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.
Iwant to thank the Trani family for hosting an unforgettable celebration last month to mark the 100th anniversary of their first San Pedro restaurant, The Majestic Café.
The evening was filled with great food, live music, and familiar San Pedro faces. In true Pedro fashion, I even met a cousin I didn’t know I had.
Seeing multiple generations of San Pedrans come together is rare these days, which made the event even more special. The Trani family has shaped the culinary heart of this town for a century. I hope they continue to do so for many years to come.
This month’s cover story features the San Pedro High School track and field relay team, who are making a statement with their record-breaking season. A big thanks to Coach Jeff Atkinson for pitching the story and to Sean Rice for writing, photo-
graphing, and producing a fantastic video feature on the team that’s live on sanpedrotoday. com and our social platforms.
Lastly, I want to congratulate this year’s San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Business Award honorees: James Brown and Jason Welke of Port Town Brewing Company (Bold Vision Award), the Carrillo family of Happy Diner (Restaurant of the Year), AltaSea (Nonprofit of the Year), Cesar Duarte of MJM Graphics (Small Business of the Year), and Athens Services (Business of the Year).
And in a surprising turn that still feels like a mistake, I’ve been honored with the Chamber’s Leadership Award this year. I’ll share more about that next month after the ceremony on June 12, but for now: thank you. I feel undeserving, yet also humbled, honored, and incredibly grateful.
TO ADVERTISE: print + online + social media Email: ads@sanpedrotoday.com for our current media kit.
VOLUME 17 | NUMBER 5
ON THE COVER: San Pedro High School Track & Field athletes (l to r): Robbie Rivas, Jack Butterfield, Evan Hadeishi, and Christopher Frelix. (photo: Sean C. Rice)
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.
sanpedrotoday.com
JUNE 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.
1 (Sun) – ‘CLUB CABARET’ COLLEGIATE CHOIR FUNDRAISING CONCERT at LA Harbor College, Music Building, Miller Recital Hall (1111 Figueroa Pl., Wilmington), 7:30-10p. – Enjoy medleys from Wicked, Les Misérables, Frozen, Little Shop of Horrors, and Queen, featuring guest musicians and rising talent. Admission: adults $20; students $10; children under 11 FREE. For more info, contact Director Byron Smith at (310) 233-4429.
4 (Wed) – LABYRINTH WALKING at Center
for Spiritual Living (907 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach), 12p. – You are invited to walk the labyrinth on the first Wednesday of the month. The labyrinth is an ancient walking meditation. The circular labyrinth is made of heavy canvas complemented with soothing lights and music. Bring a pair of socks. FREE to attend. For more info, call (310) 540-5080.
5 (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.
6 (Fri) – CHRIST LUTHERAN’S 1st ANNUAL GALA at Christ Lutheran Church & School (28850 S. Western Ave.), 5-10p. – Dinner, drinks, and dancing to celebrate 70 years as a school! Semi-formal
attire is requested. For tickets and more info, visit eventbrite.com/e/ christ-lutherans-1st-annual-gala-tickets-1312027512609.
7 (Sat) – SOUNDPEDRO2025 CHTHONIC ANNUAL SOUND ART FESTIVAL at Angels Gate Cultural Center (3601. S. Gaffey St.), 7-10p. – Angels Gate Cultural Center (AGCC), in partnership with the artist group FLOOD, is pleased to announce the soundpedro2024 chthonic on-site event. This FREE one-night event includes sculptures, environments, installations, timed and ongoing performances, interactions, and presentations placed throughout AGCC. This year’s theme is chthonic: relating to the Underworld, a realm ruled by enigmas and psychopomps, a place of forgotten or yet to be remembered potential. Don’t mistake it for mere subterranean; chthonic implies both profound existential dread and hope. Visitors should be prepared for
JUNE 2025
potential areas of rough terrain, sun and wind exposure, and temperature changes (e.g. jackets, umbrellas, blankets, practical footwear, etc.). For more info, visit soundpedro.art.
8 (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.
14 (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 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).
14 (Sat) – CHILDREN’S FAIRY GARDEN at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 W. Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a-12:30p. – Children ages five and up participate in a hands-on experience of creating a miniature garden at the lighthouse! Garden activities and snacks. No reservations are required and participation is FREE. For more info, call (310) 241-0684.
15 (Sun) – FATHER’S DAY SUNSET SAIL at West Harbor Promenade (boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.), 6p. – Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) to sail the San Pedro Bay on Father’s Day and watch the sunset from the
deck of a tall ship. You can sit back and relax or become part of the crew—your choice! Tickets $60 for adults, $30 for children (12 and under). For tickets and more info, visit lamitopsail.org/events.
