San Pedro Today - January 2024

JANUARY 2024

120

THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO 2024 EDITION

PLUS:

• SAN PEDRO CPR CLEANUP CREW • PRACTICING EARTH CARE • MUSICIANS JOSELYN & DON • EAT IN SAN PEDRO: HEARTY SOUPS • JANUARY EVENTS & MUCH MORE!

SCAN TO READ MORE AT SANPEDROTODAY.COM

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 3

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

BIG CHANGES COMING SOON TO SAN PEDRO TODAY

An upgraded print edition and redesigned website are part of the magazine’s 15th anniversary plans.

by Joshua Stecker I have always had a lovehate relationship with our “Things to Do in San Pedro” issues.

I love putting them together.

It’s fun being reminded about how much there actually is to do around here. I also learn about a ton of new activities (and food) that have flown under my radar, and presumably many of yours, too.

Plus, we put a little spin on this year’s list by including suggestions from residents and business owners,

adding a more personal touch. My thanks to everyone who sent in their favorite “to-dos.” We couldn’t use all of them, but some fun and original ideas made the cut.

Of course, the disappointment comes from knowing we can’t put everything we’d like to on the list, so there are always unfortunate omissions. The bright side is this left us with plenty of material for next time.

As we begin the new year, I hope you keep this issue around and use it as a checklist to get reacquainted with our town. Challenge yourself to try something on the list you’ve never done before. Visit that restaurant you always say you want to try but never do. See

4 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

some live music at one of our local venues. Get out and be a part of our culture and community.

I know many fellow “born and raised” brethren who have never seen the Korean Friendship Bell being rung or have never even been to a First Thursday ArtWalk. To those of you who fit that bill, I hope this issue inspires change. Let’s see how many we can check off the list by the end of the year.

FIFTEEN YEARS San Pedro Today celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, and with that comes some exciting improvements to our print and online editions.

NEW FORMAT: Possibly as early as next month (barring any issues), San Pedro Today will finally be a full glossypage magazine. I’ve wanted to upgrade the magazine for years and have hesitated to jump, but given the upcoming milestone, I feel it’s time.

To help make this happen, the publication will shrink to a more traditional magazine size, which is another change I’m excited about. Overall, the magazine will be of higher quality, and the photos and ads will look amazing.

NEW WEBSITE: Following the launch of the new magazine format, we’ll also be premiering a new, fully redesigned sanpedrotoday.com. Rebuilt from the top down, the new website will

have a complete back issue archive, web store, members-only message boards, a more robust community events calendar, exclusive content, and a few more bells and whistles. Look for that soon.

Lots of exciting changes are coming.

Thanks for reading. Until next month… spt Joshua Stecker is the publisher/ editor-in-chief of San Pedro Today.

Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5

JANUARY 2024 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/ART DIRECTOR

ADVERTISING:

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

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

PRODUCTION

EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER

Joshua J. Stecker Lori Garrett

Joseph A. Castañeda

AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS

Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Linda Grimes, Sanam Lamborn, Mike Lansing, Jennifer Marquez, Amber Sheikh, Lee Williams Steve Marconi and Eddie McKenna will return next month.

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Mattera Photography

10am - 2pm

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

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. 20,000 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 20092024, Empire22 Media LLC.

Check out the latest news and events at sanpedrotoday.com.

VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 12

ON THE COVER: The Korean Friendship Bell. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

Thank you for a wonderful 2023!

(424) 772-6178 1536 W. 25 ST., SAN PEDRO,CA 90732 •MAILNSHIP1536@GMAIL.COM TH

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7

JANUARY 2024

EVENTS

Every Friday – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (396 W. 6th St., corner of 6th and Mesa), 10a-2p. – Pick up essential fruits and vegetables from certified, small family farms. Get a head start on weekend meals with so many delicious and fresh options. For more info, visit sanpedrochamber. com/san-pedro-farmers-market.

Heritage Museum. You are welcome to bring your favorite San Pedro family photos to add to our collection!

For more info, call (310) 489-1362.

4 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY in Downtown San Pedro, 6p. – The popular First Thursday ArtWalk is back in the historic core of Downtown San Pedro. The redesigned First Thursday Every Tuesday, Friday, & First Thurswill feature guided ArtWalk tours, open day Evening – OPEN GARDEN at Feed galleries, outdoor dining, and live music and Be Fed (429 W. 6th St.), Tuesdays on the corner of 6th and Mesa streets.

10a-12p, Fridays 10a-1p, & First Thursday evenings. – Feed and Be Fed farm, 9 (Tues) – COMMUNITY CANVASSSan Pedro's own urban farm, opens its ING ORIENTATION at the Palos downtown garden space every TuesVerdes Peninsula Land Conservancy day and Friday and on First Thursday (6118 Palos Verdes Dr. South, RPV), evenings. Organic produce is for sale at 1–3p. Join this new engagement the San Pedro Farmers Market (corner canvassing team to welcome memof 6th and Mesa) on Fridays 10a-2p. bers of the community to join the For more info, visit feedandbefed.org.

Land Conservancy. Flexible volunteer schedule. Open to ages 18+. Sign Every Friday – LAFD HARBOR MUup at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.

SEUM at Old Fire Station 36 (639 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a-3p. – The LA Fire 12 (Fri) – ANNA MAY & COOPER Department Historical Society invites WOLKEN at Collage: A Place for Art you to tour and experience San Pedro & Culture (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 7:30p. and Wilmington's fire protection and – Singer-songwriter Anna May blends rescue history with vintage fire apjazz and folk sensibilities into her paratus and displays. Come to visit or musical and lyrical landscapes, accomto volunteer. FREE admission. For more panying herself on guitar and piano. info, visit lafdmuseum.org/harbor.

Cooper Wolken will open with a set of acoustic indie rock that is noted for a Various dates – BRIDGE GAMES & shimmering, wistful tone. If you enjoy CLASSES at South Bay Bridge Club thoughtful, emotional songwriting, this (24100 Narbonne Ave., #105, Lomita), is the show for you. For tickets and various times. – Have fun exercising more info, visit collageartculture.org. your brain and playing bridge at South Bay Bridge Club. Adults and teenagers 13 (Sat) – NATIVE PLANT SALE at can take lessons and play cards almost George F Canyon (27305 Palos Verdes every day. For more info, call (310) 325- Dr. East, Rolling Hills Estates), 10:30a– 7222 or visit southbaybridgeclub.com.

1p. – Monthly plant sales are back!

