DECEMBER 2020
VAMPIRE FILM AT THE BREW CO. | ORGANIC FARM FEEDS THE HUNGRY | HOW COVID STOLE CHRISTMAS
Shop Local! SAN PEDRO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020
IF THERE WAS EVER A YEAR TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES DURING THE HOLIDAYS, IT'S THIS ONE!
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
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 3
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
! Value 0 0 . $98
It’s going to be an interesting holiday season. To say 2020 has been hard on all of us is an understatement. We’re navigating through a once-in-a-century pandemic that has already taken more than a quarter of a million American lives in just nine months, and we’re currently riding a new surge in COVID-19 cases in L.A. County that may force another stay-at-home order just in time for the holidays. We thought this would be over by now. We’ve been good (for the most part) at wearing our masks and socially distancing. Instead, it’s about to be a Merry COVID Christmas. The coronavirus pandemic has been especially hard for San Pedro’s small business community. From total shutdowns to tough reopening restrictions, the past nine months have been hell for our mom-and-pop shops, boutiques, salons, gyms, and restaurants. But through it all, these businesses have found ways to embrace change during this pandemic and are doing the best they can in these trying times. But they still need our help. A 2018 American Express economic study found that two-thirds (67 cents) of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community. This especially holds true here in San
20
rs. mber 31, 20 er offe ny oth xpires Dece 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 December 31, 2020
Pedro, where our small business owners are mostly made up of our neighbors, friends, and relatives. This is why shopping local this holiday season is more important now than ever. This year’s gift guide, while always incomplete (we can’t fit everyone), showcases the unique and eclectic mix of small businesses we’re fortunate to have in San Pedro. Our hope is that you use this guide as a way to keep your dollars local by supporting those in these pages and all the other small businesses that make up our port town. As we say in the opening of this year’s gift guide, San Pedro may not have everything, but you can definitely find something for everyone here. Before I end my final column of the year, I want to thank Yolanda Regalado, owner of Sirens Java & Tea, for letting us shoot our cover photo inside the coffee shop last month, and also our “secret” Santa for reprising the role he started on last year’s gift guide cover. It was a fun shoot, and we already have an idea for next year’s cover. Finally, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season and a merry Christmas. We finally made it to the end of 2020. Here’s to a hopeful and prosperous 2021. 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 December 31, 2020
Not Combinable with any other offers. Limit one per household. Expires December 31, 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 December 31, 2020
Beat the Heat!
5995 $7995 A/C SERVICE
$
*
*
99
*European Cars Extra. Not Combinable with any other offers. Limit one per household. Expires December 31, 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 December 31, 2020
4 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 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 12/31/20
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 12/31/20
15 OFF 329 W. 6th Street • San Pedro
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Excluding Uggs and sale items. Expires 12/31/20
M-F: 10am-7pm Sat: 10am-5:30pm Sun: 11am-4pm
329 W. 6th Street | San Pedro | (310) 832-9364 DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
DECEMBER 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
General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
Jack Baric, Pastor Nathan Hoff, Ricky Magana, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Anthony Pirozzi, Jr., Sophie Schoenfeld
EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER
Angela Romero will return in February.
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.
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
Joshua J. Stecker
VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 11 ON THE COVER: Santa at Sirens Java & Tea. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
Golden Treasure Jewelers SHOP LOCAL & SAVE 2011-2016
Storewide
NOW THRU CHRISTMAS
NEW ARRIVALS This Holiday Season EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS www.gtjewelers.com
Weymouth Corners | 1453 W. 8th St., Suite C | San Pedro | (310) 548-4008
BLACK FRIDAY SALE! $
15-30% OFF STOREWIDE
SHOP LOCAL!
10
SALE
on Scarves, Beanies, Gloves & Earrings!
Fri.
&
Sat., Nov. 27th
Weymouth Corners 1 4 4 2 W. 8 t h S t r e e t • S a n Pe d r o • 3 1 0 . 5 2 1 . 8 4 0 0
&
28th
Outdoor Christmas Boutique CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL Saturday, December 5th 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Seasonal Handmade Items by Local Artists Opportunity for family Christmas Photos Raffles from every Vendor
WWW.CHRISTRPV.COM 28850 S. Western Avenue Rancho Palos Verdes 310 831-0848 DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7
VOICES
GREEKS HAVE GIVEN US MORE THAN FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Steve Marconi For obvious reasons— fishing — thousands of immigrants came to San Pedro at the beginning of the 20th century, most of them from Japan, southern Italy (including Sicily), and the Dalmatian Coast, what is now Croatia. Two other immigrant groups, much smaller in size but with cultures also tied to the sea, were the Norwegians and Greeks. The Norwegians made their mark as sailors, but the Greeks, with their entrepreneurial spirit, saw great opportunities more land-based in the booming port town — all of those fishermen, sailors, seamen, and dockworkers needed to eat and drink. The story of one such family is told in Michael George Markulis’ touching memoir, Terpsihori: a Greek Woman, an American Immigrant (available on Amazon).
The eponymously titled Terpsihori is mostly the story of Markulis’ mother, but it’s an immigrant story that even non-Greeks can relate to, especially Croatians and Italians. Like so many of them, whose “old country” roots are from the islands of Vis and Ischia, respectively, a great number of San Pedro’s Greeks came from another Mediterranean island, Crete. The major difference with other San Pedro ethnicities is the quaint Greek tradition of arranged marriages. That’s how Terpsihori Galanis, from Crete, ended up in America. George Marcoulakis, a coal miner in Utah 21 years her senior, returned to his native Crete to meet his bride for the first time, and they honeymooned on the return voyage. Many San Pedro families can relate to the mining history. For those who didn’t come directly here for the fishing, the early 20th century journey to San Pedro often included stops in the country’s coal, copper, and silver mines. That dangerous and low-paying work is
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.
