San Pedro Today - January 2026

JANUARY 2026

TAKING CARE OF

BUSINESS

ELISE SWANSON REFLECTS ON THE INVISIBLE WORK, DIFFICULT TRADEOFFS, AND DEEP RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADING THE SAN PEDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: + SAN PEDRO’S NEW ELECTRIC TROLLEYS + FOOD TRUCKS: LATE-NIGHT BITES IN TOWN + GLENN GRITZNER’S MAKING LOS ANGELES PODCAST + ARTIST JIM MURRAY’S WEEKLY ART GALLERY FIELD TRIPS + JANUARY EVENTS & MUCH MORE!

SCAN TO READ MORE AT SANPEDROTODAY.COM

sanpedrotoday.com I JANUARY 2026 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 1

Smile A While.

Modern Dentistry, with Old Fashion Values.

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

Dr. 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

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

ASSOCIATES Ian Woo, D.D.S., MD. Education: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Los Angeles County / University of Southern California Medical Center

Dr. Marvis Sorrel, D.M.D., M.D.S. Education: University of Pittsburgh, Master of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Orthognatic Surgery Externship / Invisalign Certification

Color Palette:

Dr. Rebekah Coriaty

Dr. Ardalan & Associates Smile A While.

1411 W. 8th Street San Pedro, CA 90732

(310) 832-5559

www.drsouzanardalan.com

Education: University of Pacific Professional Association: American Dental Association California Dental Association

#161f70

#4962f5

#233

Dr. Miles Madison Education: UCLA School of Dentistry Professional Association: American Academy of Periodontology California Society of Periodontists American Dental Association California Dental Association American Association for Dental Research

Font:

FONT: Lato Designed by Łukasz Dziedzic

THE COMMUNITY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

24 HOURS 7 DAYS WEEK Residential & Commercial Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning Service

FREE Consultations

(does not include diagnostics)

OUR NEW SECOND LOCATION IS NOW OPEN at 609 N Pacific Avenue

15% OFF

THE FIRST $250 OF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL

310.832.9009 | 616 W. 6th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

H

appy New Year, San Pedro!

Can you believe it’s already 2026? I certainly can’t. This year marks my twenty-first year as publisher of this magazine (in both its iterations), beginning in April 2005 with the original San Pedro Magazine, founded by my friend and filmmaker Jack Baric, and continuing independently as San Pedro Today under my stewardship starting in February 2009.

Suffice it to say, we’ve chronicled many of our town’s people, progress, and history across those 240-plus issues. But one institution we’ve never covered in depth is the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.

That changes this month.

To kick off the new year, we take a behind-the-scenes look at the Chamber through the eyes of its president and CEO, Elise Swanson.

At 116 years old, the Chamber is among San Pedro’s oldest institutions. It’s certainly been through its ups and downs—especially over the twenty years I’ve been publishing—but today it appears to be running on all cylinders, thanks to Swanson’s leadership, the talented staff she’s assembled, and a strong, active board of directors.

Full disclosure: I’m currently serving my second term on the Chamber’s board of directors. I also served more than a decade ago. Having worked with the Chamber under multiple CEOs, I can say with confidence that the organization is stronger and more engaged than ever.

Ironically, the question people still ask is: What does the Chamber actually do?

Had you asked me that twenty

years ago, I probably wouldn’t have known how to answer. Back in the late 2000s, the Chamber was best known for hosting the much-loved (and missed) Taste in San Pedro each August at Point Fermin Park—until rising costs and permit fees eventually pulled the plug.

Today, it’s a very different story.

Swanson and the Chamber staff have taken this century-old institution and made it highly relevant during a time of significant change in San Pedro. I hope this month’s story, written by our new features writer, Aaron McKenzie, sheds light on what today’s Chamber of Commerce is all about and how Swanson is helping shape San Pedro’s future.

SHOW ’N TELL RETURNS Lastly, I hope you’ll join me at Sirens Java & Tea on Sunday, January 18, as I host another San Pedro Show ’N Tell event, presented by the San Pedro Heritage Museum.

From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., we’ll be scanning photos and documents on-site for the SPHM archives, and we’ll also be accepting donations of photos, documents, or historical artifacts related to our port town’s history. You can read more about it on page 10.

The Show ’N Tell begins at 3 p.m., when folks with interesting artifacts can share them—and the stories behind them—with an always friendly and inquisitive audience. The SPHM will also have t-shirts, tote bags, and stickers for sale. I hope you can make it.

Until next month... spt Joshua Stecker publisher/editor-in-chief contact@sanpedrotoday.com

4 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

JANUARY 2026 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua J. Stecker ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lori Garrett ART DIRECTION Joshua J. Stecker PHOTOGRAPHER John Mattera Photography CONTRIBUTORS Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Linda Grimes, Sanam Lamborn, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Eddie McKenna, Aaron McKenzie, Lee Williams CONTACT INFO: Phone: (424) 224-9063 contact@sanpedrotoday.com MAILING ADDRESS: San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733

TO ADVERTISE: Email: ads@sanpedrotoday.com for our current media kit.

VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 12 ON THE COVER: San Pedro Chamber of Commerce team: Kaitlyn Estevez (operations coordinator), Elise Swanson (president/CEO), and Mayra Garcia (membership services coordinator). (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 2009-2026, Empire22 Media LLC.

6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

Trusted valuations for estate settlement, probate, and tax purposes.

310-548-6065 | allpointsappraisal.com

EVENTS

JANUARY 2026 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 Monday - ACTING-WRITING CLASSES at Collage Theater (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 6p. – All levels—beginners to working actors and writers—come bring your work to life! On-camera, live stage performance, TV, and film.

Collaborate on scripts in development. This is the place to learn and improve, network, and follow your dreams. For more info, call (310) 864-4000, email actorsjungle@gmail.com, or visit actorsjungle.com.

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. – San Pedro’s own urban farm, opens its downtown garden space 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.

Every Tuesday & Every Saturday – BELMONT SHORE MODEL RAILROAD CLUB at Angels Gate Park (3600 S. Gaffey St., Building 824), Tuesdays 7-10p & Saturdays 12-4p. – The best kept secret in San Pedro! The Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club is the oldest and largest N scale club and offers clinics on modeling and an opportunity to explore a new hobby.

Admission is FREE and open to the public. For more info, call (310) 831-6262 or visit belmontshorerr.com.

Various dates – BRIDGE GAMES & CLASSES at South Bay Bridge Club (24100 Narbonne Ave., #105, Lomita), various times. – Have fun exercising your brain and playing bridge at South Bay Bridge Club.

Adults and teenagers can take lessons and play cards almost every day. For more info, call (310) 325-7222 or visit southbaybridgeclub.com.

1 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY *CANCELED* – No First Thursday events are planned for January. Happy New Year!