Come to our nature centers during our 4 (Thurs) – SAN PEDRO HERITAGE sales to learn more about growing local MUSEUM CLOSING RECEPTION native plants and purchase some for at fINdings Art (470 W. 6th St.), your garden! Presented by the Palos 5p. – Last chance to view the exVerdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. hibit! fINdings invites you to attend For more info, visit pvplc.org/calendar. a sneak peek of the new San Pedro

15 (Mon) – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE at White Point Nature Preserve (1600 W. Paseo Del Mar), 9a–12p. – Help us care for the White Point Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering plants, grooming trails, and more!

Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.

17 & 27 (Wed & Sat) – PECK PARK CANYON HIKES at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 9a. – Exercise walks are led on the third Wednesday of each month at 9a and last 1 to 1.5 hours. Nature walks are led on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9a.

All walks leave from the trailhead in the lower parking lot at Peck Park.

20 (Sat) – NICK GOMEZ & BAND at Collage: A Place for Art & Culture (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 7:30p. – Composer and saxophonist Nick Gomez sold out Collage on his previous visit, and we’re delighted that he’s returning with his crack ensemble of musicians.

Nick brings a characteristic grit and funk to the smooth jazz style, as well as winning showmanship that makes his rare shows real events. For tickets and more info, visit collageartculture.org.

23 & 25 (Tues & Thurs) – POINT FERMIN LIGHTHOUSE NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a-12:30p. – We invite you to join the Point Fermin Lighthouse volunteer family. If you are looking for an opportunity to serve your community, make new friends in a beautiful setting, and to continue the preservation of this historic treasure, please join us for a two-session new volunteer training event on Tuesday, January 23, and Thursday, January 25, from 10:30a to 12:30p. Why not invite a friend or neighbor to join you? Attendance confirmation is required by

texting your name to (310) 293-8000 or calling the lighthouse at (310) 241-0684.

26 (Fri) – EDDIE NAVEGA + FINE FOLK FEAT. EVA LUNA SMITH at Collage: A Place for Art & Culture (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 7:30p. – Fine Folk is a trio that wraps songwriter Eva Luna Smith’s lyrically enigmatic songs in ethereal harmonies, and on their most recent visit to Collage they sold out the show. Singer/songwriter Eddie Navegna will open. For tickets and more info, visit collageartculture.org.

27 (Sat) – NATIVE PLANT SALE at White Point Nature Education Center (1600 W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a–1p.

– Monthly plant sales are back! Come to our nature centers during our sales to learn more about growing local native plants and purchase some for your garden! Presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy.

For more info, visit pvplc.org/calendar.

28 (Sun) – PEPPINO & ALEZA D’AGOSTINO at Collage: A Place for Art & Culture (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 7:30p. – Famed guitarist Peppino D’Agostino wowed our audience with his acoustic wizardry on his previous visit, and he’s back with a surprising collaborator — his daughter Aleza.

She’ll sing on a mix of standards, original work, and music from the old and new world. For tickets and more info, visit collageartculture.org. spt Events deadline for February 2024 is Friday, January 19.

Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Find more events at sanpedrotoday.com.

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VOICES

PAYING IT FORWARD IS PART OF SAN PEDRO’S HISTORY San Pedro CPR Cleanup Crew is one example of residents being proactive.

Members of San Pedro CPR in 2021. (photo: Facebook)

by Jennifer Marquez

San Pedro residents have been paying it forward for decades.

Efforts include a San Pedro resident who checks on their elderly neighbor and offers her a cooked meal, a man who cleans up different areas of San Pedro regularly, a local dad who helps solve crimes and has created a sizeable encompassing neighborhood watch that supports law enforcement, a restaurant owner who paints out tagging often with the exact color so it is not noticeable, a woman who picks up trash from her kayak in local waterways, and people who placed gifts anonymously on the porch of a daughter who has lost her father. These are just a few examples of the many action-oriented and generous people who live in San Pedro.

The San Pedro Caring Proactive Residents (CPR Cleanup Crew) is a group that pays it forward by volunteer-

ing to beautify San Pedro. There are ongoing group cleanups and people who work individually, picking up trash and pulling weeds. Before the winter rains, a group member volunteered to clean storm drains. The group collaborates with Councilmember Tim McOsker, who has been actively activating city services to address issues around town.

The group shares pride in their town and has a sense of ownership of San Pedro, even though many were not born here. Being part of a large city often means red tape can create obstacles to solutions, but they persevere and take action working towards solutions.

Dealing with the city can sometimes be frustrating, but their attitude is never bitter; they are hopeful. Their work is often unnoticed because they are on to the next thing that needs addressing.

Mona Sutton, owner of the Omelette and Waffle Shop, has been part of San Pedro CPR since their inception, heading up large cleanups regularly. “I am proud of how many are standing up to be part of the solution to make a differ-

10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

ence in our little seaside town,” states Mona. “I am so looking forward to a future where we’ve risen above ever having to hear the phrase ‘where the ghetto meets the sea.’”

Joseph Gasperov, a San Pedro resident, recently posted in a local San Pedro Facebook group about when he paid it forward. “I was the manager of the Thrifty Drug Store at 5th and Gaffey,” shares Joseph. “Joe Marino, whom I’d known since I was a little kid, was in the store shopping. He spotted me being walked around the store by two ‘suits.’ He correctly assumed they were company big shots of some type and approached them. Pretending he didn’t personally know me, he proceeded to tell them how much he loved shopping at this location and how the store was always clean, had great staff, and was well-stocked. The two suits (district and division manager[s]) had been nit-picking my store for a couple of hours.”

Joseph later did the same thing for a store manager when he was shopping at Lucky Market on Western

Avenue, where Smart & Final is now.

The manager was with two “suits” from the corporate office. He stopped them to lavish compliments about the store.

As he walked away, the two suits were speechless, and the manager had a big smile.

The good deeds of Mona, Joseph, and many others are an undercurrent in San Pedro that inspires others to do the same and creates a sense of goodwill.

There are many opportunities to pay it forward in San Pedro — picking up trash off the beach, driving a senior to an appointment, or taking out the trash cans of a disabled neighbor. Thank you to the San Pedro residents who make positive efforts to make the lives of others better and beautify our community. spt Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on X and Instagram.

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VOICES

SAN PEDRO ISN’T JUST A PLACE; IT’S A STATE OF MIND There’s much more here than meets the eye, if you're willing to look.

Korean Friendship Bell. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

by Lee Williams

The “Things to Do in San Pedro” edition has always been my favorite issue of San Pedro Today.

It’s not just a guide for new people to explore and enjoy San Pedro. It’s also a great reminder to born-and-raised San Pedrans to visit some of our best locales more often. We have a lot of great historical spots like the Muller House Museum, the Point Fermin Lighthouse, and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum. When was the last time you visited?