8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
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.
what caused many to seek better lives in California. One of the first was Nick George Papadakis, from mainland Sparta, who came to San Pedro in 1907. He was a waiter in La Jolla when he first heard about San Pedro’s potential, and it wasn’t long before he bought the former post office on the corner of Sixth and Centre and opened the Anchor Cafe. In 1923, he built the LaSalle Hotel on Seventh Street, and after Prohibition, opened Anchor Liquor nearby. Nick had returned to Greece for an arranged marriage, and the tradition carried on in America when he arranged a marriage between his son, Tom, and Angie Lampas, who became an institution in the Greek community. Two of their sons, John and Tom, opened and ran Papadakis Taverna at the site of the old Anchor Cafe from 1973 to 2010. It was the food service industry that also brought the Marcoulakises to San Pedro (for those wondering, Greek names ending with akis have Crete origins). While visiting here in 1943, George was offered a job as a cook at the Coney Island Cafe on the waterfront owned by his old friend from Crete, Tony Louros (Lourakis). Tony’s marriage also had been arranged, and he had worked with George in the Utah mines before leaving for San Pedro. Tony’s daughter, Kay, later married Gus Alex, longtime teacher at San Pedro High; they recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. George eventually owned several small restaurants on the waterfront himself, the last one being George’s Cafe. In the meantime, Terpsihori was home raising five sons: John, Mike, Nick, Chuck, and Jimmy. John and Jimmy worked at DiCarlo Bakery before John became co-owner of Puritan Bakery, with Jimmy joining him. Jimmy also became an owner of several bars. The Marcoulakises aren’t the only ones whose name changed over the years, finally becoming Markulis. Alex originally was Alexopolous. Realtor George Harris has the best story, however. The original family name is a real mouthful: Haralambopoulos. When his grandfather, who came to America after an arranged marriage, arrived at Ellis Island in the early 1920s, he was told, “You’ll never get a job with a name like that,” and it became Harris. George’s grandfather stayed in New York and opened a restaurant. In San Pedro, the names didn’t have to change; besides, with all those Croatians around, there was a real need for vowels. The Louroses eventually sold the Coney Island Cafe to fellow Cretans Vic
and Lou Pappas (another longstanding tendency of Greeks selling to Greeks). The Andritsas brothers, cousins of the Papadakises, also were restaurant owners. Tom Andritsas had two daughters, Nicki and Frances, both of whom broke tradition by marrying non-Greeks. Nicki, now 96, served generations of San Pedrans as a waitress at Ante’s and Cigo’s. The Harris family married into the Panousis clan, which ran the City Hall Cafe just opposite San Pedro’s City Hall. A February 1941 News-Pilot article on San Pedro Greek businesses donating to the Greek War Relief (Italy invaded Greece in 1940; the Germans in April 1941) reveals the extensive Greek involvement in the food/beverage industry. It lists Anchor Liquor, Original Coney Island, City Hall cafe, Busy Corner, S&J cafe, Day & Night Lunch, Lido cafe, Silver Lion cafe, Marine Fish Grotto, Alex’ liquor store, Jimmie’s Broiler, Jimmy’s liquor stores, Globe Lunch, Nick’s cafe, Palace Grill, Big Chief Lunch, Yacht cafe, Quality cafe, and Dad’s beer parlor. The owners, unnamed, gave half of their gross receipts from one day’s business to relief. Greeks still marry Greeks, but arranged marriages and most of the fishermen and sailors are in the past, along with all of those old businesses; but the connections with food and drink remain. Tommy Minas owned the famed waterfront bar Tommy’s Goodfellows, and former ship captain Peter Damalas supplied crews as a chandler. San Pedro’s George Stavros owned the Hot N Tot restaurant in Lomita. Niko Tsouloufas opened Big Nick’s Pizza, then sold it to John Bagakis and Jimmy Eleopoulos, and opened Niko’s Pizzeria downtown. Rancho Palos Verdes’ Alec Siapkas is a second-generation restaurateur. The family previously owned the Lighthouse Cafe on 39th Street and took over the Fantastic Cafe on north Gaffey from Alec Tsiboukas, who still owns the Fantastic Cafe on 25th Street. The Philipopoulos family still runs the Sandwich Saloon. Want a hamburger? Try Larry’s, Troy’s, or Spiro’s, all owned by Greeks. There are probably more establishments, and like the entire industry, all of them have been hit hard by the lockdown. So there’s no better time to lift a glass to the Greeks and say, “Ya mas.” 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
MIXED EMOTIONS by Anthony Pirozzi, Jr.
I remember last year around this time thinking how fast we were heading into a new decade, 2020. For my family, 2020 had some special milestones planned, such as my sons Antonio and Vincent entering their senior year in college, Luca graduating from SPHS, and all my boys would be adults. I would be reconfirmed to the Board of Harbor Commissioners starting my eighth year and retiring from Boeing at the end of the year. Carolyn set some personal goals and put into motion plans to see our favorite comedians, rock bands, sports events, and theatre productions, such as Hamilton, together as a family. Prior to COVID-19 hitting the United States, January started off with laughter, as we enjoyed seeing comedian Sebastian Maniscalco at the Forum. Two weeks later, we woke up on a Sunday to learn of the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gigi, and all on board the helicopter that crashed that morning. The next day, we honored the victims during our waterfront promenade and downtown square groundbreaking ceremony. In February, we celebrated the naming of David Arian Way, Carolyn and I successfully completed the All Fit 6 Week Challenge to lose 20 pounds, and our family enjoyed seeing comedian Jo Koy at the Forum. The first week in March, I attended one of the only Lakers home games, rocked to Kiss at Staples Center, spoke at Eastview Little League Opening Day, and attended the USC-UCLA basketball game at the Galen Center. 2020 seemed like it wouldn’t be so bad after all. That would all change as the first cases of COVID-19 began to hit the States and President Trump called for a national emergency regarding COVID-19 on Friday, March 13. Store shelves began to empty as people prepared for the worst while quarantines and lockdowns began. Workers were categorized as essential and non-essential, businesses at all levels would suffer tremendous losses, unemployment rose, and food lines began. At Boeing El Segundo, two thirds of the work force 10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
was able to work from home. I would continue to go into work with my union employees, who are essential to getting satellite products built. COVID-19 became real for my family when Carolyn and I tested positive months into quarantine. I was symptomatic; she was not. Our boys tested negative. I had a fever for two straight weeks, developed a serious cough making it difficult to talk, slept on my stomach to help reduce coughing, lost 20 pounds, and found myself unable to sleep and pacing in the middle of the night. Week three is when I began to feel better. Summer would see the passing of my father Tony, and my family has been left with a big hole in our lives. It’s been four months since his passing and as we head into our first holiday season without him, it will be difficult to say the least, but our family is strong, and we will celebrate with him in spirit. As I prepare for retirement, I always thought both of my parents would be with me when I walked out of the company for the last time, but that will not be the case. I started at Hughes Space and Communications, now Boeing, 30 years ago. I have to thank Howard Hughes for the opportunity to retire at age 55. I attended Harbor College to learn electronics to help my dad at his television repair shop, Tony’s TV, but landed in aerospace building, testing, and launching satellites after earning my engineering degree from Cal Poly Pomona. This has transcended to the next generation with my son Antonio preparing to graduate as an engineer from Cal Poly Pomona in 2021. 2020 has been the toughest year in my life, and it ends for me with mixed emotions. Through it all, my family has become closer and we, like many of you, truly appreciate life. We gain strength each day, appreciate all that is around us, and thank God for the gifts in our lives. We must unite as a nation and once again stand tall together. I wish you a safe, healthy, and happy year-end and look forward to a brighter 2021. May God bless you all! spt Anthony Pirozzi, Jr. is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be reached at apirozzi@yahoo.com.