8 (Thurs) – MIDDLE SCHOOL SHADOW DAY at Christ Lutheran Church & School (28850 S. Western Ave., RPV), 10a-1p. – Experience a day in the life of a Charger! The day will include a parent and student meeting with light refreshments, a student tour of the campus and activities in the classroom, a parent-only Q & A with view of curriculum samples, a parent-only tour of the campus, and a

student lunch (provided) and recess. For more info, visit christrpv.com/event/ middle-school-shadow-day and to RSVP, visit forms. office.com/r/yBcJEQmdAx. 10 (Sat) – MONTHLY GARDEN MAINTENANCE GATHERING at 25th Street Mosaic Mural (1322 W. 25th St.), 8-11a. – Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden space in front of the mural. Monthly volunteer gardening days are now held on the second Saturday of each month, any time between 8a and 11a. For more info, contact lynndee. conley@yahoo.com.

10 (Sat) - SECOND SATURDAY CRAFTERS at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1648 W. 9th St., church social hall), 10a-12p. – Calling all knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, needle pointers, cross-stitchers, weavers, quilters, scrapbookers, rubber stampers, paper crafters, jewelry makers, and any other crafty folks!

Bring your current project and come enjoy crafting with other like-minded people in a FREE, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere. We meet every second Saturday of the month and provide time for crafters to give and get help from others, as well as share resources to enhance our crafting experience.

For more info, text (424) 350-1543 (text only, please).

10 (Sat) – GARY BETTIS BLOOD DRIVE at San Pedro Boys & Girls Club (1200 S. Cabrillo Ave., at the bloodmobile, front parking

8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

lot), 10a-4p. – Join us at the Cedars-Sinai Blood Drive in support of Gary Bettis. For more info, contact Devon Nizich at (310) 429-0588 or dnizich@gmail.com. To sign up for the blood drive, visit bit.ly/4qG0gUP. 18 (Sun) – SAN PEDRO SHOW ‘N TELL at Sirens Java & Tea (402 W. 7th St.), 12-3p (photo scanning drive) and 3-4p (show and tell). – Join the San Pedro Heritage Museum for a show-and-tell and scanning event showcasing San Pedro history! Share a special photo, artifact, or story that paints a portrait of what’s made San Pedro what it is today. Bring your photos to scan from 12-3p and share your stories from 3-4p. Register at bit.ly/sphmshowntell.

19 (Mon) – MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE at White Point Nature Preserve (1600 W. Paseo Del Mar), 9a-12p. – Join us for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and help care for the Native Plant Demonstration Garden by planting native shrubs, removing invasive weeds, watering native plants, grooming trails and more!

Your efforts will help restore this habitat for wildlife as well as create a beautiful place for the community to enjoy! Presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. Sign up at pvplc.volunteerhub.com.

21 & 24 (Wed & Sat) – PECK PARK CANYON HIKES at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 9a. – Exercise walks are led on the third Wednesday of each

month at 9a and last 1 to 1½ hours. Nature walks are family-friendly and led on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9a. All walks leave from the trailhead in the lower parking lot at Peck Park, just behind the Community Center. For more info, email diananave@gmail.com.

23 & 24 (Fri & Sat) – UNTOLD. (MOSTLY) TRUE STORIES at the Grand Annex (434 W. 6th St.), 7:30p. – A weekend of storytelling where both seasoned performers and brave novices get up on stage to share their (mostly) true stories in front a live audience. The mission of un-told is to connect people through community, laughter, and inspiration, giving storytellers a platform to share their stories in front of a supportive and amazing audience. Produced by Brandy Johnston & Dawn Zarnick. This is an 18+ event.

For tickets and more info, visit grandvision.org. spt Visit sanpedrotoday. com/events to place an event listing for a nominal fee. For more info, email events@sanpedrotoday. com.

To be included in the print edition of San Pedro Today, event submissions must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

SPOTLIGHT

Artist’s rendition of the West Harbor Promenade. (photo: West Harbor)

WEST HARBOR UNVEILS SIX NEW DINING SAN PEDRO SHOW CONCEPTS AHEAD OF 2026 OPENING 'N TELL RETURNS FROM MICHELIN-RECOGNIZED TACOS TO A FIRST-IN-LA CRAFT TO SIRENS SUNDAY, BREWERY AND GLOBAL FLAVORS, THE EXPANDING WATERFRONT DESTINATION CONTINUES TO TAKE SHAPE IN SAN PEDRO JANUARY 18

BY SPT STAFF

BY SPT STAFF

W

est Harbor’s vision to transform the San Pedro waterfront into a world-class destination took another major step forward last month with the announcement of six new dining and beverage concepts set to open as part of the $500 million redevelopment.

Slated to debut ahead of the project’s 2026 opening, the latest additions further expand West Harbor’s culinary reach, bringing together first-in-market restaurants, Michelin-recognized flavors, and local favorites across more than 10,000 square feet of newly leased space.

Headlining the announcement is Mike Hess Brewing, which will make its Los Angeles debut at West Harbor with an expanded seaside concept that also introduces Mike Hess Distilling. The San Diego-based brewery will anchor a large beer garden overlooking the harbor, offering curated flights of handcrafted beers, signature cocktails, and packaged spirits, all designed for on-site or at-home enjoyment.

The project’s Food Collective—West Harbor’s modern food hall showcasing diverse culinary talent—will welcome four new global-inspired concepts: Tacos El Franc, a celebrated Tijuana taqueria recognized by The Michelin Guide and featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, will make its Los Angeles debut, serving handmade tortillas and traditional fillings such as adobada, suadero, and lengua.

Glass Box brings a high-concept Asian dining experience to LA for the first time, pairing a dramatic glass-enclosed space with an open kitchen and a menu featuring sushi,

sashimi, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, and steak fried rice.

Rounding out the Food Collective are Paraná Empanadas, known for its family-recipe Argentine empanadas, and LoZio Pizza, a spinoff of LoZio Osteria led by local pizzaiolo Marco Aromatario, featuring both traditional and modern Italian pies made with locally sourced ingredients.

In Central Park, West Harbor’s outdoor gathering space, Freska Bar will add a splash of color with fruit-forward agua frescas— both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—alongside michelaguas and comfort-food favorites.

“These additions reflect our commitment to curating authentic and diverse experiences,” says Eric Johnson, senior project executive for West Harbor, in a statement. He notes that each concept brings its own story and sense of place to the evolving destination.

The six new tenants join a growing lineup that already includes the iconic San Pedro Fish Market, a satellite location of Yamashiro, the immersive art experience Hopscotch, and the dessert favorite The Baked Bear.

Spanning 42 acres with a mile of waterfront access, West Harbor will also feature a 6,200-seat amphitheater developed with Nederlander Concerts, a boutique amusement park with California’s tallest observation wheel, recreational courts, and yearround programming. When it opens later this year—just ahead of the LA 2028 Summer Olympics—West Harbor is poised to become a new cultural and culinary anchor for San Pedro and the greater Los Angeles region. spt

10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

T

he San Pedro Heritage Museum is calling on the community to help celebrate and preserve the town’s rich history at its upcoming San Pedro Show ’N Tell event, happening Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Sirens Java & Tea. This free event kicks off with a photo scanning drive from 12 to 3 p.m. as part of the museum’s San Pedro Built project.

The initiative aims to create a digital archive that tells the story of San Pedro through the eyes—and photo albums—of its residents.

Locals are encouraged to bring personal photos and artifacts that capture the spirit and evolution of the port town.