Folks new to San Pedro really enjoy our restaurants, visiting our parks, and the fact that we are recognized as a state-designated Cultural District due to our diverse, unique, and thriving artistic community. The San Pedro Waterfront Arts District does a great job of introducing people to the local artists who call San Pedro home, as well as bringing beautiful and vibrant murals to San Pedro. The music, art, theatre, and dance scenes will only improve as we invest more in our downtown and waterfront.

It’s easy to take our town for granted

the longer you live here. I lived a long time in San Francisco, and a friend and I invented “Tourist Tuesdays,” where we would try out and explore new sites around town every Tuesday. It became a great way to prepare for houseguests and show them the city’s best and most unique sides.

What if we all scheduled something weekly or monthly to spend time with friends and family, really searching for new things to love about our town?

I like the idea of family nights where the whole crew can spend time together or, even better, one-on-one time with friends and family. It doesn’t have to be expensive — grabbing a sandwich from Sandwich Saloon or Busy Bee and picking a new spot from the hundreds highlighted here in this issue of San Pedro Today is a great way to spend a few hours.

Turning off the TV and putting on some walking shoes is another great way to see our town. You don’t have to walk every street like our beloved late historian Angela Romero, but you can learn much about the neighbors and the neighborhoods around us on foot.

Would you be interested in a trolley tour of historic homes? How about a trolley tour of murals where you can meet the artist who created them and

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hear about their motivations?

There’s so much to see and do in San Pedro. It’s important to commune with the folks who remember shopping on Pacific Avenue, the horses around Hernandez Ranch above Miraflores Canyon, Ports O’ Call Restaurant, the Drive-In Theater where Target is now, DiCarlo Bakery, the drive-thru Lochmann Dairy where Ponte Vista is now, and all the other bygone days of San Pedro with all of the new opportunities, experiences, and people in San Pedro.

I love hearing about old San Pedro when I visit the Dalmatian-American Club, the Italian-American Club, the Elks, and the Wigwam. I also love sharing my enthusiasm about all the new things San Pedro has to offer and everything to come. People stop me all the time, telling me how excited they are about the construction underway at the waterfront and letting me know who they would like to see at the amphitheater if and when it is approved.

It’s important to mix new and old, to share history and aspirations, and to venture out and interact with different personalities. That’s what it means to be a community.

Let’s get together more often to argue about who has the best pizza in San Pedro or grab a beer at San Pedro Brew

Co. to watch a game. Let’s have wine nights at Compagnon Wine Bistro or grab a hotdog at Vicky’s Doghouse on the Battleship Iowa and watch the ships go by.

The list of things to do in San Pedro is best when shared with others. Spending quality time interacting as humans, with our cellphones stowed and our eyes making contact, is a lost art.

Friendly debate is a San Pedro pastime.

I love that you can put four San Pedrans in a room, get five opinions, and all still be friends.

San Pedro isn’t just a place; it’s a state of mind. The more we share, the time we spend together, and the connections we make are the heart of what makes San Pedro a great place to live.

Don’t forget to say “hi” to all the folks you pass by on your adventures in San Pedro. It’s one way to keep San Pedro cozy. spt Lee Williams leads The Lee Williams Real Estate Group at REAL Broker and is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be reached at lee@lamove.com.

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VOICES

WITH INFINITE HOPE The author shares his ‘hope list’ for 2024.

by Mike Lansing

Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor. (photo: Facebook)

As we begin another year, there are so many somewhat small and much larger things to be hopeful about.

While “hope is not a plan,” there is always a reason to hope. The following are just a few of these large and small items on my “hope list,” which I’m sharing for your possible consideration.

2024 Elections – While I am most hopeful, I have to say I am most worried about our national elections next November, as well as local ones. Hoping for the voters to elect those who will dedicate themselves to the betterment of our city and nation and to the benefit of the greatest number of our neighbors and those across all 50 states. Fingers crossed.

Nonprofits Embracing More – While most nonprofits will find increasing fiscal hurdles this coming year, the need for our services continues to increase due to the growing economic challenges of far too many individuals and families. My hope is that we find the capacity to serve more of those

who genuinely need our help. May our donors and potential donors continue to invest in our efforts and assist the dozens of great nonprofits operating in our community daily.

Less Conflict and More Love – Whether in our own backyard or across the world, there is way too much conflict, shootings, and war. We can agree to disagree on several subjects, but we all can share more love and less anger and aggression. It starts with our thoughts and actions, whether small or large. Hoping we all can share some more love in 2024.

It’s Called a Stop Sign – I don’t know about you, but since the pandemic ended, it seems too many of us have forgotten the need to stop at our stop signs. I’m sorry you have a place to get to, but guess what? So do I. You know what I am talking about: You are completely stopped at the four-way intersection, and some knucklehead rolls up last but then blows right through the stop sign. Hoping that all those who refuse to adhere to these signs either begin following the law or start getting an ever-increasing number of tickets. I can always hope.

Hunger and Homelessness – Most

of us are fortunate to have never really experienced true hunger and/or homelessness. Too many individuals, both young and old, are subjected to one or both — in this, the most wealthy country in the world. Sadly, lack of housing and adequate food is a growing reality in our community and nation. It is a by-product of a lack of a living wage for millions of our workforce, stymied by no generational wealth. Hoping each of us will contribute in some way to help ease the burden of those challenged by the lack of these basic human needs, which sadly includes far too many children.

Smiles Instead of Frowns – My hope is that we will share far more smiles than frowns this year. It costs us nothing but a little effort and can brighten the day of many, especially our children and seniors. Please take every opportunity to share this small gesture coupled with a kind word — this is my hope, which everyone can afford to share this year.

The Boys & Girls Club – It has been the greatest honor and pleasure of my life to have been both a member and — for the last 29 years — the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of

the Los Angeles Harbor. But it is time for someone younger and possessing greater energy and capacity to take over the leadership of the Clubs, which is why I am retiring at the end of 2024.

Hoping all of you who have supported our kids in ways large or small will continue to do so this year and after I leave. We will soon be sponsoring 24 sites and serving 3,000 youth each day.

This only can happen with a lot of love, generosity, partners, and hope. I sincerely appreciate you all. I cannot thank you enough for your continuing investment in our youth and young adults.

Good Health over Wealth – While we wish and hope for many things every new year, my sincere hope is that we all enjoy great health over everything else in 2024. It doesn’t matter how much money or material objects we have if we are sick or worse.

Hoping you and yours have a happy and healthy 2024. spt Mike Lansing is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.