18 & 28 (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.
21 (Sat) – LOS SERENOS DOCENT GUIDED NATURE WALK at Alta Vicente Reserve (30940 Hawthorne Blvd., RPV), 9a. – This walk, with its stunning coastal views, offers a glimpse into the peninsula’s historical role in post-WWI LA Harbor coastal defense systems. We will
see remnants of U.S. Army armaments and fortifications that came under the command of Fort MacArthur and also one of the best-preserved Cold War-era Nike missile launch sites (LA-55) in the country. This is a moderate to strenuous hike and sturdy shoes are recommended. Admission is FREE and open to all. Park for free at RPV City Hall and meet in front of the flagpole area. For more info, visit losserenosrpv. org or call (310) 5445260 (PVIC front desk).
21 (Sat) – ABC SOLAR GRAND OPENING at AltaSea (2451 Signal St.), 3p-sunset. – Join us for “Under the Solar Roof,” ABC Solar’s 25th Anniversary Grand Opening! The event will feature DJ Joey Slick, live music by local bands, solar demonstrations, ocean tech tours, a dessert showdown, food trucks, and more! A special performance by the Glass Family Electric Band will take place at 5p. All proceeds benefit LA Future Projects Corporation, a 501(c)(3)
nonprofit. Admission: $20 donation at the gate, and kids 12 and under attend for FREE. For more info, visit abcsolar.com/party.
26 (Thurs) – SHAKESPEARE BY THE SEA – ‘JULIUS CAESAR’ at 22nd Street Park (140 W. 22nd St.), 7p. –Shakespeare by the Sea returns to San Pedro’s 22nd Street Park for the second year! This year’s production is Julius Caesar: Loyalties are tested in Shakespeare’s gripping exploration of honor, impossible choices, and the irreversible consequences of a single fateful act. Bring low-backed beach chairs and blankets. Admission is FREE, and donations are gratefully accepted. For more info, visit shakespearebythesea.org. spt
Events deadline for July 2025 is Friday, June 13.
Email: events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Find more events at sanpedrotoday.com.
FROM THE DOCKS TO DELIVERANCE
Ed Storti gave up longshoring to fight addiction—starting with his own
BY STEVE MARCONI
Iknowseveral people, including many friends, who have gone to college, gotten their degrees, started careers—many becoming teachers—and then turned to longshoring.
Ed Storti, a native San Pedran, is one of those rare individuals who had one of those highly coveted ILWU books and gave it all up to complete a college education, earn a master’s degree, and enter a white-collar profession.
Of course, after you’ve read his memoir, The Uninvited Guest: From the Docks to the Doorsteps, you realize he made the right decision, although it wasn’t immediately apparent as he struggled with anxiety and addiction. His journey to sobriety and learning how to help others as the developer of motivational intervention form the basis of his story. When Storti, now 83, was still a child, his longshoreman father moved the family to Lomita. Although raised in a stable, stereotypical Italian-American household, Storti was traumatized early on by a dog bite that left him fearful and insecure. He joined the National Guard soon after graduating from Narbonne High (1961) and then joined his father on the waterfront, all the while
descending into alcoholism. It took another traumatic event—a nearly fatal accident on the docks—that led him to reconsider the path he was on and that what he really wanted to do with his life was make a difference.
Along the way, he connects with a number of people who, in his words, become wingmen or wingwomen, helping him through the various stages of life that lead him to success in both his family life and career. The book is filled with names San Pedrans will be familiar with, including several old friends of mine.
At Narbonne, he got some helpful advice from teacher Sam Domancich. He got some equally good advice from another teacher while at Harbor College, Gordon Wells. Later, working at Toberman Settlement House and coaching youth football, he got to know Rene Monroy. Later in life, after establishing his own private consulting business, he hired Mary Margaret Lorenzi as his office manager. And, of course, there are his longshore buddies, too numerous to mention here.
Supporting him through thick and thin is his wife, JoAnn (nee Car), a San Pedro High grad (W`62) he met in 1965 at a dance hall; they will celebrate 57 years of marriage later this year. Their children, daughter, Kari, and son, Kris, have successful careers in medicine and law, respectively.
In the early 1970s, Storti was still working full-time as a longshoreman and still drinking, but had completed his AA degree at Harbor with the goal of coaching or pursuing a career in law enforcement. He had just started classes at Cal State Dominguez
Hills when, while working at a steel job in Long Beach, a one-ton beam came loose and rolled onto his leg. After several surgeries and months of long and painful rehabilitation, he recovered but never considered returning to the docks.
