San Pedro Today - May 2024

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.

10am - 2pm

I’m excited to feature Captain Bruce Heyman and the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) on our cover this month.

We had planned to do something for the institute’s 30th anniversary in 2022, but I admittedly dropped the ball. But with LAMI’s Festival of Sail happening on Memorial Day weekend, coinciding with LA Fleet Week, I figured this would be a great issue to pick that ball up again. I’m glad we did.

LAMI has become an integral part of the LA Waterfront, bringing thousands of children to the water every year, many seeing the ocean for the first time. I’ve

come to know many people who have worked for the institute through the years, and each one shared an infectious passion to pass along their knowledge and maritime skills with today’s youth.

If you’re attending LA Fleet Week this month, make sure to also check out LAMI’s tall ships at the Festival of Sail.

Having been on one of the twin brigantines myself, I can assure you that you’ll have a great experience. 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.

MAY 2024

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF /PUBLISHER

Joshua J. Stecker

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lori Garrett

ART DIRECTION

Joseph A. Castañeda

PHOTOGRAPHER

John Mattera Photography

CONTRIBUTORS

Linda Grimes, Peter Hazdovac, Mike Harper, Sanam Lamborn, Mike Lansing, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Eddie McKenna, Julia Murphy, Nadia Nizetich, 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 4

ON THE COVER: Captain Bruce Heyman, executive director of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI), photographed on the Irving Johnson brigantine. (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 2009-2024, Empire22 Media LLC.

MAY 2024

Every Friday – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (396 W. 6th St., corner of 6th and Mesa), 10a-2p. –For more info, visit sanpedrochamber.com/san-pedro-farmers-market.

2 (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.

4 (Sat) – LAUNCH & LIFT: ROCKET BUILDING & LAUNCH at Angels Gate Park (3601 S. Gaffey St.), 9a. – Rocket building starts at 9a and kite building and liftoff start at 12p. Free paper rockets and kite kits will be available while supplies last. Best for ages 6+. The LA City Dept. of Recreation & Parks is co-sponsoring this FREE family event. For more info, call (310) 548-7705 or email angelsgate.recreationcenter@lacity.org.

4 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO MAKERS MARKET at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.), 9a-3p. – Join artists, artisans, and makers outside San Pedro’s favorite neighborhood store for a fun day of shopping and live music. Find something handmade and special from local artists for Mother’s Day! This event is hosted by Homemade by the Hays and sponsored by San Pedro Today. Best parking is along Paseo Del Mar. For vendor info, message @ sanpedromakersmarket on Instagram.

10 (Fri) – NATURE & ME STORYTIME at George F Canyon Nature Center (27305 Palos Verdes Dr. East, Rolling Hills Estates) 10:15-10:45a. Join the Palos Verdes Library District for stories, songs, and rhymes! Recommended for ages 2-5. No reservations required. For more info, visit pvplc.org/calendar.

10 (Fri) – LIPSTICK, SHOES & FANCY MOVES at James R. Armstrong Theatre (3330 Civic Center Dr., Torrance), 8p. – Experience a visual and rhythmic feast of

Ukrainian, Chinese, and tap dance, ballet, African American & Latine street and club styles, acrobatics, and Japanese drumming. Ticket includes pre-show reception at 6:45p, plus you will be helping to support International Bird Rescue, an organization that provides critical care to injured aquatic birds. $15 general; $11 early bird tickets until May 1 with promo code: ONWARD. Free parking at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. For tickets and info, visit tutudance.org.

11 (Sat) – TEA & T’S BY THE SEA AND BOUTIQUE at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar), 10a-2p. – Delight in sipping tea and sampling appetizers while soaking in the sights of the lovely gardens and coastal views on the lighthouse grounds. Lighthouse volunteer gardeners have made the flower, vegetable, and butterfly gardens beautiful and inviting for visitors. There is the added attraction of boutique vendors offering their creative endeavors. The Long Beach Model T Club will also be

there to show off their prize Model T(ea) cars. $5 donation welcomed.

11 (Sat) – NATURE CLUB FOR KIDS – ROCKS & FOSSILS at White Point Nature Education Center (1600 W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30-11:30a. – Join us for a rocks- and fossils-themed Nature Club! We’ll learn about being a geologist and paleontologist while doing fun activities and crafts. This event is FREE and suitable for ages 5-10. Presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. For more info, visit pvplc.org/calendar.

11 (Sat) – THE ROASTMASTER’S BREW: AN EXCLUSIVE TASTING OF WORLD-CLASS COFFEES at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1648 W. 9th St.), 11a-1p. – Join us in San Pedro for a one-of-akind coffee experience! Indulge in a selection of the finest coffees from around the world, expertly brewed by our very own roastmaster. This event is perfect for all coffee lovers. Get ready to awaken your senses and discover the rich flavors and aromas of world-

class coffees. Tickets $10; seating is limited. For tickets and more info, visit steffenmarkkus. com or email hello@ steffenmarkkus.com.

12 (Sun) – MOTHER’S DAY SUNSET SAIL (parking and boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.), 5p. – Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) to sail the San Pedro Bay on Mother’s Day 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! 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.

18 (Sat) – 24th ANNUAL SAN PEDRO RELAY FOR LIFE at Christ Lutheran Church and School Track and Field (28850 S. Western Ave.), 9a-9p. – Live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, and a gigantic walk-through inflatable colon will be available throughout the day at this FREE event. 9a: FREE survivors breakfast; 10a:

opening ceremony followed by survivors victory lap; 4p: Fight Back ceremony; 7p: luminaria ceremony. For more info, visit Relay.org/sanpedroca or contact Purple4Relay@aol.com.

19 (Sun) – SAN PEDRO BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY ARMED FORCES AND MERCHANT MARINE TEA at Muller House Museum (1542 S. Beacon St.), 1:30-4p. – Reservation required. For more info, visit sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.com.

23 (Thurs) – BRIDGE CLASS at South Bay Bridge Club (24100 Narbonne Ave., Lomita), 3:305:30p. – Learn to play the bridge card game! Playing bridge is mental gymnastics. Regularly playing bridge stimulates your brain and is a chance to meet interesting people. To register and reserve your seat, text or call (323) 374-3533.