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sanpedrotoday.com

I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 15

THE COVER

120 THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO compiled by SPT Staff Clockwise from top left: Korean Friendship Bell, Averill Park, LA Waterfront Promenade, Supervisor Janice Hahn at the New Year's Day Cabrillo Beach Polar Bear swim, the Three-Eyed Fish mural, Point Fermin Lighthouse, Royal Palms State Beach, and CRAFTED. (photos: John Mattera Photography, Office of Supervisor Janice Hahn)

THIS YEAR'S LIST IS ABOUT EXPLORATION and seeing San Pedro in a different light. We hope you use this (very incomplete) list filled with fun suggestions from local San Pedrans and make it your own. Use it to inspire you to try something new or something you haven’t done in years.

Have you ever watched the Korean Friendship Bell being rung? Have you been to a concert at the Grand Annex? Have you walked the new waterfront promenade? Chances are, many of you have not. It’s time to change that. See how many “to-dos” you can check off the list by the end of the year. It’s time to get reacquainted with San Pedro.

1. “If you’re brave enough, take part in the New Year’s Day Polar Bear swim [at Cabrillo Beach]. If you can survive that, you can take on any[thing] that comes your way in 2024. I’ve done it many times, and it feels great once you are out and wrapped in your towel drinking your free hot chocolate.” - LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn (cabrillobeachpolarbears.com)

7. Learn the names of your neighbors.

8. Don’t miss the 44th annual San Pedro Spirit of the Holidays Parade on Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 1-3 p.m. in Downtown San Pedro. (sanpedrochamber.com) 9. Find a good read at Sunken City Books.

10. “Grab a glass of wine and some cheese at The Artistry at the end of a long day. The wine and apps here are yum, and the vibe is amazing.” - Dr. Ja'nae Brown, PT, DPT, Physical Therapy San Pedro 3. Get involved in the community by (theartistryla.com) attending a neighborhood council meeting. (Coastal: cspnc.org; Cen11. Scour the vinyl album racks at tral: centralsanpedronc.org; North- JDC Records in Downtown San west: nwsanpedro.org) Pedro. (jdcrecordstore.com) 2. Take a free guided tour of the Point Fermin Lighthouse by the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society.

The lighthouse turns 150 in 2024. (pflhs.org)

4. Enjoy an afternoon watching the ducks at Averill Park.

5. Try to finish a Belly Buster sandwich from Busy Bee Market.

6. Watch the ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell on one of the five dates it is officially rung: New Year’s Eve, Korean American Day (Jan. 13), Fourth of July, Korean Independence Day (Aug. 15), and Constitution Day (Sept. 21).

12. Take a guided tour of San Pedro’s historic Muller House Museum. (sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety. com) 13. Take a ceramics class at Blue Water Clay. (bluewaterclay.com)

16. “[I love] First Thursday because it’s the one night of the month where you stand the best chance of seeing the folks in town you look forward to seeing.” - Alan Johnson, Jerico Development/West Harbor 17. Enjoy one of the more than 100 omelettes at the Omelette and Waffle Shop.

26. During Halloween season, enjoy the annual Scary Stories at Angels Gate Cultural Center. (angelsgateart.org)

27. “Sit at the bar at Baramee Thai Restaurant with a glass of wine and talk to the friendly owners and 18. Buy some stamps at the Beacon staff.” - Ryan S. Blaney, Esq., San Street Post Office and check out the Pedro Property Owners' Alliance mural by Fletcher Martin, titled Mail PBID (barameethai.com) Transportation (1938).

28. Check out some great independent films at the annual San 19. Volunteer to walk dogs at Harbor Animal Care Center.

Pedro International Film Festival, and watch their annual screening of (laanimalservices.com/harbor) Oscar-nominated short films. (spiffest.org) 20. Support San Pedro’s historic preservation by becoming a member of the San Pedro Bay Historical 29. Try the “CroMo” (Croatian Mostaccioli) at San Pedro Cafe.

Society. (sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.com) (welovespc.com) 21. “Visit one of the AltaSea quarterly Open Houses on Saturday mornings; open to all ages, each open house is focused on a theme — from underwater robotics to aquaculture — educational and fun! The next Open House is February 24, 2024.” - Ann Carpenter, Braid Theory (altasea.org)

30. Check out President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s bathtub during a guided tour of the Battleship Iowa. (pacificbattleship.com)

22. Visit artist Julie Bender’s 25th Street Mosaic Mural (25th & Patton). (And try to find the San Pedro Today cover.)

32. “Enjoy a picnic while sailing the harbor on one of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute's monthly sunset sails.” - Liz Reinhardt, Los Angeles Maritime Institute (lamitopsail.org)

14. Go for a weekend walk around Cabrillo Marina.

23. Try the Boujee pizza from the popular pop-up Miller Butler. (millerbutler.com)

15. Indulge in a steak at Seaside Bistro. (sidebistro.com)

24. Indulge in some breakfast pizza at Joseph’s Bakery.

16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

25. Try the Peruvian Bay Scallops at Trani’s Dockside Station. (tranisdockside.com)

31. Grab a coffee at The Corner Store and take an early morning walk along Paseo Del Mar. (thecornerstoresp.com)

33. Go on a whale-watching excursion with Harbor Breeze Cruises.

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17

THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO 2024

68.

34. Make it a tradition to catch San Pedro City Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. (sanpedrocityballet.org) 35. Attend one of the four annual community events at Green Hills Memorial Park: Easter Sunrise Service, Memorial Day Observance, October Harvest Festival and pumpkin giveaway, and “Let it Snow” with the holiday tree-lighting ceremony in December. (greenhillsla.com)

56.

41.

47. Try to finish one of San Pedro Fish Market’s World Famous Shrimp Trays. (sanpedrofish.com)

37. Visit an Open Studios Day at Angels Gate Cultural Center. (angelsgateart.org)

48. Take a walk along the new waterfront promenade and view the construction of West Harbor, scheduled to open in 2025. (westharborla. com)

49. “One thing I love to do in San Pedro (besides eating at Slavko’s) 39. “Since we are on a peninsula, is to get a group of friends togethfind a spot to see the sunrise in the er and play spikeball or cornhole at morning and the sunset at the end Wilder’s Addition Park on a sunny of the day. The trails above Deane weekend. Despite being located Dana Friendship Park and Bogdaon Paseo Del Mar, which can be novich Park provide some remark- a busy place, it manages to feel able views!” - Robert Bobich, cozy, and you can’t beat the beauGreen Hills Memorial Park tiful ocean view.” - Nadia Nizetich, San Pedro Today senior writer 40. Enjoy some Hollywood nostalgia on the silver screen at the LA 50. Go shopping at a San Pedro Harbor International Film Festival.

Makers Market event along the (laharborfilmfest.com) West Harbor waterfront promenade.