INVIGORATING YOUR HEALTH
Pouriya Elyasi, D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic Dr. Jisu Lee Acupuncturist
Robert Del Torto, D.C. Doctor of Chiropractic Dr. Lisa Nelson Acupuncturist
• Complete Chiropractic Care • Acupuncture • Massage Therapy • Decompression therapy • Laser Therapy • Personal Injuries Pacific Shore Chiropractic | 505 South Pacific Ave., Suite 103 San Pedro (310) 935-2182
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11
VOICES
LOCAL ORGANIC PRODUCE FARM FEEDS THE HUNGRY by Jennifer Marquez Located on a dirt lot in between two buildings in Downtown San Pedro, a garden and urban farm is thoughtfully growing organic produce under the gaze of a large dinosaur statue. For five years, the nonprofit agency Feed and Be Fed, which was founded by The Garden Church, has been growing food and distributing it into the local community, making healthy food accessible to all. Locally grown organic produce is sold weekly in front of The Garden Church every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 429 W. 6th Street and at the San Pedro Farmers Market. Vegetables, herbs, and other locally grown items for sale can be previewed on their website. Customers pay what they can, and all proceeds go back into the garden and are also used to purchase food to feed people in the community every Sunday at 5 p.m. Prior to the pandemic, Feed and Be Fed served a meal in The Garden Church where the community and volunteers would break bread together in this urban sanctuary. Now, people in need pick up their hot prepared dinners at the gate. The meals are purchased from local struggling restaurants which provides another benefit to the community as Feed and Be Fed supports local businesses. In addition to repurposing urban land, Feed and Be Fed, prior to COVID-19, was providing gardening education to adults and youth and creating a natural setting for community gatherings. There are volunteer opportunities available now as people can work in the garden with masks and keep a social distance at their Downtown San Pedro location or at their farm location at the LAUSD science center in San Pedro. Lead gardener, Dr. Linda O'Brien Rothe, 12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
is a wealth of gardening knowledge and instructs volunteers on gardening — and if you are lucky, you might learn how she prepares her celery and other cooking tips. Volunteers are also needed to be part of the compost crew, and individuals can donate their compostables to this program. While financial donations are always needed, Feed and Be Fed appreciates donations of gently-used decorative garden pots. Volunteers repurpose the pots and add soil and plants and sell them at the San Pedro Farmers Market on Fridays in Little Italy. The proceeds benefit the garden that strives to be a place where people from all walks of life come together to create a more sustainable and less wasteful San Pedro. Feed and Be Fed also is part of the Harbor Neighborhood Relief Fund, which is a collaboration with the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and other faith-based organizations that have come together to aid vulnerable populations in need. Families who have lost jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and local nonprofits who are helping the underserved can apply to receive funds. “In these struggling times, we maintain a lot of hope, and the hope comes from the vitality and [renewal] we see in nature,” states Peter Rothe, chairman of the board, Feed and Be Fed. “That helps to give us confidence that on the other side of COVID[-19], there will be a wiser, social mixed life for people ahead. We hope San Pedrans will share the life of nature in the garden.” In a time where there are so many challenges in the world, Feed and Be Fed is a bright spot in San Pedro, beautifying the land and nourishing people in body, mind, and spirit. spt To learn more about Feed and Be Fed, visit feedandbefed.org or drop by 429 W. 6th Street when they are open and ask how you can help.
Delta Bravo Group Physical Security & Private Investigation
• Site Security & Roving Patrols • Event Security • Maritime Security • Personal Protection Details • Private Investigations PROUDLY PROTECTING COMMUNITIES FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS & INTO THE 21st CENTURY
Contact us at:
Happy Holidays!
310-707-2560 dennis@deltabravogroupllc.com deltabravogroupllc.com PPO License #16128 • PI Liecnse #25444
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 Independently Owned & Operated • Hard Money Loans 864 West 9th Street San Pedro, CA 90731 ∙ (310) 548-1263 www.ranchosp-escrow.com
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13
FEATURE
MAKING A VAMPIRE FILM AT THE BREW CO. 'A PLACE AMONG THE DEAD' PREMIERES DEC. 14 by Jack Baric This is a true story, made better with a few longshoremen lagers. It all started over a beer at the Brew Co. with Paul McDonald, a former USC All-American and NFL quarterback. We were discussing making a documentary about the history of the USC vs. UCLA football rivalry and sealed our partnership over a pitcher. A City Divided later premiered at LA Live and ran for three seasons on Fox Sports. San Pedro Brewing Company owner James Brown (J.B.) played a key role in the movie, serving as the smack-talking Bruin, more than happy to match barbs with his Trojan counterparts in the film. However, J.B. also perfectly illustrated how rivals can come together by telling his story of putting hometown hero Mario Danelo’s USC jersey on the wall of his establishment after he died in a tragic accident. The cinematographer on A City Divided, Deverill Weekes, had become familiar with San Pedro when he shot my very first film, Port Town, and our connection would later spark another meeting at the Brew Co. to make a movie. Like most filmmakers, I’m always brainstorming movie ideas and, as a documentarian, I became intrigued with making a fictional narrative film in a doc film style to give it a hyper-realistic feel. I enjoyed how some found footage films, like The Blair Witch Project, blurred the lines of fact and fiction and it got me wondering: What if you took certain aspects of a person’s true life and used them as the foundation for a
fictional story? Enter Deverill’s wife, Juliet Landau. Juliet has earned a great reputation for being an actress that dives deep into the characters she plays. Although she’s had numerous parts, Juliet’s largest fanbase comes from her role as Drusilla the vampire on the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I approached Deverill and Juliet about basing a film around the idea that Juliet’s research for her role as a vampire caused her to get drawn into investigating a killer who was murdering people in the style of a vampire. Juliet immediately took to the idea and expanded upon it. She explained, “The movie explores the repercussions of growing up under the sway of narcissism and evil. The picture is entirely scripted, but it’s crafted as a meld of fact, fiction, and the fantastical.” She added, “We’re living in a time where the escalation in narcissism, cruelty, and evil is daunting, but people are interested in addressing this. When you type ‘narcissism’ into a search, the numbers are staggering! YouTube has 9,120,000 videos. Google has 70,400,000 results.” Juliet’s strong vampire fanbase and many Hollywood friendships were key to attracting people to the project. Oscar-winning actor Gary Oldman, who played Dracula in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Anne Rice, who wrote the classic, Interview with a Vampire, and Buffy creator Joss Whedon all agreed to play alter egos of themselves in the film, titled A Place Among the Dead. We had all these great elements and now just needed to raise a few bucks
From my Heart to your Home Wishing family and friends a blessed Holiday Season. Thank you for your loyalty throughout the years.