While at Dominguez Hills in 1975, Storti, suffering from blackouts and becoming more desperate to end his addiction to alcohol, started attending AA meetings and then entered a treatment program at Long Beach
Memorial. Finally sober, he ended up working at the fledgling addiction treatment center at what was then San Pedro Peninsula Hospital, where, under the mentorship of Dr. Bill Rader, he began what became a nationally known career leading interventions.
The book contains inspiring stories of how his unique approach helped change and, in many cases, save the lives of people with an addiction. It explains the book’s title: It’s the family and friends of a loved one who seeks out his help, never the addict. In fact, the addict is often openly hostile to the interventionist, who, as the title suggests, appears uninvited at their doorstep.
Storti has written two previous books—Crisis Intervention and Heart to Heart: The Honorable Approach to Motivational Intervention—but The Uninvited Guest reveals the man behind the method that has made a difference in countless lives.
All of his books are available at Amazon or his website, thestortimodel.com. spt
Steve Marconi is a San Pedro native and a former columnist for the Daily Breeze for 20 years. He is also a retired longshoreman. He can be reached at spmarconi@ yahoo.com.
Ed Storti. (photo: thestortimodel.com)
The Uninvited Guest by Ed Storti
CUT WITH COMPASSION
How Subterranean Hair’s Mitchel and Rosemary Wilson use their talents to restore dignity—one haircut at a time
BY AMBER SHEIKH
Seeming-
ly simple acts of kindness can transform lives—and communities. Folks are always asking me how they can help our homeless neighbors and others in our community struggling to make ends meet. My answer is simple: Know what you’re best at. Your gifts and talents. And use those to help others. Mitchel and Rosemary Wilson walk that walk. Many of us get our hair cut or colored regularly without thinking about it as a luxury or privilege. That is not the case for our homeless neighbors or even systems-impacted youth— those living in foster care or juvenile halls throughout the county.
I was recently at Subterranean Hair getting a blowout for our San Pedro Chamber Women’s History event (if you’ve never been, make sure to go next year!). Owners Mitchel and Rosemary and I were catching up on life, and it dawned on me how much these two are such an absolute example of people using their talent and expertise to make our community better—and in ways that no one sees. Leaving the celebrity and corporate world of hair and fashion behind, Mitchel and Rosemary opened Subterranean Hair in 2019. They
intentionally built a business on compassion, community, and talent right in the heart of San Pedro.
Mitchel and Rosemary provide incredible care to their paying clients (many of whom grace the pages of this publication all the time). Still, they also find ways to pay it forward, providing hair-cutting services to folks who might not be able to afford this luxury.
What is the relationship between what you do—cutting hair—and community service?
MITCHEL WILSON: Living in LA was expensive even back when we started our careers. As an apprentice, there were times I was one paycheck away from being homeless myself. The salon I was training through had a program where kids from a local foster care facility would come to get their hair cut. Some of the kids would be super excited, while others felt like they were being forced to get a cut.
This one boy, I remember, had very long hair and seemed very hesitant to get his hair cut. So I talked him through what I was going to do and reassured him that I would just clean it up. I was going to honor him and help trim away some of the excess. It was more about making him feel seen as an individual—and not just about the grooming aspect of the cut.
A good haircut helps build self-esteem and confidence in everyone—and I believe how you feel about yourself is reflected in how you carry yourself—and your behavior.
How do you keep paying it forward? How do you measure the impact?
WILSON: Back in 2019, when we were waiting for Subterranean to finish construction, we started getting more involved in the community—we joined the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and reached out to you and Lisa Williams (former pastor at San Pedro Methodist Church) to see how we can help our neighbors. That led us to provide a pop-up salon for our unhoused neighbors at the events you held.
At one event, we met an individual who was about to have his permanent housing interview and wanted to look different and feel clean. You could see the long-term effects of exposure to the elements in the discoloration of his hair and beard. We started with cutting his beard, treating, and then cutting his hair. He left with a spring in his step and a new level of confidence— that is impactful (he also
secured that housing).
When folks sit in that chair, we share an intimate experience, and we have an opportunity to help them see themselves, often for the first time in a long time— that is powerful and meaningful.
What would you say to someone who wants to know how to help?
WILSON: I’d start by telling them that this is our community. And community means everyone. Real community is taking care of one another—giving someone joy that may be having a dismal day.