41. Grab breakfast at Lighthouse Café and check out the beautiful 51. Grab one of their many Belgianmural featuring the Point Fermin style ales and sit out in the courtLighthouse by artist Brenda Gonza- yard at Brouwerij West. les. (lighthousecafesanpedro.com) (brouwerijwest.com) 42. Break bread with local leaders, politicos, and community members at the Dalmatian-American Club’s legendary bimonthly Fish Luncheon, a San Pedro tradition for more than 60 years. (dalmatianamericanclub.com)

109.

43. Enjoy a live show at the Grand Annex, Collage: A Place for Art & Culture, or Alvas Showroom. (grandvision.org, collageartculture. org, alvasshowroom.com) 44. Drop in for lunch on the patio at Think Cafe. (thinkcafesanpedro. com)

14.

46. Take a walk down 6th Street in Downtown San Pedro and check out the Los Angeles Sportswalk plaques. (lasportswalk.org)

36. Fuel up for the day with a ChoriMan breakfast burrito. (thechoriman.com)

38. Pick up a new plant for your home at Prop House Plants. (prophouseplants.com)

11.

Harold's Place, Godmother's Saloon... there are too many great ones to choose from. And all with their own signature vibe. TIPS: Walk/get a ride, be open to chatting with your bar neighbors, bring plenty of cash for tips, and get ready to have a memorable night.”

- Amber Sheikh. Sheikh Impact

45. “I love our local ‘dive’ bars: The Spot, Alhambra Cocktail Lounge, (photos: John Mattera Photography, Joshua Stecker)

52. Participate in a Cabrillo Beach cleanup on the first Saturday of the month. (cabrillomarineaquarium. org) 53. “Catch some live music at The Sardine on a Friday night. It has a good punk rock Pedro vibe, and there’s always something happening there.” - Sophie Daushvili, MFT (thesardinepedro.com) 54. Be brave and ride the Ferris wheel at the Mary Star Fiesta.

55. Try Sandwich Saloon’s famous Chinese Chicken Salad. (sandwichsaloondeli.com)

56. Shop for the perfect gift at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. (craftedportla.com) 57. “I walk all over and one of my favorite places is Point Fermin Park where the Peregrine falcon nest in the cliffs. People come from all over to photograph them. I feel grateful to live in a town that has these magnificent birds with stunning views of the ocean below.” Jennifer Marquez, San Pedro Today columnist 58. Take a guided tour of the SS Lane Victory. (lanevictory.org) 59. Watch the annual John Olguin 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular from Cabrillo Beach, put on by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters.

60. Enjoy an amazing French dinner and a bottle of wine at Compagnon Wine Bistro. (compagnonbistro. com) 61. Volunteer and/or donate to San Pedro Meals on Wheels, which has been serving the community for more than 50 years. (sanpedromealsonwheels.org) 62. Play a game of hoops (or just watch one) at the famous basketball court at Angels Gate Park.

63. Enjoy a hearty Italian dinner in Niko Pizzeria’s newly expanded dining room. (nikospizzeria.com) 64. Catch one of the many great theatre productions by Little Fish Theatre Company. (littlefishtheatre. org) 65. “Attend grunion nights at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. We see a movie, hatch some baby grunion, and go out to watch thousands of fish hurl themselves up on the beach for a strange but fascinating mating ritual. This year’s grunion season kicks off April 10, 2024.” Caroline Brady, Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (cabrillomarineaquarium.org) 66. Grab a beer and gourmet hotdog from Vicky’s Doghouse aboard the Battleship Iowa. (pacificbattleship.com/doghouse) 67. Try the Sunday Brunch at Think Prime Steak House. (thinkprime-steakhouse.com)

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222 R-1 W. 6th St., San Pedro • 310-547-0655 sanpedrotoday.com

I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 19

THINGS TO DO IN SAN PEDRO 2024

68. Visit the “Caught, Canned, and Eaten” exhibit at the LA Maritime Museum and learn about the history of San Pedro’s fishing and canning industries. (lamaritimemuseum.org)

82. Visit Buono’s Pizzeria’s flagship location in Downtown San Pedro. (buonospizza.com)

96. Grab a Longshoreman Lager and a burger at San Pedro Brewing Company. (sanpedrobrewing.com)

97. “My favorite thing to do in San Pedro (and the only thing I do in San Pedro besides eat) is take my 69. Listen to The Watt from Pedro lovable rescue Jack to the Eastpodcast, hosted by San Pedro’s own view dog park virtually every day. legendary punk bassist, Mike Watt. 84. Enjoy a plate of homemade Yes, I know, Eastview is not techCroatian food at the Croatian Amer- nically San Pedro, but everyone 70. Take the first step of getting ican Club lunch every Wednesday. there identifies as a San Pedran. (croatianamericanclub.com) back into shape by dropping in on The dog park is a real social a CrossFit class at Heyday Elite Fitevent with most attendees being 85. Try an Americano from Distrito ness. (heydaytraining.com) regulars. Lots of fun for everyone Coffee. (distritocoffee.com) involved.” - Steve Marconi, San 71. “Immerse yourself in one of Pedro Today columnist 86. “My favorite thing to do is to our local cultural events like Little walk to the San Pedro Chamber Italy's Festa Italiana, the Croatian 98. Attend a Music by the Sea conIndependence weekend BBQ, and Farmers Market. It has great vencert at Point Fermin Park in June/ dors and food, and you will always July. (musicbythesea.rocks) Dia de los Muertos.” - John Bagabump into someone you know kis, Big Nick’s Pizza there! It’s located on the corner of 99. Don’t miss the Los Angeles Holi72. Meet up with friends over coffee 6th and Mesa and is open every day Afloat Boat Parade in Decemand a freshly baked muffin at Sirens Friday from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. So ber. (laharborholidayafloat.com) grateful for this perfect location, Java & Tea. (sirensjavahouse.com) plus it’s pet-friendly!" - Kaitlyn Es100. Attend Candy Cane Lane at tevez, San Pedro Chamber of Com- Weymouth Corners.