Top: Baric (center) with James "J.B." Brown, Juliet Landau, and John Ek (photo: Deverill Weekes); Bottom: A Place Among the Dead poster art.
to make the film. Back to the Brewing Company, where I had lunch to pitch my buddy John Ek. He was instantly on board, and soon, we set up a meeting at Brew Co. for other investors to meet Juliet and Deverill. Ultimately, local businessman Nick Tonsich — my Pedro High buddy, investment banker Melvin Lindsey, and, of course, the king of the establishment, J.B., all agreed to invest. Juliet and Deverill took the ball and ran with it from there. In addition to writing, shooting, directing, and acting in the film, they also raised the rest of the production money. The pandemic has created a chal-
Chelsey Jones
lenge for distribution, and so the film will premiere via Video on Demand. However, prior to COVID-19, a sneak preview of it got rave reviews from audience members. Juliet stated, “The entire audience was very emotional. They stayed for hours to talk about the movie and began sharing intensely personal stories. It’s been so powerful and beautiful.” spt A Place Among the Dead premieres on Dec. 14 via VOD. Order an SPBC growler and give it a view! For more info, visit modernfilms.com/aplaceamongthedead.
s t y l i s t
Kris Lusic
310-699-4316
28901 S. Western Ave Suite #139, RPV Lusic5@sbcglobal.net 14 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
BRING OUT YOUR BEAUTY Specializing in: • color • cut • blow dry • keratin treatments • extensions
Find me at:
@ Cé
la
luna Salon, 1861 n. Gaffey St., Suite G & H (310) 528-8848
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 15
Shop Local! SAN PEDRO HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2020
There’s no other way to put it, this year’s holiday season is going to be one like no other. With COVID-19 restrictions constantly changing and as more people turn to online shopping, San Pedro’s small business community is struggling to finish 2020 on a high note. To put it simply, our mom-and-pop businesses need our help. Every year, we ask our readers to “shop local,” but this year that phrase holds much more importance. As we enter this challenging holiday season, let’s all be mindful of where we spend our gift-giving dollars. San Pedro may not have everything, but you can definitely find something for everyone (including yourself) in town. While this list is far from complete, we hope this gift guide encourages you to try and keep your dollars local as much as possible, not only during the holidays, but all-year round.
COVID NOTICE: We’re going to print on the eve of possibly more temporary business restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We recommend calling businesses before visiting for the latest information on their safe shopping procedures. And don’t forget to WEAR A MASK!
SPECIALTY GIFTS ASSISTANCE LEAGUE HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE The Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay’s Holiday Boutique is now open, offering a full selection of stunning holiday decor, beautiful ornaments, and eye-catching gift ideas, including jewelry and crystal items. They also carry a full selection of See’s Candies! 1441 W. 8th St., (310) 832-8355, assistanceleague. org/san-pedrosouth-bay.
son shopping Thurs. thru Sun. They also offer a wide selection of products online. Plus, all proceeds go towards programs at the aquarium! 3720 Stephen M. White Dr., (310) 548-8394, cabrillomarineaquarium. org/visit-cma/giftshop.asp.
thing for everyone on your Nice List. 112 E. 22nd St., craftedportla. com.
HARBOR HEALTH & SPA During a time when many of us are experiencing an unprecedented amount of stress, it’s no surprise our bodies are feeling CRAFTED AT THE worn down. The PORT OF LOS team at Harbor ANGELES If the Health & Spa, led holidays have you by Dr. Scott Sandtoo busy to hit ers, D.C., is on everyone on your hand for all your list, there’s one chiropractic and spot in town that’s massage needs. John Mattera Photography got you covered. If you aren’t sure San Pedro is home GRAND STREET what to gift, check CABRILLO MAto one of the best ARTS Give the gift of artistic out their holiday gift bundles and RINE AQUARIUM Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles one-stop shopping inspiration! Award-winning photog- spa packages. 29050 S. Western GIFT SHOP While experiences at Crafted at the Port rapher Annie Appel offers photo Ave., #102A, RPV, (310) 519-9690, the aquarium itself is temporarily restoration services and remote harborhealthandspa.net. closed, the Cabrillo Marine Aquari- of Los Angeles. With dozens of lophotography workshops, while um Gift Shop is still open. The shop cal artisans selling everything from tango instructor Silvia Askenazi JOHN MATTERA PHOTOGRAfeatures ocean-themed ornaments, hand-crafted jewelry and artisanal food to fine art and one-of-a-kind offers private dance lessons in their PHY Display the beauty of San fun family puzzles, and a great recently opened Grand Street Arts Pedro in your home! John Mattera selection of books. Open for in-per- items, one can easily find some16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
DISTINCTIVE EDGE FRAMING & GALLERY Since 1981, Distinctive Edge Framing & Gallery has been helping the peninsula “deck the halls” year-round. In addition to framing, they specialize in art sales, restoration, and decorating tips. 28639 S. Western Ave., RPV, (310) 833-3613.
center. Check out their feature in last month’s issue! More info at grandstreetarts.com.
Children’s Clothing • Toys & Books Gifts for the Home • Women’s Accessories
ALL OF US WOULD LIKE TO WISH OUR CUSTOMERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS A VERY BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON! 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
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17
Photography has captured and SUSAN DRAWBAUGH STUDIO archived many impressive images Local artist Susan Drawbaugh of San Pedro during his decade creates humorous and relatable as lead photogillustrations in her rapher for San new collection Pedro Today. “Playful Art of These images Pets & Peeps.” can be purchased Her adorable dog as high-quality and cat artwork prints, canvases, can be purchased or coasters. Maton various prodtera’s collection ucts like statioalso includes a nery, mugs, and variety of college art prints through football action her online store. San Pedro Waterfront Arts District photos on canvas Popular products from Notre Dame, UCLA, and USC include her Playful Pups notepads games. (310) 308-9766, johnmatand mugs, which make great stockteraphotography.com. ing stuffers for friends and family with four-legged furballs in their RUSTIC CHARM & PETALS A lives. Purchase online at drawwelcome addition to 7th Street baughdraws.com. in Downtown San Pedro, Rustic Charm & Petals offers a variety of clothing, accessories, home decor, and charming gifts, including SOUTH SHORES Pedro-inspired ACE HARDtees and sweatWARE Taking on shirts. They also home improveoffer various ment projects has outdoor workbecome a popushops for the lar quarantine community (with pastime this year. COVID-19 safety If you have an upmeasures in coming project, place), including South Shores flower arranging, Ace Hardware wreath making, is stocked for Susan Drawbaugh Studio all your holiday calligraphy writing, and more. DIY and home 251 W. 7th St., (310) 755-4576, improvement needs. Tools (and gift rusticcharmandpetals.com. cards) always make great stocking stuffers! 2515 S. Western Ave., Ste. SAN PEDRO WATERFRONT ARTS 101, (310) 833-1223. DISTRICT One of this year’s coolest San Pedro-related ACME 5 LIFEgifts is the Lilyan STYLE One of the Fierman Walkway most attractive mural jigsaw puznew businesses to zle offered by the open in Downtown San Pedro WaterSan Pedro in a front Arts District. long time, Acme 5 The mural, painted Lifestyle offers an by Luis Sanchez array of furniture and located next and home goods to the Warner in their beautiful Grand Theatre, is new showroom, captured in this including handunique 150-piece made gifts such as wooden jigsaw jewelry from San Acme 5 Lifestyle puzzle. Available Pedro, ceramics for a $75 donation (plus shipping). from Santa Monica, candles from Proceeds support San Pedro’s pub- Joshua Tree, blankets from Mexico, lic art projects. Purchase online at cactus silk pillows from Morocco, sanpedrowaterfrontartsdistrict.com. and much more! 624 S. Pacific Ave., (424) 287-2177, acme5lifestyle.com.