We have an obligation to make sure we lend a hand whenever and however we can. I firmly believe in the mantra: United we stand, divided we fall.
Do you know of someone else using their gifts and talents to improve our community? Drop us a line at info@ sheikhimpact.com. spt
Amber Sheikh is a San Pedro resident, mother of two, community advocate, and owner of Sheikh/Impact, a nonprofit consulting firm.
Mitchel Wilson, co-owner of Subterranean Hair, with a senior client. (photo: Rosemary Wilson)
GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE
San Pedro’s nonprofits are struggling; now’s the time to rally around the organizations that keep our community strong
BY LEE WILLIAMS
San Pedro is more than a coastal town with postcard views and maritime history—it’s a community built on heart, grit, and generosity.
Whether it’s helping a neighbor rebuild after a fire or showing up to support youth programs, San Pedrans know how to rally. But right now, our local nonprofits—the organizations that quietly keep our community strong—are facing one of their toughest chapters yet.
The recent wildfires across Southern California have put immense strain on emergency services and regional resources. At the same time, nonprofit funding from city, county, state, and federal sources is shrinking,
leaving local organizations scrambling to fill the gaps. Many nonprofits serving our seniors, youth, artists, and families are struggling to raise enough money just to keep the lights on. That’s where we come in. This is a moment to lean into San Pedro pride and “give where you live.”
Our support—financial, volunteer-based, or simply by spreading the word—can help ensure these vital community institutions continue their work. Here are a few that need us now more than ever:
SAN PEDRO MEALS ON WHEELS
This organization delivers more than just meals—it delivers dignity, friendship, and peace of mind to our seniors.
For many older adults, a hot meal and a warm hello from a volunteer are the highlight
of their day. A donation here helps fight food insecurity and isolation among our most vulnerable neighbors.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE LOS ANGELES HARBOR
With after-school programs, arts, sports, academic support, and career prep, BGCLAH is one of the Harbor Area’s largest and most impactful youth-serving organizations. From San Pedro to Wilmington, they empower thousands of kids and teens every day. If we want to invest in our future, this is where it starts.
HARBOR CONNECTS
A newer player doing big things, Harbor Connects is about bridging the gap in homeless services where larger organizations cannot. Say it’s late on a Friday and someone needs temporary shelter and can’t wait until Monday for services to reopen, or an unhoused veteran needs help getting their documentation together to receive benefits, or a mother who is leaving a domestic abuse situation needs help with car repair so she can continue to commute to work.
Harbor Connects provides immediate resources that help keep people from falling into homelessness and, in partnership with local service providers, helps them quickly find their way out of difficult life situations.
SAN PEDRO WATERFRONT ARTS DISTRICT
Public art. Community events. Artist support. The Arts District does it all while beautifying our streets and keeping San Pedro’s creative spirit alive.
Murals and installations aren’t just decoration— they’re visual storytelling connecting us to our history, diversity, and shared future.
LOS ANGELES MARITIME INSTITUTE (LAMI)
LAMI takes local youth out to sea—literally. They teach science, leadership, and resilience through hands-on education aboard tall ships like the Irving Johnson. For many students, it’s their first time on the water and an unforgettable gateway to growth and confidence.
Each of these groups serves a different part of the community, but together, they create the safety net— and the cultural soul—of San Pedro. Most don’t have corporate endowments or high-powered donors. They have us: our town, our people, our contributions.
For every organization I have named, there are ten other worthy and committed organizations doing important work in our community. Many may not survive the financial uncertainty of the next few years. If you have considered giving and know of organizations that pull at your heart, there is no time better than the present.
This season, skip the extra coffee run and consider setting up a recurring donation to one of these nonprofits. If a financial gift isn’t possible, consider volunteering, attending a fundraiser, or simply following and sharing their messages on social media. Every bit counts. In times of challenge, San Pedro has always looked inward—and then stepped forward. Let’s do it again. Let’s give where we live. 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.
LET’S TALK DONUTS
How our writer’s evolving sweet tooth led to discovering San Pedro’s best donuts—just in time for National Donut Day
BY SANAM LAMBORN
Iwillstart by confessing that donuts were an acquired taste for me and not what my occasional sweet tooth tendencies crave.
I am not a fan of sugary items; as such, I gravitate toward European-style desserts. Slowly throughout the years, though, I have developed an appreciation for donuts and found a few types from around town that I enjoy.
