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.
Congratu-
lations to the Cabrillo Beach Boosters on the 75th anniversary of the John Olguin Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza.
After last year’s hastily organized drone show— which received mixed reviews—this year’s celebration returns to form on Saturday night, July 5, with what Cabrillo Beach Boosters President Gary Dwight calls their “biggest fireworks show ever.” (The event was moved from July 4 due to fireworks vendor scheduling.)
There continues to be healthy debate around the future of fireworks in our town. While drone shows have become increasingly impressive, they also cost nearly twice as much to produce. That said, the environmental concerns surrounding fireworks—including their impact on coastal wildlife and household pets—are real. Lee Williams dives into this topic in his column this month, using data gathered from last year’s drone display.
If you’re planning to watch the fireworks, the best seats in town are at the Cabrillo Beach Boosters VIP Fireworks Party, held at the Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center. I’ve attended many times, and it’s always a fantastic
experience—catered dinner, live music, drinks, and great company—all in support of the Boosters and their incredible work, including restoration efforts for both the Cabrillo Beach Bath House and Angels Gate Lighthouse. Tickets are $75 and available at cabrillobeachboosters. com.
This month’s cover story features Mirrored Vision, a local band with deep ties to the community. Two of the three members—Mitchel Wilson of Subterranean and Mateo Toro of Distrito Coffee—are small business owners in town. Having known Mitchel since he and his wife, Rosemary, opened Subterranean, I’ve come to admire his dedication to both his business and his music. I’m thrilled to spotlight the band this month. You can check out their music at mirroredvision.com and catch them live at The Sardine on Saturday, July 19. Finally, I’d like to thank the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce again for honoring me with their Leadership Award last month. I’m still convinced it was a clerical error, but I’m humbled and grateful just the same. Photos and a recap of the event are included in this issue. Here’s to a great summer, San Pedro. Until next month… spt
Joshua Stecker publisher/editor-in-chief contact@sanpedrotoday. com
JULY
2025
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF /PUBLISHER
Joshua J. Stecker
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Lori Garrett
ART DIRECTION
Joshua J. Stecker
PHOTOGRAPHER
Carlos C. Caceres
John Mattera Photography
CONTRIBUTORS
Linda Grimes, Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Laurie Jacobs, Sanam Lamborn, Jennifer Marquez, Eddie McKenna, Aaron McKenzie, Amber Sheikh, Lee Williams
Email: ads@sanpedrotoday.com for our current media kit.
VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 6
ON THE COVER: MIRRORED VISION (l to r): John Alanouf, Mateo Toro, and Mitchel Wilson. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
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 2009-2025, Empire22 Media LLC.
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JULY 2025 I sanpedrotoday.com
JULY 2025
Every Friday – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (396 W. 6th St., corner of 6th and Mesa), 10a-2p. – Pick up essential fruits and vegetables from certified, small family farms. Get a head start on weekend meals with so many delicious and fresh options. For more info, visit sanpedrochamber.com/san-pedro-farmers-market.
Every Tuesday, Friday, & First Thursday Evening – OPEN GARDEN at Feed and Be Fed (429 W. 6th St.), Tuesdays 10a-12p, Fridays 10a-1p, & First Thursday evenings. – Feed and Be Fed farm, 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.
Every Friday – LAFD HARBOR MUSEUM at Old Fire Station 36 (639 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a-3p. – The LA Fire Department Historical Society invites you to tour and experience San Pedro and Wilmington’s fire protection and rescue history with vintage fire apparatus and displays. Come to visit or to volunteer. FREE admission. For more info, visit lafdmuseum.org/harbor.
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.
June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, August 3 (Sundays) – MUSIC BY THE SEA at Point Fermin Park (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), 11a-5p. – Come on down and enjoy this annual FREE concert series! The bands will be playing on the stage at Point Fermin Park. Make an afternoon of it. For more the full lineup and schedule, visit musicbythesea.rocks or facebook.com/musicbytheseasanpedro.
3 (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.
5 (Sat) – FIREWORKS SAIL at West Harbor Promenade (boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.), 7p. – Celebrate Independence Day aboard a tall ship and party like it’s 1776! Join us for a night of family fun and celebration on the water while you enjoy awe-inspiring fireworks displays in the San Pedro harbor. Sit back and relax or become part of the crew—your choice! Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy too (no glass other than drink bottles, please). Tickets $75 for adults, $30 for children (12 and under). For tickets and more info, visit lamitopsail.org/events.
5 (Sat) – CABRILLO BEACH 4th OF JULY SPECTACULAR at Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center (3000 Shoshonean Rd.), 5-10p. – Join us for the Cabrillo Beach Boosters VIP fireworks party—celebrating 75 years of San Pedro history! Your VIP ticket includes a catered BBQ dinner, live
music, one free raffle ticket, and front-row viewing of the John Olguin fireworks show. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. No tickets sold at the door. Adults $75; children (under 12) $25; parking pass $10. Tickets available at The Den San Pedro or at cabrillobeachboosters.com.