FOR THE HOME
18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
GOODNIGHT MATTRESS With all the time spent at home this year, maybe it’s time to upgrade that old mattress for 2021? There’s no better way to conjure up visions of life after COVID than laying down on a new mattress or sinking into fresh pillows. Our friends at Goodnight Mattress have you covered, with a comprehensive inventory to suit all your sleep needs. 28733 S. Western Ave., RPV, (310) 8329600, goodnightbeds.com. HOUSE 1002 With 6,000 square feet of showroom, it’s hard to imagine not finding some pretty awesome and unique gifts from the selection of collectibles, vintage items, art, and architectural salvage at House 1002. They acquire new pieces daily, so check in often! 1002 S. Pacific Ave., (310) 833-1002, house1002.com. BEACON HOUSE THRIFT SHOP Featured on the cover of our November 2020 issue, the Beacon House Thrift Shop boasts a wide array of household appliances, books, and clothing at affordable prices. All proceeds benefit the Beacon House’s primary mission to help men recover from alcoholism and addiction. 812 S. Pacific Ave., (310) 514-4940, beaconhousethrift.org.
CLOTHING & APPAREL BADFISH CLOTHING COMPANY Celebrating its fifth anniversary this year, Badfish Clothing Company has quickly become one of San Pedro’s favorite local clothing brands. Chockfull of originally designed t-shirts, hoodies, and caps, this popular store in Downtown San
Pedro has become a bastion for the skate and surf crowd. Also, they’re the only local retailer with official “Three-Eyed Fish” merch! 337 W. 6th St., (310) 521-9965, badfishclothing.com. CALIMUCHO SCREEN PRINTING Support local artists! During the early days of COVID, the guys at Calimucho came up with the “Together We are Stronger” fundraising campaign, Mandyz raising money for small businesses and independent artists. For the holidays, they’ll have their remaining stock of TWAS merchandise available at their shop, as well as a selection of posters and t-shirts that would make great gifts. 1503 S. Centre St., Instagram @calimucho_ sanpedro and @togetherwearestronger2020, calimucho.net. LUDIC Just off the corner of 9th and Grand is one of San Pedro’s newest boutiques, LUDIC. The shop carries an array of women’s and kids’ clothing and offers allinclusive sizes, from small to 3X, plus accessories, gifting, and home goods. 915 S. Grand Ave., (562) 999-1347, shopludic.co. MANDYZ BOUTIQUE Celebrating their tenth anMcKenna's Pendleton niversary earlier this year, Mandyz Boutique is capping 2020 with their 24 Days of Savings, featuring a different sale every day from Dec.1 through Dec. 24 on their stock of hand-picked, trendy, and fashionable clothing and accessories. On Dec. 10, they’ll be hosting a Sip and Shop event and raffle from 5-8 p.m., offering 20% off select merchandise. 1442 W. 8th St., (310) 521-8400, Instagram @mandyz_boutique. MCKENNA’S PENDLETON The essential shirt among South Bay surfers and dockworkers alike, McKenna’s Pendleton has been keep-
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 19
ing the Harbor Area warm since 1986. Located a short hop away in Lomita, the store carries the largest selection of Pendleton products in Southern California, featuring current men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and home goods. They also offer various holiday gifts under $50 and complimentary gift wrapping. 2304 Pacific Coast Hwy., Lomita, (310) 539-2725, mckennaspendleton.com. ROUNDTRIP COLLECTIVE New threads with a vintage vibe! This new Downtown San Pedro boutique opened in February and features highquality women’s clothing, accessories, and gifts. Roundtrip Collective’s winter collection includes a wide selection of sweaters, jackets, jeans, and fleece pajamas. 617 S. Mesa St., (310) 935-8295, roundtripcollective.com.
JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES CAPTAIN’S TREASURE CHEST From 14k white and yellow gold to sterling silver or costume jewelry, even watches and class rings, gift ideas abound at this beloved family-owned business. For December, Captain’s Treasure Chest is offering 20% off all blue topaz jewelry (December’s birthstone). They also have Christmas pins, earrings, and bracelets for only $10 each! 28901 S. Western Ave., Suite 219, RPV, (310) 519-1856, captainstreasurechestjewelry. com.
GOLDEN TREASURE JEWELERS One of the jewels of Weymouth Corners, Golden Treasure Jewelers specializes in 14k Calimucho Screen Printing yellow and white gold, diamonds, sterling silver, and watches. In December, they’re offering 15-50% off storewide. With their jewelry URBAN FEET & SKATE San Pedro’s shoe and skate headquarters! cleaning service, you can get your Urban Feet carries everything from jewelry all sparkly and shiny for the holidays. 1453 W. 8th St., Suite C, classy to sporty to work shoes, (310) 548-4008. including popular brands like Ugg Australia, Vans, and Rainbow SanVILICICH WATCH & CLOCK Timedals. They also carry a full selecpieces make beloved gifts and heirtion of skateboarding equipment. Also, in response to the pandemic, looms. Family owned and operated for more than six decades, Vilicich the store carries a large selection Watch & Clock has long specialized of Personal Protective Equipment in watch and antique clock repair (PPE), in case anyone wants a face with a special emphasis on Rolex shield or hand sanitizer in their sales and service. Knowledge, skill, stockings this year. 329 W. 6th St., (310) 832-9364, urbanfeetandskate. and meticulous attention to detail remain a time-honored hallmark of net.