73. Go out for a seafood dinner merce (sanpedrochamber.com) at 22nd Street Landing Seafood Grill & Bar and dine on their bal101. Visit the Los Angeles Fire De87. Enjoy one of The Green Onion’s partment Harbor Museum. cony overlooking Cabrillo Marina. famously potent margaritas. (gree(22ndstlandingrestaurant.com) (lafdmuseum.org) nonionmexicanrestaurant.com) 74. Explore the tide pools at low 102. Search for hidden treasures 88. Attend the annual staged read- for your home at House 1002. tide at Royal Palms State Beach. ing of A Christmas Carol, produced (house1002.com) by the San Pedro Waterfront Arts 75. “[I love] shopping at Royal District. (sanpedrowaterfrontartsdis- 103. “Every Sunday after mass at Palms Love & Legacy while taking trict.com) in their enchanting window disHoly Trinity, we love to head to the play.” - Cindy Bradley, San Pedro Pacific Diner for breakfast. We sit 89. Attend a wine-tasting event at City Ballet (royalpalmsltd.com) in the front bar area that used to 5Pours Eats. (5pourseats.com) be run by Vicki, and now we enjoy 76. Grab a drip coffee at Sacred our meals with Melissa and Deni in 90. Try the amazing arancina at La Grounds Coffee Cafe. the front. It is a must for us every Siciliana. (eatlasiciliana.com) (sacredgrounds.us) Sunday!” - Jake Sullivan, South Bay real estate agent 91. “Grab a charcuterie box from 77. Visit LA Fleet Week on Memorial Day weekend. (lafleetweek.com) Charcuteries by Pam and head to 104. Try the Stuffed French Toast at the Korean Friendship Bell and Rex’s Cafe. (rexscafesanpedro.com) watch the gorgeous sunset.” - Pam 78. Try the new pizza menu at Costa, Charcuteries by Pam and Pirozzi’s Italian & Croatian Deli and 105. Admire the beautiful craftsformer San Pedro Honorary Mayor Pizzeria. (pirozzisdeli.com) manship of The Arcade Building in (charcuteriesbypam.com) Downtown San Pedro.

79. Visit the rehabilitating sea lions at the Marine Mammal Care Center. 92. Visit the incredible model rail106. Attend a San Pedro or Mary roads at the Belmont Shore Model (marinemammalcare.org) Star of the Sea High School football Railroad Club at Angels Gate Culgame. tural Center. (belmontshorerr.com) 80. “I love spending First Thursdays at Pixels Art Gallery. It’s great 107. Purchase stamps from the 93. Order the Ursich Pizza from Big Assistance League Post Office in to see the community purchasing artwork from students while enjoy- Nick’s (with extra ranch dressing).

Weymouth Corners, the only all(bignickspizza.com) ing live music, free portraits, and volunteer post office in the country. dinner!” - Erin Loveridge, Port of 94. Plan a staycation at Terranea Los Angeles High School 108. Pay your respects at the AmeriResort. (terranea.com) can Merchant Marine Veterans 81. Take a day trip to Catalina Memorial. (Harbor Blvd. & 6th St.) 95. Order your next birthday cake Island. or cookies from Polly Ann Bakery.

83. Try something new and take Mr. Greg’s Group Ukulele Class at Angels Gate Cultural Center. (therockbandexperience.net)

20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

109. Visit the grave of prolific poet and longtime San Pedro resident Charles Bukowski at Green Hills Memorial Park.

110. “My favorite thing to do in San Pedro on a Monday night is going to Team Taiko [at the Grand Annex]. It’s a great way to blow off some steam after work by yelling out ‘kuchi shōga’ and banging the drums." - Christa Klee, Grand Vision Foundation (grandvision.org) 111. Indulge in the Pappardelle Short Rib Ragu at La Bocca Felice. (bfelice.com) 112. Attend a Shakespeare by the Sea summer performance at Point Fermin Park. (shakespearebythesea. org) 113. Order the Tacos al Pastor at The Original Las Brisas. (theoriginallasbrisas.com) 114. “We enjoy taking sandwiches from A-1 Italian Deli & Grocery to White Point Nature Preserve to watch the sunset.” - Andrea R. Herman, Law Office of Andrea R. Herman, PC 115. Take a selfie with the ThreeEyed Fish mural by artist Dave Butkus. (Gaffey & 38th St.) 116. Savor the Local Calamari New Style at J. Trani’s Ristorante. (jtrani.com) 117. Donate to the San Pedro Skatepark Association. (sanpedrosk8.org) 118.“At some point in the day, take a walk. In the morning, to The Corner Store for coffee or in the afternoon, maybe to the [DoubleTree] hotel in the marina and have a cocktail. No matter where you walk, it is almost always beautiful…

It is such a nice community to live in, I feel fortunate to be part of it.”

- Suzy Ingram, resident 119. Grab a pint at Port Town Brewing Company when it finally opens. (porttownbrewing.com) 120. Drive around town looking for the mysterious black and white ‘San Pedro Cat’ art. spt

Download the list online at sanpedrotoday.com

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21

FOOD

EAT IN SAN PEDRO:

HEARTY SOUPS

by Sanam Lamborn

(L to r): Pina’s Café's menudo, chicken tortilla soup, and albondigas soup; Sirinat Thai and Sushi Bar's Hurricane Soup and khao soi soup. (photos: Sanam Lamborn)

For the last two years, my January column has featured must-try soups from around town.

It’s been a fun eating adventure because my first instinct when looking at a menu is not to order soup since I make enough of it at home. But this experience has made me realize that maybe I have been missing out by not paying closer attention to the soup section on our local menus. On that note, I am presenting you with some new suggestions this month.

If you travel west on 9th Street, you’ll notice that there is precisely one food option above Gaffey, which happens to be the epitome of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Pina’s Café (875 W. 9th St.) is the little engine that could in many ways.

The location is small, with only a handful of tables, but there are two things that you can expect to find here:

simple homemade meals and friendly and prompt service.

The menu has three soups: menudo, chicken tortilla, and albondigas. Let me begin with the soup I was initially not going to order, but I am so glad I did: menudo. This soup is made with tripe, and usually hominy, in a deep red broth.

It’s always served with a side of diced onions, cilantro, dried oregano, here with chile de arbol (a Mexican red pepper), and warm tortillas. Although I like the flavor of menudo, the one thing that turns me off is chewy tripe. Much to my delight, the tripe here was perfectly cooked and tender.

I love the texture and layers of flavors that the crunchy diced onions, fresh cilantro, dried oregano, and chili toppings bring to each spoonful of the soup.

The albondigas, “meatballs” in Spanish, is a soup served in clear, light red broth with diced carrots, celery, green pepper, onion, and tomatoes. The beef and rice meatballs, the star of this dish, are moist and flavorful. Overall, this soup has a bit of a peppery kick

22ND ST. LANDING SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR

with a hint of smokiness that comes from the chili used in the cooking process.

Lastly, the chicken tortilla soup is made with a light tomato broth with tender shredded chicken breast, diced carrots, celery, onions, green peppers, corn, and topped with cheese, perfectly ripe diced avocado, and crispy tortilla strips.

Just across town, Sirinat Thai and Sushi Bar (1627 W. 25th St.) offers an extensive soup menu. While I enjoy the staple Thai soups, I was immediately drawn to the ingredients listed for the Hurricane Soup. The base of the soup is a flavorful clear broth made with lemon grass, lime leaves, Thai basil, chili, and galangal, a root from the same family as ginger but citrusy in flavor. It is served with mushrooms, chunks of white fish, shrimp, and muscles, and then topped with fresh julienne slices of fresh ginger, Thai basil, and green onions.

