San Pedro Today - March 2024

BEHIND THE MURALS

Our first in a new series of self-guided public art tours in San Pedro

PLUS:

• FLAVORFUL FISH TACOS

• SINGER WINDY BARNES FARRELL

• TIPS FOR STARTING A VEGETABLE GARDEN

• ALMA BACKYARD FARMS

• MARCH EVENTS & MUCH MORE!

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. Souzan Ardalan, D.D.S.

Education:

USC school of Dentistry

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Professional Association:

American Dental Association, member

California Dental Association, member

Western Dental Society, member

ASSOCIATES

Ian Woo, D.D.S., MD.

Education:

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Los Angeles County / University of Southern California Medical Center

Dr. Marvis Sorrel, D.M.D., M.D.S.

Education:

University of Pittsburgh, Master of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine

Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Orthognatic Surgery Externship / Invisalign Certification

Dr. Rebekah Coriaty

Education:

University of Pacific

Professional Association:

American Dental Association

California Dental Association

Dr. Miles Madison

Education:

UCLA School of Dentistry

Professional Association:

Academy of Periodontology

California Society of Periodontists

When we were producing January’s “Things to Do in San Pedro” list last December, the original plan was to include a “self-guided mural tour” from the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District as part of the list.

As these things go, we ended up not including it.

I still loved the idea of telling the stories behind all the murals and public art projects around town, which you’ve probably noticed have seen a boom in recent years.

So, I asked Linda Grimes, executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District, if we could take that original self-guided mural tour idea and launch a series in the magazine to tell the stories behind the murals.

She loved the idea and

supplied us with the information, and that’s how this month’s “Behind the Murals” cover story came to be.

I hope to continue this series every few months with a new batch of stories behind more murals and public art projects. There are several murals that I’d love to get the backstory on.

Lastly, thanks for all the kind words about the new glossy format. I was nervous, but the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Readers also seem to love the new crossword puzzle on the back page. Fair warning: this month’s puzzle is a little more challenging than last.

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.

MARCH 2024

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF /PUBLISHER

Joshua J. Stecker

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lori Garrett

ART DIRECTION

Joseph A. Castañeda

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Mattera Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Grimes, Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Sanam Lamborn, Mike Lansing, Steve Marconi, Eddie McKenna, Nadia Nizetich, Amber Sheikh, Lee Williams

CONTACT INFO: Phone: (424) 224-9063

contact@sanpedrotoday.com

San Pedro Today

P.O. Box 1168

San Pedro, CA 90733

ADVERTISING:

General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com

Patricia Roberts

(562) 964-8166

patricia@sanpedrotoday.com

VOLUME 16 | NUMBER 2

On the Cover: La Serna de Ojo, Sirens Community Mural (photo: John Mattera Photography)

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 LLC. 20,000 copies are delivered to portions of San Pedro and 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.

MARCH 2024

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.

Every Tuesday, Friday, & First Thursday Evening –OPEN GARDEN at Feed and Be Fed (429 W. 6th St.), Tuesdays 10a-12p, Fridays 10a-1p, & First Thursday evenings. –Downtown garden space open every Tuesday and Friday and on First Thursday evenings. Organic produce is for sale at the San Pedro Farmers Market (corner of 6th and Mesa) on Fridays 10a-2p. Come share nature’s bounty and beauty as we grow vegetables, flowers, and community. Get your hands in the dirt as a volunteer, get expert advice, or just relax. For more info, visit feedandbefed.org.

2 & 9 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO

FILM FESTIVAL OSCAR

NOMINATED SHORT

FILM SERIES at Starlight

Terrace Cinemas (28901 S. Western Ave., RPV), 6:45p on March 3; 7p on March

9. – Join us for a thrilling showcase of the 2024 Oscar-nominated shorts! Documentary shorts will be showcased on March 3 at 6:45p, and live action shorts will be showcased on March 9 at 7p. Tickets $15. For tickets and more info, visit spiffest.org.

3 (Sun) – 9th ANNUAL WILD & SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL ON TOUR at Dana Middle School (1501 S. Cabrillo Ave.), 4p. – Featuring 11 films in two and a half hours. The films will take you from California to Alaska, Mexico to Brazil, and Italy to Africa with topics ranging from bird watching to skiing and photography to animal rescue. The festival will thrill all ages and inspire new ideas, actions, and awareness. The event will also include a chance to meet Sid, a two-toed sloth, plus a beer/wine bar, photo booth, and refreshments. Presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Tickets $15 online; $20 at the door. This event sells out quickly. For tickets and more info, visit pvplc.org/calendar.

3 (Sun) – MARCH SUNSET

SAIL (parking and boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.), 4:30p. – Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) to sail the San Pedro Bay and watch the sunset from the deck of a tall ship. You can sit back and relax or become part of the crew — your choice. Don’t forget to bring a picnic to enjoy too! Tickets $60 for adults, $30 for children (12 and under). Parking and boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd. For tickets and more info, visit lamitopsail.org/events.

7 (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 will feature guided ArtWalk tours, open galleries, outdoor dining, and live music on the corner of 6th and Mesa streets.

14-17 (Thurs-Sun) – 21st ANNUAL LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at various locations, various times. – This year’s LA Harbor International Film Festival will take place at various venues. The

program includes the annual “Read the Book, See the Movie” screening at Mary Star of the Sea High School (2500 N. Taper Ave.), Opening Night at the Dalmatian-American Club (1639 S. Palos Verdes St.), Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute at the Battleship Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd.), and “DocSunday” at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3710 Stephen White Dr.). For the full schedule and reservations, visit laharborfilmfest.com.