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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
20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
The Bike Palace
the watchmakers and clockmakers at this Weymouth Corners establishment. 714 S. Weymouth Ave., (310) 833-6891, vilicichwatch.com. SAN PEDRO SHOES & HANDBAG REPAIR Another Weymouth Corners institution and home of the San Pedro Slap sandal and the Gabbag handbag, San Pedro Shoes & Handbag Repair is a great choice for someone looking for a unique, local gift, or for those just looking to repair a shoe, bag, or belt that they’ve been putting off all year. 1434 W. 8th St., (310) 831-1733.
HOBBIES THE BIKE PALACE What’s a more classic holiday gift than a brandnew bike with a bright red bow? Since 1973, The Bike Palace has been catering to the community’s two-wheeled needs, and no matter your age, we can all agree that popping a wheelie is still pretty cool. They’re stocked with plenty of sizes and models to choose from for any age. 1600 S. Pacific Ave., (310) 832-1966, thebikepalace.com.
diophile in your life, JDC Records’ “super cool” retail store in Downtown San Pedro is chockfull of new and used vinyl records that would make great gifts. 447 W. 6th St., (424) 264-5335, jdcrecordstore.com.
FOR THE KIDS THE CORNER STORE Open since 1947, San Pedro’s charming neighborhood cafe carries a full selection of old-fashioned bottled sodas and candy that make for perfect stocking stuffers. The Corner Store also has a unique assortment of handmade toys and games. While you’re there, make sure to grab a pastry and coffee to-go! 1118 W. 37th St., (310) 832-2424. ROK ‘N’ ELL BABY BOUTIQUE The perfect spot to find quality gifts for newborns and more, Rok ‘n’ Ell Baby Boutique in Weymouth Corners carries a sweet collection of baby and kids’ clothing, accessories, and goods for anyone kneehigh to a grasshopper. 1438 W. 8th St., (310) 832-4145, roknellbaby. com.
JD HOBBY CENTER The pandemic has seen many people rediscovering creative interests in old hobbies as a form of quarantine stress relief. If you’re looking for a gift that sparks creativity and relaxation, take a look inside JD Hobby Center. Their 10,000 square-foot retail space on 6th Street is full of various models, books, collectible toys, movie memorabilia, and pop culture items. 471 W. 6th St., (310) 514-3702, jdhobbies.yolasite.com. JDC RECORDS Vinyl is back! This year, vinyl records have outsold CDs in the U.S. for the first time since the 1980s. If you have an au-
Rok 'N' Ell Baby Boutique
Now open for dinner!
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
The Original Since 1982
38
Our
th
Buy One Entrée and 2 Drinks Get 2nd Entrée of Equal or Lesser Value FREE!
Now Available!
DIRECT ONLINE ORDERING
Restrictions apply. Must mention coupon before ordering. Excludes Seafood and Delivery. Exp. 12/31/20
310.833.4395
www.theoriginallasbrisas.com TEMPORARY HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday: Saturday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm Closed Sunday & Monday until further notice
1110 N. Gaffey St. Ste. D • San Pedro, CA 90731 DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21
HOLIDAY TREATS POLLY ANN BAKERY Polly Ann Bakery in Weymouth Corners has been sweetening up San Pedro since 1938. They have a full array of delicious holiday cookies, cakes, and pastries that make for great gifts this time of year. Don’t forget to pick up a treat for yourself! 1440 W. 8th St., (310) 519-0966.
COMPAGNON WINE BISTRO You can’t go wrong with gifting a bottle of wine. Fortunately, Compagnon Wine Bistro in Downtown San Pedro has a wonderful selection of 60 unique wines from around the world, mostly between $30$90. You’re bound to find a great bottle, even for the most refined palate. While you’re there, order a charcuterie & fromage board to-go. 335 W. 7th St., (424) 342-9840, compagnonbistro.com.
COLOSSUS BREAD The new bakery on the block, Colossus Bread opened its doors on Alma Street in August 2018, and they’ve been growing ever since. The bakery offers handcrafted seasonal morning pastries, carefully brewed coffee, and hot loaves of bread to-go. Order online or in-person (socially distanced, of course). 2311 S. Alma St., (213) 444-0077, colossusbread.com.
SIRENS JAVA & TEA The coffee shop that’s become the hub of Downtown San Pedro, Sirens Java & Tea offers a selection of homemade pastries and muffins, as well as a full menu of coffee and espresso drinks. While you’re waiting for your latte, pick up a Sirens mug or tumbler as a gift (or use it yourself on your return visit). 402 W. 7th St., (424) 477-5603.
22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
Colossus Bread
erything you need to care for and BROUWERIJ WEST San Pedrans pamper your pet. 305 N. Harbor still can’t spell it, but we definitely Blvd., (800) 227-0001, creativepet. love to drink it. For the beer concom. noisseurs on your list, a growler or hoodie from Brouwerij West makes PEDRO PET PALS & HARBOR for an excellent gift. This year, the ANIMAL CARE CENTER Don’t independent brewery launched have a furry friend to shop for and their new seltzer line: Things for thinking about Your Head, availadopting? Check able in rotating in with Pedro Pet flavors. They Pals or Harbor currently offer Animal Care beer-to-go (with Center to get the pickup, delivery, process going and shipping on expanding options), and your family this a selection of holiday season. Brouwerij West (Remember: merchandise and gifting a pet as gift cards. 110 E. Harbor Animal Care Center a surprise is not 22nd St., Warerecommended, but visiting shelters house No. 9, brouwerijwest.com. and adopting a pet in need as a family can be gratifying for both humans and fur babies alike.) Pedro Pet Pals: pedropetpals.com; Harbor Animal Care Center: 957 N. Gaffey CREATIVE PET SUPPLY Since St., (888) 452-7381, laanimalservices. 1996, Creative Pet has catered to the needs of San Pedro’s critters of com/shelters/harbor. spt all sizes. From dogs, cats, and fish to chickens, reptiles, and rodents, this family-owned shop has ev-
PET PICKS
NOW OFFERING TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY THRU GRUBHUB
VOICES
HOW COVID STOLE CHRISTMAS by Sophie Schoenfeld, MFT As the holidays are upon us, all is quiet like never before. No overpriced trips in decorated hotels, no frosted Disneyland for some Christmas cheer, no drunk relatives from out of state, no scheduled arguments about family affairs, and no overcrowded malls blasting “Jingle Bells.” For the first time in our lives, everything about this holiday season is as irregular as can be. Of course, the first stop can be frustration and disappointment: there is nothing to do, nowhere to go; some of our older relatives may have to spend their holidays alone, and most likely, there will be no mass congregations in temples and churches. But perhaps we can find meaning in the quiet — or should I say, regain the meaning of quiet — this year. When we cheered for 2020, I told myself this was the year of focus, 20/20 vision; this was the year when things would come into clarity and gain direction. Yet what ensued was global chaos and confusion, crowned by unprecedented elections, and as the days of 2020 are dwindling, its claustrophobic grip on our day-today lives has culminated in a second shutdown. It only makes sense that a year of so much turmoil should end with some quiet. Over the years, our holidays have become so commercialized that we have lost the sight of what it truly is all about. We talk about it every year and find ourselves falling prey to the same pressures and traps as the year before. We ignore the reasons why we take a break and why we come together, and when it’s all said and done, we return back to our daily grind — exhausted, broke, and happy it’s over. We are the Grinch that steels Christmas from ourselves on an annual basis, thinking this is what it means to grow up. We overwork all year to meet the pressures of the holiday season, be it financial or familial. Some of us have had to work overtime to meet the demands of the frenzied calendar. In the year of the great pandemic, however, we get to reclaim our stolen holidays and find gratitude in this unusual circumstance. If nothing else, the trials and tribulations of this year have revealed to us 24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