12 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY YARD & BOUTIQUE SALE at the Muller House Museum (1542 S. Beacon St.), 8a-1p. – Large historical photos, furniture, china, glass, lots of vintage linens, sci-fi and fantasy books, collectibles, toys, antiques, archival items, SPHS yearbooks, and clothing.
12 (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, paper crafters, jewelry makers, and any other crafty folks! Bring your current project and
JULY 2025
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) 3501543 (text only, please).
12 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO PRIDE 2025 at West Harbor (600 S. Harbor Blvd.), 3-9p. – We’re thrilled to announce the return of San Pedro Pride 2025 at West Harbor, a jubilant tribute to love, unity, and the unstop-
pable strength of our LGBTQIA+ community. This year’s theme, “Hand in Hand,” embodies the beauty of togetherness, where connection and support pave the way for a future built on acceptance and equality. Join us as we come together, hand in hand, to celebrate our shared diversity and create a vibrant wave of love, joy, and community spirit. For tickets, visit bridgecitiesalliance. com/event-details/ san-pedro-pride-2025.
13 (Sun) – MONTHLY GARDEN MAINTENANCE GATHERING at 25th Street Mosaic Mural (1322 W. 25th
St.), 11a-2p. – Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden space in front of the mural. Monthly volunteer gardening days are held on the second Sunday of each month, any time between 11a and 2p. For more info, contact lynndee. conley@yahoo.com.
16 & 26 (Wed & Sat) –PECK PARK CANYON HIKES at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 9a. – Exercise walks are led on the third Wednesday of each month at 9a and last 1 to 1.5 hours. Nature walks are 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.
25-27 (Fri-Sun) –CRAFTYFEST at CRAFTED at the Port of LA (112 E. 22nd St.), 11a-6p. – Join us for CRAFTED’s annual summer craft party with dozens of hands-on projects, demonstrations, and fun for the whole family. Admission and parking are FREE.
26 (Sat) – NATIVE PLANT SALE at White Point Nature Education Center (1600
W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a-12p. – Monthly plant sales are back! Come to our nature centers during our sales to learn more about growing local native plants and purchase some for your garden. Presented by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. For more info, visit pvplc. org/calendar. spt
Events deadline for August 2025 is Friday, July 18.
Email events@ sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Find more events at sanpedrotoday.com.
CELEBRATING LANGUAGE MASTERY – CLASS OF 2025
CONGRATULATIONS to these San Pedro High School students from the Class of 2025, who have officially reclassified from limited English proficiency to fluent English in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Over four years, they met all California and LAUSD benchmarks while completing both English Learner (EL) and standard English coursework. Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance are a true testament to their success!
CONGRATS TO ALL!
(photo: John Mattera Photography)
NATURE’S SANCTUARY IN THE HEART OF SAN PEDRO
Peck Park Canyon offers shaded trails,
gardens, and a rich history thanks to generations of community care | BY JENNIFER MARQUEZ
PeckPark Canyon, also known as Miraflores Canyon, is a 30-acre expanse of natural beauty quietly nestled within San Pedro.
With its shaded trails, native plants, and diverse wildlife, the canyon has become a favorite destination for hikers, runners, dog walkers, and cross-country teams. The trails are named in honor of Ray Patricio, a community activist and longtime volunteer who, along with many others, helped preserve and enhance this special place.
Friends of Peck Park Canyon, a grassroots group of local volunteers, collaborates with Los Angeles Recreation and Parks to maintain the area. One of the group’s
most active members is Allen Franz, a native plant expert who has played a key role in restoring the landscape. He has been essential in establishing a native plant garden and organizing volunteer workdays focused on weeding and habitat improvement.
“The Peck Park Canyon is a hidden treasure just steps away from Western Avenue,” says Franz. “It’s San Pedro’s most diverse ecosystem, with trees, a stream, birds, plants, and wildlife. Adding native plants helps provide shelter and food for the animals that live here, from birds to insects. Time spent in nature is proven to be good for your health. I encourage people to get outside.”
Another key figure in the canyon’s transformation is Diana Nave, who has been volunteering in various roles
VOTED SOUTH BAY’S FAVORITE 2024
for years. While serving on the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, she helped secure Proposition O funding, which was used to restore trails and build footbridges. Working with neighbors and with support from the California Native Plant Society’s South Coast Chapter, she also contributed to creating the native garden filled with plants purchased from the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy.