Friday, June 6, is National Donut Day. While talking donuts ahead of this month’s column, I learned something new: There are strong preferences between donuts that are yeast-based (glazed or filled types that have an airy and pillowy consistency) and cake based (old fashioned or, say, blueberry with a dense, cake-like texture). I have a stronger preference for the yeastbased type, with one exception: a well-made glazed old fashioned—one that is crispy and crackly on the outside but tender on the inside.
Now, on to my occasional donut adventures. At each end of the semester, I bring donuts for my most engaged classes as a reward.
Yum Yum Donuts (540 S. Gaffey St.) has been my preferred stop out of convenience because they are on
the right side of the street on my way to the freeway. I have always found their service prompt, no matter the time of the day. Their donuts are good, and I like that during the holiday season, they have festive options.
A place that must be mentioned in town is The Donut (1615 S. Gaffey St.), a long-standing institution that has served the San Pedro community for over four decades. Their displays are filled with the quintessential donut types made daily in-house.
On a recent visit, I picked up some of my favorite flavors: sugar, coconut, and an old fashioned. Of course, a visit to this shop requires having their most popular item: the glazed mini donut. It’s truly good, especially for those with an affinity for yeast-based donuts.
The Donut has a drivethrough window, which makes it very convenient to pick up orders without getting out of the car. However, what truly sets it apart is the unparalleled service. You will not be in and out as quickly as other shops, but what you will get is engaged, kind human interaction with the owners, Bob Chase and Dara Anderson
I’ll choose this type of service any day because it reminds me of the power of synergy created when business owners directly interact with their customers.
The Donut is a cash-only place, but if you don’t have any, there is an ATM inside the shop.
I equate walking into Granny’s Donuts (316 N. Western Ave.) in the early mornings to stepping into a candy store. I am always amazed by all the colorful varieties of donuts that stare back at me in their display windows.
Depending on the season or holiday, they have an assortment of donuts with seasonal toppings. For sweet sprinkles lovers, there are plenty of glazed and cake donuts to choose from. Speaking of the latter, many options exist to satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. They also have glazed donuts with
sports team logos, depending on the occasion. The donuts here are also made in-house, and I have always found the service friendly and quick.
What you are about to read may contradict what I said in the first paragraph: The flavor that weakens my knees is the bacon maple glazed donut. The pillowy donut, combined with the sweetness of the maple syrup glaze and the saltiness of the bacon, make for a finger-licking good treat. Trust me. spt
Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page @eatinsanpedro.
The Donut’s famous mini donuts. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
FAST TIMES AT SAN PEDRO HIGH
Today’s teens are growing up in a world unlike anything previous generations have faced.
Constant digital stimulation, social media pressures, and shrinking face-to-face interaction are the new normal. The isolation worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced schools to close, friendships to move online, and milestone moments to be missed. Even as the world reopened, the effects linger.
According to a study highlighted by writer and analyst Ed Elson in December 2024, “We now spend 70% less time with our friends than we did a decade ago.” (Source: Scott Galloway, “People Are the New Brands,” 2024)
Technology has connected the world—and, ironically, isolated much of its youth. But at San Pedro High
School, a group of track and field athletes is writing a very different story. Despite the modern challenges pulling young people apart, seniors Evan Hadeishi, Jack Butterfield, Christopher Frelix, and Robbie Rivas have pulled together—on and off the track. Their unity carried them to a historic season, breaking two longstanding school records: the Distance Medley Relay (DMR) and the 4x1600m relay at the prestigious Arcadia Invitational.
In a time when social isolation is skyrocketing—when “12% of Americans say they have zero close friends, up from 3% in 1990” and “half the country says they’re struggling with loneliness,” according to Elson—the Pirates’ story feels even more extraordinary. Their success wasn’t just a personal victory but a collective one.
PIRATES TRACK AND FIELD RELAY TEAM FINDS UNITY, BREAKS RECORDS, AND DEFIES THE DIGITAL AGE
“A lot of times you end up with maybe two or three good guys at best—having that fourth or fifth good guy, that’s what really builds a good team,” says Butterfield. “We haven’t had a team that can run consistently and fast; that’s what separates us.”
“We were coming off a pretty poor performance in the DMR,” recalls Hadeishi about the Arcadia Invitational. He saw the 4x1600m as a chance to regroup, trust each other, and get back on track.
For Hadeishi, the greatest challenge wasn’t physical—it was mental. Running the anchor leg without a pacer, he relied solely on the energy from the sidelines and the ticking of the clock.
Butterfield, a senior mid-distance standout, explains that being the third leg—typically reserved for
the team’s fastest runners— comes with enormous responsibility. “You don’t have a watch,” he says. “You’re relying on instincts and math to keep your pace.”