24 (Sun) – INTERNATIONAL JUBILEE at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 11a-6p. – Bringing back tradition and culture! Presented by the Spanish Swan Ballet, join us for this FREE community event featuring food, pastries, dancers, painting, vendors, artists and artisans, live music, DJ, raffles, and a kids workshop. For more info, email spanishswan2020@ yahoo.com, call (310) 977-6302, or visit @ thespanishswanballet on Instagram.

25-30 (Mon-Sat) – SPRING BREAK JUNIOR OUTRIGGER PROGRAM at Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center (3000 Shoshonean Rd.),

8-11a daily. – The perfect spring break getaway for kids! We are offering an immersive six-day introductory course in the fundamentals of outrigger canoeing. The Junior Outrigger program, created by ARE Outrigger World, will be taught by experienced paddlers with the emphasis on fun and water safety. Kids between the ages of 10-19 will have an opportunity to learn how to rig, steer, and paddle outrigger canoes just like the ones in Tahiti. Hosted by the San Pedro Outrigger Canoe Club. Reserve your spot now: registration deadline is March 20. To register, visit areoutriggerworld.regfox. com/spring-break-2024program-la or visit spocc. org for more info. spt

Events deadline for April 2024 is Friday, March 15.

Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing.

Find more events at sanpedrotoday.com.

150 Years of History Located in Pt. Fermin Park

Open to the Public. Free Tours Tues.-Sun. 1-4p

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2024 NOMINEES ANNOUNCED

Last month, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce announced the 2024 Women’s History Month Celebration nominees.

This year’s nominees include Maria Acuna, residential manager at Rainbow Services; Mary Arzuban, volunteer at San Pedro Relay for Life; April Jones (“Rising Star” award) from the San Pedro Skate Park Association; Mary Julienne, vice principal at Willenberg CTC; Diane Middleton, LA Harbor Commissioner; and Nicole Padilla, youth sports commissioner for AYSO.

The celebration dinner, “Celebrating Women – Celebrating Giving Back,” will be held on Thursday, March 14, at the Dalmatian-American Club, starting at 5:30 p.m.

The Women’s History Month Celebration dinner is one of the Chamber’s most popular annual events and is expected to sell out. Tickets can be purchased at sanpedrochamber.com. spt

SP OTLIGHT

BY SPT STAFF

FAIR-TRADE RUG EVENT RETURNS TO CRAFTED

Ten Thousand Villages’ Fair-Trade Rug Event returns March 15-17 at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles. The event will feature over 300 hand-knotted rugs, from intricate florals to handspun wool natural dye tribals, in sizes from 2’x3’ to 10’x14’.

Ten Thousand Villages partners with Bunyaad, a fair-trade rug company that works with over 850 families throughout roughly 100 villages in Pakistan. By working with artisans in their homes, increasing employment opportunities for women, and paying a living wage, Bunyaad is making lifetime changes for many families across Pakistan. For more information about these rugs, visit bunyaad.com.

“We know our community wants to make a positive mark in this world by purchasing their rugs where it makes a true difference for the families crafting them,” says Tom Hoffarth, one of the founders of Ten Thousand Villages in the South Bay. “It’s a benefit to both sides. Artisans in Pakistan earn a living wage while expressing their creativity, and our customers get an excellent quality rug made ethically and sustainably.” spt

HOT & COLD

WALKER’S

CAFE Lots of scuttlebutt online about the cafe’s future, but nothing seems to be happening.

LITTLE FISH THEATRE LEAVES SAN PEDRO

After losing their Downtown San Pedro theater space to redevelopment, the long-running theatre company has moved to Redondo Beach.

CRAFTED A sudden change in management, rising rents, and artist anxiety has created an uncertain future for the makers’ market.

Send your San Pedro ‘Hot & Cold’ suggestions to contact@sanpedrotoday. com.

Clockwise from top left: Maria Acuna, Mary Arzuban, Mary Julienne, Nicole Padilla, Diane Middleton, and April Jones. (photos: courtesy San Pedro Chamber of Commerce)

CLASS ACTS

San Pedro High HOF announces 2024 class; remembering pair of storytelling bluejackets

BY STEVE MARCONI

Havingskipped a year and being reconstituted as a biennial event, the San Pedro High School Athletic Hall of Fame returns November 2 at the Dalmatian-American Club with another star-studded class of inductees.

The 11 honorees in the individual athlete category are: Rocky Hill (1973), All-City first baseball; Vince Teora (1976), All-City football; Joe Fiamengo (1977), All-City baseball, league Co-Player of the Year; Regina Gray (1984), All-City softball, league POY; David Samperio (1988), All-City football; Melissa Elgin (1992), All-State softball, City POY, all-league soccer; Petrina Martinez (1993), City POY softball; Allen Kordich (1998), City 3A POY basketball; Julia Gray (1999), All-City cross country; Ana Maricic (2008), All-City volleyball; Alyssa Mullenhour (2008), league Offensive MVP soccer.

The four inductees for lifetime achievement are Lew Morales (1951), All-City football, member of the Southern California Handball HOF; Gerald Zar (1957), golf; Eddie Denike (1962), baseball player, contributor; and Xavier Hermosillo (1968), contributor.

Being inducted as sib-

lings are the four Adamses: Tony (2001), all-league surfer; Logan (2005), soccer; twins Megan and Kristen (2006), All-City cross country; sisters Korin (2008) and Kailee (2010) Cuico, All-City softball; and Anthony (1987) and Jstone (1990) Vines, with Anthony baseball and basketball and his sister All-City softball.

Two families are being honored: Jose Duarte (1992), All-City baseball, and his children, Michelle (2013), softball, JJ (2016), All-City baseball, and Josh (2020), all-league baseball; Art Paulsen (1937), HOF contributor, son Rick (1961), baseball and basketball, and Rick’s son Rocky (1973), all-league baseball.