24 (Fri) – A GATHERING IN GRATITUDE at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar), 11a. – Point Fermin Lighthouse (celebrating 150 years) will be participating in LA Fleet Week. The lighthouse’s history is interwoven with the military. One hundred veterans and local military are invited to attend the event to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who have given their lives for our country. The first 100 veterans (Point Fermin Lighthouse Society veterans will be given priority) to RSVP by May 11 will enjoy a lunch on the back lawn of the lighthouse, along with Fleet Week servicemembers, a lawn concert, challenge coin, and special military related exhibits. Text (310) 293-8000 or email bertelsen@cox.net with your name, military service, military rank, and picture (optional) so that we can reserve a place for you. The community is invited for informal nibbles while all enjoy the music and day’s offerings.

24-27 (Fri-Mon) – FESTIVAL OF SAIL & TALLSHIP VILLAGE at LA waterfront (W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.). Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) for four days of sunset sails, cannon battles, waterfront sails; explore the Coast/ Explora la Costa Bilingual STEM Educational Sails; deck tours; hands-on activities for kids and adults in our TallShip Village; and a special VIP Sail-LA Fleet Week Ship Tour with a view from the water! Festival sponsored by Marathon Petroleum and Sherry Griswold Foundation. For tickets and more info, visit lamitopsail.org/festival.

24-27 (Fri-Mon) – LA FLEET WEEK at the Battleship Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a-6p. – LA Fleet Week is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of LA over the extended Memorial Day Weekend. Events include active duty ship tours, military displays and equipment demonstrations, live entertainment, a Downtown San Pedro welcome party, and much more. FREE to the general public. For more info, visit lafleetweek.com.

May 28-June 16 (Tuesdays thru Sundays) – TAKE GRADUATION PICTURES at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar), 11a-3:30p. – Celebrate two significant events at this historic site — an opportunity for students graduating the same year that the Point Fermin Lighthouse turns 150 to take their picture with a graduation-themed banner on the lighthouse grounds. spt

Events deadline for June 2024 is Friday, May 17.

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

MAY 26 (Sun) – 34th ANNUAL CROATIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION & STREET PARTY at Croatian American Club of San Pedro (631 W. 9th St.), 11:30a-10p. – On May 30, 1990, the people of Croatia held free elections for the first time in the nation’s over one thousand-year history. The Croatian American Club of San Pedro has celebrated this date as Croatian Independence Day ever since.

Every last Sunday of May, the club hosts a street party featuring traditional Croatian food and music. At this year’s event on May 26 from noon to 10 p.m., nearly 1,500 pounds of lamb, 600 pounds of cevapci, 200 pounds of pork, and mostaccioli will be served.

Food and drinks will be accompanied by great Croatian music and dance, including the Saint Anthony’s Croatian Kolo Club folk dance group, Croatian folk singing group Izvor, and Croatian rock and pop music by Petra and the group Klapa Uvala. All are welcome. The event is FREE to the public. spt (photo: Jack Baric)

SP OTLIGHT

BY SPT STAFF

HOLY TRINITY SENDS SIX TO INVENTION CONVENTION NATIONALS IN JUNE

Holy Trinity School cleaned up at last month’s California Invention Convention at El Camino College, with six students heading to the RTX Invention Convention U.S. Nationals in Dearborn, Michigan, in June.

Of the more than 3,000 inventions submitted in Southern California at the district and archdiocese level, only 60 students were selected to represent the state at the U.S. Nationals, with six being from Holy Trinity,

representing a whopping 10 percent of total students heading to Dearborn from Southern California.

“Our students are blessed to have been led through the invention process by our Science & Innovation Program coordinator and elementary science teacher, Mrs. Renee Warner, and middle school science teacher, Mrs. Lockman,” says Holy Trinity Principal Jennifer Anderson. “The passion and dedication with which they teach truly resonates with our students. They pick up on that positive energy and know the sky’s the limit.”

The students representing Holy Trinity at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals are Vince Dikdan, Mary Michlitsch, Shealon Pedriquez, Gianna Rizzi, Joey Tindall, and Lucas Viqueira.

This is Holy Trinity’s second year participating in the Invention Convention, which began in 2023 with their first school Invention Convention for grades 3-8. That year, 288 students pitched their ideas to volunteer judges from the San Pedro community, with three advancing to the U.S. Nationals.

“As we congratulate these young inventors moving on to the U.S. Nationals Invention Convention, we celebrate that these six students are truly a testament to what our Holy Trinity school community can do when we work together,” says Warner. “Every child may not be called to be an inventor or innovator; however, they will need to be inventive problem solvers and thinkers to meet the challenges of their generation. Our program fosters the development of 21st-century skills to tinker, communicate, and collaborate to create physical solutions to problems.” spt

McOSKER TO HOST TOWN HALL AT PECK PARK

Councilmember Tim McOsker will host a San Pedro CommUNITY Town Hall and Celebration event on May 19 at Peck Park Community Center Auditorium (560 N. Western Ave.) from 4-6:30 p.m.

After a horrific hate crime occurred in San Pedro late last year, the event will bring the community together to learn more about hate crimes, hate speech, and the prosecution of those crimes in an effort to denounce and reject hate in our community.

The program will include musical performances, presentations by public safety officials, and motivational words by local leaders. To register or for more information, visit: bit.ly/SPCommUNITY. spt

AIRBNB & MORE

Holy Trinity School’s Invention Convention 2024. (photo: courtesy Holy Trinity School)

L.A. City Councilman Tim McOsker. (photo: Facebook)

SPORTS POP WARNER FOOTBALL RETURNS

The Port of Los Angeles Buccaneers will make their debut this summer BY

JOSHUA STECKER

Aftera long hiatus, Pop Warner football is returning to San Pedro this summer.

It’s been a while since an independent youth football team was active in the Harbor Area. While teams have existed in Palos Verdes, Torrance, and other South Bay cities, San Pedro and its neighboring communities haven’t had a team in more than a decade.

“It’s really happening,” says Corey Walsh, the San Pedro High School football head coach who also serves as president of the new Port of Los Angeles Buccaneers Pop Warner chapter. (The high school is not affiliated with the Buccaneers.) “We’ve been grinding on this for the last four months.” Walsh, 33, is no stranger to youth athletics. The son

of longtime SPHS football coach Mike Walsh, he’s had two successful seasons with the Pirates after taking over the team in 2022. So, why a Pop Warner team?