From 3 to 4 p.m., the event will transition into a lively open mic-style Show ‘N Tell, where community members will have the chance to share their photos, keepsakes, and the personal stories behind them. Whether it’s a snapshot of a family fishing trip or a treasured heirloom from a neighborhood business, every piece helps paint a more complete picture of San Pedro’s past.

To participate in the photo scanning drive or present during the Show ‘N Tell session, attendees are kindly asked to register in advance at bit.ly/sphmshowntell.

The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of West Harbor and Sirens Java & Tea. Sirens is located at 402 W. 7th Street in Downtown San Pedro.

For more information about the San Pedro Heritage Museum, visit sanpedroheritagemuseum.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @sanpedroheritagemuseum. spt

PEDRO PERSPECTIVES

BRIDGE CLOSURE MEANS TROUBLED WATERS FOR ALL

Vincent Thomas Bridge. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

THE IMPENDING CLOSURE OF THE VINCENT THOMAS BRIDGE THREATENS TO UPEND SAN PEDRO’S TRAFFIC, ECONOMY, AND DAILY LIFE IN 2026

BY STEVE MARCONI

T

he end of the year is right around the corner, so it’s time to ask: Is San Pedro ready for 2026?

I don’t think so. With “Harborgeddon”—the closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge—coming sometime in the fall, individuals may be anxious, but I don’t think the community as a whole is aware of how much chaos is about to descend on us.

Not just traffic chaos, but economic hardship.

I mean, who’s going to want to come to San Pedro if you can’t get here? You can’t shift 10,000 trucks a day off the bridge and onto side streets without creating a logistical nightmare.

There simply aren’t enough alternative routes to the Port of Los Angeles to make this anything less than apocalyptic in scope. Pity poor Wilmington, which will be ground zero for this impending disaster. Its side streets can’t handle the traffic as it is, let alone after the bridge closes. What becomes of Harry Bridges Avenue, Anaheim, or PCH? Then we get to the Harbor Freeway. The 710 (Long Beach Freeway) is already a disaster, with 18-wheelers backed up for miles, waiting to reach the harbor terminals. That’s what we’ll be seeing on the 110.

There is an irony to all of this, as millions of dollars have just been spent reworking the Harbor Freeway off-ramps to ease the current traffic jams caused by container traffic on

Harbor Boulevard. Whatever is being done won’t be enough.

Finally, we have the issue of the bridge itself. It’s being redecked because it was never built to withstand the kind of traffic it’s endured for the past 40-some years. The bridge opened in 1963 to handle the burgeoning vehicular traffic carrying dockworkers to jobs on Terminal Island and Long Beach, military and civilians to the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and, of course, cannery workers.

No one envisioned the Port of L.A. becoming the shipping behemoth it is today, with everything moved via container, or they would have made the VTB four lanes each way and made the deck much stronger.

Worse now, no one could have foreseen a day when container ships would be so large they couldn’t fit under the Vincent Thomas. That’s the dilemma facing POLA today: redecking an obsolete bridge. They’ve already decided it’s not feasible to raise the bridge at this time, but turning away ships that can’t reach the terminals at China, TraPac, or NYK will mean millions of dollars in lost revenue.

How long will it take to recoup the billions a new bridge will cost?

Then again, where do you build a new bridge that can accommodate both the new ships and the container traffic? It can’t be done alongside the Vincent Thomas, like Long Beach was able to do when it built the new Gateway Bridge. There’s no room at either terminus on the Main Channel to do

12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

that without disrupting terminals already in place. There aren’t a lot of options available to POLA. The best idea I’ve heard is building a tunnel under the channel. It sounds fantastic, but if they can build the Chunnel under the English Channel, anything’s possible. Otherwise, with the closure of the federal prison, maybe the port can buy up that land and create terminals for the newer, bigger ships that can’t fit under the VT. MORE SPIT-BALLIN’ While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about those water taxis being planned to carry people between San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Olympics. A nice idea, but how about we think about helping local residents first? Like, why don’t we put those taxis into service once the bridge closes and find a way to get dockworkers (and others) from San Pedro to their jobs on Terminal Island and Long Beach? All that would take is some decent parking on the San Pedro waterfront and a small space for a taxi wharf because there would be plenty of room for taxis to disembark workers at terminals all along L.A. and Long Beach harbors. spt Steve Marconi is a San Pedro native and former columnist and editor for the News-Pilot and Daily Breeze. He is a retired longshoreman. He can be reached at spmarconi@ yahoo.com.

PEDRO PERSPECTIVES

A digital mock-up of the new all-electric eJest trolleys.

SAN PEDRO GOES ELECTRIC

(photo: courtesy Discover San Pedro Business Improvement District)

NEW ELECTRIC TROLLEYS CONNECT HARBOR, DOWNTOWN, AND COAST

BY LEE WILLIAMS

M

oving people around San Pedro has been a priority of city planners long before West Harbor started construction.

Now that it is nearing completion this summer, many are asking what is being done to make it easy for locals to enjoy our town without competing for parking.

I personally love using our complimentary San Pedro Trolleys provided by the Discover San Pedro Business Improvement District (PBID), a 501c6 public benefit corporation established in 2008, and the Downtown San Pedro Community Foundation, a 501c3, both led by CEO Ryan Blaney.

These trolleys run year-round and are a free hop-on-hop-off service with regular routes along the harbor and around downtown. Being on rubber tires instead of tracks, they are also flexible and available for rent for specific needs and large events.

Thanks to a $600,000 investment by the PBID and Community Foundation, San Pedro is set to welcome two new all-electric eJest trolleys, marking another major step toward zero-emission transportation right here in our harbor community.

These sleek, modern trolleys will soon join the existing fleet of four diesel-powered and propane-powered trolleys already serving residents and visitors. But unlike their predecessors, the new arrivals will operate with zero tailpipe emissions, helping improve air quality while quietly moving people through

some of San Pedro’s most traveled and treasured routes.

“This is more than just adding vehicles,” says San Pedro local and Trolley Manager Stacy Trevizo. “It’s about investing in a cleaner, more efficient way for people to experience San Pedro.”

Each trolley will feature audio-visual stop announcements, making routes more accessible for all riders, including seniors, visitors, and those with visual or hearing impairments. Riders will hear and see upcoming stops, along with announcements highlighting local landmarks and points of interest, and will also have room for human San Pedro ambassadors. Riders will also enjoy free onboard Wi-Fi, making the trolley easier to use and connect.

Perhaps the most exciting feature is the GPS-enabled real-time tracking system.

Thanks to a grant provided by the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050, the new TripShot software will allow riders to see exactly where the trolley is on its route and how far away it is from the next stop. No more guessing or long waits, just open your phone and know when your ride is near your stop.

The new electric trolleys will serve three strategic routes: the West Harbor Route, connecting riders visiting the waterfront, the amphitheater, and cruise ships with our historic downtown, including the shops and restaurants that will welcome the foot traffic; the Coastal Route, a scenic and practical line running between the USS Iowa, Downtown San Pedro, and all the way south to Cabrillo

14 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

Marine Aquarium and the DoubleTree Hotel; and the First Thursday Route, supporting local businesses, artists, and cultural events during San Pedro’s monthly art walk.

