San Pedro Today - January 2016

JANUARY 2016

TANGO SAN PEDRO | MUSICAL PRODIGY MATTHEW MORREALE | OPERATION PROGRESS | WEDDING: MARK & THERESA SWANSON

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Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.

Please Meet in the School’s Gym (use Taper Avenue entrance)

• Traditional Catholic values • Staffed by Norbertine Priests • WASC accredited • 15 Sports and 30 Clubs • Small class size 1/24 • 27-acre campus

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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My first time ever entering the Warner Grand Theatre was in the summer of 1986. I was 11-years-old, in the 6th grade and my family had just moved us out of San Pedro to Orange County. I was in town visiting my grandparents and my Grandpa Jim took me to see Top Gun, which was playing at the theater that weekend.

I remember this night vividly for a couple of reasons. First, there were two girls from Holy Trinity that I had huge crushes on at the theater that night. Both of them were 7th graders (I liked them older back then), and I remember being incredibly nervous as they sat in the row in front of me. (I'm withholding their names to protect the innocent.) Secondly, few things are more uncomfortable than being 11-years-old and watching a love scene in a movie theater sitting next to a relative, especially your grandpa. I was there to see fighter jets and dogfights and beach volleyball, not to see Tom Cruise make "silhouette love" to Kelly McGillis. Needless to say, it was a very strange evening for my budding puberty.

I knew even back then that watching a film in that theater was special. I remember being taken aback by the glow of the marquee and the size of the theater hall. I'm pretty sure it was the biggest movie theater I'd ever been in at this point in my life. After that night, whenever I would visit town, I'd grab the News-Pilot and check the entertainment section to see what movie was playing at the Warner Grand that weekend. Sadly, I don't think I ever stepped foot again into the theater until around 2003, when I started writing for the original San Pedro Magazine.

We've written so much recently about hot-button topics like waterfront redevelopment and the homeless problem, that it's nice to pause this month and celebrate San Pedro's crown jewel, the Warner Grand Theatre, as it turns 85 on January 20. We even went so far as to get a special cake made for this month's cover.

As you'll read in our cover story, our Art Deco palace has an amazing history, and, by all accounts, probably shouldn't even exist today.

As many of you know, its most recent near miss was last November when firefighters battling the blaze in the building next door to it on 6th and Pacific made it a point to save the theater from destruction. San Pedro owes a debt of gratitude to those firefighters for their work that morning. If it weren't for them, we'd be printing an obituary for the theater instead of a feature this month.

While the theater has had many heroes save it from near destruction, no group has been more active in maintaining the theater's beauty and integrity more than the Grand Vision Foundation.

Full disclosure, I'm currently a board member of the Grand Vision Foundation, but even if I wasn't on the board, I'd still be writing about how the amazing work done by the GVF has kept the Warner Grand from falling into disarray and neglect. The nonprofit organization, led by Liz Schindler-Johnson, is responsible for the new seats (through a "Save Your Seat" campaign), ceiling repairs, a bigger performance stage and new lighting equipment, among a multitude of other improvements.

The theater's most recent upgrade is probably its most significant in decades, as the GVF recently purchased a 40,000 lumen, high resolution film projector for the theater. It was used for the first time during the San Pedro International Film Festival in October during its opening night screening of The Usual Suspects, a film San Pedrans are quite fond of for obvious reasons. (In case you're unaware, the film is based and was filmed mostly in town, with iconic scenes shot at the Korean Bell and in downtown.) The projector will allow the theater to screen digital films and current releases, officially ushering the Warner Grand into the 21st century.

On the evening of Wednesday, January 20, the GVF along with the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce will host a birthday party for the Warner Grand at the theater. All the information is on our Events page (pg. 8). If you haven't been to the Warner Grand in a while, might I suggest stopping by the birthday party to check out this glorious Art Deco palace in person, or try to see an event there this month, like Encore Entertainment's production of Mary Poppins (see pg. 15). Encore will be honoring the firefighters who helped save the theater during their opening night performance on January 9.

It's an honor well deserved, and San Pedro can't thank them enough. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editor-in-chief of San Pedro Today. He can be reached at contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

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Members of: The American Dental Association The California Dental Association

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Conveniently located in South Shores at the Vons Shopping Center on 25th and Western in San Pedro

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JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5

Gates Funding wishes everyone a blessed and prosperous New Year!

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JANUARY 2016

DEPARTMENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR EVENTS

4 8

VOICES MARCONI PIROZZI BARIC MARQUEZ COUNCILMAN BUSCAINO HEALTH & WELLNESS HEYDAY FITNESS

10 12 14 16 18 34 35

FEATURES COVER STORY: THE WARNER GRAND AT 85

For a theater that, by all accounts, shouldn't even exist anymore, 85 never looked so good.

SEARCHING FOR JANICE An old picture announcing a birth on the Warner Grand's marquee sparks a quest.

20

IF YOU CAN WALK, YOU CAN TANGO Learn the passionate "dance of love" at Tango San Pedro.

26

PITCH PERFECT With his 'absolute pitch,' 13-year-old Matthew Morreale is training to become a musical tour de force.

30

A BADGE OF OPPORTUNITY

Operation Progress offers positive mentorship to at-risk students.

32

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SPORTS: PREP BASKETBALL 2015-16 PREVIEW

Sizing up our local high schools' boys and girls basketball teams this season.

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WEDDING: Mark and Theresa (Hoinsky) Swanson – July 10, 2015

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ON THE COVER: Happy 85th to the Warner Grand Theatre

6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

(photo: John Mattera; photo illustration on cake: Grand Vision Foundation; cake purchased at Amalfitano Bakery)

Up to

60% Off!

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua J. Stecker

ADVERTISING: General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com

ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION Joseph A. Castañeda

Patricia Roberts - San Pedro (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com

AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS Jack Baric, Joe Buscaino, Lori Garrett, Brooke Karli, Roseanney Liu, Ricky Magana, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Anthony Pirozzi, Angela Romero, Monica Simpson, Jamaal K. Street

Shana Ghekiere - San Pedro (and outer regions) (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Richard Corman John Mattera Photography CONTACT INFO: PHONE: (424) 224-9063 EMAIL: contact@sanpedrotoday.com

San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733

VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 12

Empire22 Media LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER Joshua J. Stecker 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. 25,000 copies are delivered to San Pedro and portions of 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 2009-2016, Empire22 Media LLC.

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JANUARY Tour the historic PT. FERMIN LIGHTHOUSE, built in 1874 to light the entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor, located in the Pt. Fermin Park (807 Paseo del Mar). Guided tours offered 1-3p Tues thru Sun. Closed Mon and major holidays.

Admission is free; donations accepted.

Centre St.) The 14th annual 'Pick of the Vine' will include a collection of original short-subject plays ranging from 7-15 min. in length. This collection of plays provides delicious bites of comedy and drama that comprise a full program of uniquely entertaining stories in a single evening. For tickets and show times, visit www.littlefishtheatre.org, or call (310) Every Wed – CHILDREN’S WRITING CLASSES at 512-6030. the Corner Store (1118 37th St). Seven Golden Secrets of Writing with Diana Chapman, Wed 4:30-5:45p. For info, 9 (Sat) - FAMILY GARDEN EXPLORATION WITH L.A. call (310) 626-7906. Please call ahead to reserve space.

CITY RANGERS at White Point Nature Education Center (1600 W. Paseo Del Mar) 10a-11a. Bring your children to Every Thurs (except holidays) – ADULT WRITING GROUP enjoy time with the L.A. City Rangers exploring the native in Library room of St. Peter's Episcopal Church (1648 W. 9th plant demonstration garden and listening to nature-themed St.). 1-3p. All welcome! For more info, call (310) 831-2186. children's stories! All ages welcomed! For more info, visit www.pvplc.org or call (310) 541-7613.

Every Fri – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (6th St. between Pacific and Mesa Streets) 9a-2p.

11 (Mon) – NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL MEETING at Peck Park Community Building Every Sat – LAFD HARBOR MUSEUM (639 Harbor Blvd) (560 N. Western Ave.). 6p. Info: www.nwsanpedro.org.

10a-3p. Experience San Pedro and Wilmington's Fire Protection and Rescue service history with vintage fire 12 (Tues) – CENTRAL SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD apparatus and various displays. The museum is located in COUNCIL MEETING at Port of Los Angeles High School Old Fire Station 36 in the San Pedro City Hall. Admission is (250 W. 5th Street). 6:30p. Info: www.sanpedrocity.org. free, donations are accepted.

18 (Mon) – COASTAL SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD Every Sun – Tour the MULLER HOUSE MUSEUM (1542 COUNCIL MEETING at Cabril-lo Marina Community Beacon St.) 1-4p. Built in 1899, the Muller House is the Building (Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28, Via Cabrillo Marina headquarters of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. Way). 6:30p. In-fo: www.cspnc.org.

Admission is free, but a donation of $3 is encouraged.

18 (Mon) - MLK JR. DAY OF SERVICE at White Point 2 (Sat) - FIRST SATURDAY FAMILY HIKE at George F. Nature Preserve (1600 W Paseo Del Mar.) 9a-12p. Join the Canyon (27305 Palos Verdes Dr. E, Rolling Hills Estates). Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy to help beautify 9a. Guided walks through the Canyon. Free and open to the the native demonstration garden, benefitting local wildlife public. All ages welcome. For more info, contact (310) 547- and the community. Sign up at www.pvplc.volunteerhub.