“After last season, things slowed down for a bit, but I was able to take some time to self-reflect and figure out what small steps we could take to try and improve our [football] program,” says Walsh. “I realized we needed to reach the youth in our community at a younger age.” He says Pop Warner football is the best way to do it.

Walsh noticed many incoming freshmen were struggling academically or had behavioral issues impacting their chances to play high school sports. Walsh hopes that instilling the values and ethics already

taught at the high school level to middle schoolers can put the kids on a better path to success. Plus, it’s a great way to nurture athletic talent at an earlier age.

Serving boys and girls ages 10-14, Pop Warner is a nonprofit organization played by more than 400,000 kids a year. For its inaugural season, the Port of Los Angeles Buccaneers, working under the nonprofit umbrella of LA Monsters Sports Academy Inc., hope to put together three to four teams of 30 or more youths to compete in the Southern California Conference.

“I want to instill the values of being a good human, treating people with respect, being accountable and trustworthy, and some of our core foundational values and principles at the high school

level at a younger age,” says Walsh.

With interest from more than 80 kids and a strong group of coaches, volunteers, and board of directors, the POLA Buccaneers are still in need of funding to reach their $70,000 goal for the first season and are asking for the community’s help. The equipment alone costs upwards of $30,000.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, and the organization is seeking donations and grants from local businesses, politicians, and community members.

“We’re at the point where anything helps,” says Walsh. spt

For more information, visit polabucs.com. To donate, visit gofund.me/59feee3a.

POLA Buccaneers helmet. (photo: polabucs.com)

SLOW & FURIOUS

Driving in San Pedro can be hazardous to your health, but traffic engineers share the blame

BY STEVE MARCONI

There’s been a lot of discussion on social media lately about drivers in San Pedro running red lights and going through stop signs.

This is in no way a defense of reckless driving, but no one should be surprised by the apparent increase in traffic scofflaws. It’s known as the law of unintended consequences, which I have mentioned here before. The most obvious example is the most current — raising the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour. The intention was to give employees a living wage, but the main result was thousands of layoffs.

For years, our civic leaders have been adding stop signs, traffic lights, and speed bumps throughout San Pedro and Eastview over safety concerns for pedestrians, and, more recently, reduced traffic lanes to make room for bicycles.

And we’re shocked that drivers are hitting the gas when they see a yellow light and barely slowing down or ignoring stop signs? While officials are making driving harder and

harder around San Pedro, more and more cars are being added to our streets. We still live on a peninsula with only four main arteries leading into and out of town: Harbor Boulevard, Pacific, Gaffey, and Western. Can you think of any other community with access so limited?

The problem is only exacerbated by what’s been done to the east-west streets leading to the main arteries. I’m thinking of the most notorious example, 19th Street, one of the major connectors from Western Avenue to Gaffey, with a stop sign on every block. Or what was done to Westmont Avenue with bike lanes, which remain mostly unused.

Again, there is no excuse for reckless driving. Still, I can sympathize with the frustration of drivers hitting their brakes repeatedly, especially those attempting to get to a job or make an appointment on time. We should be thankful most of the road rage here is restricted to honking horns and middle fingers.

Facing traffic jams at Gaffey getting on or off the freeway or trying to get out of Point Fermin when there is only one lane for much of south Pacific,

drivers seek all sorts of workarounds. That usually means driving through residential side streets, which only increases the danger to pedestrians.

I won’t even talk about Western Avenue, which is gridlocked almost around the clock and will only get worse (see below).

I confess to making the occasional “California stop,” and nothing drives me crazier (pun intended) than sitting in the leftturn lane on a green light while the turn signal is red and there is no oncoming traffic. Visit Henderson, Nevada, and see how much better traffic is with a yellow turn signal.

Of course, there is no remedy for bad drivers until we all have driverless cars. In the meantime, San Pedro, fasten your seat belts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

WESTERN AVENUE

Just when you thought things couldn’t get worse (Ponte Vista), Rancho Palos Verdes is looking to build low-income housing along its eastern border.

State mandates for low-income housing (read apartments) have forced RPV to find properties it can develop, and naturally, it’s looking at its poor step-

child, the Western Avenue corridor. You can find a long list with Google, but if you use Western Avenue much, you’re in for a world of hurt.

The extended target list includes virtually every RPV business fronting Western: the stretch of land from Think Prime (the former Tasman Sea) to Crestwood; the sites of Carl’s Jr., Smart & Final, All Pets (the former Reuben’s Plankhouse), Harbor Cove Plaza, ad nauseam.

Conspicuously missing from the list is the old Western Plaza, now mostly vacant between O’Reilly and Hillside Liquor. It seems it would have been the more logical choice for housing, but apparently, RPV believes what we need, besides more traffic, is more hamburgers, sandwiches, and fish to feed the influx of new residents, who undoubtedly will need more mattresses.

It’s time for San Pedro and Eastview residents to stand up and say enough is enough. spt

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

STOP: A familiar sight in San Pedro. (photo: San Pedro Today)

ANGELS AMONG US

BY MIKE LANSING

Recently,I was asked to speak at a Holy Trinity School fundraising event that was honoring the Lane family as “angels among us” for their astounding support of the school as generational volunteers for well over 30 years, as well as the engagement of 10 of their children and grandchildren attending the school, and of course, their commitment to our greater San Pedro community with their leadership in our Boys & Girls Club organization and the San Pedro Youth Coalition, among other community involvements.

It was a great evening to reflect on grassroots positive efforts and the daily impact that individuals and families make. So many amazing folks are facilitating tremen-

dous acts of kindness to support the many impactful nonprofits in our community. The following is a shout-out to their important efforts.

DONORS: Individual and business donors are the lifeblood of most nonprofits, especially those that do not charge (high) fees nor have the majority of their operating budgets funded by the government. These generous individual and business donors could use their money in many other ways to benefit themselves and their families. Instead, through their compassion and generosity, they make sure a financially challenged child can attend an after-school program, a worker can receive care at a community clinic, a food insecure family can have fruit and vegetables on their table, a battered woman can find shelter, or a neigh-

bor can receive dental care when otherwise they would have none.

Donors are crucial to our many nonprofits doing great work in our community — without committed donors, many of us would have to close our doors or severely pare back our services and impact. I thank them for their generous support of our community.

VOLUNTEERS: While having a skilled and compassionate paid staff when operating a nonprofit is imperative, volunteers often can help make our impact move from “good” to “great.” There are many ways to volunteer — assisting in a wide range of direct programs, helping in administrative offices, supporting a community or fundraising event, being a mentor, helping in the kitchen, or welcoming and providing information when clients arrive.

