FEBRUARY 2018
PLUS: SAN PEDRO WINS CURBED CUP | BLUE WATER CLAY | PORTS O' CALL'S FINAL DAYS & MUCH MORE!
LARA HUGHEY'S GREEN GIRL FARMS AIMS TO PROVIDE FRESH, LOCALLY GROWN, SUSTAINABLE FOOD FOR SAN PEDRO
MARITIME DENTISTRY
Comprehensive Dental Care & Implant Center Backed by 25 years of experience WHEN YOU VISIT OUR DENTAL OFFICE IN WEYMOUTH CORNERS, YOU FEEL RIGHT AT HOME. Whether you require a cleaning, teeth whitening, invisible braces by Invisalign®, crowns, implants or any other General or Specialty dental procedure, our office will ensure that you are comfortable and have a pleasant experience. OLD-FASHIONED STYLE OF PATIENT CARE IS WHAT WE ARE ALL ABOUT!
Great Smiles Begin Here! Dr. Ardalan, D.D.S. Education: USC school of Dentistry Doctor of Dental Surgery Professional Association: American Dental Association, member California Dental Association, member Western Dental Society, member
ASSOCIATES Ian Woo, D.D.S., MD. Education: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Los Angeles County / University of Southern California Medical Center
Dr. Marvis Sorrel, D.M.D., M.D.S.
SERVICES & SPECIALTIES • General Cosmetic and Children’s Dentistry • Oral Surgery • Dental IMPLANTS • Permanent Implant Supported Dentures • Orthodontics (Traditional Braces & Invisalign) • Periodontics • Sleep Apnea
Located in Weymouth Corners 1411 W. 8th Street San Pedro, CA 90732
(310) 832-5559
Education: University of Pittsburgh, Master of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Education in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Orthognatic Surgery Externship / Invisalign Certification
Dr. Rebekah Coriaty Education: University of Pacific Professional Association: American Dental Association California Dental Association
Dr. Miles Madison Education: UCLA School of Dentistry Professional Association: American Academy of Periodontology California Society of Periodontists American Dental Association California Dental Association American Association for Dental Research
Ready to Learn about Dental Implants? What is a Dental Implant?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically anchored into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. The benefit of using implants is that they don’t rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are permanent and stable. Implants look and feel like natural teeth.
What is an Implant Support Denture?
While a regular denture rests on the gums and are not stable, An implant-supported denture is a type of overdenture that is supported by and attached to implants by special attachments for better fit and retention. There are two types of implant-supported dentures: bar-retained and ballretained. In both cases, the denture will be made of an acrylic base that will look like gums. Porcelain or acrylic teeth that look like natural teeth are attached to the base. Both types of dentures need at least two implants for support.
Your dentist can help you . . .
Can anyone receive dental implants?
Talk with your dentist about whether you are an implant candidate. You must have the proper bone structure for the implant to stay in place. People who are unable to wear dentures may also be good candidates.
What can I expect during this procedure?
The dentist must perform surgery to anchor the “artificial root� into or on your jaw bone. The procedure is done in the dental office with local anesthesia. The gum is then secured over the implant, which will remain covered until it fuses with the bone. The dentist then uncovers the implant and attaches an extension, or post, to the implant. Finally, the dentist makes an artificial tooth, or crown, or dentures that attach to the implant post.
What is the cost of implants?
Dental implants for replacement of a single tooth are affordable and most dental and medical insurance policies cover portion of the cost. Your dentist can help you with this process.
MARITIME DENTAL
Please call to make an appointment for a complimentary consultation
Located in WEYMOUTH CORNERS 1409 W. 8th St., San Pedro
We accept all PPO insurances
Dr. Ian Woo, Oral Maxillofacial surgeon, M.D.