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24 (Sun) – 'HOLD UP' EXHIBITION at Angels Gate Cultural Center (3601 S. Gaffey St.) 2-5p. Join Angels Gate Cultural Center in a group exhibition spanning all five gallery spaces.

The exhibition traverses land and sea in reimagined vehicles wobbling across scrutinized infrastruc-ture that necessarily transforms itself into perches for utopic possibilities to take flight. FREE. All ages welcome.

24 (Sun) – L.A. TIMES COLUMNIST SANDY BANKS at the Grand Annex (434 West 6th Street) 2p. Friends of San Pedro Library will present Ms. Banks, who will discuss the future of print journalism and of the Los Angeles Times as well as relate some of her most interesting ex-periences as reporter, editor, columnist, and director of the newspaper's internship programs. Reservation forms are available at San Pedro Library and at www.friendsspl.org or call (310) 832-6288.

24 (Sun) - PVPLC’S 2ND ANNUAL WILD AND SCENIC FILM FESTIVAL at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 West 6th St.) 4p. The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is proud to present an exciting selection of adventurous and inspirational films about nature, with beautiful cinematography and some remarkable individuals whose passion is contagious. For tickets and more info, visit www. pvplc.org or call (310)541-7613.

9 (Sat) – CORNER STORE FARMERS MARKET at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.) 10a-12p. Open every second Saturday of the month. Grab some coffee and homegrown produce and don’t forget to bring your reusable bags!

26 (Tues) - SAN PEDRO GARDEN CLUB at Peck Park Auditorium (560 N. Western Ave.) 9:30a. Come hear "The 20 (Wed) - WARNER GRAND BIRTHDAY PARTY at the History of South Coast Botanic Garden" presented by the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.) 5p. The San Pedro Garden's direc-tor, Peter Olpe. Come early for refreshments Chamber of Commerce and Grand Vision will host the and shopping at the plant and opportunity tables.

Warner Grand’s 85th birthday party. Be sure to bring your good cheer and community pride! Generous appetizers, Email event info to events@sanpedrotoday. desserts and refreshments will be served. Tickets $10/ com. Deadline for the February issue is Friday Chamber members and $20/General at the door.

8 (Fri) – 'PICK OF THE VINE' at Little Fish Theatre (777 S

23 (Sat) – 'DISNEY’S FROZEN' SING-A-LONG at the otherwise noted.

January 15. All locations in San Pedro unless

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8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Warner Grand Theatre (478 W 6th St.) 1:30p. Join Grand Vision to sing along to your favorite songs from Disney’s 'Frozen'! Before the film, there will be plenty of activities, including a meet and greet with Elsa, arts and crafts, a costume parade and more. Tickets $25/VIP Section + Entry into the Frozen Raffle, $15/Adults, $10/Children ages 3-13, 2 and under FREE. Tickets available at the door.

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H O LY T R I N I T Y S C H O O L E D U CAT I N G T H E M I N D S A N D S P I R I T S O F O U R C H I L D R E N

Athletics 15

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Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool-8th School grade Christ Lutheran Church and School has been educating students in our community for over 60 years. We provide an affordable Christ-centered education where your child will grow spiritually, academically and socially in a safe and caring community.

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JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9

Learn in a small class size environment taught by caring and experienced instructors

VOICES

San Pedran Wants to Solve Warner’s Theater Mystery

by Steve Marconi

10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Native San Pedran John Gilhuly wrote in support of my effort to get a war memorial included in the waterfront development plans, then asked if I could help solve a related mystery for him.

“I used to go to the Warner Bros. theatre way before, during, and for sometime after, WWII,” Gilhuly said. "I remember seeing a bronze plaque on a wall of the outside foyer that was dedicated to the memory of a San Pedro man who died in WWI. His name and outfit were listed along with the date and place of his death.

“If you stand in front of the ticket booth and face the street, the plaque was mounted to the right on the first stone panel near the sidewalk. Sometime after the Warner Bros. closed, and the theatre went through its many changes until it became the Warner Grand, the plaque disappeared.

“I asked friends and schoolmates about it, and nobody remembers seeing it. I asked the Grand Vision Foundation and the San Pedro Bay Historical Society, and drew blanks from them, as well. I’m not losing any sleep over this, but every once in a while I think it would be nice to know what happened.”

I agree.

Since he’s already asked the most obvious sources, maybe someone out there can help.

Surely someone else remembers the plaque. I’d love to know who was being honored and if it’s one of the names I have on file of San Pedrans killed in the Great War. Hall-of-Famer Speaking of war, I got another interesting email from a former San Pedran who came upon a copy of San Pedro Today and discovered his late uncle, Mickey Panovich, was one of the recent inductees into the San Pedro High Athletic Hall of Fame.

Panovich, who graduated in 1940, starred in basketball and track; he was named one of San Pedro’s 100 Greatest Athletes in 1988.

Nephew Bob Pickard wrote: “My mom (Vera, who just turned 90) is his sister and my dad, who I'm named after, were both at SPHS back in the 1940s. (If I remember correctly, Dad was an all-league football player and placed in the City track championships in the shotput, too.)

“My dad and Mickey were really close, even after my parents divorced. And Mickey was a hero of mine, not only for his sports achievements, but his WWII service in the 101st Airborne. He was always so humble about that. Sadly, he suffered a terrible leg wound on his first jump, which was behind enemy lines in Belgium. It scuttled his basketball career at UCLA, which started so promisingly before he left to become a paratrooper. He was also a lifelong teacher and coach, a master bridge player, and a talented violinist. Best of all, he was just a great guy – warm, funny, positive, so likable.

He passed away a couple of years ago, at 91, and I miss him.”

Bob does remember correctly about his father, Bob Pickard, who was first team AllMarine League in 1942, as a 5'10", 160-pound senior guard (offense and defense). The coaches said Pickard was a “fine blocker. Hits hard.”

In Memoriam I knew Justin “Chris” Karmelich only 10 years, but in that short time he became, quite literally, a fixture in my life.

At around 6'5", Chris, even in his hunch-shouldered way, stood above the crowd at the casual hall, where we first met in 2005. He was the first person I looked for because when it came time to line up, he was right in front of me.

There is a lot of waiting at the casual hall, so we got to know each other pretty well.

Our lifestyles couldn’t have been more different – he smoked, enjoyed a good drink and thick steak, loved cars, fished, played the ponies, bet on football and was a student of poker – but the recently retired commercial plumber and this former newspaperman had the one thing in common that mattered most, San Pedro.

Chris graduated from San Pedro High five years after me, but we shared a lot of memories of old San Pedro – it turned out he grew up just around the corner from where I now live – and had numerous acquaintances in common. A member of the tight-knit Croatian community, it sometimes seemed like he knew everyone, especially on the waterfront.

He worked hard and was among the 600 casuals I congratulated in my September column for being elevated to registered longshoreman status. Chris was in the third group of 125 to be taken in; he spent the weeks leading up to his physical fretting about his blood-sugar levels. He passed the physical with flying colors and had just been registered the week before when sometime in his sleep the day before Thanksgiving his heart stopped. He was 59 and left behind a wife and two grown children and parents who now have lost three sons.

Chris had only been away from the casual hall a couple of weeks, and I was already missing him. Now we’re all missing him. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.

Looking for some fun things to do this January?

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DISCOVER DOWNTOWN! EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AWAITS YOU JANUARY 2

JANUARY 9 – 17

www.sirensjavahouse.com

www.grandvision.org

11:30 AM

WARNER GRAND THEATRE Encore Entertainers Presents MARY POPPINS THE MUSICAL

SIRENS JAVA & TEA GRAND OPENING

356 W. 7th Street

1st THURSDAY ARTWALK

Special Memorial Mosaic Revealing by Julie Bender.

356 W 7th St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Come see your favorite Disney classic film come to life on the Warner Grand stage!

JANUARY 21

3RD THURSDAY ENTERTAINMENT WALK

JANUARY 7 DOWNTOWN ARTWALK

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Experience San Pedro’s tight-knit artists’ community.

Food trucks, restaurants, plus live music!

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3rd THURSDAY

Live music at the corner of 6th St. & Mesa St. 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

ENTERTAINMENT

THE BIRD DOGS

JANUARY 30 GRAND ANNEX

www.grandvision.org

Seaso

n 14

JANUARY 8 – FEBRUARY 13

LITTLE FISH THEATRE www.littlefishtheatre.org

PICK OF THE VINE

Pick of the Vine

THIS YEAR’S BEST SHORT PLAYS

THIS YEAR’S BEST SHORT PLAYS Directed by Cylan Brown, Madeleine Drake, Branda Lock, and James Rice.

THE BIRD DOGS Present the Everly Brothers Experience

The Bird Dogs bring a genuine and youthful Everly Brothers experience to the stage, delivering their luminous harmonies and classic melodies.

www.SanPedroBID.com

SCAN HERE FOR YOUR LOCAL DINING GUIDE & COUPONS

Get our monthly E-Newsletter sent to your inbox for dining deals, fun events & entertainment news happening in the San Pedro Historic Waterfront District. Go to www.SanPedroBID.com and subscribe to get started.

Twice as Nice Sale!

VOICES

Turning the Tide

by Anthony Pirozzi

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12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Pictured (l to r) Virginia Brumm, Debbie (Hoffman) Martin, Silvia de la Pena, Donice Sims, Maria Chapparo, Rose Ann Lusic, Ken Montgomery, Tanya Euceda, Emily Pilato and Linda Moore. (Not pictured: Dolores Conway, Sarah Favazza, Sue Lorman and John Cantu.)