The canyon’s history stretches far beyond modern community efforts. Long before it became a public park, this land was inhabited by the Tongva people, the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin. Later, it served as the original water source for San Pedro, under the control of the Sepulveda family. During the Rancho days, the site was home to the Hernandez Ranch, where Albert Hernandez raised horses, goats, and cattle. He tended the land by hand for decades, pulling weeds and keeping it clean until his passing.
Much of what we now know as Peck Park comes from the legacy of George H. Peck, a wealthy real estate developer and philanthropist who played a significant role in shaping early San Pedro. Beginning in 1929, Peck started donating land that resulted in the creation of four parks in San Pedro, each named after
one of his children: Leland, Reina, Alma, and Peck Park—the largest of the four. The Peck family’s influence extended beyond just land; George Peck’s estate also contributed to constructing the Peck Park gymnasium and supported the planting of unique specimen trees and plants from around the world, many of which still line the trailheads today.
“It’s a beautiful canyon that connects all the way to Bandini Canyon,” says Nave. “With natural springs and peaceful bridges, you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.”
Nave leads free guided nature walks through the canyon on the third Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month at 9 a.m., starting at the lower parking lot on the southwest corner. Volunteer workdays in the native garden, located near the entrance at Walker and Elberon, are also held regularly. The next one is scheduled for July 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.
To learn more about Friends of Peck Park Canyon, you can find them on Facebook or contact Diana Nave at diananave@gmail.com to join the email list. spt
Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @ jenntmqz on X and Instagram.
Peck Park Canyon. (photo: Diana Nave)
ADOPT A NONPROFIT, EMPOWER A SCOUT
San Pedro’s Girl Scout troops are making a difference through hands-on service—and they need more adult leaders to guide the way
BY LAURIE JACOBS
Girl Scouts of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade, unleash their potential through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience—a series of engaging, challenging, and fun activities, including earning badges, going on fantastic trips, selling cookies, exploring science, getting outdoors, and performing community service projects.
As a San Pedro Girl Scout Leader for over two decades and a local community advocate, my passion has been to introduce girls to the joy of giving back to their community. In 2024, I developed the Adopt a Nonprofit program, which provides our local troops with a list of various organizations to “adopt” while teaching them how a
nonprofit operates and how to utilize their leadership skills to lead service projects.
The first troop to join this program was Troop 70333, led by Briana and Ronnie Ernandes, and the results are incredible. This troop adopted the YWCA of the Harbor Area and South Bay, whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. You can learn more about this YWCA at ywcaharbor.org.
Here is a list of their local community projects:
• Assisted the YWCA with their “Breakfast with Santa” event last December, during which they donated over 400 toys to the attending kids.
• Assembled 100 hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, along with 20 fleece blankets, and assisted in sorting food for a
Friday distribution.
• Hosted a booth at a wellness fair and their first-anniversary food distribution in Wilmington, where 100 “Birthday in a Box” kits that the girls made were distributed.
• Made a little free library on wheels for the YWCA.
• Made a playground communication board for the YWCA World Tots preschool and will be donating toys and teacher supplies to the preschool.
• Created memory care blankets for the Silverado Rolling Hills Memory Care Community.
• Made 24 cat and 24 dog pet-care kits donated to Pedro Pet Pals for pet adoption events.
• Additionally, they donated Halloween costumes to the YWCA thrift shop, assisted at the YWCA Julia Morgan Open House, and participated in projects with other nonprofits, including Maria’s Closet, Meals on Wheels, and Roots and Shoots at the Jane Goodall Day of Peace event. Are you as impressed as I am with the volume of community service projects by this troop?
ADULT LEADERS NEEDED
More girls want to join Girl Scouts, but there is a massive shortage of adult lead-
ers. I can personally attest that being a troop leader has been both inspiring and fulfilling, and I genuinely believe I get more from the girls than they do from me. What an amazing journey this has been.
As a volunteer, you will introduce the next generation of girl leaders to new experiences as they explore their communities, solve problems, and work towards goals. They will make the world a better place and feel proud of what makes them unique, all the while creating a community of forever friends. You will be their guide in helping them develop essential life skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.
But this cannot happen without more leaders. You don’t have to have a child of your own to get involved— you simply must care. The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles can help. Contact Mirlet Victorio at mvictorio@girlscoutsla.org to learn more. spt
Laurie Jacobs, a San Pedro Girl Scout leader, is a Lifetime Girl Scout, member of the Juliette Gordon Low Society, retiring Girl Scout National Delegate, and San Pedro community advocate.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 70333 with LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker at a recent Pedro Pet Pals event. (photo: Briana Ernandes)
BACK WITH A BANG!
After last year’s drone experiment, fireworks return to Cabrillo Beach for the 75th anniversary celebration of San Pedro’s iconic Independence Day tradition
BY LEE WILLIAMS
For generations, the Cabrillo Beach Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular, an event founded by the legendary John Olguin, has illuminated the skies high above Cabrillo Beach.