who and what really matters in our lives. We have been gifted forced rest and a reassessment of how we function. This is a holiday season when you just get to stay home and relax. It’s a season when you don’t have to rack up credit card debt you’ll be repaying for the first half of the coming new year. We can take this opportunity to finally put our money where our mouth is and support local businesses and our local community. Since no one wants to stand in wraparound lines at commercial shopping malls, you can buy the jams your neighbor next door made for the winter or masks your girlfriend sews. You can finally pick the fruits from your lemon tree instead of letting them go to waste and share your curd with friends who are stuck at home just like you. 2020 is the year your kids use the Amazon boxes to build sets for a living room production instead of begging you for more money to go on fun fair rides and have another round of cotton candy. This year, whoever loves and misses you gets to just join your Zoom call and not guilt you for not being there. It’s a year you unearth your old Monopoly set and share recipes with friends instead of worrying about ordering a turkey big enough to feed a battalion of judgmental savages that devour your kitchen and leave you with an overflowing sink full of china that has to be handwashed. Last but not least, this year, introverts and lonely people are not the only ones left alone with their thoughts. And so, let’s take this time to notice our thoughts. Let’s pay attention not to the size of our Christmas decorations but the size of our hearts. Let’s take time to reflect. What have we learned? What have we conquered? Who have we helped? Who/what came closer and who/what became distant? What gifts can be shared that aren’t bought and wrapped in disposable paper? When coronavirus came to steel Christmas, it gifted us a chance to see clearly again into our future. This is the first year in our lives we collectively get to take time and make note of what it’s like to be us with no distractions. These are the gifts of this moment, and they make 2020 a year to remember. spt Sophie Schoenfeld, MFT is a local marriage and family therapist. For more info, visit sophiemft.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
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 25
HEALTH & FITNESS @Telehealth Available!
Dr. Ja'nae Brown, PT, DPT, CFSC Dr. Nicole Palermo, PT, DPT, CFSC O (310) 548-5984 M (424) 337-1980
www.physicaltherapysanpedro.com
SPECIALIZING IN Orthopedics
info@physicaltherapysanpedro.com 643 W 6th St. San Pedro, CA 90731
sPORTS MOVEMENT INJURY
Check out my
000000 reviews on:
“
Teresa was very prompt in responding to our questions. She made our house hunting experience fun and easy. I would definitely recommend her and use her again in the future!
”
- Nicole V. BUY SELL LEASE
24 Hours 7 Days Residential & Commercial Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Service
ESTATE PROPERTIES
Teresa Volman #5 Miraleste Plaza, RPV 90275 310-935-5027 | teresavolman@gmail.com
Serving the Community Since 1986 Family Owned and Operated
EPHENS STPLUMBING • HEATING AIR CONDITIONING
Free
Consultations for plumbing, heating & AC
$75
AC/Heating Tune-Up
Call Now For
10% Off
Your Next Service Call!
(310) 832-9009
616 W. 6th Street • San Pedro, CA 90731
26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
COME WHAT MAY by Ricky Magana You made it. You are now in the final month of 2020. A year you probably hope you’ll forget, but never will. If life were a video game, you’ve come to the end of one very hard level. What awaits you in 2021 could be the spoils of sticking it out, or for all we know, the villains you’ve slayed can be a prelude for the real fight you may have ahead. We don’t know. What I can probably guess, though, is that the person you are right now is far more ready for it than you ever were before. Whether you liked it or not, the last year has been a masterclass in resilience, i.e., your ability to recover from copious amounts of fecal matter hitting the fan. And as you reflect on the madness that occurred, eager for it to be over, I’d urge you to reflect also on the myriad of lessons you’ve learned. Here are a few of mine. You are not guaranteed anything. Before this year, it seemed like plague and calamity were reserved for faraway countries that lack the medical infrastructure to handle such disasters. Here in the land of plenty, we thought rations, shortages, and makeshift hospitals could never happen. Now, on the other side of 2020, I’ve acquired the sobering humility that even in the cushy western world, it can all be taken away. With that comes a new appreciation for all I took for granted. Sometimes, subtraction is addition. 2020 was an exercise in radical subtraction. We were forced to reduce nearly every aspect of our lives to its most essential. Work, travel, relationships — if it wasn’t an absolute necessity, it had to go. While this was very uncomfortable, what came of it was the realization that much of our lives had become bloated with minutiae, and it wasn’t until everything had to go that we saw what had to stay. Exercise, for one, showed many of us that while the gym was ideal, it wasn’t required. When it really came down to it, your garage and gravity got the job done. The pandemic made being bored great again. I, along with many others, forgot what it felt like to be bored, to have nowhere to go and have noth-
ing to do. And while it’s not a state we want to be in perpetually, some of the best endeavors come out of boredom. I know lots of people who picked up instruments they hadn’t played in years, rekindled friendships, and took up hobbies they always meant to but never had the time for. Selective ignorance can be useful. I once heard a soldier say being at war can be summed up as moments of sheer terror mixed with long stretches of monotony. And to a far less degree, I’m sure many felt that way in 2020. Add to that the nasty habit of constantly refreshing our feed to consume a steady stream of fear porn and endless Facebook fighting. One minute you’re reading the comment section on a hotly debated topic and three hours later you’re blocked by a cousin you haven’t seen in ten years. I quickly realized lots of the news cycle and conversation around it didn’t accomplish anything helpful but instead drained time, energy, and attention away from things that really mattered. Life as we know it is fragile, but you are not. Let’s face it — technology has advanced living conditions to such a degree that the vast majority of us have gotten soft. Without so much as lifting a finger, I can catch a ride, order a latte, and tweet to the entire world about how it isn’t foamy enough. You can do virtually anything (pun intended) without leaving your couch. With so much available at the tips of your fingers, you’d almost forget that hardwired within those dainty keyboard-calloused hands is the DNA of spear-wielding hunters. Long before you were a cubicle dweller, you were a survivor. 2020 slapped us across the face and reminded us of that. Everywhere around you, people snapped out of their comfort zones and rose to the challenge. What’s evident now more than ever is the fact that strength is not about muscle. It’s the ability to bend and not break. And if you look around and in the mirror, you’ll see that personified. So cheers to making it out of 2020 in one piece. And to 2021, bring it on, we’re ready for you. spt Ricky Magana is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.