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Heading into a New Year is usually met with establishing new goals and aspirations. Whether getting physically fit, eating better, spending quality time with family and friends, traveling, volunteering, paying down debt, spending less time texting and more face time with friends, the lists are endless. Whatever it is, only you know what the important things are that you want to accomplish. Of course, the next question is how long will you sustain your goals before you put them off until next year rolls around? I am guilty of this, too. I mean, I am still trying to shed those 25-pounds from last year. But hey, there is always tomorrow to get started! Sound familiar?

In order to achieve a goal, I believe that you must have a passion for it in order to get it done. Most people may think that they don’t have the time. I have always been a firm believer that it’s not about time, but rather about want. If you want to accomplish something you will find the time to do it. With that, I have seen many new voices and faces getting involved in bettering San Pedro this year. These new voices have a passion for San Pedro and are finding the time to be heard whether at neighborhood council, Harbor Commission, or town hall meetings. Their passion stems from wanting positive change for our community because they are tired of the status quo and change is taking too long to accomplish. Yes, there are still those who will complain and never believe anything has or will change locally. There will be those who will hide behind a Facebook post without rolling up their sleeves and putting in the time it takes to truly influence change. But all-in-all, many of these new voices are beginning to be heard and they represent the voices of our future.

For example, the issue of homelessness has taken center stage because many of these voices expressed frustration as our local homeless population increased. Each day, law-abiding citizens communicate both the positive and negative encounters with the homeless, either in the local paper, community meetings or on social media. Crime is another element that we continue to face everyday. Whether it’s a random shooting we read about or witness, the text we receive that our kids' schools are on lockdown because a crime suspect is holed up in a nearby house, or when we see helicopters overhead searching for an alleged criminal. Ironically, as I write this column on a Sunday afternoon, there is a police helicopter circling overhead. Coincidence or our unfortunate reality?

This year, it is incumbent upon all of us to make our voices heard and take action that is focused on developing solutions to our problems and not fall into the trap of just supporting a proposed solution without understanding the facts or implications behind it. No longer can we sit back and accept things as they are just because we are growing accustomed to them. We have the right to live in a community that is not only safe and clean, but one that provides us the amenities that we seek in other communities. It will take all of us to be vocal and committed to making a difference and challenge those who would rather keep the status quo. There is no silver bullet that will fix it all, but rather a collection of issues we must tackle that will eventually turn the tide toward a positive future.

If there was ever a time to get behind a concerted effort to make San Pedro safer and improve our quality of life, the time is now. To the new voices in town, remember that this is a marathon and not a sprint. Don’t get frustrated with the slow pace of change, but rather stay focused, consistent and diligent and you will be the change agent that this town needs. I want to thank you for getting involved and I look forward to working with you as we turn the tide toward San Pedro’s future. spt Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at apirozzi@yahoo.com.

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2015 was a bumpy year in San Pedro. Public anger over issues such as the homeless and the slow pace of waterfront development dominated social media debates. Through all the bickering, one thing became clear; we lack a cohesive economic vision for our community.

Most of our hopes seem to be riding on redeveloping the waterfront and the Rancho San Pedro housing projects. This push toward making our waterfront and downtown a more densely populated and urbane locale seems to fit into the model that Harvard economist Edward Glaeser outlines in his book, Triumph of the City. Glaser writes, “In the richest countries of the West, cities have survived the tumultuous end of the industrial age and are now wealthier, healthier, and more alluring than ever.”

Although there is considerable debate about the exact details of how the waterfront should be developed, there’s almost universal agreement in San Pedro that it is a key component to economic revival here. In addition, redevelopment of the Rancho San Pedro projects, across the street from the waterfront promenade and next to downtown, is also widely viewed as vital for prosperity in San Pedro.

Redevelopment of the projects offers a great opportunity to upgrade affordable housing for its residents by including them in a much larger development. The projects sit on a huge swath of property with plenty of space to create a mixed-use development of highrise apartments, shops, and restaurants, which include market rates for new residents and affordable rates for current residents. This sounds great, but read another quote from Glaeser. “Shiny new real estate may dress up a declining city, but it doesn’t solve its underlying problems…The folly of building-centric urban renewal reminds us that cities aren’t structures; cities are people.”

Although waterfront and Harbor Blvd. development will surely play a key role in our economic revival, we must begin to realize that these shiny new developments will not by themselves create an economic boom, but they can help attract the people that will.

Who are these people? Glaeser states, “Skilled cities have been more successful than less educated places… In 1980, men with four years of college earned about 33 percent more than high school graduates, but by the mid-1990s, that earnings gap had increased to nearly 70 percent.”

Ask yourself this question, how many job opportunities will the college-educated children of San Pedro have if the waterfront is exclusively a shopping and dining location?

Putting it simply, our new developments will provide a great draw to attract and retain educated and skilled workers if there is also a viable place to learn and work – a place like Silicon Valley. Glaeser writes about the seeds of Silicon Valley. “A century ago, computers didn’t exist and Santa Clara County was covered in orchards and farms. The agricultural community became a world capital of high technology because Senator Leland Stanford, a railroad magnate, decided to build a university on his 8,000-acre farm.”

But we don’t have a magnate to build a Stanford University in San Pedro. Yes we do. Wallis Annenberg and her Annenberg Foundation have pledged $46 million to build AltaSea, a world-class marine research institute that would employ and educate thousands of people on our waterfront. Annenberg Foundation provided the grant to help build AltaSea because they believe great job opportunities are the keys to positively transforming communities.

The thousands of highly skilled and educated workers on the AltaSea waterfront campus would only be the start. Glaeser explains, “Recent research finds that productivity is significantly higher for firms that locate near the geographic center of inventive activity in their industry.” In other words, it will make sense for biotech, pharmaceutical, or aquafarming companies, which benefit from research at AltaSea, to locate in San Pedro.

In my opinion, not nearly enough is being done to connect waterfront development with economic initiatives that can bring true prosperity to San Pedro. As an example, when Vice-President Biden was recently in Los Angeles to join Mayor Garcetti in touting Cleantech L.A., the event was held in Downtown Los Angeles. The event should have taken place at the port. As both the economic engine and single biggest contributor to pollution in Southern California, the L.A./Long Beach port complex provides the greatest "Silicon Valley” opportunity in Los Angeles to create a massive green tech, security and logistics hub.

San Pedro will only triumph when we begin to promote the vision of a waterfront development that creates the foundation for the port to be the economic epicenter of technology and innovation in Southern California. The pieces are all there. We just need to put them together. spt Jack Baric can be reached at jackbaric@hotmail.com.

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16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

by Jennifer Marquez Years before children and a husband, my relationship with the ocean was strong. I was an advanced certified scuba diver and loved exploring the sea. After starting a career and a family, I still admired the ocean but from a distance.

We go to the beach as a family and I kayak and paddleboard, which keeps me on top of the water, close enough I thought. When we would travel I snorkeled and splashed around with my children but I was hesitant. It was like looking at life from the edge, but not jumping in. Somewhere inside of me lived that same adventurous and fearless girl from years ago; I just did not know what to do with her.

El Niño weather has warmed the ocean and I recently began to swim in the sea with fins on my feet and other moms near. At first, I stayed close to the shore treading water as the other women went out further. Slowly with encouragement from my friends, I swam to the buoy at outer Cabrillo Beach. The saltwater makes my body buoyant; I can float without moving a muscle. It does not take much effort to move quickly through the sea out to the buoy. My mind becomes clear as I move my arms through the water and my thoughts seem to stay on the beach where I left my towel.

As I swim more frequently, I noticed a shift from within. I would remain relaxed for the entire day after an ocean swim; things did not bother me. I call it the chillaxing (chilling+ relaxing) effect. When I am in the ocean and a pod of dolphins are swimming near, my world aligns, I am not thinking about a work assignment or what time I need to pick-up the kids. I am emerged in the moment, the missing link in my life. As a mom, I often default to master scheduler. What am I going to cook for dinner? What time is my son’s dentist appointment? When does my boss need that report? In between the whirlwind of life there are bursts of being present, but it is only rare guest appearances.

The starring role is the taskmaster holding it all together.

I had received a GoPro camera as a gift from my husband and my children had been using it for months. One day I took it to Cabrillo Beach and a whole new world unfolded for me. The water was crystal clear and the underwater photos opened up a part of San Pedro that I had never seen before.

One Sunday morning, my youngest son joined me at the beach. My son paddled on a board as I swam with my fins, dolphins surrounded us. We could hear them breathing and watched as they swam next to us and even under us. There have been other days of dolphin encounters at Cabrillo Beach enjoying them while trying to stay a safe distance from these magnificent creatures. There are many people that swim at outer Cabrillo Beach year round. I chat with people as we swim by each other on our way to and from the buoy talking like we are passing each other on the street. All this swimming at outer Cabrillo Beach, Rated A by Heal the Bay, led to my membership with the Polar Bears, a swimming group based out of Cabrillo Beach.

The group of women I swim with has grown larger. The love for the ocean is the common denominator. There is a curiosity by others wondering how the ocean is helping us to find our groove again, without spending any money or listening to a motivating lecture. Now when I see other moms, we are not talking about cooking or work as much, we are discussing swells and tides.

The rhythm of the sea stops my mind from living life like a to-do list and has reunited me with now. I know this journey was not about the water; it just guided me to dive deep – inside of myself. The ocean is open to the world every day free of charge, no invitations are needed, and all are welcome. I am embracing a softer version of myself in the New Year, what is for dinner is not that important anymore, there is always take out. spt Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com.

JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17

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Last month, the Port of Los Angeles presented a relatively detailed construction schedule for the new redevelopment of Ports O' Call.

In the next month, the Port will enter into a lease agreement with renowned developer Wayne Ratkovich and we will finally start the process of building our new waterfront.

Mr. Ratkovich is one of the most respected developers on the West Coast, who has had a long career of successes. He is currently is redeveloping Macy's Plaza, Downtown L.A.'s most important commercial redevelopment project, which sits in the middle of the financial district.

He has reimagined the original Howard Hughes property in Playa Vista, which sat empty and unused for decades. The 28-acre property has 11 nationally registered historic landmark buildings that were home to Howard Hughes. Today, the property is home to some of the largest tech firms in the world, including YouTube.

Mr. Ratkovich has listened to the residents of the Harbor Area and understands that the new Waterfront needs to be an authentic experience that respects our town's history and flavor.

I have the utmost confidence that he will create a masterpiece out of the old Ports O' Call and create a unique and balanced mix of tenants that give the most value to the collective development that will draw the largest amount of visitors.

I am eager for the Harbor Commission to approve the lease agreement with Mr. Ratkovich in the next month followed by the approval of the City Council and the Mayor.

For those of us who have waited way too long for this project to begin and have consistently made our voices heard - our time has come and we have succeeded. The redevelopment of the L.A. Waterfront is about to be a done deal as soon as the lease gets approved in the next month. The entire region, along with San Pedro residents, will soon get to enjoy a new Los Angeles destination right here in our backyard.

After the lease agreement with Mr. Ratkovich, the Port will focus on finding a developer for the Cabrillo Marina, which is entitled for 90,000 square feet of commercial retail space.

There has also been lots of interest from the development community in the 12.5-acre Outer Cruise Terminal (Pier 46) site, which has hosted the Red Bull Rally Cross race and Cirque du Soleil.

Working with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, we are planning on redeveloping the 479-unit Rancho San Pedro Housing Development, which sits on 22-acres. I feel that we can more efficiently use these 22-acres of waterfront property, without displacing current residents, by not only upgrading the current units, but by building density and diversifying the housing to include affordable, market rate and commercial.

There is no doubt that the redevelopment of our waterfront is long overdue, however, there is equally no doubt that we are past the point of just talking about it and are ready for construction.

In preparation for Mr. Ratkovich’s new development, the Port of L.A. is investing more than $50 million towards essential infrastructure, which will include a realignment of Harbor Boulevard into the new development, a new town square in front of the Maritime Museum and a 1,200 foot-long promenade along the 30-acre site.

This is a big win for our community and the region. I am eagerly awaiting the groundbreaking! spt

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FOR A THEATER THAT, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, SHOULDN'T EVEN EXIST ANYMORE, 85 NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.

20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

by Angela "Romee" Romero The Warner Grand shouldn’t be here.

Last year, when a fire ravaged the 90+ yr old building on the northeast corner of 6th and Pacific, San Pedrans near and far rejoiced when its next door neighbor survived the blaze unscathed.

This month, on January 20th, the Warner Grand Theatre will be celebrating 85 years of near misses.

In early 1929, Warner Bros., the famous Hollywood studio, announced that they would be building six suburban theaters in the Los Angeles area, including the Warner Bros. San Pedro.

When the stock market crashed on a Black Tuesday later that year, all bets were off and the number of theaters was cut in half.

Luckily, San Pedro still got its theater, along with Beverly Hills and Huntington Park.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on June 18, 1930, with Jack Warner Jr. christening the site with the first shovelful of dirt. Construction only took six months but with the country in the throes of the Great Depression, cuts had to be made – there was no organ console in the pit, no pipes in the organ chambers, the dressing rooms beneath the stage weren’t built out and the offices above the storefronts never materialized. Even still, the Warner Bros. San Pedro opened to great fanfare with a star-studded celebration on January 20, 1931.

The theater survived the Great Depression under the helm of its first manager, Fred C. Crow, a former chiropractor who was handpicked by Warner Bros. because he was both a local and a ladies man. Fred used every weapon at his disposal to keep the theater open. He lowered admission prices, hosted celebrity appearances, held giveaways and put on screeno nights (bingo in a movie theater) – he even went as far as placing a mechanical fortune-telling doll in the lobby, which he personally assured was 100% accurate.

Most movie theaters thrived during World War II. The war effort required long hours and San Pedro was one of the cities answering the call loud and clear. All these hard workers needed a diversion so they flocked to theaters like the Warner’s. Plus, the newsreels that played along with every feature were the best way for Americans to see actual footage from the front lines. The Warner Bros. San Pedro also did its part by serving as a Victory House – a place where people could purchase war/victory bonds. There were even special movie showings where tickets would be given away with every victory bond purchased.

A night at the Warner Grand

(photo illustration: Grand Vision Foundation)

The managers of the Warner Bros. San Pedro had to work hard to keep the doors open during the Great Depression. Spectacles like a blindfolded driver in 1934 (left) and celebrity appearances by the Gilmore Lion in 1935 were sure to draw the crowds needed to fill the seats. Wilmington businessman Arnulfo Estrada changed the name of the theater to Teatro Juarez in 1974 (right). (photos: San Pedro Bay Historical Society)

Highlights of Grand Vision Foundation’s Improvements to the Warner Grand Theatre:

JANUARY 21, 1996 AT THE URGING OF GRAND VISION FOUNDATION, THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES PURCHASES THE WARNER GRAND THEATRE FOR $1.2 MILLION.

row while eating popcorn. After a few years like this, word got out that Lee Michaels needed to sell the Warner Grand to settle some financial obligations.

Lee Michaels approached Gary Larson, owner of the Arcade Building, which is located directly across the street from the theater, to see if he was interested in buying the Warner Grand. Having just recovered from the purchase of the Arcade Building, Larson was in no position to buy the theater, but as chairman of the San Pedro Revitalization Corporation he knew just how important the Warner Grand was to the future of downtown San Pedro.

“On the positive side, if it was a functioning theater, it would draw people, and on the negative side, if something happened to it, it’d be like a big black hole for downtown.”

Larson continued, “The fear of the theater being sold to someone who would do irreparable damage led to the regenesis of the Friends of the Warner Grand.”

The Friends of the Warner Grand was formed back when Ray Howell owned the theater but it quickly disbanded because it was tough to have a support group for a privately owned for-profit facility.

The first person Larson approached about re-grouping was fellow downtown property owner, Alan Johnson, co-owner of Jerico Development. They worked together to figure out a possible solution for saving the Warner Grand. It was suggested that the re-assembled group rebrand themselves for their new charge.

“Noramae Munster came up with the idea that we brand it as Grand Vision,” explained Larson. “I thought it was a great name for it because it was a vision and it wasn’t much more than that at the time.”

The “grand vision” was to figure out a way to raise the funds for the $1.3 million asking price to buy the theater, but time was running out.

Larson was in constant contact with Lee Michaels. There were two parties very interested and ready to go into escrow on the property – one would convert the theater into a gospel church and the other would rip out all the seats and put in a swap meet. He knew he needed to do something fast.

Larson went to Michaels on behalf of the community and told him what he and Johnson were attempting to do and, to Michaels’ credit, he preferred saving the theater for the community over the other uses. He gave them 180 days to secure the funds.

After exhausting all other avenues, someone suggested going to the city to see if they

JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21

After WWII, the Paramount Decree of 1948 dealt a major blow to the industry when it required all movie studios to divest themselves of their movie theaters. By 1952, half of all the movie theaters in the city of Los Angeles had closed. The following year, all the Warner Bros. properties were transferred to the Stanley-Warner Corporation. San Pedro’s theater was safe, yet again.

The same could not be said about the Warner’s biggest competitor, the Fox Cabrillo, which was demolished in 1958. The 1960s were a tough time for the great movie palaces of yesteryear. The rise of the television era meant that the theaters now had millions of smaller screens to compete with. Times and tastes were changing and the Stanley-Warner Corporation would end up being purchased by Pacific Theaters.

The early 1970s was an even crazier and more dangerous time for historic buildings in San Pedro. The Beacon Street Redevelopment Zone boundaries were drawn and an entire district with decades of history was marked for demolition. By 1975, old Beacon Street would be leveled, along with the Globe Theater on 6th & Palos Verdes. San Pedro had lost another one of its palaces.

The ‘70s would also see the name Warner removed from the marquee on 6th Street and replaced with Juarez. A Wilmington businessman by the name of Arnulfo Estrada purchased the Warner from Pacific Theaters in 1974 and turned it into a Spanish-language theater named for Mexican hero Benito Juarez. Estrada did extensive interior changes as well; he repainted the interior lobby in garish colors and recovered the seats to reflect the colors of the Mexican flag.

The privately owned Spanish-language theater wasn’t faring too well and Estrada soon handed over control to his sons in the late ‘70s. They started showing slasher/horror movies that appealed to a younger audience. This attracted a dangerous gang element and during one of the showings a fight broke out and one of the Estrada sons was stabbed.

In 1984, former Mann’s Chinese Theater manager Ray Howell purchased the theater from Arnulfo Estrada and worked with his partner Clay Colbert to restore the theater to its movie palace splendor. Their first order of business was restoring the Warner name to the marquee, naming it the Warner Grand Theatre. Soon, they started showing classic movies and eventually got the proper permits to start having stage performances. But even with big name concerts by the likes of Chaka Khan, and renting out the theater for movie shoots starring Patrick Dempsey and John Turturro, Howell was having a hard time making ends meet. He gave up a hard fought battle and eventually put the theater up for sale and closed its doors.