For San Pedro residents, this means easier access to shopping, dining, recreation, and events by parking once and getting around for free. For visitors, it means easy access to Downtown San Pedro businesses and the ability to figure out where to go and what to do on the fly.

By modernizing the fleet and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, San Pedro is aligning transportation planning with our long-term sustainability goals. This move may also open additional access to funding as a success story encouraging grant money to support our migration to cleaner fuels and vehicles.

As West Harbor continues to rise, downtown revitalization moves forward, the Battleship Iowa remains LA’s fourth most visited attraction, and Cabrillo Beach remains a beloved destination, these electric trolleys will quietly and efficiently tie it all together.

As I wrote last month about the water taxi Supervisor Hahn is bringing to town before the Olympics, San Pedro has always been a place of movement—ships, trains, ideas, and people. Now, that movement is getting cleaner, smarter, and a little more electric. spt Lee Williams is a local real estate expert, community advocate, and harbor commissioner at the Port of LA. He believes in smart growth and investing in community, culture, art, and history.

He can be reached at lee@lamove.com.

ORTHODONTICS ALIGNERS • BRACES • IMPLANTS GENERAL DENTISTRY AND HYGIENE Louis F. Mascola, DDS

The Mascola Family, 5th Generation San Pedrans

Straighten Your Smile with Confidence!

EXPERT CARE

•

9 years teaching advanced dental and cosmetic treatments at USC School of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics

Placing and uprighting teeth into correct positions • for correct placement of all types of dental work • Skilled in even the most difficult dental cases 3M™ Clear Aligners ( similar to Invisalign ) • manufactured in Southern California U.S.A. general dentistry and cleanings from highly • Trusted experienced USC-trained providers • Low-profile & discreet • Faster adjustments for efficient treatment • Smooth, comfortable material

BEFORE

AFTER

Guided by what’s best for each patient.

$300 DISCOUNT * *$300 discount on full Orthodontic cases during December and January.

All dental work reasonably priced.

Most insurance accepted.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!

310.831.2377 www.mascoladds.com

783 W 9th St, San Pedro | 3660 Lomita Blvd, Torrance

PEDRO PERSPECTIVES

DISCOVERING L.A.’S ART SCENE

JIM MURRAY’S WEEKLY GALLERY FIELD TRIPS OPEN DOORS TO MUSEUMS, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND NEW WAYS OF SEEING ART

BY JENNIFER MARQUEZ

Artist Jim Murray.

(photo: courtesy Jim Murray)

F

or over 25 years, local artist Jim Murray has been guiding South Bay residents on art excursions through the galleries and museums of Los Angeles and Orange County.

What began as Arts in Arts Spaces and later became the Museum and Gallery Visitation Group has evolved into a popular weekly “field trip” experience. Murray’s gallery hops take participants on a journey through diverse art spaces, from the Wilshire Strip and Santa Monica to the South Bay and Venice.

Each outing is thoughtfully planned to visit one to three venues in a single afternoon, with a lunch break at a nearby restaurant.

The focus is on one neighborhood at a time, minimizing extra driving and parking. These outings offer both novice and seasoned art lovers a unique opportunity to engage with art in a more meaningful way.

Murray’s deep connection to art is evident in his approach. A conversation with him reveals an expert not only in the art world but also in the history and evolution of Los Angeles’ creative scene. Active in the LA art community since the 1970s and a former art professor at Mount St. Mary’s College, Murray brings an invaluable blend of hands-on artistic experience and extensive knowledge of the art world’s inner workings.

Every week, participants, many of whom are artists themselves, receive an email from Murray detailing the upcoming Thursday’s curated museum visits. His notes offer insights into the exhibitions, helping participants get the most out of the experience.

While transportation and entrance fees are not included, most people carpool to the locations.

Murray encourages visitors to approach the art with fresh eyes, without being influenced by written descriptions. “Respond to the work first,” he says. While some galleries are upscale and sophisticated, Murray is always available to answer questions, and gallery

facility for ships, exudes a distinct New York loft vibe, complete with a working freight elevator. LAHA is a collective of working artists that offers open-studio events such as First Thursdays, when the public can explore the space and interact with the artists.

Murray describes San Pedro as an art destination haven that has been around for years, one that has developed naturally over time, with a collective sense of community that is not getting attention. He credits Angels Gate Cultural Center as a key anchor in this growth, providing artist studios and exhibitions that help bridge the gap between art and the local community.

Murray also leads a free arts class at Angels Gate Cultural Center, which he’s taught for 25 years. Saturday Morning Life Painting and Drawing is more communal than a traditional class. It meets every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with participants bringing their own supplies while lighting, models, and staff are also on hand to provide additional easels are provided. context. Murray’s group visited more than The Museum and Gallery Visitation Group 300 galleries and museum exhibitions in meets casually every Thursday from 11 a.m.

2025. to 3 p.m., with a fee of $20, plus parking and “There’s so much more to art when you gallery entrance fees. For more information understand it,” says Murray. “With so many or to join one of these weekly art excursions, galleries now in Los Angeles, you could contact Murray at jwmur@aol.com or visit his never visit them all in a year. It’s constantly changing. Southern California has become an website at jwmurrayarts.com.

LAHA is located at 401 S. Mesa in San international art destination.”

Pedro, and Murray’s studio is on the second In addition to his field trips, Murray floor, overlooking the harbor. spt maintains a studio at Los Angeles Harbor Arts (LAHA) in Downtown San Pedro, where his Southwest Series exhibit is currently Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on X on display. The three-story LAHA building, over a century old and once used as a laundry and Instagram.

“With so many galleries now in Los Angeles, you could never visit them all in a year... Southern California has become an international art destination.”

16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

VOTED SOUTH BAY’S FAVORITE 2024 WE LISTEN TO YOU

You are unique, so are your hearing needs.

Come HEAR why Harbor Hearing is different.

• Ryan Bullock, Doctor of Audiology • Board Certified in Audiology • Voted Best Hearing Aid Company • Specializing in Industrial Hearing • Customized Hearing Aid Solutions • Cutting-Edge Hearing Aid Technologies • Satisfaction-Guarantee

Call (424) 570-0117 TODAY for your Complimentary HEARING Consultation!

1360 W. 6th Street, Ste. 243 West Building (424) 570-0117 | www.harborhearingpc.com

LOW-COST DENTAL CARE FOR CHILDREN! SERVICES INCLUDE: •Dental Exams • X-rays •Fillings • Extractions OFFICE HOURS: Tues, Wed, & Thurs - 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m Eligible: Infants to 24 years old Denti-cal accepted•Habla español

HIGH-QUALITY DENTISTRY IN A FRIENDLY OFFICE!

FRANCES J. JOHNSON DENTAL CENTER

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE® OF SAN PEDRO-SOUTH BAY

1441 W. EIGHTH STREET•SAN PEDRO•(310) 832-5295

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MAKING LOS ANGELES, ONE STORY AT A TIME

GLENN GRITZNER BRINGS DECADES OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS EXPERIENCE TO LA TIMES STUDIOS’ POPULAR PODCAST

BY LINDA GRIMES

S

ince the pandemic, podcasting has become a prevalent, effective, and profitable communications platform for organizations and thought leaders across the country.