Running third means being at a critical point in the relay where momentum needs to be protected or regained. “During those larger relays like the 4x1600 and the DMR, the pack stretches out so much that it almost becomes a time trial,” Butterfield explains. “You’re running against the clock, and it’s tough because you have to subtract your own time as you go.”
Rivas, who joined track relatively late in his high school career, admits to doubts before the big race. “Honestly, I didn’t think we had it that day,” he says. “The day prior, we didn’t have the greatest performance. We really came back, slept on it,
STORY & PHOTOS BY SEAN C. RICE
San Pedro High School track and field relay team members (l to r) Jack Butterfield, Robbie Rivas, Christopher Frelix, and Evan Hadeishi, with Head Coach Jeff Atkinson. (photo: Sean C. Rice)
“THEY’RE LIKE A MINI SYMPHONY. A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND SIZES—THEY JUST BLEND WITH EACH OTHER— A CHAMBER ORCHESTRA MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.”
and it felt amazing.”
For Rivas, the experience was about more than running—it was about trust and belonging. “We lean on each other a lot,” he says. “We stick together on race days, during warmups, and even after school.”
Representing San Pedro High carries special meaning for Rivas, whose siblings also attended the school. “It’s an honor,” he says. “Adding to the school’s reputation means a lot to me.”
Frelix, who once dreamed of a soccer career before following his father’s footsteps into track, said the biggest hurdle wasn’t physical—it was emotional. “I had to overcome my own fears of failing again and letting my team, my coach, everyone down,” he says. “But bonding with my teammates helped me push through it.”
This group’s authentic friendship stands out in an
era where much of teen interaction is filtered through screens and curated feeds. They laugh together, train together, and even maintain quirky pre-race rituals—including a team trip to the bathroom before every race.
“It’s just part of our thing,” Rivas says, grinning. Their bond didn’t happen by accident. It was nurtured under the guidance of Head Coach Jeff Atkinson, a former Olympian who has dedicated his post-elite career to inspiring young athletes.
“Standing on the Olympic starting line is exactly like standing on the starting line at a dual meet,” Atkinson explains. “It’s thrilling. That same energy and adrenaline never goes away.”
Atkinson’s coaching philosophy centers around consistency. “Consistency over time is the key to everything,” he says. “That’s the art of it—I use a lot of data,
science, and experience.”
He pulls from books, clinics, and conversations with other coaches but ultimately believes every athlete is an experiment of one. “Forty miles a week might work for one kid, while another might need eighty,” he explains. Tracking workouts, sleep, nutrition, and even class schedules helps him monitor progress. “You watch their body language, compare it to past performances, and aim to stay slightly undercooked,” he says. “One percent overcooked, and it’s over. Ten percent undercooked, and you’re ready to run your fastest race.”
When Atkinson first met this group as freshmen, they were promising but not prodigies. None had broken five minutes in the mile. But what they had was heart— and each other. Through summers of hard training, setbacks, and relentless
mileage building (from 40 miles a week as freshmen to 70 miles a week as seniors), they transformed themselves—and the school’s track history.
“They’re like a mini symphony,” says Atkinson. “A variety of different shapes and sizes—they just blend with each other—a chamber orchestra making beautiful music.”
Their achievements extend far beyond the track. Each athlete has been accepted into major universities—UC Berkeley, UCLA, Long Beach State—not solely because of athletic talent, but because of resilience, academics, and drive. Atkinson sees them as the kind of young people you want leading the next generation. The success hasn’t stopped with the relays. In individual events, junior Jazmin Watts is rewriting the record books with new
Hadeishi, Butterfield, Rivas, and Frelix at a recent practice.
(photo: Sean C. Rice)
marks in the 150m and 300m, both 30” and 27” hurdles. Senior Abraham Radisic has raised the bar in sprints and hurdles on the boys’ side, breaking school records in the 400m, 300m, and 60m hurdles.
This record-breaking season represents more than fast times—it represents a generation fighting to reclaim its sense of community after years of disruption, including the pandemic’s devastating isolation. In many ways, their victories feel like a page-turning—a signal that even after COVID19’s disconnection, in-person bonds, teamwork, and real friendships can still prevail.
Track and field’s influence crosses over into other sports, elevating the entire athletic culture at San Pedro High. “As a result, I’ve had incredible support,” says Atkinson. “From our athletic director, Mr. Gossett, to our principal, Mr. Bell, and vice principal, Mr. Allen—they’re fantastic.”