The posthumous inductees are the Rafalovich brothers, Ted (1933) and Dan (1936), basketball; the Lovrich brothers, Tom (1948) and Jack (1951), baseball and basketball; Louie Campos (1975), All-City football; Debbie Figlewicz (1977), softball; and Bob Bosnich (1950), all-league football.

Finally, four City championship softball teams will be honored. The Pirate girls won back-to-back softball titles in 1976-77, first under Harriet Fried and then under Tim Ursich; and the 1992-93 softball teams repeated championships under Tony Dobra.

The HOF committee has been unable to reach every inductee or family member and is asking for help in completing notifications. Contact info is needed for Morales, Martinez, and team members Margie Barich, Adele Durmancich, Delores and Linda Franco, Tami Hale, Sylvia Padilla, Jane Kelly, Lyn Kiger, Michael Ahumada, and Tami Anderson.

Tickets are not yet available, so stay tuned. Another sellout is expected.

IN MEMORIAM

Two of San Pedro’s bestknown old salts died within a few weeks of each other this winter.

when he took off his chief petty officer’s uniform for the last time in 1971, he went to work for the Los Angeles and Orange County correctional institutes. He retired for good in 1995.

John Gilhuly was 94 when he died on December 11, and Bill Campbell was 93 when he died on January 24. Both joined the Navy after graduating from high school, and each served 20-plus years, encompassing the Korean and Vietnam wars. Upon retirement, they both entered public service.

Gilhuly, who retired from the Navy in 1973 as a lieutenant commander, remained on the ocean in his second career. He went to work for the Port of Los Angeles and was captain of the public relations vessel The Angelina for more than 20 years, regaling visitors from around the world with stories about San Pedro and the harbor.

Like Gilhuly, Campbell traveled the world, but

Only relatively recently did Campbell become a beloved raconteur on the popular San Pedro Born and Raised Facebook page. His long but entertaining all-caps yarns recalled growing up in San Pedro, his adventures along notorious Beacon Street as a kid, and, later, incredible encounters with wellknown figures while in the Navy. His life was so interesting that I asked him once if I could write a column about him, but he demurred.

I’ve mentioned Gilhuly a few times here because, from his own interest in local history, he was able to help me in my research into the men from San Pedro who died in WWI.

I can think of no better epitaph for these two great mariners than that in Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s classic “Crossing the Bar”: Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark. spt

Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@ yahoo.com.

John Gilhuly; Bill Campbell.

UNDERSERVING TEENS: A NATIONAL EPIDEMIC

It’s time to invest in ‘Pathways to Success’

BY MIKE LANSING

Without a doubt, teens are the most at-risk and underserved subset of children ages 5–18. This is not just a local problem but is evident throughout the City of LA, our state, and the nation.

While programming and sites dedicated to youth ages 5–12 thrive, there is a shortage of opportunities available to teens who, at the same time, have the highest probability of all youth to engage in or become victims of crime, assault, drugs, obesity, homicide, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, and suicide.

Examples of this lack of investment in our teens are many. After-school funded programs at elementary schools that average 400 students approximates $150,000, while high schools with five times or more students average only a $200,000 annual investment. Private and public youth-serving agencies in San Pedro and the greater Harbor Area sponsor youth development programming,

where over 80 percent are for youth ages 12 or younger.

Why do we engage in this disproportionate investment when our teens are far more at risk than younger children? Now is the time to invest in teens and provide them with pathways to success.

COLLEGE: We began our College Bound program back in 2002 because the vast majority of our members were not being provided the additional support needed for a pathway to higher education.

Our free after-school one-on-one case management and tutorial support program results in 98 percent high school graduation rates and 94 percent college-going rates annually. Our individual case management assures that our participants do not enroll in high-debt institutions, and last year alone, we assisted 771 college-going seniors in securing $16.5 million in federal grants and scholarships for their freshman year.

But let’s not distort college — for its primary purpose is not and should not be focused on specific

careers. Rather: “College is a crucial phase in their personal and intellectual growth journey. It is a period of self-discovery, diverse experiences, and knowledge acquisition, laying the foundation for future pursuits. It equips individuals with the tools to navigate the world’s complexities and pursue various aspirations.” (University of the Potomac).

We know that, on average, college graduates are going to eventually earn far more over their lifetimes than those who do not have this opportunity, but that should not be the driving force on whether or not a high school graduate attends college. Every student should have the opportunity and skills to attend higher education and then make an individual decision on whether or not to take this pathway to success.

WORKFORCE: At the same time, we know that some students cannot or should not attend college for many reasons — and that having a separate pathway directly into the workforce following high school graduation is the better option. One problem, however, is that career and technical education is not an option at most high schools, and job experiences that many of you and I had during high school are no longer available.

This is why we developed our Career Bound program, which provides the same one-on-one case management our College Bound members receive

and daily academic support, soft skills training, weekly workshops, field trips, financial literacy, job fairs, and much more.

Last year, we had 205 high school participants, and this year, with the expansion of our own Workforce Center (up to age 24), we will have over 300 young adults supported daily on this pathway. With local business partners, we provide over 80 paid internships on weekends and during the summer months, often resulting in eventual employment.

In addition, this year, we are providing over 70 high school students/ young adults with free enrollment in welding and construction skills training classes. We are also working with six local trade unions as a pathway to a most valuable career. Given the limitations of public education, we have developed our own workforce pathway opportunity for high school students not planning on attending college.

Every high school student deserves options for a pathway to success. It’s time for a much broader and deeper investment in the teens/young adults of our community and nation if we hope and expect them to be participating members of our society and have a future life of quality. spt

Mike Lansing is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.

LOSING WHAT WE LOVE

Local small businesses make a town unique; we must support ours more

Lastmonth, I had a lot of meaningful discussions with folks around town about all of the activity occurring in San Pedro.