The doors didn’t reopen when musician Lee Michaels purchased the theater in 1991.

Michaels began living in the theater, up in the old manager’s office. He and his girlfriend would use the 2,000-seat auditorium as their living room, watching movies from the front

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could save the theater. Larson and Johnson approached the newly-elected L.A City Councilman and life-long San Pedran, Rudy Svorinich. Councilman Svorinich had fond memories of the theater and understood the economic importance of the theater as an anchor for downtown San Pedro, so he enlisted the help of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to secure the property for the City of L.A. Getting anything done in the City of L.A. is not a quick process, to say the least. There was worry that it wouldn’t get done in time. Larson went to Lee Michaels to see if they could get more time. Michaels assured him that he couldn’t give him even a couple of hours more. It seemed like all hope of saving the theater was lost.

“It seemed like the longest shot than anything I’d ever tried to do. It was a real Hail Mary sort of deal.”

Fortunately, perseverance won out, and on January 21, 1996, 65 years and one day from the day the theater opened, without an hour to spare, Councilman Rudy Svorinich, the City of L.A., Gary Larson, Alan Johnson and the other esteemed members of Grand Vision had made their vision a reality – the Warner Grand Theatre was saved for generations to come.

Today, the Warner Grand Theatre serves as a live performance space, community auditorium and movie house. Recently, the Grand Vision Foundation purchased a high resolution projector so the theater can present current films, bringing the theater into the 21st century.

Ray Howell put the “Warner” back on the marquee when he purchased it in 1984 and renamed it the Warner Grand. (photo: San Pedro Bay Historical Society)

2004 GRAND VISION LAUNCHES THE SAVE YOUR SEAT CAMPAIGN TO FUND THE RESTORATION OF 1,500 THEATER SEATS.

There are many reasons why the Warner Grand shouldn’t be here but only one reason why it is: San Pedro. It survived the initial Warner Bros. cut of six theaters down to three because the theater was going to be in San Pedro, a 24-hour town and home port of the Pacific Fleet (at the time).

Gary Larson said, “The fact that San Pedro is so far off the beaten path is one of the reasons the theater survived as long as it has. If it was anywhere else it would have gotten knocked down for a parking lot or redevelopment 30-40 years ago.”

That didn’t work for the rest of San Pedro’s theaters, but maybe that’s why the theater has become so important to the town. San Pedrans love the Warner Grand Theatre.

Liz Schindler-Johnson, executive director of Grand Vision Foundation and wife of Alan Johnson, witnessed the love for the Warner Grand firsthand in the early morning hours of November 2, 2015, as the building next to the theater was engulfed in flames. “[Battalion Chief] Ronnie Villanueva, a very nice fireman from San Pedro, gave the instructions to save the theater. It was the firefighters on the roof, with their backs against the theater, shooting water into the fire away from the theater that saved it.”

Schindler-Johnson explains the importance of the Warner Grand to the community, “The Warner Grand is kind of like the sun that the community revolves around. We’ve really built a community around the Warner Grand.”

There are many San Pedrans that have had a hand in saving the Warner Grand in its history – first manager Fred C. Crow, Rudy Svorinich, Battalion Chief Ronnie Villanueva and many more, but had it not been for Gary Larson and his friends with the Grand Vision, downtown San Pedro would be lost without its anchor. This April, Larson is being honored for his service by Grand Vision Foundation at the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser, Gathering for the Grand.

When asked where he’d like to see the Warner Grand at 100, Larson replied, “It would be a vital part of the community that generation after generation could enjoy.” spt

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AN OLD PICTURE ANNOUNCING A BIRTH ON THE WARNER GRAND’S MARQUEE SPARKS A QUEST.

24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

by Angela “Romee” Romero

In early 2009, I started researching the Warner Grand Theatre for a class project. My colleagues and I were trying to learn as much as we could about the theater so we could come up with an advertising campaign for it. I was the only San Pedran on the team and at that time I knew absolutely nothing about San Pedro history, let alone this fancy old movie theater that had been here my whole life.

I went to the Palos Verdes library and checked out every book they had on old-timey movie palaces. When I got them home I checked every single index, fully expecting the Warner Bros. San Pedro to be listed – you know, because everything old is surely famous and that would make my life so much easier. No such luck, the closest theater listed was the Warner Bros. Long Beach.

The books sat in a pile near my couch for weeks. When they were due back at the library, I’d check them out again. I did this two or three times and every couple of weeks I’d pick a different book from the pile and flip through it, looking for something that could help me in my research, even if it wasn’t about my theater. One night, I picked up Ticket to Paradise: American Movie Theaters and How We Had Fun by John Margolies, just as I’d done a couple of times before. I flipped through the familiar pages wishing that it would tell me something different this time. Well, this time it obliged.

As I thumbed through the pages again, my eyes caught sight of a familiar checkerboard pattern. I froze in utter disbelief of what I thought I had just seen. Then I flipped back page by page until I was staring at the Warner Grand square in its vintage face. The picture was labeled incorrectly as the Warner Bros. Long Beach, but there was no mistaking it – that was the Warner Bros. San Pedro!

The picture showed a birth announcement on the marquee, “WORLD PREMIER! JANICE LYNN KENNER 5:28 P.M. JULY 20, 1948 8LBS, 5OZ. ORIGINAL PRODUCTION

BY DORIS AND CLAUDE KENNER!” The photo had been submitted by a friend of the author whose father had managed the Warner Bros. San Pedro for a handful of years in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.

At the time I had been volunteering for the Grand Vision Foundation and I had seen most of the historical photos they had. This was definitely not anything I had seen before.

I was so excited over my discovery that the only thing that would make it better would be to find Janice Kenner. And that’s just what I set out to do.

For the next couple of months I would Google her name here and there. I even tried to reach out to the authors but I never heard back, so I would get discouraged and let it go for a while. But I never gave up and pretty soon my Internet research rabbit holes kept leading to someone named Janice Kenner Adler with a child named Casey Adler. Then I just had to do some good old fashion gut guessing. I deduced that Janice’s child Casey (the unisex name keeps things interesting) was most likely my age, so I looked him/her up on Facebook. No one in the search results felt right to me so I stopped.

2008 THE PERFORMANCE STAGE IS NEARLY DOUBLED TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE PERFORMANCES. A NEW LIGHTING CONSOLE AND STAGE LIGHTS ARE ADDED.

Three weeks later, on a slow workday, I searched again and this time I saw a picture of a guy in a bug suit and something just felt right about him. I decided to reach out via Facebook message but I didn’t want to scare him with the whole story right away… so I played it cool.

Subject: Random Question from someone you don’t know.

Message: Hi, Your mom’s name isn’t Janice by chance?

I didn’t expect a response but I got one in under an hour, “It is, why?” I think I screamed into my hands.

After promising him I wasn’t psycho nor a stalker and telling him the entire story, Casey marveled at my impeccable timing. He had only just joined Facebook three weeks ago, probably days after my initial search. *Goosebumps* Casey passed along my information to his mother and by the time I got home from work, I was talking to Janice on the phone. She told me all about her father and all the stunts he would pull to drum up publicity for the theaters he managed. Claude Kenner was an expert showman and knew how to get people talking. Even the birth announcement was a stunt. He repeated it when Janice’s younger brother was born a while later. Even still, Janice loved the fact that for one day she had top billing over Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.

I met Janice in person a couple of months later at the Warner Grand. It was the first time she had stepped foot inside the theater since she was a child – she actually took her first steps down one of the aisles. She said it was like coming home. She got emotional when we went upstairs to see the manager’s office and she was overjoyed to see that the water fountain was still there because she had been obsessed with it as a toddler.

Janice shared some more great stories about her father, dressing in full tuxedo every day and night, accepting lobsters for admission from local fishermen and even the one time he had to run home to help his wife with a particularly ornery lobster who didn’t take too kindly to being cooked.

After leaving San Pedro, the Kenners moved to Seal Beach where Claude managed the Bay Theater. He continued managing theaters and drawing crowds for the rest of his career, even a theater in Santa Ana where one of his favorite employees was a young girl who would eventually be known as Diane Keaton. spt

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2015 GRAND VISION INSTALLS A HI-RES, 40K LUMEN PROJECTOR TO BRING THE WARNER GRAND INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.

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If You Can Walk, You Can Tango

by Roseanney Liu

26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Annie Appel and Silvia Askenazi at the front entrance to Tango San Pedro on 6th Street. (photo: John Mattera)

“Have a love affair in 3 minutes, “ says Silvia Askenazi.

Thus the co-proprietor and lead instructor of Tango San Pedro describes what this social dance is about – an intimate series of movements that are technical yet offer room for improvisation and creativity; a brief few minutes during which partners give in to the music and bare their souls.

Often thought of as a sensual Latin dance, many don’t realize just how technical tango is, with several variations of “basic steps” that only highly consistent practicas can enable a beginner to master. Allowing trust and continual negotiation of steps to flow between partners are also implicit in this dance.

“It’s a constant conversation [between the partners],” expands Askenazi’s business partner and studio co-proprietor Annie Appel. “A misconception is the woman is an object that does whatever the male partner commands, but it’s not that way… it’s more of a dialogue, a collaboration.”