Volunteers often fill the holes a budget cannot provide or add the additional support and care our clients need. Thank God for volunteers — they don’t keep our doors open, but they regularly make smiles happen within our walls.

ADVOCATES: Especially during this time of so much negativity we are exposed to daily, individuals with positive words about our nonprofits and their impact are of great value. In a time where you can “grade” almost anything — from your food order to your stay at a hotel to your experience getting your car washed or teeth cleaned — sharing a favorable opinion of a nonprofit you support truly helps their efforts. If you know of one or more nonprofits doing great work,

please tell a friend.

BOARD MEMBERS: I saved this particular group of individuals for last because 1.) They have a tremendous impact on the mission and vision of our nonprofits, and 2.) Engaged board members are donors, volunteers, and advocates for the organization they serve. They volunteer their valuable time to attend board and committee meetings and numerous organization events; they donate their “treasure” to support those individuals and families being supported by their nonprofit; and maybe in the most impactful way, they advocate to their family, friends, colleagues, and even their clients to support the great work of their organization. Fully engaged board members are too often under-recognized even though their efforts are genuinely appreciated and impactful. Thank you, board members — you hold us accountable, support our collective efforts, and become the best advocates any nonprofit can have.

They truly are “angels among us.” I humbly thank everyone who helps improve the lives of those who need us most and, by doing so, help make our San Pedro community a great place to live. On behalf of all: Thank you, angels, and God bless. spt

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

GIVING STUDENTS

WHAT THEY NEED

A

new nonprofit aims to enrich the experience in San Pedro schools BY

LEE WILLIAMS

SanPedro

schools need our help. Many know that funding for vocational training, creative arts programs, and other essential courses has diminished (or been canceled altogether). The San Pedro Education Foundation aims to fix this and many other issues facing our local schools.

The San Pedro Education Foundation (SPEF) is a 501c3 nonprofit founded by Ricky Magana, a San Pedro business owner and former San Pedro Today fitness columnist. Its mission is to enrich the student experience in San Pedro schools. The board of directors is comprised of local leaders and educators who care about San Pedro. (Full disclosure: I’m a board member.) The foundation accomplishes this in three ways.

First, it can expand the programming, facilities, and access to teachers and curricula that do not already exist in our schools. Creating well-rounded children means exposing them to experiences and activities that feed their minds, help them problem solve, and engage them in creative ways that broad-

en how they see the world and their potential.

I grew up with home economics, wood shop, and art class, things not readily found in our schools. These classes helped me with basic life skills, cooking, financial literacy, and balancing a checkbook, as well as giving me the confidence to try new things. Physical education, dance, and drama classes help kids move with confidence and coordination. The SPEF could help return these teachers and programs to the classroom.

The second piece is to enhance what’s already working and make it even better. The San Pedro Community of Schools has several programs that could use better funding and access to corporate sponsors who want to invest in our schools. With new and ever-changing industries taking root in the Harbor Area, companies are looking to help train the future workforce we will depend on for generations to come.

We can ensure our town’s place in history by connecting future leaders, business owners, and world changers born and raised here in San Pedro with the tools and resources to help them reach

their full potential.

Lastly, how do we elevate our schools? Barton Hill Elementary has a parking lot for a playground. The San Pedro Education Foundation is providing $70,000 to give kids a grass field. Point Fermin Elementary needs a Peace Garden where kids can chill out if they’re having a stressful day or just need a time out. San Pedro High School could use additional funding for auto mechanics and training in the trades.

Most people don’t realize that all tax revenues are centralized in Sacramento and allocated to school districts statewide using a needs-oriented formula. This results in poorer districts having an even footing with LAUSD, but it leaves us well below the funding we need locally to provide the education we expect for our kids here in San Pedro.

The way we raise the bar is to provide funds that are restricted to local use and benefit the projects and programs we value the most. Palos Verdes, Culver City, Westchester, and Santa Monica also have local education foundations that help increase the quality of education their schools provide.

There are around 11,500

kids in San Pedro’s 20 schools. By raising $100 per student per year and deploying these funds to meaningful projects, additional teachers, and capital improvements for our campuses, we can make a real difference in our approach to local education.

Our goal is $1 million annually. SPEF is not a Booster’s Club, PTO, Boys & Girls Club, or scholarship. Funds also won’t be used for school supplies, dances, or activities already being funded. The goal of SPEF is to fund ideas and needs that traditional routes cannot.

How will we know we’ve succeeded? When people start moving to San Pedro because of the great schools. When San Pedro schools offer an educational experience others try to copy. When our “born and raised” San Pedrans become the leaders of the future and remain here in town to give back.

If you have ideas about projects, fundraising activities, or want to donate, please visit sanpedroeducationfoundation.org. 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.

CALLING IT A DAY

Beloved South Shores Magnet School

Principal Dr. Paul Suzuki retires

BY JENNIFER MARQUEZ

Dr. Paul Suzuki has served as the principal at South Shores Magnet School for the Visual & Performing Arts for 18 years and is retiring in June.

My kids attended another local school, but I knew many families with children in South Shores. I met Dr. Suzuki once. One night, my young son had a Scout meeting at South Shores. My son was curious, and, at some point, decided to pull the fire alarm to see what would happen.

I was horrified as the alarm blared throughout the school. Seemingly out of nowhere, Dr. Suzuki came running into the auditorium with a smile on his face. He laughed, looked at my worried son, and reassured us that it was okay. It was a great first impression and illuminated the positive climate he creates at South Shores.

As he prepares for retirement, I asked Dr. Suzuki some questions about his time at South Shores and his future plans. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Describe your time at South Shores.

I began my career at South Shores in 1990, teaching grades 4th, 5th, and 6th. Back then, I taught black and white photography using those old-fashioned enlargers for one of my mini art classes and even transformed the classroom into a darkroom. For the upper-grade musical production, my art class was set building and stage crew. Later, I served as the magnet coordinator, then as assistant principal, and as principal at other schools.

Some years later, it was such a blessing to return to South Shores as principal. South Shores is my second home, and I will miss being at this beautiful school every day.

What makes South Shores Magnet School for the Visual & Performing Arts special?

During my 18 years as principal, South Shores was awarded the following prestigious awards: National Blue Ribbon Award, California Exemplary Arts Education Award, California Distinguished School Award, and California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award.