BRE#00778233
STEFANI COUGHLIN
San Pedro • PV • South Bay
THREE SEPARATE BEACH BUNGALOWS LESS THAN A BLOCK TO THE BEACH CENTRAL COAST - OCEANO STRAND AREA
CALL ME FOR DETAILS!
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
Whatever happened to...
Gloria Resnick?
ADVENT, BUT CHRISTMAS IS COMING
“I was aware of Harbor Terrace because a family member lived here and was most pleased with the care and attention she received. Other people from our temple including the rabbi’s mother-in-law also lived here. They too were very happy and glad that they had made the decision to move-in. I had visited many times and explored the various programs, classes, and live entertainment Harbor Terrace had to offer. I chose a lovely apartment that accommodated a good deal of my furniture. Not surprising, I love it here. I have made close friends and my days are spent doing Tai Chi, yoga, attending socials, listening to intellectual speakers, enjoying live entertainment and more. I even get my clothes laundered by Harbor Terrace and blood pressure checks every day. It was a great decision to come here. I am home.” Gloria Resnick Resident of Harbor Terrace
by Pastor Nathan Hoff
• 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 2020 29TH
www.HarborTerraceRetirement.com
(310) 547-0090
28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2020
FAITH
S -IN R! E V E O B M EM EE EC FR N D I
Coronatide has made the San Pedro faith community very creative. Opportunities to pray online and safely in person are manifold. Distribution of food for the needy has continued. Non-techy folks are figuring out how to livestream and Zoom and work the YouTube. We are hardly using any indoor spaces, but we are using every square inch of our parking lots and courtyards and lawns. I’ve seen Ocean View Baptist praying in their parking lot, Calvary Chapel pitching in for a drive-by Halloween outreach, Temple Beth El navigating the Holy Days creatively, First Presbyterian installing their new pastor Jennifer, and that is just the beginning. Everyone is adapting. It is not in the Bible, but it is true: “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not get bent out of shape.” Every other Sunday, Trinity is gathering in front of the steeple for our 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. worship service spread out on both sides of Broadway Avenue with lawn chairs and benches and EZ Ups and portable altar and pulpit and of course, hand sanitizer. When the occasional driver, and even a jogger, cuts down Broadway, they look surprised when they notice they are not alone. We can’t keep our candles burning outside, and our Wi-Fi doesn’t always work, but we can hear God’s word and receive the Lord’s Supper and pray for the needs of God’s world, the needs of San Pedro, our own needs. Do you ever wake up and feel loss after you were in the middle of a great dream? We had a long-term dream of a pedestrian plaza on the upper portion of Broadway Avenue. Our statement at Trinity is “Welcome Home,” and we envisioned our neighbors gathering after they dropped their kids off at 7th Street or Willenberg schools or the medical community walking up from the hospital to have a quiet break. It looks like that dream won’t come true. Knowing our ministry was going outdoors for the foreseeable future, we presented a plan and beautiful conceptual drawings and applied to L.A. County for vacation of the southern half of Broadway.
We were denied. Bummer. Another disappointment in a year of disappointments. And who is there to comfort us in our disappointments? No one except Purell and Zoom is thriving. What are the holidays going to be like for our families? Probably different. Bummer. Christmas is coming, but first Advent. Advent is like the night before Christmas. Dark. Wondering. Wandering. Advent is a reminder that this world is a broken — but not beyond repair — place. It takes seriously the darkness of despair and the disappointments that we all experience without descending into hopelessness. Advent reminds us that waiting is a normal part of life, but that we are not just waiting around. We are waiting for something, or maybe Someone? We have looked to our technology to rescue or at least distract us. We have looked to exercise and our health to protect us. We have looked to education to elevate us. We have looked to politics for belonging and meaning. We have looked to teams and hobbies for identity. We have looked to our work for purpose. Who are we without our technology, our health, our education, our political party, our hobbies, our work? Cursed coronavirus has stolen so much from so many. Its impact is deep and pervasive. What is the 11 p.m. service going to be like on Christmas Eve out on Broadway Avenue? Probably different. Our candles might extinguish. We might get cold. Displaced from indoor warmth, we might be closer to the cold manger and swaddling cloths and the infant and his mother. We might be closer to the shepherds out in their fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Christmas 2020 isn’t going to be ideal, but neither was the first Noel. It is Advent, but Christmas is coming. He comes to make his blessings known, far as the curse is found. May the Light that is coming into the world dispel any of your dreary darkness and give way to God’s blessings in 2021. spt Nathan Hoff has served as pastor at Trinity San Pedro since 2005 and can be contacted at nathan@trinitysanpedro.org.
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” WE ARE ESSENTIAL & WE’RE TAKING NEW PATIENTS!
(310) 732-0036 Light Therapy with Cold Laser. • Accelerates Healing: Light therapy increases blood flow. Energy from the light stimulates collagen, enzymes, DNA and RNA to facilitate healing. • Pain relief: Light therapy has an inhibitory effect on peripheral nerves to decrease pain. • Safe: Approved by FDA in 2002. This non-invasive treatment has no side effects. It can be used on sprains, strains, back pain, carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, wounds, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and joint pain.
Dr. Kardovich and team enjoying the pumpkin patch!
Braces for Children and Adults San Pedro • Torrance
28901 S. Western Ave., #103, RPV | coast-physicaltherapy.com
DECEMBER 2020 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 29
THE BACK PAGE
TEN YEARS: On this month's back page, we remember Mr. San Pedro himself, John Olguin. This photo, taken on October 20, 2010, appeared on the cover of our November issue that year when we featured Olguin, then the director emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. New Year's Day 2021 marks the tenth annniversary of Mr. Olguin's passing. San Pedro hasn't been the same since. We miss you, John. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
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 DECEMBER 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.
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. 12/31/20
NEW PATIENT SPECIAL
FREE
CT Scan
with an Implant Consultation
Not combinable with any other offer or discount. Exp. 12/31/20