Joining the fray is a diverse slate of podcasts from LA Times Studios featuring San Pedro’s own Glenn Gritzner, called Making Los Angeles (available wherever you get your podcasts), showcasing narrative journalism on everything from unique leaders to cultural trends shaping LA. Glenn brings two decades of experience with local governments throughout Southern California to his work in political outreach, policy analysis, communication and media strategy, education, and urban planning and development.

Previously, he founded the Los Angeles office of a major public affairs firm, where he oversaw external advocacy and outreach for billions of dollars in development projects, including the largest development in Hollywood’s history.

Glenn has run successful ballot initiatives for the four largest local school bonds in U.S. history, resulting in over $20 billion in funding for new school construction. He has provided crisis communications support and media training for a wide range of corporate and nonprofit clients.

He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from UCLA, where he graduated magna cum laude, and earned his master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

Here are my favorite Glenn interviews with folks who have visited San Pedro: • Father Gregory Boyle is an American Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. He is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program.

• Fritz Coleman is a five-time Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian and

Glenn Gritzner. (photo: Facebook)

former NBC weathercaster. He was the main weathercaster for NBC Los Angeles for 40 years, until he retired in 2020.

• Larry Mantle is a radio talk show host and journalist on the Southern California NPR station, LAist (formerly KPCC). He hosts AirTalk with Larry Mantle, the longest-running daily talk radio show in LA. Mantle also hosts the movie review program FilmWeek.

I asked Glenn some of the same questions he asks his guests:

we will be launching our first video episode with Cheech Marin of Cheech & Chong fame.

What is the origin story and background of your LA Times podcast?

I was listening to an NPR podcast called How I Built This, where the host interviews founders and others who have built successful companies. And I had this mini epiphany—I should do this for Los Angeles, interview the founders and builders who help make Los Angeles. I started out focusing on Downtown and put together a DIY podcast called Enthusiastically Los Angeles (which you can still find), where I interviewed the people who had really helped create the modern Downtown LA. Later, I pitched the LA Times on “adopting” my podcast and broadening it out. Which— very, very long story short—they did, and is how Making Los Angeles was born.

Where do you take first-time visitors in San Pedro?

So many choices! I love showing people the Korean Bell and the leftover military installations around Point Fermin. Cabrillo Beach and the Aquarium are always great stops, which sort of surprises people. The view from the Elks Lodge is tough to beat (and free popcorn for the kids). And, while it’s not technically San Pedro, I love taking people to the Chowder Barge.

When did you first discover San Pedro?

I used to go to Ports O’ Call with my parents as a kid, so I “discovered” San Pedro a long time ago. I truly rediscovered it when I met and fell in love with San Pedro Today columnist and Pedro luminary Amber Sheikh!

And the fact that I inherited two amazing kids, Allegra and Zayd, helped too!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Amber would tell you it’s a tie between The Great British Baking Show and American Idol.

What advice would you give to 10-year-old Glenn?

Lean in. You never know unless you try.

Can you give us a sneak preview of what’s in Say “yes” to life. And always be grateful. spt store for Making Los Angeles in 2026?

We have a great group of guests, and I try Linda Grimes is the executive director of the to interview a wide swath of people—politiSan Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be cians, entertainers, restaurateurs, etc. I think reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.

18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

SAN PEDRO’S

NEIGHBORHOOD CAR WASH!

SHINE ALL MONTH! Join for $7!

Get your first month of unlimited Express Washes for just $7

LIMITED TIME LOCAL OFFER

No commitments.

No strings.

Just a clean car — anytime you need it!

777 Miraflores Ave. San Pedro, CA 9073 424.570.0005

FOOD & DINING

LATE-NIGHT BITES IN SAN PEDRO

TRUCK TREATS (top to bottom): El Habanero MX’s huarache and nachos; Desi Boys Indian Cuisine’s chatpata wings; and al pastor tacos from Tacos El Chivo. (photos: Sanam Lamborn)

WHEN KITCHENS CLOSE EARLY, FOOD TRUCKS STEP IN TO FEED NIGHT OWLS, HOSPITAL RUNS, AND AFTER-HOURS CRAVINGS

BY SANAM LAMBORN

F

ood trucks and street vendors can be a controversial topic. But hear me out. Sometimes they fill a lacking presence and can become part of the community.

The majority of restaurants in town close by 9 p.m. Imagine being hungry after catching an evening show at the Grand Annex or The Sardine. Maybe, like me, you end up taking your mother-in-law unexpectedly to the ER; by the time you leave the hospital, it’s 10 p.m. and you are starving. Perhaps you work the night shift, and your “lunch” break is past 9 p.m.

I discovered the El Habanero MX food truck around 10 years ago. You can find them daily in the late afternoon in Ray Deeter’s Tire lot (1024 S. Pacific Ave.). They immediately stood out to me because they have some menu items I hadn’t seen at other Mexican restaurants in town, and their food is tasty.

For example, I had never had huarache, an oblong fried tortilla topped with beans, meat of your choice, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crema, and cheese. Another is mulita, which is two corn tortillas filled with your choice of meat and cheese, then heated on the griddle until the cheese melts. While nachos are a staple, El Habanero MX includes shredded lettuce, which adds an unexpected layer of freshness and crunch. They offer a wide selection of selfserve salsas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and radishes to accompany your food. This is where I became obsessed with pickled red onions with fresh habanero. Cash is preferable, as there is an extra charge for card payments.

Another good option for late-night food is Tacos El Chivo. They usually set up on Gaffey Street between 5th and 6th streets by the former Big 5 Sporting Goods in the late afternoon. My go-to order is their al

pastor tacos, because the tortillas are handmade to order and the meat is not only well-flavored but freshly cut from a spit (trompo). Then a slice of pineapple is added to the taco. The standard topping of diced onions, cilantro, and three types of salsas can be ordered to top them off.

There are also grilled onions and jalapeños, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and pickled onions available as sides.

I recently discovered the Desi Boys Indian Cuisine food truck located inside the Guest Harbor Inn’s (411 S. Pacific Ave.) parking lot.

This is a welcome addition to our town since, to the best of my knowledge, we have never had Indian food here before.

The owner, Swaroop Rasman Prem, took my order, taking care to ask me how spicy I like my food. Rasman Prem’s food reflects his South Indian heritage, cooking experience, and careful focus on spices. His food delivers a modern twist on classics while staying true to regionality and incorporating the most important spice: love.

So far, one of my favorites is the golden and flavorful chicken curry. The curry leaves in the stew, freshly picked from the trees on the Inn’s property, make it even more vibrant. The tandoori chicken is tender, and the sauce that it’s topped with adds a mouthwatering layer of flavor. Rasman Prem sent me home with some chatpata wings; honestly, they were some of the best I have ever had. The meat was perfectly moist, and the thick sauce they were tossed in was incredibly tasty. A pro tip is to order naan, which is made in the on-site oven, to scoop up any remainder of the sauce, because it’s that good! The shrimp masala is also good.

Adjacent to the truck is a small enclosed courtyard with a few tables and chairs for customers who wish to eat on site. Service times can be found on their Instagram: @desiboys_la. spt Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page @eatinsanpedro.