In addition to our strong

academic program, the visual and performing arts make our school even more special. The arts experiences help to foster our students’ confidence, creativity, and well-roundedness to be better prepared for middle school and beyond.

Our parents, teachers, staff, administration, students, alumni students, and alumni parents take ownership of our school, feel responsible for its well-being, and do everything possible to keep it sailing in a successful direction. Wonderful traditions have continued since it was established as a magnet school in 1980.

What

makes a good principal?

Many things make a good principal, but a few would include establishing a balance with student discipline and creating a place where students feel loved, valued, and cared for. All decisions are made in the best interest of children. It is important to support the teachers and build positive relationships with all stakeholders that create a warm, welcoming, and safe school environment. Not to micro-manage, but rather be a principal who supports and

inspires faculty, staff members, and students to feel comfortable in carrying out leadership roles and in producing creative ideas to improve our school.

Describe your most rewarding experience at South Shores.

I have had countless rewarding experiences with teachers, staff, students, and parents. The ones that stand out have been where I feel very proud of something a student accomplished, said, or did, whether in class, a performance, or in various school events.

What are your plans for retirement?

I want to enjoy relaxation away from stress, travel, spend more time with friends and family, and volunteer.

Any parting comments?

I will forever treasure everything about South Shores. I will miss everyone more than they will ever know. spt

Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on X and Instagram.

Dr. Paul Suzuki with students from South Shores Magnet School for the Visual & Performing Arts. (photo: courtesy Dr. Paul Suzuki)

COME SAIL AWAY

A CHAT WITH LAMI’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CAPTAIN BRUCE HEYMAN, ABOUT THE MARITIME INSTITUTE’S PLANS FOR 2024 AND BEYOND, INCLUDING THIS MONTH’S FESTIVAL OF SAIL BY

JULIA MURPHY

ThisMemorial Day weekend at the four-day Festival of Sail, the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) will showcase its prized jewels — their eye-catching tall ships, which include the 92-foot Swift of Ipswich, the 130-foot American Pride, and the twin brigantines, the Irving Johnson and the Exy Johnson, both 110.5 feet long.

“Those extra five inches matter when you’re docking,” quips Captain Bruce Heyman, LAMI’s executive director. For extra oomph, the 136-foot Bill of Rights schooner will be visiting from San Diego.

Capitalizing on the grand spectacle of LA Fleet Week, which occurs the same weekend, LAMI staff and crew will be on hand with free deck tours and offering four sails daily. These ticketed events include waterfront sails, sunset sails, and smoky cannon battles featuring historical reenactors. There will also be the Explore the Coast/Explora la Costa bilingual STEM educational sails sponsored by Marathon Petroleum. For landlubber adults and children, LAMI’s TallShip Village will offer hands-on activities.

Ultimately, LAMI’s Festival of Sail will allow the general public to experience what so many students have already discovered: the wonder of being on a tall ship as a “walking, talking STEM machine,” as Heyman likes to say.

Once Fleet Week is over, LAMI will forge ahead with its mission of empowering youths to discover their greatest potential through extraordinary at-sea experiences aboard educational sailing vessels. It all bodes well for this nonprofit as an evolving and vital part of the Port of LA and West Harbor transformation.

CREATING EXPERIENCES

On the wooden decks of LAMI’s tall ships, students’ lives are changed. Many of them have never been on a boat before. With fresh air, collegiality, and tight quarters, the kids beam with pride.

“The boats and the programs are really designed to help them with

leadership, with how to be a good team member, and even doing things like climbing up in the rigging and getting over maybe something they’re scared to death of, in a very safe environment, and conquer it,” says Captain Heyman. “This is exactly why we do what we do — to create these unforgettable experiences for local youth while they learn important skills to help them succeed in the future.”

LAMI served more than 5,000 youths last school year, with 87 percent on sponsored (fully funded) sails. The goal is to have 15,000 student sailing days.

LAMI’s late founder, Jim Gladson, was a retired LAUSD science teacher

Captain Bruce Heyman, executive director of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI), photographed on the Irving Johnson brigantine. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

SAIL ON (clockwise from top l): Visitors during a past Festival of Sail; former LAMI student Ella Momeny (in front) works the rope on one of the brigantines; the Exy Johnson sets sail in LA Harbor; LAMI students learn nautical navigational skills. (photos: Joanne Custer, Arturo Garcia-Ayala, LAMI)

and sailor who saw the powerful effect of a tall ship as an educational environment, not just on his most dedicated students, but on any students — most significantly, his toughest ones. He also wanted to make the distinction between sail training and yachting.

“The sobering fact is that 50 percent is the number that we typically use for how many kids that live within 15 to 20 miles of here who have actually been down to any waterfront,” says Heyman. “I think it’s very mind-expanding, and it’s very opportunity-expanding in terms of maybe these kids can explore a different life. Even though we’re trying to get to 15,000 student sailing days, there are 2.2 million school-aged kids in the greater LA area. So, it’s still exciting to think about how many kids we can reach.”

There’s also the environmental component to LAMI’s programs. “All of our programs expose people to the human impact on the ocean and local waters,” says LAMI Director of Development Liz Reinhardt. “So hopefully, they will leave with the newfound knowledge to make different choices in the future.”

LAMI also invites families to get involved with its Explore the Coast/ Explora la Costa Bilingual Educational Sail, designed to introduce families to recreational opportunities on the water and along the coast.

After a taste of this experiential education, many students come away with STEM-focused interests. For some students, their LAMI experience points to further maritime education. In a social media post, Ella Momeny’s mom, Rachelle, wrote, “We will forever know that the Los Angeles Maritime Institute opened Ella’s world in profound ways.”

Ella started as a camper and “moved up the rope ladder” to become a deckhand. “My experience with LAMI was really special because there were crew

members on board who helped me feel involved in sailing,” says Ella. “Where before, whether on a ferry boat or a boat ride, it was less hands-on. Here, you’re doing something complicated, and you’re involved with moving a large boat.” LAMI helped Ella focus on the maritime industry. She’s now been accepted to Cal Maritime and wants to specialize in marine transportation.

THE CAPTAIN

For the last ten years, Captain Bruce Heyman has been tirelessly steering the “LAMI ship.” Heyman is on the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors, where he is currently chair and serves on the Economic Development and Policy Committee. His impressive biography on LAMI’s web-

site reflects his passions for sailing, community, and education.