So many things are happening at once. Some good, some bad. Change is constant.

There seem to be two types of San Pedrans these days. Those who think our best days are behind us, and those who are hopeful for all that’s to come. I spent a lot of time really thinking about this. The truth is, both viewpoints are right. San Pedro is so much more than either/or.

If you think San Pedro is getting more crowded, losing some of its favorite places, and changing faster than some folks would like, you’re right. Seeing some of our favorite restaurants struggle to survive or close has been tough. We’ve recently lost spots like Utro’s, The Whale & Ale, Shin Shin, and Walker’s Cafe, and we may never get over losing Ports O’ Call Restaurant. We may see even more closures this year that will

BY LEE WILLIAMS

surprise some and disappoint even more.

There are a lot of factors at play, from simple economics to difficult regulation, costly financing, and changes in buying habits. Local small businesses make a town unique and do more to support our schools, arts, nonprofits, events, and each other. We need to support them more.

If you think there is a lot to be excited about, you’re also right. West Harbor will have additional things opening this summer, but so much more is happening in San Pedro. I’m a huge fan of Trani’s Dockside Station. I never got to visit Canetti’s, but the new Trani’s location has quickly become one of my favorite places.

We have seen several new spots pop up around town that have quickly created a following. Blend and Befriend at 6th and Mesa has taken the old NUDA shop to the next level. Sebastian’s Mediterranean moved into the space vacated by my beloved Conrad’s Mexican Restaurant. Owner Nima Karimi is the best at creating new favorites here

in San Pedro, including La Bocca Felice.

Business partners and I opened our first restaurant in 2004. I helped with construction and permits. Even with my real estate background, the process was worse than I had imagined. Yolanda Regalado is my hero. Watching her convert not one but two buildings into the iconic Sirens Java & Tea was amazing.

I mentioned The Whale & Ale. Some of the best have worked hard to get it reopened. I really hope it happens soon. It’s a missed treasure and proof of how difficult it is to run a small restaurant in Los Angeles. It’s also challenging for second-generation businesses to thrive. Raffaello Ristorante on 7th St. is a great example of success, but all too rare.

San Pedro also has several rising stars, including Jillana and Ahmad from Miller Butler and Nicky Saunders from Bodega Raval. Supporting them as they find brick-and-mortar spots are investments in the future of San Pedro, which owes so much to the family-run businesses that built this town.

My friends recently opened Chachi’s in the Beach City Market at 28th and Pacific. They’re open for lunch on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. I recommend you check them out. You won’t be disappointed.

I mentioned before that the two perspectives of San Pedrans are one or the other, but there is room for more of us in the middle. There’s a tendency to reflexively demonize those we disagree with and think the world operates from extremes. You can love and support the old and new.

Shop local and spend time and money at the places you love. “Keep San Pedro cozy” by supporting the history, culture, and things we value in San Pedro while giving more of what’s new a chance to grow on us and make this an even better place to live, work, and play. spt

Lee Williams leads The Lee Williams Real Estate Group at REAL Broker and is a LA Harbor commissioner. He can be reached at lee@lamove.com.

The Whale & Ale closed in June 2023. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH... GISELLE BERUMEN

The owner of Rocco’s Deli Italiano navigates the ups and downs of restaurant ownership

INTERVIEW BY JOSHUA STECKER

Interview has been edited for length and clarity.

GiselleBerumen knows that trying to win over San Pedrans is an uphill battle, but she’s ready for the challenge.

The 25-year-old new owner of Rocco’s Deli Italiano at 19th and Pacific Avenue (in the former Burrito Factory location) has been hard at work trying to reactivate a once popular corner by introducing her Giovanni DiRocco’s-inspired Italian dishes to the San Pedro community.

To launch our new feature, Five Questions, we caught up with the young restaurateur as she navigates the ups and downs of Rocco’s first year in San Pedro while also taking over the neighboring take-out business, West Coast Philly’s.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get

involved with Rocco’s?

I am a 25-year-old Hispanic woman, born and raised in Long Beach, and still reside there. I have a four-year-old daughter who loves spending time at “mommy’s shop.”

I started working in the food industry when I was 16. As for Rocco’s, I started working part-time about six years ago. Rocco’s opened its Signal Hill location in 2009 and only served breakfast and lunch. When the opportunity presented itself to purchase West Coast Philly’s, I saw a perfect opportunity to turn the dining room into Rocco’s Deli Italiano to bring our Italian cuisine to San Pedro.

2. Can you explain how Rocco’s and West Coast Philly’s work together?

When I took over, I decided to keep West Coast

Philly’s operating the same way it was before, with just a few modifications, like using Boar’s Head meat and cheeses. WCP and Rocco’s share a kitchen. It is set up by two separate pass windows, one is used for WCP takeout and the other serves Rocco’s dining room. A perfect setup.

3. Rocco’s grand opening was in June of last year. How has the reception from the community been so far?

Rocco’s Deli Italiano’s grand opening was June 2, 2023. As you are aware, San Pedro is a tightknit community. When I took over WCP on April 1, 2023, it seemed some of the regulars that knew (previous owner) Phil Buscemi were a little skittish on what the product from WCP was going to be like without Phil here anymore.

Since we added Boar’s Head and added a few changes to the WCP menus, I have won over more hearts and stomachs from the community than some of the people that were just waiting to [criticize] the new owner… me!

4. Tell us about Chef Carlos Bermudez. What are his kitchen specialties?

Chef Carlos Bermudez can make anything. His journey began 15 years ago.

He’s worked all over Long Beach, from fine dining to the mom-and-pop shops. He’s always had a passion for Italian and seafood, which is what he specializes in.

He has been with the company for 14 years and over time has contributed tremendously by improving and adding new things to the menu.