Now nearing its 75th anniversary, this iconic event has long symbolized tradition, community, and the sheer joy of watching the night sky burst with color over the San Pedro Bay.
Last year, the Cabrillo Beach Boosters took a bold step into the future by introducing a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks. It may not have been their first choice, but it took courage to organize the entire event in just 45 days after the fireworks vendor fell through. While there were clear benefits, it also
provided valuable insights into where improvements are necessary.
Thanks to nearly 400 survey responses from attendees and local residents, we now have a detailed understanding of how the community reacted to this change and what they hope to see in the future.
WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID
• 61% of respondents had never seen a drone show before, which made the experience novel and exciting for most.
• Two-thirds of attendees found the show to be somewhat to extremely unique, but only one-third rated it “good” or better.
• 93% of everyone—myself included—felt that the show was too short, which clearly indicated that the performance lacked the pacing and emotional buildup of traditional fireworks.
• 60% appreciated the organization of the event, and 57% said parking was easy—logistics we can feel good about.
• Interestingly, more than half watched the show from home, rooftops, or nearby lookout spots, highlighting how the visual scale and brightness extended over a large area of San Pedro.
• Only one in five people listened to the musical simulcast, which was a missed opportunity for deeper entertainment and storytelling.
• 70% thought the venue
was good, and two-thirds felt they had sufficient information beforehand, indicating that the foundation for community engagement is strong.
• Still, 70% of survey respondents indicated a preference for fireworks, while only 43% expressed interest in attending another drone show in 2025.
While the drone show was a promising test of early-generation technology, it hasn’t quite matched the grandeur of the fireworks that have defined this event for decades. With 70% of our community calling for the return of fireworks, the message is clear: Bring back fireworks this year.
From a practical standpoint, cost is also a key factor. The drone show, while environmentally forward-thinking, costs twice as much as traditional fireworks. That’s a heavy lift for any budget, especially when the technology hasn’t fully caught up with the audience’s expectations.
Fireworks are a complicated issue. They affect the environment, our pets, veterans, and neighbors who are sensitive to sound. The political turmoil of today may make many of us feel somewhat less celebratory this year. However, with the show taking place on July 5, there will be increased police and fire resources deployed on the streets of San Pedro to address illegal fireworks on the 4th, which we can all agree is out of control.
This isn’t about turning our backs on innovation; it’s about listening to the community while planning a future that blends tradition with technology. The goal should be to develop a hybrid drone and fireworks show that honors the past while thoughtfully moving into the future. With continued testing, community input, and budget-friendly strategies, drone shows will have their day.
I am eager to see what we can do to replace fireworks with an eco-friendly alternative that matches the scale and duration our community expects. But this year, the 75th anniversary includes the return of a full fireworks spectacular, a blazing tribute to John Olguin’s vision and the generations of families who’ve watched the night sky explode in celebration. Support the Cabrillo Beach Boosters, enjoy live music and BBQ, and get front-row VIP access to view the fireworks from the Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center. Purchase tickets at The Den, located next to The Corner Store at 1126 W. 37th Street. Free viewing spots are available at the Cabrillo Marina, Cabrillo Beach and Pier, and the Lookout on Gaffey. I hope to see you there, celebrating liberty and justice for all. 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.
Last year’s Cabrillo Beach Independence Day drone show. (photo: YouTube)
COOL TREATS, HOT DAYS
From açai bowls to paletas, here’s where to chill out in San Pedro while we dream of a gelato shop
BY SANAM LAMBORN
Thetemperatures are warming up, and I don’t know about you, but there are times when I need something nice and cold to cool off on a hot day. It’s during times like these that I am reminded that we are missing something that I’d love to have in this town: a gelato shop.
Sure, there are some popular large-chain ice cream shops in town, like Baskin-Robbins (1013 S. Gaffey St.), Yogurtland (1000 N. Western Ave.), and Cold Stone Creamery (28154 S. Western Ave.). In addition, we will soon have a Handel’s Ice Cream (962 N. Western Ave.), although they don’t have an official opening date as of yet.
So, where do I go for my cool-treat fix that fits my preference for small
business? Well, that’s a bit challenging, but here are my suggestions.
Rock’n Juice (2470 S. Western Ave.) is owned by a group that operates several restaurants in the South Bay. The Pedro store is their only juice shop. The menu features a variety of juices, smoothies, and bowls. I have previously written about their juices, but on a hot summer day, an açai bowl is the perfect cold treat for me.
I gravitate towards anything with fresh ginger; as such, my favorite bowl is the Symphony. It is made by blending açai, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, banana, lemon, ginger, and coconut water. The creamy blend is topped with granola, banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of honey and agave.
On a good day, when the blend has a solid, creamy texture and isn’t slushy, it’s a pretty filling, cool treat.