“That whole Bridge to Breakwater is being implemented right here in the port,” says Heyman. “I think the main reason I wanted to join the chamber board was to help that process, to really see if we could get the development going and get the community to stay behind that and focus on being able to say, ‘This is going to be massively different.’

You look at where I expect LAMI to be in a couple of years when West Harbor is fully opened and where we are at Berth 78 with the new Seaside Learning Center, there’s going to be just so much foot traffic, exposure and activity.”

“Bruce has been an outstanding board chair and an invaluable mem-

ber of the San Pedro Chamber, working to further the chamber’s goals of an improved LA Waterfront to enhance the economic vitality of our community,” says Elise Swanson, CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.

As Heyman maintains, “a rising tide floats all boats.”

“Thanks to both the Port of Los Angeles and West Harbor, we’ve been able to continue full-scale operation through the construction phase,” he says.

The people behind West Harbor have been supporters and integral partners with LAMI from the beginning. The Port of Los Angeles is another major longtime community partner. Its sizeable two-year grant supports 100 student sailing days each year, among other benefits.

LAMI’s largest corporate partner is Marathon Petroleum, which supports 33 student sailing days each year, plus the Explore the Coast/ Explora la Costa Bilingual Educational Sails and Summer Camp scholarships. As in previous years, Marathon Petroleum is a title sponsor for the Festival of Sail, along with the Sherry Griswold Foundation, which will provide complimentary tickets to veterans and active-duty personnel during the fourday weekend.

This Memorial Day weekend also officially opens the calendar to a busy summer of sailing opportunities and LAMI’s summer camps. Three summer camp options exist for youths ages 7-17 through their Tall Ship Island Adventure Sea Camp. Explorer Day Camp for ages 7-10 takes place on Pine Avenue Pier at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach, with three sessions that run Monday

through Friday, including an optional overnight sail on Thursday.

Two sleepaway camp options take California coast exploration to a new level. There’s the five-day Adventurer Camp for ages 10-17 and the 12-day Voyager Camp for ages 12-17. The sleepaway camp options are based on LAMI’s TopSail Youth Program, so no sailing experience is necessary.

Crew members will provide all of the training along with various ocean-based recreational activities.

LAMI also works with the Sea Scouts, an inclusive co-ed program offered by BSA Scouts America. Ship 1992 is the Sea Scout Ship chartered by LAMI. Scouts between the ages of 14 and 21 get together every Sunday afternoon, where they learn leadership and maritime skills, either sailing aboard the twin brigantines Irving Johnson and Exy Johnson or participating in water sports such as small craft boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more.

Captain Bruce Heyman stays focused on his mission and voyage. “One of the things that’s been consistent from the beginning is to try and take youth who might not have good self-confidence and good self-image and make them feel good about themselves,” he says. “And to get them out of the community where they have limited visibility to what a potential life might be, and what better place than to see the Port of LA and the plethora of jobs available and to open their eyes to other things.” spt

For more information on LAMI and the upcoming Festival of Sail, visit lamitopsail.org.

MOSTACCIOLI, PT. II

Our food columnist takes another look at a San Pedro staple for many Croatian and Italian families BY

SANAM LAMBORN

LastSeptember, I wrote about my research into mostaccioli by hypothesizing that it’s a Croatian-American dish.

Despite the very Italian name, I knew from my upbringing that mostaccioli in Italy is a cacao- and spices-based Christmas sweet from Naples. Along the way, I discovered that some Italian-Americans in San Pedro also claim mostaccioli as their own dish, and a baked version is also made in the Midwest.

Internet searches produce an abundance of mostaccioli recipes, often labeled as authentic or classic Italian. An important distinction is understanding the difference between Italian from the mainland and Italian American. These variations reflect how immigrants recreate or adapt dishes from their

homeland with ingredients available to them in their adoptive country. In the case of Italian-American dishes, like mostaccioli, some don’t exist in Italy.

I noticed that when the Croatian-American community speaks about mostaccioli, it specifically means the smooth tubeshaped pasta served with a red meat sauce. However, Italian Americans refer to the noodle as mostaccioli and combine it with other sauces besides meat sauce. I have never noticed a pasta box named mostaccioli at our local grocery stores, although they are available for purchase online.

Mostaccioli meat sauce resembles three famed Italian sauces. Bolognese ragù (from the city of Bologna) is cooked with ground beef or pork along with the holy trinity of Italian cuisine — onion, celery, and carrots — and served over tagliatelle, which are long flat noodles.

Neapolitan ragù is made with sausage and chunks of meat that are then shredded; this red meat sauce only uses onions as a base. The final inspiration is pasta alla Genovese, a white ragù made by slow simmering an abundance of thinly cut onions with chunks of meat and small diced carrots and celery.

Despite its name, pasta alla Genovese is native to Naples and was prepared by northern cooks at taverns at the port of Naples for the ship workers from Genova who traveled back and forth between these two major port towns starting in the sixth century.

Unlike the Bolognese, Neapolitan ragù and pasta alla Genovese are served with tube-shaped pasta, the latter with hand-broken tubular smooth ziti. The resemblance to the Croatian-American and Italian-American mostaccioli is strong, keeping in mind that the first only uses onions. Could it be that Croatian and Italian immigrants borrowed this dish from each other? Is mostaccioli a variation of the Neapolitan ragù and pasta alla Genovese? After all, most Italians who immigrated to the United States came from Southern Italy. In fact, San Pedro is home to many whose families immigrated from Campania, the region where Naples, the island of Ischia, and the Amalfi Coast are located.

Regardless, mostaccioli is authentically a dish that represents flavors of immigrants’ home countries but is adapted and influenced by ingredients available to them in their new home, America.

A few Italian restaurants in town have mostaccioli on their menu. Big Nick’s Pizza (1110 N. Gaffey St.) offers three pasta choices: regular mostaccioli, Pedro Pirate served with bell peppers and sausage in red sauce, and Deelicious served with sundried tomatoes, artichokes, and feta cheese. Buono’s Pizzeria’s (222 W. 6th St.) mostaccioli pasta can be ordered with either meat, marinara, or pesto sauce. Bonello’s New York Pizza’s (806 S. Gaffey St.) version is baked and can be ordered with either meatballs, sausage, or chicken.