I couldn’t decide which I loved the most: the delicate citrusy flavored broth or the strips of ginger that added so much freshness to the whole dish. This

soup is served in a traditional Thai pot with a small source of heat at the bottom and a chimney-like opening in the middle to keep the soup warm.

Khao soi is a new item on the menu.

I was once again intrigued by the ingredients. The soup base is made with yellow curry. I was told it’s massamanbased, a type of Thai curry influenced

by Indian spice blends such as cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.

Nevertheless, the broth is very flavorful and thick in constituency. It also has hints of a peanut taste, which adds to its richness. Thinly cut white chicken strips and egg noodles are mixed with the broth and then topped with fresh green onions, bean sprouts, and fried noodles. There are different levels of contrasting textures in this soup that flawlessly come together. It’s very satisfying and filling. spt Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram in April 2020 to entice people to patronize San Pedro’s eateries.

From our Kitchen to Your Table

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner

(310) 548-4400 | 22ndstlandingrestaurant.com | 141 W. 22nd St. 22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 23

SP ARTS

KEEPING IN HARMONY

How married artists Joselyn & Don manage to balance their creative life with work and family.

Joselyn & Don. (photo: Gina Valona)

by Linda Grimes Since Fred and I spend most of our time together, I’m fascinated by how married artists balance the call of their creativity, the demands of everyday life, and how they got together in the first place.

Accomplished musicians most of their lives, Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo see their gifts as a powerful way to share truth, build community, and connect with audiences. Don, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer with many album credits, also serves as film editor for television’s long-running animated series The Simpsons.

Joselyn founded the legendary women’s global fusion band ADAAWE, which toured extensively, released two albums, and appeared with luminaries such as Stevie Wonder and LeAnn Rimes. For the past nine years, Joselyn has been working for the Grand Vision Foundation, supporting music education, live events, and their amazing work in the community.

I asked Joselyn some questions about their origin story.

How did you and Don meet?

Don and I both grew up in the beau-

tiful state of Montana, in towns joined by the Missouri River, and we met in Venice, Calif. in the early 2000s in a community of musicians and artists. I think we jammed together at a mutual friend’s party before we ever officially met!

Did your families encourage you to be artists?

Don’s father was a professional bandleader, so he grew up in a musical household and was always encouraged to follow his passions. My family knows that an artist’s path is not an easy one, but they have always been supportive of How did you decide to create music my artistic leanings and like coming to together? see us perform.

Once we discovered we shared a We realized a long time ago that no common birthplace, a spark was lit. We matter what other work we do, we’re have been making music together since not truly happy without an avenue for day one, but not necessarily as a duo. self-expression through music and perI was writing and performing original formance. We’re artists at our core. music while also playing percussion and singing with ADAAWE. Don, a multiHow do you juggle your other work instrumentalist, was playing trumpet and family commitments? with many artists and bands. He arWe balance full working lives along ranged horn parts and produced my with our music, but we’re lucky that our solo singer-songwriter album in 2009, jobs are creative, too. Don is the editor and I played percussion on his solo jazz for the legendary animated show The album, Blue Talk.

Simpsons, so obviously, he loves his job.

It wasn’t until 2017 that we decided And we make sure we’re there for the best way to interpret my songs and our teenage son to support his interests the new music we were writing toand performances. He’s a great violingether was as a duo. Our garage is now ist now, and we love to see him taking our ‘garden studio,’ and we’ve released pride in his musicianship. We also visit two albums as Joselyn & Don — our our grown daughter and her family in full-length debut Soar and our EP Seeds Montana as often as we can and spend & Bones, played dozens of shows totime with relatives. It’s important to gether, and are recording a new project. us to stay grounded in where we came We’ve really grown over the past few from, especially since it’s the source of years in this folk/Americana genre and so much of our musical inspiration! have many unique and personal stories to tell.

Any advice for budding musicians?

Nothing is more important than honing your craft, learning your instrument, mastering your technique, and finding your voice. Equally important is living a full life, having healthy relationships, traveling, and experiencing the fullness of life and of the world.

Growing a network of like-minded people is vital because they will grow with you and support your work. Along the way, some musicians get really lucky, some get really good, and some get both.

When and where are you performing in 2024?

We are focused on writing and recording right now, so please sign up on our website email list at joselynanddon. com and follow us on social media, so that we can share our upcoming shows with you!

We just released a new live video of one of the songs we’ll be recording this year, “Workin’ the Hi-Line” — check it out on our [YouTube channel, Joselyn & Don].

And we’ll be supporting the amazing Abby Posner at the Grand Annex Music Hall here in San Pedro on May 4, 2024. spt Linda Grimes is the executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.

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IMPACT

PRACTICING EARTH CARE Some tips to reduce your carbon footprint.

by Amber Sheikh As I began to think about themes for the year ahead, I wanted to explore what sustainability or “earth care” throughout my life would, or could, look like.

Someone who has made earth care a priority and theme in her own life is Connie McOsker — also known as taiko drum facilitator, Garden Church trash bin sorter (and pastor), and deep environmentalist — who is also married to LA City Councilmember for the OneFive (District 15), Tim McOsker.

Connie describes herself as “one person with some extreme practices.”

She further explains that, while one person cannot save the earth alone, she understands that we can have (more) complete control over our behavior — and how that relates to our earth.

You may be wondering what earth care has to do with what we usually chat about in this column, “people care.”

But I assure you that the same values that inspire and ground us in caring for humans inherently extend to community care and earth care — the value that there is something bigger than ourselves. Producing as close to zero waste as possible is Connie’s everyday goal. So, let’s dive in to learn how she reduces her environmental footprint.

I’m always in awe of your commitment to producing zero waste.

When did you realize you needed to live an ‘earth care’ lifestyle?

Around the 5th grade, I joined the ecology club at my school. It was there during those meetings and activities that my awareness took root and grew.

It was through that experience that I really understood how one person can make a significant impact.

As an adult, especially as parents

26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2024 I sanpedrotoday.com

raising five kids, our family tries to be intentional about all aspects of our lives. So yes, that meant cloth diapers.

Convenience is great, but often, the consequence of convenience is harmful to our environment.

What are some misconceptions you’d like to clear up?

Let’s start with the most common practice and misconception around — recycling (specifically in the City of LA). Only about nine percent of what we place in the blue bin actually gets recycled. Many items we think are recyclable aren’t. The best way to recognize what can and can’t be recycled as far as plastic is by looking for the number in the middle of the triangle on items. Number 1 (most water and soda bottles), number 2 (milk and detergent containers), and number 5 (yogurt containers) plastic categories are accepted by most recyclers, while numbers 3, 6, and 7 aren’t recyclable at this time and not accepted by recyclers.