20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

COVER STORY

TAKING CARE OF

BUSINESS

ELISE SWANSON REFLECTS ON THE INVISIBLE WORK, DIFFICULT TRADEOFFS, AND DEEP RESPONSIBILITY OF LEADING THE SAN PEDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BY AARON MCKENZIE SERVING SAN PEDRO (l to r): Chamber team members Kaitlyn Estevez (operations coordinator), Elise Swanson (president/CEO), and Mayra Garcia (membership services coordinator). (photo: John Mattera Photography)

O

n a December morning in San Pedro, Elise Swanson starts her day the way she always does: coffee from Sirens, then a walk across Mesa to her Chamber of Commerce office on 7th Street.

She never knows who will call today. It could be someone asking about a broken streetlight. It could be a new business owner seeking help reviewing a lease. It could be an upset member threatening to drop their membership. Once, years ago, it was an email containing a death threat, which she turned over to the LAPD and then went back to work.

The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce has existed for 116 years. Even now, most residents can't tell you what it does. If you stop people downtown and ask them to explain the Chamber's function, you'll get uncertain answers. Something about helping businesses? Something about events?

Swanson has made peace with the fact that the work itself—the testimonies at City Hall, the monthly board meetings, the years-long advocacy—remains largely invisible. What matters is that it happens. Someone has to show up. Someone has to walk Pacific Avenue with business owners and imagine a brighter future. Someone has to collect the voices and

deliver the message. For 11 and a half years, that someone has been her.

THE PENINSULA PROBLEM To understand the Chamber's work, you need to understand San Pedro's geography.

Draw a circle with downtown at its center, and you hit water on three sides. The fourth side meets the freeway. This is both San Pedro's protection and its problem.

When grocery chains study downtown as a potential market, they draw the same circles.

They see water where they expect customers and conclude: the numbers don't add up. For a decade, Swanson has had versions of this conversation. Trader Joe's flirted. 7-Eleven toyed with a pilot concept. Always the same answer: sorry, no.

The absence of chains has created an unusual ecosystem. Independent businesses— the ones that couldn't compete with Walmart or Costco in Torrance—survive here because the big operators mostly haven't arrived.

Distrito instead of Starbucks. Subterranean instead of Great Clips. JDC Records because there is no chain equivalent anymore.

"We haven't been overrun by the big box operators," Swanson says. But that's also what makes it tough. The same isolation that pre-

22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

serves character makes growth difficult.

That geography also forces intimacy.

"We're forced to work together because we're in this small, condensed space,” she says.

On any given day, Swanson might be testifying at City Hall about minimum wage policy or advocating for a water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach. Or she might be on the phone with someone upset about graffiti that appeared overnight. People call the Chamber thinking it's a city office.

Mayra Garcia, the Chamber’s membership services coordinator, fields many of these calls alongside operations coordinator Kaitlyn Estevez. "They come to us because we're kind of the face of San Pedro," Garcia says.

"So they call us, and then we direct them to the right person."

The Chamber is part of San Pedro’s connective tissue, helping residents navigate everything from potholes to business permits.

It’s also been crucial to San Pedro’s culture, hosting events such as the Spirit of the Holidays Parade, the Women’s History Month celebration, and monthly networking breakfasts and mixers. (The Chamber was also responsible for the much-loved and missed Taste in San Pedro, last held in 2016.) It’s gratifying work, but the cumulative weight adds up.

Family owned & operated with three San Pedro locations!

#1

#2

#3

OUR NEWEST RESTAURANT!

617 S. Centre St. 1931 N. Gaffey St. 2410 S. Western Ave. (310) 241-0917 (310) 935-2933 (424) 267-6243 Open: 6a - 4p Open: 6a - 3:30p Open: 6a - 9p

COVER STORY

STATE OF THE DISTRICT: The Chamber’s annual State of the District is one of many community events it hosts throughout the year. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

Lauren Johnson, who handles PR and branding for West Harbor and serves on the Chamber board, has worked alongside Swanson for years. "She carries the hopes and dreams of the community on her shoulders," Johnson says. "She takes everything to heart and really wants to do well by the community.

It's an awesome responsibility that she does not take lightly."

street, and put them under a roof with food, showers, workforce training, help getting their driver's license, medical appointments set up," Swanson says. "It was the right thing to do."

"We're showing San Pedro to the ADVOCACY & ACTION The Chamber's most surprising work world. Are we gomight be what most people wouldn't expect: homelessness intervention. When encampments formed around the Beacon Street post ing to be ready?" office, the Chamber didn't look away.

Swanson served on LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino's Homeless Services Advisory Task Force, pushing for solutions that made a lot of people uncomfortable.

The Chamber board partnered with Supervisor Janice Hahn and voted to support an interim shelter across from the post office.

"Highly controversial at the time," Swanson says. She faced hostile crowds at public meetings, but she knew that homeless encampments hurt everyone.

"We literally took the folks that were right on the sidewalk, walked them across the

Why would a business organization focus on homelessness? Because Swanson believes that community health and business health are a package deal. "If your employees aren't stable, if your employees don't have access to health care, food, housing, they're going to struggle during the workday," she explains.

The Chamber's mission statement talks about advocacy and promotion, about making San Pedro a better place to live, work, and visit. It doesn't mention facing hostile crowds at public meetings. It doesn't mention watching her own children move to Oklaho-

24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

ma and Oregon because California housing is unaffordable.

"My heart breaks for our young families," Swanson says, and you understand she's not speaking theoretically.

During Fleet Week, Swanson rides the trolley without identifying herself, listening to visitors complain that stores on Pacific are closed, that there are bars on windows. This information becomes action, like the Pacific Avenue JEDI Zone, which involved two years of documenting conditions and building a case for beautification. And then there's the visitor task force launching in January in preparation for the 2028 Olympics—hotels, cruise lines, the port, tourism operators, all coming together to tackle goals both big and granular: pull the weeds, replace signage, help small businesses prepare.

Swanson is thinking about the Olympics constantly. "We're showing San Pedro to the world. Are we going to be ready?" She likens it to hosting a party: painting the baseboards, making everything just right. Except the world is watching and San Pedro looks, well, like San Pedro—a little rough around the edges. Can they clean it up in two years? And what becomes of the town's character if that housecleaning goes too far?

22ND ST. LANDING SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR

(310) 548-4400 | 22ndstlandingrestaurant.com | 141 W. 22nd St.

COVER STORY

GETTING THINGS DONE (clockwise from top left): Swanson works in her office; the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce building at the corner of 7th and Mesa Street in Downtown San Pedro; the Spirit of the Holidays Parade is the Chamber’s largest annual event. (photos: John Mattera Photography)

But Swanson's own children don't live in the South Bay anymore. They left for affordable housing in other states. This is also a San Pedro story.

After 11 and a half years, she's learned you can't make everyone happy. You can't increase the supply of housing with an eye toward affordability without angering homeowners who want property values to rise. You can't keep San Pedro exactly as it was while preparing it for Olympic sailing and new cruise terminals.

What you can do is show up. Take the calls. Testify. Walk Pacific Avenue. Collect the voices. Ride the trolley and listen. Keep believing that the balance—impossible, contradictory, forever shifting—can somehow be maintained.