A native of Argentina who, in 2005, wanted to dedicate more time to the dance and become more than a tango aficionado, Askenazi notes other preconceived notions about this revered art form.

“The rose in the mouth thing… that’s something people dancing [authentic] tango just don’t do. There’s also the misconception that, for tango, one needs to dress in high heels with a flashy, high-slit dress. That’s not a mandatory thing either.”

Housed in Gallery 381 on 6th Street in downtown San Pedro, Askenazi and Appel’s studio has been sharing the passion and community of tango with locals as well as those that travel from other parts of L.A. since 2009. Appel’s promotional and marketing savvy has even brought customers from other countries who got wind of Tango San Pedro being

one of the best venues in L.A. for lessons and milongas porteñas (dance gatherings from the port) – monthly Third Saturday soirees featuring wine, food, and those who share an affection for the “dance of love.”

“In our tango community, we do things together and we often make plans to attend other milongas together,” shares Askenazi, who has trained and performed in many L.A. venues.

One of the students, Bruce, is a commercial photographer whose 6’2” frame and a year’s worth of tango lessons under his belt were quite forgiving of my two left feet during a Monday evening class for beginners.

“My girlfriend and I came here a year ago to take a first lesson. She didn’t care for it so much. I decided to stick with it and now I love it,” says Bruce, admitting the irony behind his aloof persona falling in love with a social dance. “I appreciate the structure [in tango], which is helpful for beginners.” Bruce agrees with what the studio proprietors say about the best tango students – that they are dedicated to practice, to learning, to the humanity that tango brings.

Uniquely situated in Gallery 381, which was established in 2000 by Appel who has a photography and documentary filmmaking background, Tango San Pedro offers those coming to the Monday beginner and Tuesday intermediate classes and the milonga porteñas a visual feast, too. An exhibit featuring 80-year-old Santa Cruz resident Wilfred Sarr’s paintings depicting tango dancers opened on the First Thursday Art Walk last month and will show through January and February.

“Where else can you tango and enjoy beautiful artwork as you dance and socialize?” quips Appel, who has also taught and coordinated her photography students’ debut at the

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A variety of visiting world-famous dancers perform at the milonga throughout the year (photo: Annie Appel)

gallery. In Appel, Askenazi finds immense support and encouragement to allow both their passions and arts to flourish; and in Askenazi, Appel finds her calm and happy nature endearing, as is her ability to be creative yet methodical.

“You should have seen the incredible organization Silvia pulled off when we and 15 of our students went to Buenos Aires in November. It was beautiful and we enjoyed ourselves greatly,” gushes Appel about their weeklong tango immersion trip filled with a different classic dance venue each night, city visits to the historic destinations, tango performances and fine dining. Askenazi returns to her native city every year to hone her skills as a dancer and teacher.

Among those that appreciate the tango classes and visual arts instilled by the warm studio gallery is Ralph, a retired chemical engineer. He was seduced by the dance a year ago while on a cruise in South America during which tango lessons took place aboard the ship and locals dancing to it observed in the ports of call.

“I’ve been coming here for a year. My wife takes folkdance lessons on 17th Street on the same night [Mondays] as I take tango class,” says Ralph. Soon, he and his wife will enjoy lessons together when the studio offers free tango class on the four Friday nights of January. A couple that takes the Monday class together are Kristy, who performs Middle Eastern dances at Babouch Moroccan Restaurant, and her husband David, an air conditioning mechanic. Between two busy schedules, they talked about finding one new physical activity they can learn to do together.

“We narrowed it down to three choices,” Kristy explains, “It was going to be jiu-jitsu, acro-yoga (yoga involving acrobatics for couples), or tango.”

Seemingly the least injury-prone activity and one that easily induces connection and intimacy between partners, Kristy and David both relished in their choice during their first lesson.

Tango has come a long way from being banned in Argentina by the military government in the 1910s til now. Pope Francis, who celebrated his 78th birthday on the streets of Rome with the masses and tango music, publicly embraced it. Throngs of followings for tango lessons and gatherings have caught the fervor too in South America, North America, and Asia. While not a studio to develop students into competitive dancers, Tango San Pedro is certainly an inviting home for those open to make a connection on multiple levels.

Dreaming of a world in which everyone is a tango dancer, Askenazi says, “If you can walk, you can tango.” spt

28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Tango San Pedro is offering free tango classes to new students on Fridays, January 8, 15, 22, 29 at 8 p.m. Tango San Pedro is located at 381 W. 6th St. For more info, call (310) 902-8503 or visit www.TangoSanPedro.com.

Dancers at Tango San Pedro’s monthly milonga (social tango dance party). (photo: Annie Appel)

Live music every few months at the milonga. (photo: Annie Appel)

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Pitch Perfect

With his ‘absolute pitch,’ 13-year-old Matthew Morreale is training to become a musical tour de force.

by Monica Simpson

30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Throughout the record of our world music history, many child prodigies have blessed our ears with their exceptional talent. Julie Andrews was only 12 when she first sang at the London Hippodrome, Mozart began playing violin and piano at the young age of 4, and Frédéric Chopin was composing concerts before his 13th birthday. All of these young musicians had more than just astonishing talent in common; they all began their careers with a foundation in classical music. In the same tune, Matthew Morreale, San Pedro teen and recent winner of the prestigious National Gold medal for the Royal Conservatory Music Development Program (MDP) also began with an appreciation for the classical masters.

Achieving the highest mark in the country for his Level 7 piano examinations, Matthew was tested on both practical (performance) and theoretical programs. Excelling at technical skills such as scales, chords, and arpeggios, Matthew’s demonstrated expertise of rhythm, melodies, and music literacy in his repertoire gained an outstanding evaluation on the rigorous exam.

The 13-year-old attributes his celebrated success to his dedicated parents, John and Lisa Morreale. “I couldn’t have accomplished any of this without them,” Matthew said.

“It’s a team effort.”

Overseeing the home-schooled education of Matthew, John Morreale is both father and teacher. “God gave him an incredible gift. When you see a kid that is blessed, you want to devote everything so that his gift isn’t wasted.” With a strict classroom schedule, Matthew also practices two hours of music as part of his daily curriculum. Encouraging the pursuit of continued excellence, John strives to cultivate Matthew’s musicianship not only in piano, but also equally in guitar, singing, and songwriting.

While growing up, Matthew listened to some of his father’s favorite bands, including Jethro Tull and the Beatles. However, Matthew says he first remembers falling in love with music while watching country music singer Keith Urban. “I got a Keith Urban DVD from my aunt and it was then that I decided I wanted to play guitar,” Matthew said, laughing.

“I was in the kitchen singing a song while doing the dishes, and Matthew who was 5-years-old, came in with his little toy guitar and played the chords,” Lisa said, recalling the first time she recognized her son’s musicality. “He said, ‘Mom that’s an A flat minor, and that’s a G, and continued to call out the notes’.”

Aurally identifying melodies, Matthew began to announce notes of common household items including hairdryers or an alarm. “An alarm is a G sharp,” Matthew would exclaim to his parents. With an ability to replicate anything he heard on the piano or guitar, John and Lisa knew Matthew needed formal training. Within the first few weeks of lessons,

Matthew Morreale (photo: John Mattera)

Matthew’s instructors knew they had a special student. “They quickly realized he had something called ‘absolute pitch’ and were stunned,” said John.

A rare auditory marvel categorized by a person’s capacity to identify or recreate a musical note without a reference tone, absolute pitch gives Matthew a competitive advantage because he is never off-key. Further unlocking his musical genius, John and Lisa decided to find an expert to help nurture his innate talents.

John wrote to The Juilliard School seeking a local recommendation for a classical guitarist instructor and was referred to Martha Masters. President of the Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) and Professor at Loyola Marymount University, Masters normally teaches older students. “I don’t teach many students his age because I’m serious about my work, but what I enjoy about Matthew is that he is equally serious.” Masters also praises Matthew’s devoted parents for encouraging such a breadth of musical experiences.

Elevating his piano training in 2012, Matthew was enrolled in Hills Academy in Torrance. As one of 400 students of Hills Academy, Matthew receives individualized instruction from the school’s director, Jane Lee. “It’s difficult to explain or convey how a boy his age has really grasped and is on his way to mastering classical music as well as the pop art form. Not only just in the two areas with two different instruments on the guitar and piano, but in three art forms total including singing and songwriting.”

Aside from his multitudinous gifts, Lee believes Matthew’s greatest strength is his teachable spirit. “The most amazing thing about Matthew is not just musicality and musicianship, but his character. He is such a mature, gracious human being. His humility amongst all his achievements is really what sets Matthew apart.”

Raising over $2,000 at a benefit concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital last July, Matthew loves to give back to the community and wants to make more people happy. “If you have it, you share it,” says Matthew about the ability to bless others with his talents.

When he’s not in lessons, Matthew enjoys composing his own pop music, reading books and expanding his CD collection. Looking forward to his next guitar competition in April while studying for his Piano Level 9 with hopes to one day become a Professor of Music or Studio Musician, Matthew is on a trajectory for a professional career.

Lee is confident of great things to come for the young musical star and is excited to see what he does next. “He’s always ready to learn something new and that attitude translates to really great things and results. He’s a force to be reckoned with.” spt

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A Badge of Opportunity Operation Progress offers positive mentorship to at-risk students

by Roseanney Liu

32 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

What happens when a high school graduates only 10 percent of its class? A life of poverty, crime, gang violence, and/or drugs is all too predictable.