5. What are your favorite and most challenging parts about owning Rocco’s?

My favorite part about owning Rocco’s is being able to share this delicious, authentic food with everyone here in San Pedro and Long Beach.

I am excited to serve our new dinner menu that Chef Bermudez and I have put together. I want to continue to grow with my daughter Alayah, who has been coming to the restaurant since she was in diapers and is now four years old. I want to get my food out across Southern California.

The most challenging thing about opening Rocco’s is trying to win over the San Pedro community. spt

Rocco’s Deli Italiano is located at 1902 S. Pacific Ave. For more info, call (424) 264-5217 or visit roccosdeli.com.

Giselle Berumen, owner of Rocco’s Deli Italiano. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

BEHIND THE MURALS

Our first in a new series of self-guided public art tours in San Pedro

BY LINDA GRIMES & SPT STAFF

In recent years, San Pedro has become a hotspot for public art, mainly in the form of large murals and utility box art.

You can’t miss them. Drive down any thoroughfare in town, and you’re bound to see at least one mural or other piece of curated public art. As you pass them by, maybe you’ve wondered who the artists are or what the work’s meaning or significance is to San Pedro.

This month, San Pedro Today teamed with the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District to provide a self-guided tour of a few select murals in and around Downtown San Pedro.

The stories behind the murals aim to educate so the public can develop a deeper appreciation for the talent and art featured across our port town.

This is the first in a series of self-guided public art tours we’ll be publishing throughout the year.

LA PINCOYA EN EL NORTE

LAMI, Berth 73, Building G (on the Harbor Blvd. side of West Harbor)

San Pedro’s newest mural, La Pincoya en El Norte by the Revival Murals team of Alonsa Guevara and James Razko, was completed in December 2023.

The San Pedro Waterfront Arts District received nearly 30 amazing mural idea submissions for this project. Alonsa and James’ submission was chosen by members of the Arts District Board, Los Angeles Maritime Institute, and West Harbor.

Alonsa Guevara, the Chilean half of Revival Murals, explains, “La Pincoya is a mythological character from the Pueblo Chilote (south of Chile). We think it is interesting to introduce her to this part of the Pacific Ocean. La Pincoya en El Norte (in the North), in my opinion, it’s a metaphor for migration and unification of two far away but similar maritime cultures.”

The mythology surrounding La Pincoya reflects the deep cultural and spiritual connection coastal communities in southern Chile have with the sea and its resources.

The 72’ x 15’ mural is the second community engagement mural completed in our Adventures in Public Art program. It included two community painting days with more than 60 locals to help paint the mural.

Contributions from the Port of Los Angeles Community Grant Program, a grant from the LA County Creative Recovery Program, and numerous private donations funded it.

The Arts District will add interactive augmented reality elements to this mural in 2024 to further engage audiences with local stories.

SOULFUL SUNRISE

454 West 6th Street (in the Lilyan Fierman Walkway)

Officially unveiled on February 2, 2017, Soulful Sunrise by local artist Luis Sanchez is located on the east wall of 454 West 6th Street in the newly renovated Lilyan Fierman Walkway, next to the Warner Grand Theatre.

In 2016, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District announced a mural award to Sanchez, who enlisted the help of fellow Pac Arts resident Regina Argentin. The mural award is part of the City of Los Angeles’ One Percent for the Arts Funding, negotiated by the Council 15 Office.

Luis notes, “When looking at the history of our historic theatre, its incredible design and history, I wanted to show a tale of past, present, music, dance, movement, celebration of the arts, as well as the diverse culture of San Pedro. I also used some of the applied design aspects from the interior of the Warner Grand.”

LA BOCCA FELICE MURAL

301 West 6th Street (alley side and back wall)

Painted in 2016 and funded by a matching grant from the San Pedro Business Improvement District, along with the property owner at the time, Greg Morena, these two murals were painted by Los Angeles–based street and contemporary artist Moncho 1929.

The alley mural is an homage to San Pedro’s blue-collar history as a working-class town, depicting dock workers from historical photos.

A portrait of Lucy Banning, Phineas Banning’s storied daughter, is on the back wall.

Soulful Sunrise. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

(photos: John Mattera Photography)

LA SERNA DE OJO – SIRENS COMMUNITY MURAL

402 West 7th Street (parking

lot side)

In the summer of 2017, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District conducted a six-week mural workshop with community members, led by Teaching Artist Virginia Broersma. The workshop was designed to give the participants a common foundation in the elements of art, color theory, principles of design, analysis of art elements, and the creation of artworks reflecting complex ideas and expressive content.

On June 18, 2017, in what was Machine Studio on 6th Street in San Pedro, the Arts District — in collaboration with Community Art Machine and Sirens Java & Tea — launched

The Arts District was given the use of the wall on the new Sirens location. In week three, the class met with owner Yolanda Regalado to see the still-under-construction coffee shop, hear her story, and tour the 80’ x 16’ wall on the parking lot side of her property.

This highly collaborative method of creating public art was completed with the help of over 25 volunteers, along with the 12 core workshop students.

This mural was made possible by generous donations from Phillips 66 Refinery, the office of Supervisor Don Knabe, and the Community Redevelopment Agency. spt

READY TO PURCHASE A HOME?

a novel community mural project called Adventures in Public Art.

La Serna de Ojo – Sirens Community Mural (photo: John Mattera Photography)

FLAVORFUL FISH TACOS

San Pedro has two spots that can satisfy your fish taco cravings

BY

SANAM LAMBORN

Somepeople view fish tacos as humble, but I beg to differ; I think they are complex with an interesting history.

I say complex because they are not served with the typical toppings as beef, chicken, or pork tacos. The original fish taco has a very specific structure: a warm charred corn tortilla, fried battered fish (preferably a hard fish such as pollock or cod), shredded white cabbage, a tangy, creamy sauce, and lime; salsa on top is optional.