With construction nearing completion, they’re trying to rebuild, resurface the stadium, lay new turf for football, soccer, and track, and line the field with new banners—all in time for the 2028 Olympics.
“This stadium should be the crown jewel of LA city schools, the crown jewel of Southern California,” Atkinson adds. “Because if you sit in those stands and look out over the harbor and realize the world’s commerce comes through our town— that’s a powerful thing. And we want our kids to feel that.”
Technology often separates people more than it connects them, but these athletes have proven otherwise. They’ve shown that real success still comes from showing up, pushing each other to be better, and finding strength in the struggle. While they benefit from modern tools and training science, what truly sets them apart isn’t gadgets— it’s heart.
In a world where teens are often painted as disconnected and distracted, the San Pedro Pirates offer a different story. They didn’t just break records; they broke away from the loneliness that defines too much of their generation.
Through grit, connection, and collective effort, they’ve given us more than fast times—they’ve given us hope that today’s youth, even in a digitally distracted world, are still capable of extraordinary greatness. spt
Cannoli Steak Salmon Salad Chicken Parmesan
Coach Atkinson addresses the team before a recent meet. (photo: Sean C. Rice)
A SOLO VISION WITH COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Artist and gallerist Peter Scherer brings fresh energy—and a bold mission—to San Pedro’s art scene with solo.
BY LINDA GRIMES
WhenI first met Peter Scherer, he impressed me as someone who is not afraid of taking bold, non-traditional actions to achieve substantial results, challenge the status quo, and make a lasting difference.
Independent and unconventional, Peter recently moved his gallery solo. into Downtown San Pedro at 366 W. 7th Street, the space once occupied by Meduina Schneider Art Gallery.
The idea behind solo. is simple. Peter has been staging solo shows by artists whose work he respects. He wants to treat artists as he, an artist himself, would like to be treated by a gallery. This means, amongst other things, well-curated shows, proper support materials, and a fair commission structure.
What landed you in San Pedro, and when?
PETER SCHERER: I moved
to San Pedro at the tail end of the pandemic, pretty much four years ago now. I was visiting a friend in his studio and visited a studio space before heading back up to the Westside. So, I decided to give it a try.
Why did you take over the Menduina Schneider Art Gallery space?
SCHERER: I always thought the space would make for a great proper gallery, so when it became available, I took it. I was already familiar with the owner of the property, Robin Hinchcliffe, and I knew she’d like the idea of the space staying a gallery.
What is the vision and purpose for solo.?
SCHERER: The name says it. I plan to stage solo shows every couple of months. I intend to focus mainly on local artists. There is so much art talent in the neighborhood, but it’s a bit sleepy here for my taste, and I think the art scene here could use some exposure. San Pedro might be known as a neighbor-
hood of artists, but it is not a neighborhood where art collectors come to visit. Maybe that can change.
Who are some of your featured artists?
SCHERER: Nancy Crawford – Known for her cinematic spaces evoking anticipation and longing, her work invites viewers into a world of seas, skies, and dream-like figures.
Ellwood T. Risk – We are, all of us, targets in one way or another. Even before we are old enough to understand them in any meaningful way or the role they will play in our lives, we are targeted by social norms, religions, various forms of print and electronic media, corporations, advertisers, and governments.
“Woody” is a self-taught artist who has been living and working in Los Angeles since 1992. To say his aesthetic is strong would be a gross understatement. Suggesting that it is safe would be wildly misguided. The artist has perfected a visual fashion infusing iconogra-
phy, graphic content, and a strong artistic statement. That is to say, when you see an Ellwood Risk piece, you know it.
Yong Sin – Working primarily from the organizational grid and employing geometric austerity and deceptive plainness, Sin works in collage, painting, and mixed media. The meditative repetitiveness of the grid is often interrupted by quiet noise, but noise nonetheless, as the matrix flickers with near-kinetic energy.
Scherer’s solo. is located at 366 W. 7th Street and is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., during the First Thursday ArtWalk, or by appointment. Follow them on Instagram @solosanpedro. spt
Linda Grimes is the executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.
solo. gallery exterior. (photo: courtesy Peter Scherer)
HAVING AN ‘EDDIE MOMENT’
A recent trip to Japan helped one woman realize the power of showing up
BY EDDIE Mc KENNA
wonder if I’m truly making an impact on people. Is what I’m doing really making a difference?
Then my client Sally came in the other week after a 10-day trip to Japan with her 22-year-old daughter. She walked into the gym with an energy I thought was from being back in the gym—but it wasn’t. Her excitement wasn’t about barbells or burpees; it was about something bigger. She finally realized why she comes to the gym.