To try the Croatian-American version of mostaccioli, stop by the Croatian American Club (631 W. 9th St.) on May 26 for their yearly independence celebration event or at San Pedro Café (605 S. Pacific Ave.). spt

“Mostaccioli, Pt.1” appeared in the Sept. 2023 issue of San Pedro Today. Find it online at sanpedrotoday.com.

Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram in April 2020 to entice people to patronize San Pedro’s eateries.

Mostaccioli from the Croatian American Club. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

INGENIOUS SISTERS

CREATE COMMUNITY

Grand Vision Foundation, led by Liz Johnson and Taran Schindler, continues to educate and entertain BY LINDA GRIMES

Thefirst time I encountered Liz Johnson, she was carrying a seat cushion from the Warner Grand Theatre and excitedly exclaiming, “I found it!”

She had unearthed the original fabric and thus began what was to be the Grand Vision Foundation’s Adopt a Seat campaign.

As you may know, the Grand Vision Foundation (GVF) is a nonprofit arts organization located in the heart of San Pedro’s Waterfront Arts District. They produce live concerts, open mic nights, Team Taiko classes, and more at the Grand Annex Music Hall, a 150-seat music listening room celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. Their Meet the Music program serves 3,000 elementary students annually

and offers a robust in-school music curriculum.

Liz became involved with Grand Vision in 1998 when she was asked to join the organization’s board. Not long after, the executive director quit, the board wanted to disband, and she jumped in to lead GVF. Grand Vision’s first mission is to preserve and promote the historic Warner Grand Theatre. It did not take her long to realize that the community desperately wanted to see the theater come back to life. GVF now serves as the official Friends’ Group to the Warner Grand Theatre.

Liz’s background in urban planning, art, and community development helped guide her then and continues to do so today. From 2005-2009, GVF successfully raised almost a million dollars through their Save Your Seat campaign to restore (and widen) the theater’s

WHY ADVERTISE WITH US? BECAUSE IT WORKS!

There’s a reason why we have the most local businesses in our pages. Locals read San Pedro Today. For advertising info, email ads@sanpedrotoday.com.

1,487 seats, install better AV equipment, replace the dangerous stage rigging, and expand the stage.

After the Great Recession in 2008, times changed, and Liz’s plan to hold regular concerts at the Warner Grand would have to wait. Instead, GVF took a smaller risk by creating the Grand Annex Music Hall, a 150-seat mini performing arts venue for smaller concerts and performances.

Liz was able to entice her talented, music-loving sister, Taran Schindler, to develop and run the Annex. Taran’s considerable skills as a researcher and historian turned out to be just what was needed to build a roster of performers. She has built the Annex’s reputation as a high-quality venue to showcase singer-songwriters and performers steeped in various cultural and musical traditions.

Taran is now the artistic and deputy director and coordinates all aspects of creative programming at the Grand Annex and for Grand Vision’s events. She also coordinates an amazing crew of 40 volunteers and supervises student interns throughout the year.

The Annex audiences have become a mix of “regulars” and newcomers, and people come early to gather with friends. Taran notes, “It’s

personally exhilarating to see how experiencing live music together generates joy, creates friendships, and deepens community connections.”

In 2009, GVF was invited by Supervisor Don Knabe to expand into youth music education. GVF interviewed teachers and soon learned about the significant lack of music education in LAUSD schools. After an initial attempt to introduce children to rhythm instruments, GVF hired and collaborated with music education specialists who built the program to where it is today, serving 20 elementary schools annually in school classrooms and serving whole grade levels. Currently, Grand Vision is fundraising to restore the Art Deco ceiling and wall paintings in the main lobby of the Warner Grand Theatre and throughout the theater.

On May 11, the Grand Vision Foundation is hosting one of San Pedro’s premier fundraisers — the 2024 Gathering for the Grand Gala. spt

For more information on GVF and the Gathering for the Grand Gala, visit grandvision.org

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

Liz Johnson and Taran Schindler. (photo: courtesy Grand Vision Foundation)

WATER: THE SECRET TO A HEALTHY VEGETABLE GARDEN

Learning how to water is tricky, but your veggies will forgive a bit of trial and error

BY NADIA NIZETICH

Watertoo little, and your plants will shrivel. Water too much, and your plants will — well, they still die.

Good irrigation habits are essential to a healthy garden, but hitting the sweet spot can be tricky for beginning vegetable gardeners, who often assume that more water means happier plants. Thankfully, help is out there — and while the best teacher is experience, you can use the following guide to help you get started.

How often should I water?

If you’ve ever Googled this question, you’ve probably been advised to give plants an inch of water per week. I find this recommendation academic at best and impractical at worst.

It’s difficult to measure an inch of water, and gardens simply don’t operate on a schedule — outdoor temperatures, soil type, and plant type all influence the amount of water a garden needs. The same plant may even require different amounts of water at various stages of its lifecycle, further complicating the matter. While I do recommend researching each vegetable’s unique water preferences, a handy guiding principle when learning how to water is to consider the depth of a plant’s roots. Because soil dries out from the top down, plants with roots close to the soil’s surface — like onions — will need water more frequently than those with deep roots, such as tomatoes.

I recommend watering

shallow-rooted plants when the top inch of soil is dry and deep-rooted plants when the top four inches are dry. My rule of thumb for plants somewhere in between is to water when the top two inches of soil are dry. Figuring out if the soil is dry or moist is simple: just stick your finger in the ground.

How much should I water?

When it’s time to water, it’s hard to go overboard. Overwatering doesn’t refer to the amount of water given at once but how frequently it’s given. Water until the garden bed is soaked through or water runs out of the holes at the bottom of your pot. Make sure you soak the whole bed, not just the area around the plant, to ensure that the entirety of the garden’s root system is wet.

What time of day should I

night, plants may not dry out quickly enough, fostering disease. That makes watering in the late afternoon the safest bet — but don’t think too hard about it. Choose a time of day to water that works for you. Just be sure to avoid wetting the plants’ leaves to discourage disease.

Do I really need to mulch? (And what does that have to do with watering?)

Mulch plays a critical role in watering by slowing evaporation and conserving soil moisture. When soil is kept consistently moist, plants can absorb the nutrients they need in a process called transpiration. Mulch also makes things easier on the gardener since a mulched garden requires less water (and less weeding). That’s healthy for your wallet, too, especially when water bills peak mid-summer. If you’re still uncertain about watering, don’t worry — you can always buy a moisture meter and cut the guesswork until you master

Nadia Nizetich is an at-large San Pedro Today and an avid gardener.