Historically, it is agreed upon that fish tacos originated in Baja California, most likely in Ensenada. Eventually, they made their way to other coastal Mexican states and north of the border. There is an interesting debate about who came up with the idea of battering and frying the fish. There are unconfirmed reports that this may have been an influence from Japanese fishermen who had

ventured east for fishing opportunities in the early 1900s and introduced the locals to frying fish tempura style.

The original fish taco has evolved a bit through the years, minus the omnipresent shredded cabbage and creamy sauce. Today, grilled fish and shrimp tacos are also very popular. Personally, I gravitate more towards grilled fish or shrimp unless the batter is light and airy. Nevertheless, I love the combination of textures and flavors of the crunchy cabbage and the creaminess of the sauce.

Wondering where to get some fish tacos in San Pedro? It only makes sense to visit our town’s two fish markets/restaurants.

I became a fan of Crazy Fish (28158 S. Western Ave. and 309 W. 7th St.) ever since they opened their first location on Western Ave. Their menu has five taco options: battered or grilled fish and shrimp and grilled Atlantic salmon. The battered fish is made with pollock, while the grilled fish is mahi mahi.

All tacos are served on

a large corn tortilla with cabbage, a white creamy sauce they refer to as “crazy sauce,” chives, and their signature three slices of cherry tomato. Tacos can be ordered a la carte; they come in sets of two or as a plate with rice and beans.

You can also order pico de gallo or their spicy salsa (my preference) made with charred tomatoes and chilies. They offer grilled salmon tacos topped with cabbage and cilantro aioli on Taco Tuesdays for a very reasonable $3.50 per taco.

For me, it’s the simplicity and sticking to the original structure that works here. For those who wish to enjoy their tacos with beer, they have a few options on their menu.

Like most locals, I seldom visit San Pedro Fish Market (706 S. Harbor Blvd.). But if you wish to have fish tacos with a view of our port channel, then a mid-week visit is ideal to avoid the crowds.

Currently, they have taken up residency at The Landing at the end of 6th Street. The location has several outdoor picnic ta-

bles, each with a QR code to access the menu and order.

They offer grilled shrimp tacos served on a large corn tortilla topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, Cotija cheese, and their signature red sauce. They also have grilled or fried rockfish tacos served with the same toppings as their shrimp tacos. Although their menu says that these are served with a cilantro crema, they were topped with a light creamy red sauce during my visit.

Each order comes with two tacos and a side of fries with their original hot sauce, a tangy, flavorful condiment that reminds me of the taste of chamoy. I really liked dipping my fries in it. They also have beer options, including their famous Michelada. 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.

(L to r) San Pedro Fish Market’s shrimp tacos and grilled/fried fish tacos; Crazy Fish’s grilled/fried fish and shrimp tacos, Atlantic salmon taco, and Taco Tuesday salmon taco. (photos: Sanam Lamborn)

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SOUL-SINGING SONGSTRESS

Internationally recognized R&B and jazz vocalist, Windy Barnes Farrell, shares some secrets to her success BY

LINDA GRIMES

Ifirstmet Windy Barnes Farrell several years ago when I was producing the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Fourth of July commemoration at the Korean Bell.

She sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” — acapella, mind you — and blew us all away with the power of her beautiful voice. Since then, when I was the executive director of the Golden State Pops Orchestra, I have had the pleasure of producing her at several concerts to rave reviews.

Windy is married to Robert C. Farrell, a politician who was a Los Angeles City Council member from 1974 until 1991. Previously, he was a journalist and newspaper publisher. In 1961, Bob was a Freedom Rider, and as you may know, Freedom Riders’ tasks were to sit down in places like coffee shops — and then go to jail. The idea was to generate publicity to pres-

sure lawmakers to make changes.

She is an international recording artist and a world-class entertainer who has performed on six continents. Windy is the proud recipient of the Heroes and Legends Award for Theatre Excellence and has toured and recorded extensively with Stevie Wonder, Julio Iglesias, Michael Bolton, and many other amazing artists.

She is the president and CEO of Windy City Entertainment, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization that aims to assist families impacted by gun and gang violence in Los Angeles.

She is a San Pedro resident and the founder and executive producer of the annual San Pedro Music Festival. Windy recently starred in the highly acclaimed solo performance of Secrets of Shady

I’m always curious about artists’ motivations and inspirations and asked her the following questions:

Who is/was the greatest influence on your life as

an artist?

Aretha Franklin and various Motown artists as a little girl. Later in life, I was greatly influenced and inspired by my mentors Stevie Wonder, Michael Bolton, and Julio Iglesias.

When did you know you were an artist?

I started singing around the age of three in public. It was a natural thing to do, and at that time, I didn’t think of it as being an artist. I was simply expressing what was inside of me with melodies.

Was there a particular person who encouraged you to be an artist?

Many people encouraged me along the way to be a better singer/performer. My elementary school teachers, musicians and choir directors from churches, and many other singers and musicians along the way.

Do you have any advice for new artists?

Find your voice and/ or style, then study and practice it regularly. Take

care of your instrument and tools of your trade. Be prepared, well-rehearsed, well-rested, healthy, and keep a level head. Beware of drugs and alcohol. And remember — a good attitude goes a long way.

What are you working on now?

I am working on the book and screenplay adapted from the one-woman show, Secrets of Shady, which premiered in November at the Grand Annex Music Hall. In addition, I am the leading lady in a stage play, Detours, scheduled for March 2024. Also, plans are underway for the 4th annual San Pedro Music Festival to be held this year in August. spt

For more information on Windy, visit windybarnes. com.

Linda Grimes is the executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail. com.