If I’m in the mood for frozen yogurt, I head to Granny’s Yogurt (316 N. Western Ave.). The owners have another store in La Verne in addition to the one in town. The shop also offers smoothies and boba drinks. I like to head to the frozen yogurt machines and pick a couple of flavors that complement each other, depending on what’s available. However, my favorite aspect here is the variety of toppings that can be added to one’s frozen yogurt. These include fresh fruit, nuts, cereal, crumbled cookies, and candy. Given my love for gummy bears, they are always my number one choice.
Then there is La Michoacana (683 W. 9th St.). Small business? No. In fact, you will find various companies with variations of the popular words “La Michoacana” all over Southern California. They all make paletas, which are frozen blended fruits or ice cream on a stick that have been very popular in Mexico and have now found their footing across the border.
The menu on the wall features a variety of colorful options, including ice cream,
juices, and several popular Mexican snacks. Personally, I love their extensive selection of paletas. There is something for everyone’s taste, ranging from single-flavor frozen fruit options to traditional ice cream on a stick flavors.
I love tropical fruit; as such, selections such as mango and pineapple appeal to me. I recently discovered their guava flavor. It’s excellent, but be aware that it includes guava seeds, which are not soft, so you’ll need to get past their hard texture. Since anything with chili and chamoy is very popular now, there are also several combinations made with pineapple, cucumber, and/or mango.
The good news is that these are individually wrapped, so you can buy as many as you would like to keep in your fridge for when the need arises. It’s the perfect cold treat, and depending on the choice, it’s kind of guilt-free. spt
Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page @eatinsanpedro.
Clockwise from top left: frozen yogurt from Granny’s Yogurt, guava and tamarind paleta from La Michoacana, and the Symphony Açaí Bowl from Rock’n Juice. (photos: Sanam Lamborn)
MIRRORED VISION MIRRORED VISION MIRRORED VISION
FUELED BY HERITAGE, HUSTLE, AND PUNK ROCK, THIS TRIO IS CARVING A DISCIPLINED PATH THROUGH LA’S MUSIC SCENE
The three members of Mirrored Vision sit side by side on an old sofa at Lockout Music Studios in San Pedro when the band’s lead singer, Mitchel Wilson, notices the huge photo of Black Flag high on the wall above them.
He asks the other two if they’ve ever heard that story about the time in 1981 when the student council at San Pedro High School booked the legendary Hermosa Beach band—fronted by its new lead singer, Henry Rollins—to play the school, without bothering to inform the administration what was coming.
“Yeah,” says Wilson, laughing, “the principal pulled that plug pretty quickly.”
Such stories are more than mere trivia for this trio: Wilson and his bandmates John Alanouf and Mateo Toro are fully aware of their place in the musical tradition of Los Angeles’ South Bay. Stories like that of a
young Black Flag playing the home of the Pirates, says Wilson, “just make me proud of being from San Pedro. We have that lineage.”
It’s a lineage that runs deep through the industrial landscape of this harbor town. Wilson arrived here at the age of 15, leaving both home and school in Redondo Beach in 1991 to move into a studio apartment at 10th and Meyler with a death rock band called Dark Enthrallment.
“Even then, I knew we were descended from the Minutemen and that whole early San Pedro punk scene,” he says. The town continues to influence his musical sensibilities: “Old ghosts all the way back—sailors and the port and pirates and satanic bunkers.”
For Toro, the drummer who came from Colombia via the San Fernando Valley, San Pedro felt like a journey back in time. “I was living in the Glendale area, and it all
felt very plastic to me coming from Colombia, where everything’s very raw. Then I came down to San Pedro and found this skate park under the bridge of a highway, and I was like, ‘What the hell? That still exists?’”
Bassist Alanouf drives from Costa Mesa for rehearsals, a journey that’s as much psychological as it is physical. “You get shaken up a little bit. You almost die around the big rigs in your little car, and you get over the bridge and arrive at this old building.” That building, Lockout Studios, with its thin insulation where every DIY band bleeds through the walls, enhances the immersion. “I’m from a place where it’s all businesses and strip malls, and then I find myself here, in this punk rock place.”
San Pedro exists in geographical limbo, “almost like a Bermuda Triangle,” Alanouf says, as he turns toward Wilson and Toro, asking,
“Does your mail even say San Pedro on it, or does it say Los Angeles? It’s not LA, it’s not Long Beach. It’s not anything like Orange County. It definitely is just Pedro.” Like other cities known for their musical culture— Nashville, New Orleans, Austin—“There’s music here, but it feels like it’s a dirtier harbor version.”
Mirrored Vision emerged from pandemic boredom in 2020 when a former bandmate approached Wilson about writing songs online. Wilson, a self-taught musician who hadn’t performed live in over a decade, agreed on one condition: “I’d only be interested if the songs are great, if we push and complete an album.”
