).

Pat had fond recollections of growing up in the San Fernando Valley on an orange grove. She was driving tractor at a young age, an experience which proved most useful when she became the national marketing and PR director for Kubota Tractor. Life on the grove also encouraged her to learn to work with tools. She was proud of the very sturdy redwood platforms she had made for the plants on her patio and refused to get rid of the many power tools in her garage, confident she would build in the future. She used those skills when, on her last trip (of many) to Ireland, she participated in a Habitat for Humanity project in Belfast.

Pat cherished her family and friends and always kept them close. Each December, she would travel to the Valley to enjoy a holiday afternoon with friends from high school. She continued

regularly scheduled lunches with women from her professional group, Los Angeles Women in Advertising, as well as with former colleagues from Kubota.

Pat’s warmth was shared with many, as she loved to give and get hugs. Pat’s niece Mai Lan recalls that her Aunt Pat and grandmother were avid supporters of her dancing beginning at age six and encouraged both her and her daughter Melanie’s creative instincts by taking them to ballet and live stage productions. Other family members relate that Pat was a constant at family activities.

Upon her retirement in 2005, Pat again participated in a Habitat for Humanity project, this time with Jimmy Carter here in San Pedro. She began to search out volunteer opportunities, which would take advantage of her business, marketing, and PR experience.

She became a volunteer with Grand Vision Foundation, where she eventually became a board member. Longtime friend Linda Alexander recalls, “Early in our friendship, Pat and I visited a museum and ducked into the Fairfax Farmers Market for lunch. A trio began playing music and bam, the next thing I knew, she was dancing in front of them.

I soon learned that where there was music, Pat would be dancing.” Perfect fit for Grand Vision.

Pat volunteered for the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and other local events. She was also elected to the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council.

During that initial term, Pat produced a series of colorful and dynamic newsletters and initiated outreach opportunities for the council. Just a year ago, she was reappointed to the council and became

the communication and outreach officer, initiating several new outreach projects.

Pat volunteered to be a representative from the neighborhood council to the CRA funded Arts, Culture, and Entertainment board, which was the beginning of her significant contributions to the San Pedro arts community.

Pat came along at a time when the arts in San Pedro were just starting to get organized and became the founding board chair of the nonprofit San Pedro Waterfront Arts District.

She was a consummate, active listener and could comment on a questionable, unsustainable idea with just an eyebrow. Her enthusiasm and commitment to the arts was evidenced in many ways and most profoundly when she started the guided First Thursday ArtWalk tour ten years ago. She realized most people have not had much exposure to the arts and through her tours, literally took people by the hand to feed

tourgoers’ curiosity and expose them to the many art gems in San Pedro. The Arts District continues this tradition online, via the Armchair ArtWalk Tour, dedicated to her memory.

Pat was also a passionate supporter of women in leadership and worked tirelessly to give emerging leaders a chance to be heard. She was a part of the generation of women in business who, at the onset, were expected to wear stockings, skirts, hats, and gloves.

Being decorous, quiet, and subservient were not Pat-like qualities. Together we took training to understand how to overcome bullying, and then she went on to support the many women in this town to flex their powerful voices.

If you would like to donate, Angels Gate Cultural Center has set up an education fund in Pat Carroll’s name.

Please visit angelsgateart.org/donate/ and specify you want to donate in Pat’s memory. spt

PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND

Estate Plans • Probates • Wills • Living Trusts Power of Attorney • Real Estate

Raymond D. Green

Attorney at Law 30 years of service in the San Pedro & South Bay area

815 S. Averill Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732

(310) 784-8867

www.raymondgreenlawoffice.com rgreen.atty@sbcglobal.net

“Free 30 Minute Consultation with Mr. Green” NOVEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 29

THE BACK PAGE

The Army-Navy YMCA on Beacon Street was completed in 1926. It served as the social epicenter for men serving in the Pacific Fleet and at Fort MacArthur.

The historic building was recently sold and will be converted into a mixed-use building with 100 residential apartment units. (photo: San Pedro Bay Historical Society)

Don’t miss an issue, subscribe today!

Tired of sending YOUR copies of San Pedro Today to out of town relatives? Tired of having to drive into town to pick up a copy, only to find the magazine racks empty?

Let us do the work for you by subscribing to San Pedro Today!

For just $29.95 a year, you can have San Pedro Today delivered right to your mailbox every month.

Cost includes 12 issues of San Pedro Today mailed in a flat envelope.

You can also order online at sanpedrotoday.com!

30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I NOVEMBER 2020

ww w.s

anp edr

oto day .co m

Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ______________________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________________________

Send to: San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733 Make checks/m.o. for $29.95 payable to San Pedro Today.

This offer is for the Continental United States only. Sorry, no international orders.

NOW OFFERING TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY THRU GRUBHUB

Discover the only

PERMANENT SOLUTION

for repairing TOOTH LOSS

Giri Palani, DDS, FICOL Implant Dentistry Dr. Palani is a Fellow in the International

We Offer:

• Dental Implants & Teeth in ONE DAY • Complete Implant procedure done in one office from start to finish • Minimally Invasive Dental Implant Procedures • Computer Guided Implant Placement • Treatment Options to fit into any budget • Financing Available

Congress of Oral Implantoligists. He has been giving people back their smiles for over a decade.

TRUST AN EXPERT — CALL TODAY — (310) 464-1322

www.Teeth4LosAngeles.com

28358 S. Western Ave., RPV 90275 NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

$1200-$5500 OFF

Your Dental Implant Procedure

Not combinable with any other offer or discount.

Exp. 11/30/20

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

FREE

CT Scan

with an Implant Consultation

Not combinable with any other offer or discount.

Exp. 11/30/20