With the lowest graduation rate in the country, Nickerson Gardens’ Jordan High School in Watts graduates 10 percent of its class, according to Operation Progress Los Angeles' executive director Theresa Gartland.

Officer John Coughlin, a 20-year veteran of the LAPD and resident of San Pedro, has been fighting gang violence in the Watts area since 1995. Tired of seeing kids with great potential not being able to climb their way out of this life, he founded the nonprofit organization Operation Progress in 2000.

Explaining the impetus behind his nonprofit organization, Coughlin said, “There’s so much negative attention on the repercussions of gang violence like jail sentences and rehab. We were getting frustrated with the lack of rewards for kids doing the right things in the Watts neighborhood; nothing goes on for these good kids, they fly under the radar.”

Operation Progress (OP) rewards their students with positive attention in mentoring from Coughlin and fellow LAPD officers, such as Tim Pearce (retired) and Jimmy Biazevich (Harbor Division). Executive director Gartland shared that from the time that 20 scholars entering third grade are chosen via the organization’s rigorous selection process, which sees 100+ student applicants each year, they receive mentoring and support programs to ensure they are high school- and college-ready.

Enacting the “Ten Pillars of Success” that form the backbone of OP, participating students who have shown academic and financial merit receive tuition and uniforms to high-performing Catholic high schools like Verbum Dei (boys) and St. Mary’s (girls); college scholarships; multisession ethics curriculum; weekly meetings with LAPD mentoring officers; service trips to other parts of the world; and internships to local nonprofits and companies.

“Communities like Watts are known for quick fixes and short-term solutions. What Operation Progress does, in addition, is to help the community invest in their young so they become empowered, educated and capable adults,” said Gartland.

According to an L.A. Times analysis of homicide data for 2015, Watts was the 21st deadliest neighborhood out of L.A. County's 270 neighborhoods. Keeping kids away from

Operation Progress students and staff with Councilman Joe Buscaino (center). (photo: Facebook)

gun-related violence, which has been the number one cause for aggravated killings last year, means keeping them in school and mentoring them. This is why Operation Progress believes “hope, opportunity and success" can be achieved.

Developed in 2000 by Coughlin as a grassroots effort to circumvent students from falling off the academic tracks early on in middle and high school, he had support from fellow officers who served as mentors. But it wasn’t until 2012 when things really took off for OP when several benefactors joined its board: Rick Caruso of Caruso Family Foundation and a former president of the L.A. Board of Police Commissioners; Janet Crown, entrepreneur and philanthropist; Steve Robinson, CEO of Reimagine and member of Corporate Growth and The Entrepreneur Institute; and Sam Garrison, executive director of Caruso Affiliated and Caruso Family Foundation, a board member of the L.A. Chamber of Commerce and executive committee member of Hillsides, a foster care provider.

With the help of these community leaders and powerhouse fundraisers, OP has been able to provide all its student scholars the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.

Coughlin, a 20-year San Pedro resident, knew he wanted to be a police officer since he was a child and to focus on gang prevention.

“When I worked the prisons in Boston, we got so many gang-related updates particularly from Los Angeles, that I knew I wanted to work in this particular area, especially the Southeast division,” Coughlin said.

In its third year including scholars from San Pedro, OP has four students that are being mentored into tomorrow’s leaders; one is a Mary Star High School student that recently graduated from the LAPD Cadet program who has been mentored by Biazevich. OP has seen success in many of its graduates, which now include nurses, a psychologist, and an international basketball player who recently moved back to coach at his alma mater Jordan High School.

On January 24, The Grove in Los Angeles will see the inaugural race for Run to Remember, a half marathon fundraiser with Operation Progress being its primary nonprofit organization. In his seventh run – with previous races in Boston – Coughlin and many LAPD officers and other first responders will participate in the January event.

“Our team hopes to come in first place again, and all the San Pedro runners’ donations and solicitations of funds will be given to the Boys and Girls Club of San Pedro,” shared Coughlin, whose work ethic, enthusiasm and belief in the youth that are under OP’s wings are undeniable. spt For more information on Operation Progress, visit www.OperationProgressLA.org.

To register a race team or volunteer at A Run To Remember, visit www.RunToRememberLA.org.

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by Lori Garrett

34 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

Happy New Year!

It’s heeeeere. You know what I mean: that time of year when we start thinking about the changes we’d like to make, particularly as we head into the New Year. For many of us, those changes relate to health, whether it be the desire to get in shape, lose weight, or simply feel better overall. Of course, we go into the New Year with the best intentions.

But as quickly as we make our handful of resolutions, we find a dozen reasons (or – ahem – excuses) as to why those resolutions are just not going to work out.

I know this firsthand because my whole life, I’ve been the queen of excuses.

Even though I was eventually forced into a world where I had to address my health problems head-on, those excuses always seem to be there, laying low in the back of my head, ready for easy retrieval whenever I need them. They are a comfortable place to retreat to when we want to avoid the work involved. Trust me, I know. There are many excuses we create which prevent us from achieving our health goals, but here are some of my all-time favorites: We’re all going to die anyway. Brought to us courtesy of Captain Obvious, this is probably my favorite excuse of all. We all know that death is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we want to face it early in life or in an untimely way. We may not want to live until we’re 110 years old, but we also don’t want to meet our demise by age 40. In addition, just because we’re all going to die someday, doesn’t mean we want to compromise our quality of life while we’re still here. The reality is that many of us make changes because we want to actually live and enjoy life now. For many of us, it’s about trying to feel less sick and tired, and instead, be able to live life to the fullest.

All the “health” information out there is too confusing, so why even bother? I have to say, I partially agree with this sentiment. The health information that bombards us is confusing and often contradictory, depending on where it’s coming from. But that doesn’t mean we should abandon our health goals altogether. Sometimes it involves doing a little of your own research and finding what works for you, but it’s highly worth the reward when you feel fit, have increased energy, and feel better.

Eating healthy is just too expensive. I’ve touched on this subject before, and I have to say it again: if we have money to dine out, purchase smartphones and other fun gadgets, or spend $4 on a cup of coffee several times a week, chances are we can afford to invest a bit more in ourselves and reallocate some funds to spend on healthy foods. A small shift in priority can make a significant difference, and there is no investment greater than yourself.

Stressing over food and lifestyle choices is harmful in itself since stress contributes to illness; I’d rather be care-free and stress-free! It’s true that stress is a major factor in illness, but stress doesn’t just come in psychological form. We are bombarded by other types of stress on our bodies: from our environment and the products we use to the foods we eat and the water we drink. We can’t control every little thing, but we can make efforts here and there to lessen the toxic burden on our bodies and give ourselves a fighting chance. And once you start to feel the benefits of healthy living, you’re likely to be happier and feel less stress in your daily life.

Although we shouldn’t need a new year to prompt us, if you have been wrestling with the idea of getting healthier, now is the time. Happy New Year, and here’s to a happy and healthy 2016! spt This information is not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor or professional health care practitioner. Please consult a functional medical doctor and/or qualified nutritionist for more information. You can follow Lori Garrett on her healthy lifestyle blog: www.adventuresofasickchick.com.

HEALTH & FITNESS

The Batman Effect (Why 'The Why' Matters)

by Ricky Magana

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JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 35

In storytelling, there’s something called the “inciting incident."

It’s the moment in a story when the unwilling protagonist suddenly springs to action; Luke Skywalker loses his aunt and uncle, Katniss Everdeen volunteers as tribute; Bruce Wayne’s parents are murdered in front of him. It is here when the hero decides to leave the familiar world and embark on a journey. It’s common to nearly all the epic movies, books, and superhero origin stories that we’ve grown to love.

Until the inciting incident, life is comfortable. There is discontent but not bad enough to trigger change. The hero usually knows there is work to be done but he or she refuses the call. It isn’t until something forces him to take action that he ventures into the unknown. We love that story arc. We love it because it’s exactly how life is. We resist change even when we know we need it. Unless the pain of remaining where we are is worse than the pain of action, we probably won’t do anything.

Jim Rohn, a popular self-improvement author, was often very critical of the “Positive Thinking” movement. He said we shouldn’t avoid negative emotions. We should use them. They get us to move. Humiliation. Disgust. Anger. Fear. These are powerful elixirs for change and many times it’s the only damn thing that will get us off our butts and do something. I’ve seen many a weight-loss success that would never have happened had their doctor not put the fear of God in them.

When you’re suddenly faced with the fact that you’ll be dead in 10 years if you don’t change things, you get motivated real quick.

I remember the first time I joined a gym to try and lose weight; a family member told me that I wouldn’t last a month. That remark was all I needed. Thirteen years later, I'm still at it. Sometimes all you need is a hater. For John Philipopoulos, a little heckling from a cousin turned into a complete body transformation.

John was at a wedding. During the reception his cousin walked up, looked him up and down and said, “Damn John, you have gotten really FAT!” (Followed by snickering). That was it. That was the push he needed.

John tried a few diets. Failed a few, but kept going. He didn’t stop. He couldn’t stop.

When he met his trainer, Eddie. He followed every instruction. Cleaned his diet, and worked out religiously: 48-pounds down. Who's laughing now?

John owns The Sandwich Saloon on Gaffey St. He is surrounded by food. He could easily have blamed his weight on his job but he knew it’d only be an excuse. He runs sprints three times a week, doesn’t touch cheese or mayo, limits bread, and allows himself one dessert and one cocktail once a week.