Sometimes people boo. Sometimes they drop their memberships. Sometimes they're grateful and you never hear about it. Sometimes you look at the waterfront rising after 25 years and think: We did it. Sometimes you look at a housing development with new units averaging $900,000 and think: We failed.

A BALANCING ACT All of these things can be, and are, true at What is San Pedro becoming? This is the once. question that hangs over everything. SwanAnd so, on this December morning in San son talks about balance constantly—preserve Pedro, Elise Swanson gets her coffee from character while enabling growth, welcome Sirens and walks to the Chamber office and development without displacement. waits to see who calls, what they need, what's "San Pedro would lose its soul if you saw possible, and what isn't. The Olympics are an influx of corporate chains," she says, then two years away, West Harbor is taking shape, adds: "I go to Starbucks, you know, I go to the grocery stores still haven't come downTarget." Some chains are fine. Too many would destroy what makes San Pedro distinct. town, and the water still hits three sides.

She opens her email. She takes the calls.

Her colleague, Anthony Luna, grew up She goes to work. spt here as a Boys and Girls Club kid. Now he's Chamber board chair and owns his own comFor more information on the San Pedro Champany. Someone who needed social services ber of Commerce, visit sanpedrochamber.com. grew into a business owner who advocates for the community. He's a San Pedro success story.

RETURN TO THE WATERFRONT Ask Swanson what she's most proud of and she'll walk you to the waterfront. "When I arrived in 2001 to work for then LA City Councilmember Janice Hahn, we were having conversations about redevelopment, so this has been a 25-year journey."

West Harbor is rising now. Signed leases.

Actual construction. Restaurants opening.

An amphitheater people are already arguing about because, as Swanson puts it, "we San Pedrans can be a little surly." But she's attended enough Fleet Weeks and Lobster Festivals to know what happens when you bring people to the waterfront: The town comes alive.

The other project is Rancho San Pedro: aging public housing being rebuilt as 1,600 units of mixed-income housing. Twelve years of work. The Chamber is part of One San Pedro, supporting residents through the transition.

This is the time scale: decades. The things that anger people happen at evening meetings. The things that might help take so long that by completion, everyone's forgotten who advocated for them.

26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF SERVICE

Resident Care Services • Medication Management • Showering and Dressing • Personal Laundry Visit us online!

• 24-hour Caregiver Support with Well-Trained and Dedicated Staff

Amenities • Restaurant-style Meals • Daily Housekeeping • Transportation • Full Calendar of Social, Educational, Cultural Activities and Events • In-House Beauty Salon and Barbershop

VOTED

Best Senior Assisted Living

HarborTerraceRetirement.com

435 W. 8th St. San Pedro

(310) 547-0090 License #198200855

REAL ESTATE

2025 LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET: A YEAR IN REVIEW

(photo: courtesy HH Coastal Real Estate)

STABILIZING INTEREST RATES AND STEADY DEMAND SHAPED A RESILIENT YEAR FOR SAN PEDRO, RANCHO PALOS VERDES, AND THE SOUTH BAY

BY MIKE HARPER & PETER HAZDOVAC

A

s we always do this time of year, reflecting on the past year is essential for understanding where our market is heading, and this annual review is one of the highlights of our

calendar.

We enjoy analyzing the final stats to uncover the real story behind the sales trends in San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, and the South Bay. It is time to look past the headlines and focus on the data. So, how did 2025 stack up? Let’s dig in.

As reported last year, 2024 was defined by mortgage rates hovering between 6.5% and 7%, which kept sales volume relatively restrained. Going into 2025, predictions called for a “loosening” of monetary policy and a decline in rates to the high 5% range.

In reality, 2025 proved to be a year of stabilization rather than dramatic shifts. While rates moderated slightly—averaging near 6.6% for much of the year—the market found a new rhythm. Buyers returned with cautious optimism, and inventory levels improved, offering more choices to those buyers entering the market.

So how did our local market perform in 2025? According to MLS statistics (2025 vs.

2024) through December 15, the South Bay remained stable with steady gains in both activity and value.

In San Pedro, 271 SFRs were sold, a slight increase (+0.7%) from the 269 sold in 2024.

The median sales price was $1,000,000, which increased (+5.2%) from $950,000 the previous year. Average days on market (DOM) ticked up to 38 days from 33 in 2024, reflecting a more balanced pace as buyers took their time to choose the right home.

“2025 proved to be a year of stabilization rather than dramatic shifts.”

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, the market remained steady. There were 300 homes sold, up (+6.4%) from 282 homes sold in 2024. The median sales price of $1,872,000 remained flat and was virtually identical to 2024. Notably, the average DOM increased to 50 days compared to 34 in 2024, further signaling that while demand is strong, buyers are becoming more selective.

Overall, in the Greater South Bay, 3,143 SFRs were sold, a healthy increase (+4.1%) from 3,018 in 2024. The median sales price for the region climbed (+7%) to $1,285,000, up from $1,200,000 in 2024. The average

28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

DOM for the region increased from 32 days to 37 days in 2025.

The data tells us that our local market remained stable, with 2025 displaying modest increases from 2024 in both volume and price, despite rates not dropping as low as initially forecast. The local market showed resilience, outpacing many statewide trends.

What can we expect in 2026? The California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) projects a continued gradual rebound. They forecast existing single-family home sales to rise (+2.0%) to 274,400 units next year. The statewide median home price is expected to reach a new record of $905,000, an increase of 3.6%. Crucial to affordability, C.A.R. expects the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to finally dip further, hovering in the 6.0% range in 2026.

With inventory levels slowly normalizing and rates trending downward, we anticipate 2026 will offer even more opportunities for both buyers and sellers to make their move.

Wishing you all a happy new year! spt Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit hhcoastal. com.

Real Estate Sales and Property Management Specialists.

Treating Our Clients Like Family Since 1981.

• San Pedro • Palos Verdes Peninsula • South Bay

Angela Conterno DRE# 01134361 310-529-7338

Henry Falkenstein RE# 00365553 310-977-8404

Paul Falkenstein DRE# 01971193 310-977-8403

801 W 9th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 • 310-519-7733

www.hfapm.com

HEALTH & FITNESS

PROUD SON

WATCHING MY PARENTS COMMIT TO THEIR HEALTH REMINDED ME THAT IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE

BY EDDIE McKENNA

ALL IN THE FAMILY: Ed and Rita McKenna. (photo: Eddie McKenna)

M

y parents came home from a long trip, and I hadn’t seen my mom in quite a while.

When she walked into the kitchen, I actually froze for a second. “Wow, Ma… people are going to think you’re on Ozempic!

You look amazing.” She blinked, completely innocent, and replied, “What’s that?” She’s not, by the way—she did it the old-fashioned way.

My mom made a promise to my sister years ago that she’d live to be 100. My sister was born when my mom was 45, and she always wanted my mom to be at her wedding and to meet her kids. So that was the deal: 100 or bust.

My parents are 73 and 67 now, and they both regularly attend

classes at our gym. I love having them there. There’s something truly special about working out with your family—watching the people who raised you try to raise their own standard.

Back to my mom looking incredible. She lost over 40 pounds in five months. My dad dropped over 35. Discipline did the heavy lifting, and they did it together.