Alanouf, meanwhile, was using the COVID lockdowns to teach himself bass on a cheap pawnshop instrument, posting videos of his progress on social media. Wilson, noting that Alanouf was “fresh from a divorce,”
STORY BY AARON McKENZIE PHOTOS BY CARLOS C. CACERES
Mirrored Vision (l to r): John Alanouf, Mitchel Wilson, and Mateo Toro. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
Top to bottom: Live at The Sardine in San Pedro earlier this year; Wilson, Toro, and Alanouf. (photos: Carlos C. Caceres/Instagram: @carlitos.fx)
suggested the band might help him get back into the social scene if those lockdowns ever ended. Despite initial reluctance about the commute from Costa Mesa, Alanouf was hooked once he heard the demos.
That first incarnation fizzled. Then Wilson started frequenting Distrito, a cafe in Downtown San Pedro, which Toro co-owns, where Wilson would hear the band’s debut album Unprecedented on the shop’s turntable.
“We had a throne available for a beat king like Mateo,” says Wilson. “I pushed him to audition, and he came in with a furious thunder, and there was instantly a connection between the three of us.”
The band’s new EP Vera Volantis meaning “true will”—releases July 18, the day before their record release show at The Sardine. The six-song set represents their first truly collaborative effort. “It really is the first release because it’s the three of us and the real incarnation of the band,” says Wilson. Their influences sprawl across the musical landscape. Toro, a self-described “’ 90s-punk kid,” points to Travis Barker and the Transplants, along with the Misfits and even Dave Matthews Band. Alanouf balances the raw aggression with ’80s New Wave— Joy Division, The Cure, and Sisters of Mercy. “I’m the least punk of the guys,” he says. “I like the attitude and energy of punk rock, but I don’t find myself listening to it a lot.” He’s always trying to find “some rhythmic thing that makes you want to dance instead of just punching your neighbor.”
Wilson’s vinyl collection runs deepest—5,000 records, if not more. His influences include The Chameleons, Gang of Four, David Bowie, and jazz pianist Bill Evans. “He plays a somber piano that could bring me to tears,” says Wilson. “His wife committed suicide, there was heroin addiction—it’s as punk rock as any punk rock story.”
What sets Mirrored Vision apart from rock ‘n’ roll’s time-honored recklessness is their professionalism. “We hope that’s an asset because, in music, there’s a lot of erratic behavior, a lot of unprofessionalism,” Wilson says. “We honor the music by not pissing all over
it. We don’t get lit before we rehearse.”
Wilson’s attitude might have seemed outlandish to the original punk movement, but perhaps this evolution was inevitable. When an art form achieves sufficient cultural authority—complete with academic courses and museum exhibitions—its practitioners begin to treat it as a craft requiring professional standards rather than a weapon against them.
At recording sessions, established musicians are often surprised at the band’s efficiency. “They’re like, ‘you guys are doing that, in like, one take?’” says Wilson. “Well, that’s because we put in the work.”
Their approach mirrors their day jobs. Just down the street from Toro’s Distrito is Wilson’s Subterranean salon, while Alanouf is a self-employed hairstylist in Costa Mesa. “We all have day jobs and families and life,” Wilson says. “But I feel the music is really what we were born to do, so when it comes to Mirrored Vision, we’re serious about it.”
This controlled approach appears in their sound. “We want to bring chaos, but we also keep it tamed down a little bit,” says Toro. “You can hear it in the music.”
This mindset also reflects the realities of contemporary artistic ambition. Unlike the original San Pedro punks, who could survive on part-time work when rent was cheap, today’s musicians require steady day jobs to maintain the very studios and venues where they pursue their art. The members’ businesses are not obstacles to their creativity—they are the economic foundation that enables creativity.
That entrepreneurial mindset extends to how the trio approaches the band—and the music itself. “I just love the start-up energy,” says Alanouf. “Whether it’s a business or a band, I love bringing things together and into existence, and I love that we’re committed to doing that together and moving this music forward.” spt
Check out Mirrored Vision’s music at mirroredvision.com and catch them live at The Sardine on Saturday, July 19. Tickets at thesardinepedro.com.
CROSSWALKS WITH A STORY
San Pedro’s new artist-designed crosswalks blend beauty, safety, and heritage—starting with Lua Kobayashi’s tribute to Terminal Island’s fishing legacy
BY LINDA GRIMES
Someprojects
take years to coalesce, and for years, I’ve been fascinated by creative ways to make streets safer and more pedestrian-friendly.
Released in March 2022, the Asphalt Art Safety Study found that city streets with asphalt art became significantly safer for pedestrians after incorporating art into roadway redesigns.