(photo: Karolina Grabowska)

MOVEMENT IS THE MEDICINE

Just get out there and break a sweat

BY EDDIE MCKENNA

Ifeel like it’s been Groundhog Day for the last week. Ten different people have told me the same exact thing: “I feel so much better than when I got here!” When that happens, I am compelled to write about it.

You guessed it: They were all people who went into the gym and moved. Gasp. Imagine that. You go into a place feeling sluggish, tight, weak, and even sometimes sad. Then you can leave the same place feeling like a million bucks. Um, hello! Sign me up, please.

If it were only that easy, everyone and their mother would be at the gym. But they are not. Let’s think of some ways to get you into a

gym and moving.

First things first, let’s work on your perception of a gym. I’d assume that most people are intimidated by a gym because they think everyone inside is super fit and jacked. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Everyone in the gym was at some point in their life weak and unfit; that’s the beauty of it — everyone has the same starting place. If they are doing amazing, crazy stuff, it is because they started a long time before you and never stopped — “never stopped” being the operative words here.

Second, no gym, no problem. Yes, I own a gym, and yes, I am saying you don’t need one if it really is not your thing. Go out and buy yourself a nice pair of running shoes. No, don’t sign up for a marathon. Start a walk-

ing club in your neighborhood. Yes, be “that” neighbor who rallies the troops and leads the charge around the cul-de-sac.

You don’t like people? Great, walking can also be an individual sport — pop in the AirPods and get to strutting. You guys know me, and you know I’m not going to be that easy on you. At the four-to-five-week mark of walking, I’d like you to venture out — and yes, you guessed it — RUN. When you do the R-U-N part, I’m sure you will all send me a thank you note because you will finally understand and feel the runners high. It’s a thing, I swear.

Third, make it easy. Beginning your fitness journey can be overwhelming at times because many TikTok influencers give you con-

flicting advice and overcomplicate the simple task of movement. Just get out there and break a sweat.

If you feel brave, inspired, and ready to walk into a gym and sign up for a membership somewhere, do it. I’ve spoken many times about the power of a community and what it can do for your overall wellness.

In the words of the great Mark Bell, “Strength is never a weakness, and weakness is never a strength.”

Now, get out there and move those beautiful bodies. spt

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

(photo: Daniel Reche)

•

•

•

•

•

COASTAL LIVING & LAND MOVEMENT

Living along the peninsula presents unique natural risks BY MIKE

HARPER & PETER HAZDOVAC

Coastal

San Pedro residents are no strangers to land movement and the havoc Mother Nature can wreak when unexpected landslides occur after years of natural land erosion.

Back in 1929, a landslide in the Point Fermin area, where Pacific Avenue and Paseo Del Mar met, caused the loss of multiple wood frame homes and Red Car rail tracks, along with sidewalks and streets.

According to Atlas Obscura, the land movement was recorded at its peak at a mind-boggling 11 inches per day. Today, we all know this area as Sunken City, which has, over the years, become

a popular attraction for people wanting to view this historical location.

In 2011, weeks of heavy rains were believed to be the primary cause of the massive White Point landslide on Paseo Del Mar. A nearly 600-foot section of the road slipped toward the ocean, creating a gaping new cliff. Fortunately, no one was hurt, and no homes were damaged because of this significant landslide. Although a permanent restoration project has been evaluated in the past, this area remains fenced off with no access to the public.

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, a significant increase in land movement during the spring of 2023 near the Portuguese Bend Landslide area resulted in damage to the road and two

homes being “red-tagged” on Dauntless Drive. The City of RPV website states, “Recent acceleration in movement is believed to be primarily due to heavy winter rainfall resulting in surface water percolating into the ground and lubricating the bentonite soil condition.”

In February, the national landmark and local historical treasure known as Wayfarers Chapel was voluntarily closed due to accelerated ground movement in the area. The structure was compromised because of land movement under the church, which led to panes of broken glass and a significantly damaged foundation.

According to Executive Director Dan Burchett, relocation of the church is likely the only option. Burchett also indicated that finding a

suitable location to rebuild the chapel is expected to take considerable time and resources.

Unfortunately, land movement is a reality on our scenic peninsula and can sometimes have a negative impact on our coastal neighborhoods. In some extreme cases, real estate values can be impacted, and it may be difficult for homeowners to secure financing and insurance. While this may be a worst-case scenario, it does highlight some of the natural risks that go with living on our unique and beautiful coastline. spt

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

Paseo Del Mar landslide, April 2012. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF SAN PEDRO TODAY TO YOUR HOME EVERY MONTH!

Tired of your neighbors stealing your copy on their daily walk? Sick of sending your copies to out of town relatives? Solve that by becoming a subscriber to San Pedro Today magazine!

For just $39.95 a year, you can have San Pedro Today delivered right to your mailbox every month. Cost includes 12 issues of San Pedro Today mailed in an envelope. (U.S. orders only.)

You can also order online at sanpedrotoday.com! UPDATED FEBRUARY 2024

CROSSWORD

SUBSCRIBER INFO:

Name __________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

City/State_______________________________________________

Zip _____________________________________________________

Email __________________________________________________

Phone _________________________________________________

PAYMENT: MAIL-IN CHECK OR PAY BY CREDIT CARD

Name on Card__________________________________________

Card # __________________________________________________

Exp Date ___________________ Security #________________

Signature______________________________________________

Make checks for $39.95 payable to SAN PEDRO TODAY. SEND TO: San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733

ACROSS

2. San Pedro _______ Company.

5. South Shores ______ School for the Visual & Performing Arts.

7. Current L.A. City Councilperson for District 15.

9. Wine bistro on 7th St. celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.

DOWN

1. Fishy name for live music spot on Pacific Ave.

3. One of two twin brigantines owned and operated by LAMI.

4. Stephen M. _____ Dr.

5. Popular local pasta dish featured in this issue.

6. CrossFit gym co-owned by San Pedro Today fitness columnist, Eddie McKenna.

8. Capital of Croatia. MAY 2024

• Dental Implants & Teeth in

• Complete Implant procedure done in one office from start to finish

• Minimally Invasive Dental Implant Procedures

• Computer Guided Implant Placement

• Treatment Options to fit into any budget

• Financing Available