They originally started this plan to reduce inflammation, identify food sensitivities, and reset their metabolism. But they ended up learning so much more: portion control, what their bodies actually need, and how good it feels to be intentional. I watched them weigh and measure food after it was cooked. As the kids say, they were locked in.

I’ve never seen my parents this committed to a “diet.” They’ve tried plenty over the years. So I sat down with my mom and WE ACCEPT MEDICARE & MOST PPO’S

(310) 732-0036 Light Therapy with Cold Laser.

• Accelerates Healing: Light therapy increases blood flow. Energy from the light stimulates collagen, enzymes, DNA and RNA to facilitate healing.

• Pain relief: Light therapy has an inhibitory effect on peripheral nerves to decrease pain.

• Safe: Approved by FDA in 2002. This non-invasive treatment has no side effects.

It can be used on sprains, strains, back pain, carpal tunnel, peripheral neuropathy, wounds, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and joint pain.

28901 S. Western Ave., #103, RPV | coast-physicaltherapy.com 30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

asked her what made this one different. She said she finally reached the point where she was sick of feeling the way she did.

She was ready. She’d reached her tipping point. And having my dad fully on board made all the difference.

Now that they’ve completed their challenge with the company they worked with, my mom is at a weight she hasn’t seen since high school. She looks incredible—but more importantly, she feels good. With her rheumatoid arthritis, finding foods that lower inflammation has drastically reduced flare-ups. My dad is no longer prediabetic and has cut his cholesterol meds in half.

They are settling back into a new normal of healthy eating.

What is healthy? Not overindulging. There is a balance to everything. I saw my mom eat a single scoop of ice cream with a little

corner of cake the other night. In the past, it would have been three scoops.

It’s never too late. Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 47 years ago; the second-best time is today. Young or old, you can still make impactful changes in your life; you just have to make up your mind and make it happen.

The only downside? They basically had to replace their entire wardrobe—a small price to pay for a second shot at feeling young.

I’m just a proud son watching two people decide they weren’t done improving. And I think that’s worth sharing. spt Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.

Dr. Kardovich and Team getting into the Holiday Spirit!

Braces & Invisalign for Children & Adults

Call for a complimentary orthodontic examination

(310) 831-0348 - San Pedro • Torrance

www.drbraces.com | facebook.com/drkbraces Your First Steps Here Can Lead to “Cuter” First Steps Later!

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT FREEZING YOUR EGGS? Make a Life Plan! Ensure that you can have a healthy baby when YOU are ready to start a family.

Ideal Egg Freezing Age Is 28-35!

Carrot, Maven, Progyny, and WINFertility Preferred Providers

Innovative Fertility Center Uses The Most Advanced Reproductive Technologies.

• Fertility Preservation • Offering IUI, IVF, & ICSI Treatments • Donor Egg, Donor Sperm • Parental Carrier Screening • ICSI/TESE For Severe Male Infertility

JOSHUA J. BERGER MD, PhD, FACOG Double Board Certified in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Obstetrics, and Gynecology

• Egg/Sperm and Embryo Freezing • Gender Selection for Family Balancing • Genetic Embryo Testing (PGT-A)

We Support the ILWU & They Support Us, Too!

Innovative Fertility Center 3500 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Ste. 130 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

310.648.BABY (2229)

www.innovativefertility.com

OUT & ABOUT

HOLIDAY DECORATION EXCHANGE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2025 SAN PEDRO WIGWAM LODGE

PHOTOS BY JOE MCKINZIE & KATHY CREIGHTON

A

simple idea rooted in generosity became a powerful display of community spirit at San Pedro’s Holiday Decoration Exchange, held at the San Pedro Wigwam Lodge on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

Spearheaded by Kathy Creighton and a team of volunteers, the call for residents to donate used holiday decorations quickly drew an overwhelming response, with tables filled with ornaments, lights, trees, and seasonal décor, some decades old, including original Hallmark ornaments from the 1970s.

The free giveaway was open to anyone—no exchange required—and families lined up early to take part. Children gravitated toward plush toys and holiday figures, while parents selected decorations to bring joy into their homes. Organizers also set aside items and collected donations for families connected to Toberman Neighborhood Center, ensuring they reached those who needed them most.

One especially meaningful moment came when a local mother shared that her family decorated their first Christmas tree after experiencing homelessness. “To me, that’s mission accomplished,” said Creighton. By day’s end, every item had found a home, proving small acts of kindness can create lasting community impact. spt

32 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

PLANNING FOR PEACE OF MIND

Raymond D. Green Attorney at Law Serving the San Pedro & South Bay area

Estate Plans • Probates • Real Estate Living Trusts • Power of Attorney • Wills 815 S. Averill Ave., San Pedro, CA 90732

(310) 784-8867

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

“Free 30 Minute Consultation with Mr. Green”

570 W. 5th Street San Pedro, California 90731

(310) 832-8351

www.mcnerneysmortuary.com

#FD418

THE BACK PAGE

ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH'S CROSSWORD DECEMBER 2025

ACROSS

5. SANJABI 8. COALITION 9. JAFFE 10. DICKENS

CROSSWORD

DOWN

1. MAJESTICCAFE 2. ELMAC 3. BAGAKIS 4. LIFEINMOTION 6. ANIMAL 7. EARLE

JANUARY 2026

SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF SAN PEDRO TODAY TO YOUR HOME EVERY MONTH! Are your neighbors “borrowing” your copy on their morning walks? Tired of mailing issues to your out-of-town relatives? Make it easy on yourself and become a print subscriber to San Pedro Today!

For just $40 a year, you’ll get 12 issues of San Pedro Today delivered straight to your mailbox—each one carefully mailed in an envelope (U.S. orders only).

Online subscriptions are coming soon at sanpedrotoday.com— stay tuned!

SUBSCRIBER INFO:

SEND TO: San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733

Name __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ City/State ______________________________________________________ Zip ____________________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________________________________

ACROSS

3. Number of emissions produced by new San Pedro electric trolleys 4. Downtown San Pedro _________ Foundation 6. San Pedro ______ of the Holidays Parade 7. Museum and Gallery Visitation Group founder 9. Desi Boys ______ Cuisine

DOWN

1. Vincent ______ Bridge 2. Pacific Avenue ____ Zone 5. Number of routes for the San Pedro Trolley 6. San Pedro Chamber of Commerce president/CEO 8. Making Los Angeles podcast host

Include check for $40 payable to SAN PEDRO TODAY. UPDATED JAN 2026

34 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com

*All the answers can be found throughout this issue.

sanpedrotoday.com I JANUARY 2026 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 35

Discover the only PERMANENT SOLUTION for repairing TOOTH LOSS

Giri Palani, DDS, FICOL Implant Dentistry

Dr. Palani is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantoligists.

He has been giving people back their smiles for over a decade.

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

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

www.Teeth4LosAngeles.com

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

NEW PATIENT SPECIAL

OFF Your Dental

CT Scan with an

$1200-$5500 Implant Procedure

Not combinable with any other offer or discount.

Exp. 01/31/26.

FREE

Implant Consultation

Not combinable with any other offer or discount.

Exp. 01/31/26.