Painted crosswalks have become commonplace as a pedestrian safety measure across the United States and around the world. The instantly recognizable white stripes guide pedestrians and alert drivers to pay extra attention.
A growing trend involves cities replacing traditional uniform white crosswalks with colorful, eye-catching alternatives that serve both as art and enhanced safety tools. Cities often install creative crosswalks as an artistic community enhancement or even a municipal branding effort, and they can also offer safety benefits. Drivers tend to notice pat-
terns and bright colors more than the familiar white paint on asphalt.
To this end, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District was awarded a Port of Los Angeles Community Grant last year and is using the funds to install a wayfinding demonstration site for an artist-designed crosswalk at 6th and Harbor. Additionally, Arts United San Pedro funded a second crosswalk at the bottom of 6th Street, parallel to Harbor. Both crosswalks are set to be installed by late June or early July.
We have been collaborating with Creative Paving Solutions, the vendor responsible for supplying the materials and performing the necessary labor for the completion of the project.
We conducted an extensive Call for Qualifications to solicit artist ideas for these crosswalks, received over 27 submissions, and created a social media program to engage the community in the final choice of artists. You might have seen the designs by three of the semi-finalists—Daisuke Okamoto, Rachel Berkowitz, and Lua Kobayashi—on Instagram.
Based on your feedback,
we hired Lua Kobayashi for her design of bluefin tuna swimming across the street. Lua explains, “I am thrilled to have designed this crosswalk to honor my heritage. The piece, titled Furusato (Home Sweet Home), honors the Japanese American fishing community of Terminal Island, once affectionately known by this name. Drawing inspiration from traditional Gyotaku—the Japanese art of fish printing used to commemorate the catch of the day—Pacific bluefin tuna appear across the crosswalk in rich blue hues, evoking the spirit of koinobori streamers flown on Children’s Day. This design pays tribute to the fishermen whose traditions and innovations helped shape the identity and legacy of San Pedro. Inspired by archival photos and the movement of Miyazaki films, the work invites pedestrians into a living memory of the sea and those who worked it. I feel a real connection to this area as my great-grandfather transported fish from Terminal Island to greater Los Angeles, when my family was first trying to become established in this country.”
Kobayashi is a California-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans photography, video, and installation. A 2019 graduate of UCLA with a BA in Art, her work is motivated by a desire to uncover the hidden stories embedded in everyday objects, places, and people. Her curiosity stems from her upbringing in suburban California and her family’s experience with the Japanese American incarceration camps—histories that continue to inform and shape her artistic practice. Her work has been showcased in juried exhibitions across the U.S., culminating in a debut solo exhibition, “Where a Forest Once Grew”—co-sponsored by Aratani and the UCLA Asian American Studies Department in 2023. Stay tuned for information about the unveiling of this crosswalk during the Art District Guided ArtWalk Tour. spt
Linda Grimes is the executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.
This newly designed crosswalk art, titled Furusato (Home Sweet Home) by Lua Kobayashi, will be installed at 6th and Harbor by early July. (photo: luakobayashi.com)
2025 MID-YEAR MARKET REVIEW
Despite high interest rates, San Pedro and RPV real estate show price resilience, steady sales, and strong buyer demand
BY MIKE HARPER & PETER HAZDOVAC
Asreal estate professionals and regular contributors to San Pedro
Today, we take pride in staying in tune with the local housing market—especially here along the coast in San Pedro and Rancho Palos Verdes.
We aim to provide insights that reflect both the numbers and the unique lifestyle that makes our corner of the Greater South Bay so desirable.
In our 2024 “Year in Review,” we noted that sales volume in San Pedro had increased modestly by +11.2% (+27 SFRs sold) from 2023, while the median home price increased by +2.7% to $950,000 during the same period.
In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, the number of homes sold increased slightly (+1.8%), with an average
median home price of $1.867 million, a 2.8% increase from the previous year.
Entering 2025, the California Association of Realtors® projected an increase in existing SFR home sales to total 304,400 units, up +10.5% from 2024’s revised projection of 275,400. The California median home price was forecast to climb +4.6% to $909,400 in 2025, following a projected +6.8% increase to $869,500 in 2024 from 2023’s $814,000.
The average 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rate was projected to decline from 6.6% in 2024 to 5.9% in 2025.
Through the first half of 2025, interest rates have hovered in the high 6% range, mainly due to stubborn inflation. While the Federal Reserve has hinted at more possible rate cuts later this year, our coastal market has continued to show resilience in the face of elevated borrowing costs.
So, how has our coastal
22ND ST. LANDING SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR
market performed in 2025?