I asked her how her trip was, and she practically shouted, “I had an Eddie moment!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “What does that mean?” I asked curiously. That’s when she told me that there were actually a
few “Eddie moments.”
The first one happened when Sally and her daughter biked around Mount Fuji. She explained how easy it felt for her—let me tell you, that ride is no walk in the park. It’s about 10-12 miles, roughly an hour of continuous pedaling (for any non-bikers reading). Her daughter, on the other hand, found it a serious challenge. Sally recounted this with just a little too much delight.
For once, the roles were reversed—her daughter was on the struggle bus, and Sally was coasting along. She was genuinely proud of herself, and I was proud of her, too. At 50 years old, Sally could enjoy a challenging bike ride with her daughter and not worry about keeping up. That’s fitness paying off in the real world.
The second “Eddie moment” came during the remaining days, when they
hiked several 10-12 mile trails. Again, Sally grinned as she shared how she had to slow down for her daughter quite a few times. This wasn’t a smug smile; it was a proud one. She wasn’t happy that her daughter struggled— she was happy that she could do all those things and share those moments.
The third moment? Sally admitted she’s far from the perfect gym-goer. In fact, I usually have to call and remind her to get her butt to the gym. She comes reluctantly, but she comes. For the last 10 years, she’s put in the work: week after week, one or two (sometimes three) workouts, missing a stretch here and there, but always coming back.
She realized—with some amusement—that I was right: Working out really is like a savings account. Little deposits, made consistently, add up over time. That’s
what let her enjoy every bit of her trip without worrying about being fit enough.
I’ve probably written about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Sometimes, you need to hear things a few times before it sinks in. One day, it hits you—I need to start taking care of myself.
If you’ve been putting it off, remember: The best time to start investing in yourself was seven years ago. The second-best time is today. Start putting those pennies in the bank. Aspire to be like Sally, and who knows—maybe you’ll surprise yourself and kick your 22-year-old kid’s butt, too. spt
Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.
(photo: Marek Piwnicki / Pexels.com)
FUTURE LEADERS OF SAN PEDRO
APRIL 30, 2025 - DALMATIAN-AMERICAN CLUB
PHOTOS BY MIKHAIL MASON, MARY MCLACHLAN, PAULA RUSSO, & RAY VAUDO
After an extended pandemic pause, the San Pedro Youth Coalition proudly brought back its annual Future Leaders of San Pedro banquet at the DalmatianAmerican Club. More than 50 students from San Pedro’s elementary, middle, and high schools were honored for excellence in academics, school and community service, citizenship, and the arts or athletics. Chosen by their teachers and principals, these students represent the best of our community. Congratulations to this year’s Future Leaders—and to SPYC for reviving the tradition!
TRANI'S 100 TH CELEBRATION
MAY 17, 2025 - TRANI'S DOCKSIDE STATION
PHOTOS BY JOHN MATTERA PHOTOGRAPHY
The Trani family celebrated 100 years of culinary excellence and community legacy with what many called the “party of the year.” The event marked a century since Filippo Trani opened The Majestic Café in San Pedro in 1925. Guests enjoyed live music, free food, and a souvenir glass while honoring a family that has helped shape San Pedro’s dining scene for generations. Congratulations to the Trani family on 100 remarkable years—and here’s to many more!
LA FLEET WEEK WELCOME PARTY
MAY 22, 2025 - DOWNTOWN SAN PEDRO
PHOTOS BY JOHN MATTERA PHOTOGRAPHY
Downtown San Pedro rolled out the red carpet for our service members at the LA Fleet Week Welcome Party on Thursday, May 22. Held on 6th Street and Mesa, the evening featured smooth live jams from New Latitude, Mid Life Crisis, and the U.S. Navy’s own Destroyers band. Guests enjoyed a beer and wine garden, dessert food trucks, and swing dancers. A festive night celebrating those who serve!
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
GUARANTEE DELIVERY OF SAN PEDRO TODAY TO YOUR HOME EVERY MONTH!
Tired of your neighbors stealing your copy on their daily walk? Sick of sending your copies to out of town relatives? Solve that by becoming a print subscriber to San Pedro Today magazine!
For just $40 a year, you can have San Pedro Today delivered right to your mailbox every month. Cost includes 12 issues of San Pedro Today mailed in an envelope. (U.S. orders only.)
You’ll be able to order online soon at sanpedrotoday.com!
SUBSCRIBER INFO:
SEND TO: San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168 San Pedro, CA 90733
Name _____________________________________________________