“I absolutely love the theater. It affords me the opportunity to create from my soul.” – Windy Barnes Farrell. (photo: www.windybarnes.com)

HOW DO YOU RECLAIM A SPACE?

ALMA Backyard Farms helps former inmates rebuild their lives through urban gardening

BY AMBER SHEIKH

In 2013, with a single plot of land in East LA, ALMA Backyard Farms co-founders Erika Cuellar and Richard Garcia started with the small goal to help feed five families that included formerly incarcerated individuals, in an effort to help them rebuild their lives.

Today, they operate four urban farms in the Southeast regions of Los Angeles, including two locations in San Pedro.

Meeting in the early 2000s, Erika and Richard forged a partnership (now marriage) while working at Homeboy Industries. During his time as a pastoral minister, Richard recalls visiting inmates and the stories they shared. “I learned to cultivate my listening and really listen. And what I heard over and over was people’s desire to come home.”

They recognized the potential and power of reclaiming land and transforming it into a space that provides nourishment and growth — through food and connection — and established a home for formerly incarcerated individuals to start their re-entry back into their

community.

I recently sat down with Erika and Richard to discuss their journey.

What drew you to the work, and why did you choose San Pedro?

Richard: I was a 17-yearold student, and Father Greg Boyle (Homeboy Industries) spoke at my high school. That was it. All I remember is that I wanted to be like him, to do what he was doing. I joined the seminary, and I visited prisons and I listened.

Erika: These individuals we worked with, they wanted a place to come to, to work, and to be able to return home again — to their communities and to themselves. At Homegirl Café, we started focusing on gardening, and that became the vehicle to which they build connections — growing food empowered them and provided nourishment and health in a way they had not ever experienced.

We choose locations where there is food insecurity and neighborhoods impacted by the justice system. Similar to East LA, there was a desire in San Pedro for a third space, a space outside of home and work that neighbors returning home could come to rebuild, reclaim,

and reenter — a safe haven.

What are you most proud of?

Richard: We want anyone who comes to our threshold to know we will stand with them shoulder to shoulder — that’s our approach. People are so much more than their biggest mistake. One of our program participants, a former gang member, made a cathartic observation about her own journey and transformation, “Today, I’m planting life where I once was going to take it.” A lot of life, at various stages, happens at the farms.

Erika: We’re doers. The farms were a dream and one we could envision even before we had fully realized what they could become, and what impact they could make. The dream becoming a reality. That’s something we can be proud of every day.

What are some of the challenges standing in your way?

Richard: We need a paradigm shift, a cultural shift, moving from talking about solutions to taking action. The ‘not in my backyard’ mentality also needs to change. What we are doing is going to im-

pact generations — help them be healthier, safer, and build stronger communities where people want to be around one another and connected to one another.

Erika: Policymakers can’t make decisions without experiencing the groundwork. They need to see and feel the impact in order to fully understand. When we feed people, nourish them, and help them connect, they thrive.

During our chat, Richard talked about the idea of breakthroughs — when people see themselves differently, as capable. When we have faith in people, they have faith in themselves.

ALMA Backyard Farms runs a farmstand every first and third Sunday of the month from 8 a.m. until noon at their Compton location. They sell organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables.

To learn more, visit almabackyardfarms.com. spt

Amber Sheikh is a San Pedro resident, mother of two, community advocate, and owner of Sheikh/Impact, a nonprofit consulting firm.

ALMA Backyard Farms in San Pedro. (photo: Erika Cuellar)

READY, SET, SOW

Tips for starting a vegetable garden

BY NADIA NIZETICH

As Southern Californians, we’re lucky to live in one of the best climates in the country for growing vegetables, thanks to our mild winters and warm summers.

But if you’ve ever tried and failed to grow a garden here, that may be hard to believe. One of the most difficult lessons to learn in vegetable gardening is that sticking plants in the ground and hoping nature does the rest does not work, and there are numerous steps you need to take before planting. I’ve learned this lesson myself — and many others — so you don’t have to. If you’re ready to take advantage of all our climate offers this spring, here’s how to prepare your garden for veggies.

LET THE SUNSHINE IN

The first step in growing a successful vegetable garden is choosing the right planting site. Vegetables cannot grow in full shade and generally prefer at least six hours of sunlight a day, with certain plants like tomatoes needing more.

When choosing a site for your garden — whether you’re planting in pots or in the ground — make sure the location gets

enough light by observing your yard or patio for a day, noting how many hours of sunlight it gets at different times. If you don’t have a spot with at least six hours of sun, consider planting vegetables that can tolerate some shade, like lettuce or spinach.

Wherever you decide to plant, make sure that the garden is located next to a convenient water source, like a hose, and that it’s not built in an area where water pools when it rains.

KNOW YOUR SOIL

A good gardener grows plants, but a great gardener grows soil. A healthy soil is comprised of minerals, air, water, and ample amounts of organic matter (such as decomposed plants). If you live in San Pedro, you likely have clay soil, which is full of minerals but lacks air pockets and organic matter.

At the start of every gardening season, but especially before your first garden, it’s important to test your soil before planting to understand the soil type you have and the nutrients it contains. You can buy an at-home soil test kit for this, but I prefer to send mine off to a lab for deeper analysis.

A lab test will not only

tell you if your soil is deficient in essential nutrients like nitrogen, but you’ll also learn whether it contains lead or other harmful substances, which vegetables can absorb.

DON’T SKIP COMPOST

After you understand your soil, it’s time to prepare the bed for planting. Start by clearing the site of debris, such as rocks and weeds, and remove sod if you’re planting in a lawn.