Let’s chat about those City of LA green bins for your “organic” waste.

While primarily for your food and yard waste — paper food containers (nonplastic) can go in these green bins, like pizza boxes. Other things like greasy napkins and wooden chopsticks can also be chucked in. What you don’t want to throw in the green bins is any plastic.

trash I generated with me all day. This practice created a level of awareness of how much waste I was producing. I got to thinking: What if there was no sanitization department? Where would I dump all of this trash? There needs to be an intentional shift to care about something bigger than yourself.

Connie McOsker.

(photo: Reverend Amanda)

___________________________

Recently, Connie volunteered at a Day of Thanks event for service providers hosted by the nonprofit, Harbor Connects. At the event, attended by about 100 people, the amount of waste was less than a bag (see picture). Everyone received reusable utensils and water bottles.

Everything else went to compost or What are some simple changes we went to recycling. While she took can make? charge at this event (and many similar You can’t try to change everything events), it is clearly possible to accomabout your habits all at once. Try plish these goals, individually and changing one thing, get comfortable collectively. with that, and then look for something Connie is also very active at The else.

Garden Church on 6th Street in One of the first steps we can take is Downtown San Pedro. In 2022, they to try and be a good refrigerator processed over 9,200 pounds of compost monitor. The fridge is where a lot of and returned it to the earth to grow waste happens, so start there. Don’t more. Gardening compostables include over-buy. Put things in the freezer organic waste without oils, meat, or before they go bad. Another practice I dairy (which differs from the City of follow is asking for no ice when served LA’s organic waste). You can reach out water. Ice often gets left in glasses and to Connie directly to learn more or ask thrown away, wasting valuable water. It questions. Her email is pastor@ sounds small, but all of these things add gardenchurchsp.org. up! And please [avoid using] straws.

These changes, small and large, add Don’t shy away from being the one up to a better cared-for earth — and who tries to alter convention. A good community. If I could have one outcome example of this is dry cleaner plastic of this column, it would be to move us bags — they are so excessive. After all towards thinking about — and being told clothes had to have some impacting — things greater than protection, I requested using a cloth ourselves: humans outside of our wrap instead. It took a little brainstorm- family/immediate orbit… our commuing and collaboration, but we found an nity… our earth. alternative to accomplish the same How might you implement a new result — reducing our waste. earth care practice? Let me know what you think at info@sheikhimpact.com.

You are also pretty infamous for spt bringing your own reusable utensils and even plates and cups to events. Amber Sheikh is a San Pedro resiWhat’s the reasoning for that dent, mother of two, community adpractice? vocate, and owner of Sheikh/Impact, a nonprofit consulting firm.

At some point, I started keeping the

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I JANUARY 2024 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 27

REAL ESTATE

YEAR IN REVIEW

Looking back on the local real estate market in 2023.

by Mike Harper & Peter Hazdovac

(photo: Expect Best/Pexels)

We enjoy this time of year for many reasons.

It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on the things we have to be grateful for in our lives. It’s also an ideal time to reflect on the past year to gauge how we performed in various areas of our lives, both personally and professionally.

For us, it’s also an opportunity to look back at how our local real estate market performed the previous year and what we can expect in 2024.

To give a broader historical picture of how our local market fared, we like to look back at the previous two years.

According to local MLS statistics (2022 vs. 2021), there were 313 single-family residences sold in San Pedro compared to 411 sold in 2021 (-23.5%). The average sales price was $950,000 (+9.1%), with average days on market (DOM) of 11 vs. 10 days the year prior.

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, there were 360 SFRs sold (-26.2%) with an average sales price of $1,858MM (+8.1%) and average DOM of 11 vs. 8 days the year prior. Overall, there were

3,603 SFRs sold (-22.5%) in the Greater South Bay with an average sales price of $1,175MM (+16.8%) and average DOM of 10 vs. 8 days in 2021. The overall trend across the Greater South Bay was an increase in prices, substantially lower sales volume, and a slight increase in days on market.

Heading into 2023, we noted in last year’s annual review that “while sales volume is expected to continue to soften, housing prices in our local market should remain relatively stable to down slightly as long as people have jobs, the unemployment rate does not increase significantly, and inventory remains low.” The California Association of Realtors® also projected that “the average for 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rates should remain elevated at 6.6% in 2023, up from 5.2% in 2022 and from 3% in 2021.” Let’s examine how the year played out.

According to MLS statistics (2023 vs.

2022) at the time of our column submission (12/17/2023), there were 240 SFRs sold in San Pedro, which was down -19.5% (approximately 58 fewer homes) compared to the same period in 2022.

The average sales price was $925,000, which decreased slightly (-3.1%) from

the previous year. DOM remained similar at 12 days compared to 10 in 2022.

In Rancho Palos Verdes, there were 277 homes sold, which was down (-21.8%) from 354 homes sold in 2022.

Average sales prices declined slightly (-2.3%) from $1,858MM to $1,820MM in 2023. DOM went from 10 to 13 days in 2023. Overall, there were 2,941 SFRs sold in the Greater South Bay, which was down (-16.2%) from 3,509 homes sold in 2022. The average sales price declined (-5.9%) from $1,185MM to $1,115MM in 2023. DOM increased from 10 days to 13 days in 2023.

2023 played out as predicted, with significantly lower sales volume and modest price softening. The tight inventory climate helped to keep housing prices stable. The biggest surprise was mortgage rates reaching nearly 8%, considerably higher than predicted.

What can we expect in 2024? The California Association of Realtors® projects “an increase in existing SFR home sales of +22.9% next year to reach 327,100 units, up from the projected 2023 sales figure of 266,200. The 2023 figure is -22.2% lower compared with the pace of 342,000 homes sold in 2022.

The California median home price is

forecast to rise +6.2% to $860,300 in 2024, following a projected -1.5% dip to $810,000 in 2023 from $822,300 in 2022. A persistent housing shortage and a competitive housing market will continue to put upward pressure on home prices next year. With the economy expected to soften in 2024, the Federal Reserve Bank will begin loosening its monetary policy next year. Mortgage rates will trend down throughout 2024, and the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage could reach the mid -5% range by the end of next year,” said C.A.R. Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine.

Housing supply will continue to remain tight in the Greater South Bay. With rates expected to decline, we anticipate local home prices to remain stable with modest increases next year. We look forward to keeping you informed in 2024. Wishing you all a happy New Year. spt Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit hhcoastal.com.

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THE BACK PAGE

A photo of Pacific Ave. looking south from 3rd Street, circa 1970s.

(photo: San Pedro Bay Historical Society)

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