Why did Jim Rohn advise his students to channel emotions to positive action? “Because when the 'why' is clear, the 'how' is easy.” The inciting incident from the sagas of our favorite super heroes provide them with a powerful 'why.' It’s their reason for fighting. It’s often the part of them that we relate to most.

I see more people fail not because they’re doing it wrong, but because they just aren’t clear on why they’re doing it. Intrinsically, the fire doesn’t burn quite hot enough to get them through the hard parts. As a result, they get sidelined constantly.

If you’re hoping to set a new years resolution for 2016, my advice to you is to get crystal clear on whom or what you’re doing it for and make sure it's enough to get you through February. If you’re sitting comfortably wanting things to get better but still playing in the shallow end, ask yourself: What’s going to force you into action? Will you be able to act before you’re forced to act? Is it going to be the alarming test results of a doctors visit? Will it be the pants that don’t fit anymore? Or is it going to be your cousin Larry who is all too willing to give you his honest opinion?

If you’re hoping to get in shape this year, might be a good time to give him a call. spt

Waiting for a rainy day?

2015-16 Prep Basketball Preview story & photos by Jamaal K. Street It's that time of year again, as the high school basketball season gets underway.

There's plenty of potential to be shown out of the San Pedro, Port of Los Angeles and Mary Star of the Sea High boys and girls programs as they are in full swing for the 2015-16 season. Who will make the biggest shot of them all?

36 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I JANUARY 2016

BOYS BASKETBALL SAN PEDRO (10-18 in 2014-15) – It was a really tough go for the Pirates last season, finishing sixth in the Marine League at 2-10, missing the CIF-Los Angeles City Section Division I playoffs.

Coach John Bobich enters his 14th season with a more experienced and determined team.

Senior guard Danny Guerrero can Mary Star Boys Basketball standouts: (l to r) Justin double up as a forward and is a deadly Rodriguez, Anthony Scheffler, Nathan Linayao, Nick outside shooter. Junior guard Jose Billings & Joseph Octave.

Regalado is another dangerous shooter and a scrapper, while junior guard Juan Palma is the best passer on the team. Also keep an eye on sophomore guard Cole Turner.

The frontcourt features rising 6'6'' sophomore Malik Muhammad, who has already slammed two poster dunks this season. Seniors forwards Tanielu Tailulu and Igor Vaughan also return for the Pirates, who will battle the likes of two-time defending league champion Narbonne, Washington Prep and Gardena for Marine supremacy.

MARY STAR (12-17 in 2014-15) – The Stars, who went 4-6 in the Santa Fe League, surprised everyone by reaching the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division V-A playoffs.

High-scoring forward Neil Green is gone, but freshman guard Joseph Octave will bring some punch to an experienced Mary Star team that returns 6'6'' senior center Justin Rodriguez and a host of talented juniors in Nick Billings, Nathan Linayao and Noah Prince. Rodriguez has already made instant impact in their season opening 84-50 victory over POLA on November 23, dunking twice. Also keep an eye on 6'5'' senior forward Anthony Scheffler and senior guard Jason Smith.

POLA (7-17 in 2014-15) – The Polar Bears are four years removed from a Crosstown League title, and first-year coach Leo Turrat has breathed some new life in to this team

who missed the CIF-LACS Division IV playoffs for the second straight season.

Senior guard Isaac Perez will be one to carry the load, but guards Andrew Walker, Tim Oloimooja and Chance Coley are also key for POLA. Center Joseph Magana and senior forward Damian Florez pace the front court players.

GIRLS BASKETBALL SAN PEDRO (21-11 in 2014-15) – Fourth-year coach Cynthia Atencio coached the Lady Pirates to their best overall season ever, placing third in the Marine League at 8-4, and making it to the CIF Southern California Division II Regionals for the first time since 1986 after reaching the CIF-LACS Division II semifinals.

Gone is four-time All-Marine League first team and All-City guard Rita Fiorenza, but talent still abounds.

San Pedro Girls Basketball standouts: (l to r) Reyna Canchola, Melannie Ortiz, Kyerstin Galloway & Junior G/F Deanna Valverde is a returning All-City and All-Marine League Deanna Valverde. standout, and will be joined by two more All-Marine League returning forwards in seniors Reyna Canchola and Melannie Ortiz, the latter of which scored 30 points in a victory over Washington Prep last season.

Also returning is senior guard Crystal Redd and junior forward Natalia Vasquez, but once junior POLA transfer Kyerstin Galloway, another All-City (Division IV) selection is able to play in January, San Pedro will be more dangerous. Galloway is an excellent passer that posted five double-doubles in points and assists.

MARY STAR (14-9 in 2014-15) – Last year was a breakout year for Victor Tuberosi, now in his third year as coach of the Stars, who finished 5-5 in the Santa Fe League. Mary Star was able to return to the playoffs for the first time in six years, even advancing to the second round of CIF-SS Division V-AA and ending their 39-game league losing streak.

Back for another run to the basket is junior guard Angela Pisano, who averaged 25 points a game and is a returning All-Santa Fe League selection. Pisano is also a defensive wizard who posted three double-doubles in points and steals last year.

Other key players include All-SFL sophomore point guard Hanalei Emnace, junior forwards Amanda Vitalich and Kaitlyn Martinez, senior forward Adriana Espinoza, and sophomore guard Jillian Duran. Senior forwards Isabella Samperio and Devan Avalos also provide stellar play in the paint.

POLA (12-7 in 2014-15) – Second-year coach Elspeth Carden leads the Lady Bears, who made the CIF-LACS Division IV playoffs last season but now has moved up to Division III. Expect some growing pains early due to the loss of Galloway, but POLA won't be a pushover.

Junior forward Mariam Moreno is the top returning scorer, and senior center Alexis Solis is primed to have a great season after suffering an injury at the midpoint of Crosstown League play last year. Senior guard Gabby Paras, senior forward Cassandra Ibarra and sophomore Ardent Almazon round out the starters. Sophomore guard Sachi Verner makes her debut after playing on the volleyball team. spt

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WEDDING

Here and Back Again Mark & Theresa Swanson July 10, 2015

by Brooke Karli photo by John Mattera Photography

the bridge. It was just the way I imagined it and it was very meaningful to both of us to be engaged at the same spot as our first date.”

Less than a year later, on July 10, 2015, Mark and Theresa became husband and wife in front of 150 guests at the Los Verdes Country Club in Palos Verdes. Theresa walked down the aisle with her dad, Ralph Hoinsky, while her uncle, Steven Hoinsky, played “A Whole New World” on the piano. The ceremony was a traditional Christian ceremony with numerous meaningful moments: Mark’s dad, Mark Swanson Sr., married the couple and gave them three decorative keys that represented the three keys to a successful marriage - Jesus, love, and communication; and Mark and Theresa said “I Do” three times to each other throughout the ceremony to represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Their mothers, Denise Swanson and Ann Smith, held the candles they used to light the Unity Candle.

Standing next to the couple were Best Man Steven Evans; groomsmen Jaytee Swanson, Shane Swanson, Shawn Teufel, Eric Gentry, Garrett Baker, and Jeff Tatum; Ring Bearer Ty Gentry; Maid of Honor Michelle Hoinsky; bridesmaids Lara Bartolomeo, Susie Hamilton, Alexandra Gryder, Megan Gentry, Nicole Escamilla, and Alexa

Aliotta; and Flower Girl Lexi Gentry.

At the reception, the newlyweds shared their first dance to Roy English’s “As We Grow Old,” while Theresa and her dad danced to the Beatles’ version of “Take Good Care of My Baby” and Mark and his mom danced to Kenny G's vesion of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.”

The “cookie crew,” made up of Sandra Gryder, Terry Hoinsky, Bruna Spinello, Michelle Hoinsky, Alexa Aliotta, Alexandra Gryder, and Lori Hoinsky, made hundreds of Italian cookies for the reception, while her cousin, Theresa Spinello Aliotta, made cookies and more than 200 cannoli for guests to enjoy. Her grandmother, Theresa “Terry” Hoinsky, who worked for the San Pedro Fishermen’s Union for 64 years, gave the couple a rose gold cake cutter and server to match Theresa’s wedding ring at the reception as well, and Mark’s “brother” Eric Gentry carried on with their family’s traditional wedding toast.

Following their special day, the newlyweds honeymooned in Riviera Maya, Mexico for a week.

Currently, Mark is a Sales Manager for Allstate Insurance, and Theresa is the Head Athletic Trainer and Lead Outreach Manager for Body Armor. They currently reside in Atlanta. spt

JANUARY 2016 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 37

Mark and Theresa (Hoinsky) Swanson are from two different parts of the country, and it was their decision to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, that brought them together in 2010. Mark is from Buford, Georgia, and played baseball for Liberty; Theresa is from San Pedro and was an athletic trainer for Liberty’s football team. The two met through a mutual friend and immediately began dating.

Two years later, in 2012, a job opportunity prompted Theresa to move to Atlanta, and as she was moving, Mark was offered a job as well, allowing him to move to Atlanta two months later.

In November 2014, the two traveled back to Lynchburg to attend a friend’s wedding, and while there, Mark thought it would be a great idea to revisit downtown Lynchburg, where they had their first date.

“I wanted to propose to her at the same place we had our first date,” he explained. “So I took her to Blackwater Creek [Natural Area], where there’s a really romantic, scenic bridge over a creek. Our friends Julie Lawrenson, Lara Bartolomeo, and Steven Evans had helped by decorating the area with vintage signs and candles, and our friend Scott Lawrenson played the guitar while we approached

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