Once the area is clear, loosen the soil by driving a garden fork as far as it will go into the bare dirt and rocking it back and forth across the whole bed. Then, add compost — and don’t ignore this step. Though the amount of compost will vary depending on your soil test results, a good rule of thumb is to add a three-inch layer to the soil surface of a new

bed. Use a shovel to mix it thoroughly into the top foot of freshly loosened soil and water when you’re done.

And that’s it — you’re ready to plant!

For information on when to plant specific vegetables, check out the “Digital Gardener’s Southern California Vegetable Planting Schedule” online or join LA Compost for a free beginner’s home composting workshop in San Pedro on March 2 at Gaffey Nature Center (721 W. Summerland Ave.) at 9 a.m. Visit lacitysan.org/ compostworkshops for more info.

Whatever you choose, start small — and have fun gardening! spt

Nadia Nizetich is an atlarge writer for San Pedro Today and an avid gardener.

(photo: cottonbro studio)

EVERYONE STARTS AT THE BOTTOM

You’re only the ‘new person’ at the gym on day one

BY EDDIE MCKENNA

If I have learned anything while training people during the last 18 years, it is that everyone, myself included, has to start at the bottom.

It’s coming to peace with the fact that when you go to the gym, it’s usually because you have not been going. You get to a point of looking at yourself in the mirror every morning and saying, “Something needs to change.”

That something usually results in going to a gym. Therefore, you get to be the “new guy or gal,” and that idea and feeling keeps people from going to a gym in the first place.

About four years ago, I got

the pleasure of being the “new guy” at Pedro Soriano Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I remember being welcomed with a smile and a handshake by everyone there. I remember my sensei teasing me for not tying my belt correctly, getting corrected on how to enter the mat, and forgetting my flip-flops.

My fondest memory was getting annihilated by everyone who smiled and shook my hand before my first class.

I was strong, sure, but man, they knew how to use my weight and strength against me. I was playing checkers while they were playing chess.

This went on for a good six months. Then something great happened. There was a new influx of white belts, and I was no longer the

“new guy.” I got to see firsthand how I was six months prior to all my training, and I was amazed at how much I had learned. My confidence grew, and I was able to start holding my own.

I think it’s hard for people when they join a gym. Gym culture isn’t always the most welcoming. I reflect back on my start at Soriano BJJ all the time, and I’ve had two great takeaways from it.

First, a smile and a handshake to a new member goes a long way in making someone new feel welcome. The second has been my ability to obtain a white belt mentality in everything I do.

My advice to every person

I speak with about exercise is to come at it knowing that you are going to suck for a while. In terms of working out, you don’t have to suck for six months like I did at BJJ. You’d be pleasantly surprised at how amazing you feel after a month of consistent exercise.

The best part is that even after one week at the gym, you’ll know more than the new guy that comes the week after you. Just don’t forget to smile and introduce yourself. spt

Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.

(photo: Victor Freitas)

HOW TO GET YOUR HOME RAIN-READY

Preparing for heavy winter rains is important, even in California BY

MIKE HARPER & PETER HAZDOVAC

Although the thought of an “atmospheric river” running through your home or yard may not be something that generally keeps you up at night, the severity of recent storms has undoubtedly been a wakeup call for many.

With this in mind, we thought it may be helpful to offer steps homeowners can take to be better prepared for winter. Below are five things homeowners can do to prepare their home for the winter months:

1. CLEAN OR INSTALL GUTTERS. When gutters are clogged, it causes water to puddle on roofs, leading to leaks and further damage. It may also cause additional

water to run off directly onto the home or the foundation. If you do not have gutters present, it’s a great investment and a way to divert water away from your home.

Water entering the foundation or under your home is the biggest cause of foundation damage, which can be costly. You want to ensure that downspouts push water to the street or major drains away from your home.

2. COMPLETE A ROOF INSPECTION. Having a leaky roof during heavy rains can be an absolute nightmare. Not only does it lead to damage, but finding roofers available during this period can come with a heavy premium. By performing a simple roof inspection or having a roofer come out and perform a “tune-up” before the storm, you can hopefully

locate and correct any issues before the rains hit.

3. CAULK WINDOWS OR DOORS WHERE GAPS EXIST. This can be a simple DIY project. Inspect the exterior of your home and see if gaps appear in these areas. This is common over time due to normal settling and may be as simple as adding some caulking in these areas to prevent water intrusion.

4. DIVERT WATER WHENEVER POSSIBLE. If you have flat or sloped areas on your property where puddling occurs, adding drains, sandbags, etc., are ways to avoid having water contact your foundation directly or spread to other areas of your home.

5. INSPECT AND SERVICE YOUR FURNACE. Many So Cal homeowners may not use their furnaces or forced air units often, but it’s always

wise to change the filter and have the system inspected annually. This will ensure there are no gas leaks and the system works properly and efficiently during the winter months.

We always like to reiterate the importance of shopping locally. We have plenty of local vendors that can service these needs and know the area well. Feel free to email us if you have any questions or need recommendations for any of these service needs. spt

Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit hhcoastal.com.

(photo: urtimud.89)

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ACROSS

3. ____ Rodriguez Cabrillo, our beach’s namesake.

5. The SS ________, which exploded in L.A. Harbor on Friday, Dec. 17, 1976.

7. Edward _____, the man who built the house that would become the Muller House Museum in 1899.

10. _______ Murals, team behind the new La Pincoya en El Norte mural.

DOWN

1. Dave ______, the man credited with creating the “Three-Eyed Fish” mural.

2. ______ and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023), which shot scenes in Downtown San Pedro.

4. Mosaic artist Julie ______, the woman behind the 25th Street Mosaic Mural.

6. Tom ________, iconic San Pedro artist who passed away in 2012.

8. ___ _______, name of the new San Pedro Fish Market location on the LA Waterfront.

9. _______ Harbor Poultry, which turned 100 in 2022.