In San Pedro, 123 SFRs sold between January and midJune—down -4.65% from 129 during the same time in 2024. The median sales price climbed 6.27%, from $988,000 to $1,050,000. Days on Market (DOM) remained flat at 18 days, a sign that serious buyers remain active.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, the market told a slightly different story. 132 SFR homes sold, up +6.45% from 124 sales a year ago. The median sales price remained flat to slightly down, from $1,854M to $1,850M. Homes were also taking longer to sell, with the DOM increasing from 13 to 29 days compared to the same period a year prior.
demand. Whether it’s the historic charm, LA Harbor and Catalina Island views, walkable coastline access in San Pedro, or the coastal canyons and panoramic ocean views in RPV, buyers are still willing to compete for the right home in the right location. A strong local economy and persistently lower inventory continue to buffer price softening— even with rates remaining higher than expected.
Across the Greater South Bay, overall sales volume increased by 5.79%, with 1,442 homes sold in the first half of 2025, compared to 1,363 sold during the same period last year. The median SFR price increased by 8.40%, from $1.190M to $1.290M. The average DOM increased from 12 to 15 days, showing steady buyer interest despite rate pressure.
What stands out in our coastal markets is that lifestyle continues to drive
As we move into the second half of 2025, we’ll be watching mortgage rates, inventory levels, and how buyers respond to the Fed’s late-year decisions. Regardless of how the broader market evolves, our coastal communities remain uniquely positioned, thanks to their blend of natural beauty, location, and community investment. We look forward to bringing you our “Year in Review” in January and continuing to track trends along the coastline we call home. spt
Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit hhcoastal.com.
(photo: HH Coastal Real Estate)
HEALTHY STARTS AT HOME
How parents hold the key to better eating habits and a balanced family lifestyle
BY EDDIE Mc KENNA
Asa parent of two kids, ages 14 and 11, I understand the daily juggling act of balancing work, family, and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most significant challenges many parents face is maintaining healthy eating habits amidst the chaos of family life. It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming our kids for poor dietary choices, but the reality is that we, as parents, hold the reins.
Let’s face it: life can be hectic. Between school runs, extracurricular activities, and family obligations, it’s tempting to reach for convenience foods. Fast food and processed snacks often seem like the easiest options, especially when the kids are hungry and time is short. However, this convenience
comes at a cost. While it might save a few minutes in the kitchen, it can lead to unhealthy eating patterns that affect the entire family. As parents, we are the gatekeepers of our family’s nutrition. We have the power to set the tone for healthy eating in our households. Instead of using our kids as an excuse to indulge in unhealthy eating habits, we can take proactive steps to create an environment where nutritious choices are the norm.
Start by involving your children in the meal-planning process. Ask for their input on healthy recipes they want to try. This not only empowers them but also teaches them valuable skills about nutrition and cooking. What a skill it is for your kids to know how to meal prep and cook dinner for more than just themselves. That’s a life skill every kid needs to learn.
It’s crucial to lead by example. If we want our children to make healthier choices, we must model those behaviors ourselves. This doesn’t mean we have to give up all indulgences; rather, it’s about finding a balance. Consider establishing family meals that prioritize whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Involve your kids in preparing these meals, turning it into a fun family activity.
Remember, it’s natural for kids to crave sweets and snacks, but it’s our responsibility to provide healthier alternatives. Instead of chips, keep a variety of fruits and nuts available for when cravings hit. When they see you enjoying these snacks, they’re more likely to follow your example.
can be used in a variety of meals.
Additionally, consider involving your kids in this process. Teaching them about meal prep not only eases your burden but also fosters healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run.
The struggle for healthy eating as a parent is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt. Instead of viewing your kids as obstacles to healthy eating, see them as partners in the process. By taking control and making conscious choices, you can create a healthier lifestyle for your family—one meal at a time.
One of the most significant hurdles is the “busy parent” mentality, where we convince ourselves that we don’t have time to eat healthily. The truth is, healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Meal prepping on weekends can save you time during the week. Prepare large batches of quinoa, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken that
Ultimately, we are the architects of our family’s nutrition. Let’s build a foundation that promotes health and wellness, ensuring our kids grow up with the knowledge and habits to make informed choices for themselves. spt
Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.
(photo: Kampus Production)
SAN PEDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS AWARDS
JUNE 12, 2025 - DOUBLETREE BY HILTON SAN PEDRO
PHOTOS BY JOHN MATTERA
PHOTOGRAPHY
San Pedro recently celebrated its vibrant business community at the 2025 Annual Business Awards and Installation Luncheon. Councilmember Tim McOsker installed the new Chamber board and honored outstanding local leaders. Lauren Johnson was thanked for her service as board chair, passing the gavel to Anthony Luna Ken Creighton was elected Honorary Mayor after raising over $31,000 for Meals on Wheels and the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District. Business award honorees included Athens Services, MJM Graphics, AltaSea, Happy Diner, Joshua Stecker of San Pedro Today, and Port Town Brewing Company. The event highlighted the spirit of service that defines San Pedro.
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