310.832.5559
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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“The book says, ‘We might be through with the past, but the past ain't through with us.’” This quote comes from one of my alltime favorite films, Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2000 masterpiece, Magnolia. I rewatched the film recently, and when I heard that piece of dialogue – a line I must’ve heard tens of times in the past – it suddenly felt very San Pedro-esque to me. Last month, San Pedro said its final goodbye to Ports O’ Call Village. Unfortunately, it was a more bitter than sweet sendoff. There was no big block party like the one that was held for the “Last Night on Old Beacon Street” on August 21, 1971. There was no celebration commemorating Ports O’ Call’s 55 years as a San Pedro institution. Instead, we saw Ports O’ Call business owners unsuccessfully try to cling on to whatever legal means necessary in a last-ditch effort to stay open, even as construction of the new San Pedro Public Market, the Village’s successor, was already in motion. Reaction around the community was muted. It’s fair to say most locals hadn’t visited Ports O’ Call in years, maybe decades. Yes, they may have been to a few events at Ports O’ Call Restaurant, maybe even braved the out-of-town crowds at the San Pedro Fish Market once or twice, but there has been next to zero local traffic flowing through Ports O’ Call Village’s many small businesses on a regular basis for a long time. Couple that with the Village’s aging infrastructure and poor upkeep, it was time to let this once grand waterfront attraction quietly fall into the annals of San Pedro history. (In case you’re wondering, according to local reports, San Pedro Fish Market will remain open for the foreseeable future during construction. Ports O’ Call Restaurant’s future, however, is more uncertain.) On social media, many people mourned the loss by posting their favorite memories of our once famous
seaside attraction. Others wrongly lamented that Ports O' Call just needed to be refurbished instead of being razed. Even if many weren’t willing to admit it publicly, we all knew Ports O' Call's time was up. So, what’s next? The San Pedro Public Market is still slated to open sometime in 2020. What kind of businesses, restaurants and attractions will be there when the obligatory ribbon-cutting ceremony happens is anyone’s guess. With news of a $100 million outdoor mall going in along Long Beach’s waterfront at 2nd and Pacific Coast Highway slated to open in spring 2019, and Redondo Beach making a push to revitalize their own waterfront soon, we may see a “Waterfront War” of sorts in the South Bay. The L.A. Waterfront Alliance, the firm heading the Public Market’s construction, is going to have their work cut out for them as they court potential tenants, hoping they’ll choose San Pedro over everyone else. As our town continues to try and move forward towards a more prosperous future, we can’t continue to wish for what was. So many in our community look at our town through nostalgic eyes that any kind of change is met with skepticism and indignation. The Public Market is going to provide a completely new waterfront experience than what Ports O’ Call offered, and San Pedro should be excited about that. As new investors and business owners implement original projects and ideas, we, as a community, need to embrace a more forward-thinking attitude towards all of it. We’ve already seen such bold risk-takers like AltaSea and Crafted become part of our community. The hope is that more will follow as redevelopment projects increase as we inch closer to the Public Market’s grand opening. These are exciting times in San Pedro. While our past is something to be celebrated, let’s not get blinded by nostalgia so much that we squander the potential of our future. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
FEBRUARY 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
FEBRUARY 2018
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
ADVERTISING:
ASSOCIATE EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Patricia Roberts (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION
Shana Ghekiere (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS
EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER
Joshua J. Stecker
Caitlyn Trudnich
Joseph A. Castañeda
Lori Garrett, Nathan Hoff, Ricky Magana, Anthony Pirozzi, Angela Romero, Daniella Segura, Jamaal K. Street, Dr. Linda Wiley
PHOTOGRAPHER
John Mattera Photography
CONTACT INFO:
Dr Kardovich and Team on the L.A. Waterfront.
Braces for Children and Adults San Pedro • Torrance
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
Phone: (424) 224-9063 EMAIL: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733
VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 1
General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
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 2009-2018, Empire22 Media LLC.
ON THE COVER: Lara Hughey, owner of Green Girl Farms (photo: John Mattera Photography)
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1226 W. Santa Cruz Street San Pedro, CA 90732
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EDUCATING THE MINDS AND SPIRIT S OF OUR CHILDREN FOR GENERATIONS TO C OME
FEBRUARY 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7
FEBRUARY Every Wednesday – CREATIVE WRITING CLASS FOR KIDS at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.), 4:30 – 5:45p. Taught by San Pedro Today columnist, Jennifer Marquez. $10 per class. For more info, email jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com. Every Friday and Saturday night – LIVE JAZZ at the Whale and Ale (327 W. 7th St.), Various times. Enjoy a pint, a delicious meal, and the sounds of live jazz music. For reservations and more info, call (310) 832-0363. 8 (Thurs) – SPHS CLASS OF 1945 BREAKFAST at The Grinder (511 S. Harbor Blvd.), 9:30a. Remember the good 'ol days over breakfast with your former classmates! RSVP to Alice Jacobson (310) 832-1807 or Dina Branning (310) 835-2470. 10 (Sat) – THE SLICE WALKING TOUR, 11a. Join historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela "Romee" Romero, for a Pedro Pizza Crawl in honor of National Pizza Day. San Pedro is famous for its pizza, celebrate our good fortune by visiting three of the
town's finest places to grab a slice: Joseph's Bakery, Buono's Pizzeria and Bonello's. Enjoy your pizza with a side of history, tracing a virtual pizza slice across town. History topics will include Daniels Field, the Dodson House, Dana Middle School, San Pedro Library, Mary Star and more. This tour is a special event, so please note the start time and price. Tickets are $20 and space is limited. Call (310) 808-7800 to reserve. 10 (Sat) – LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL at Crafted (112 E. 22nd St., Warehouse No. 10), 3 – 7p. Join the Port of LA for the fourth annual festival, celebrating 2018 – the Year of the Dog! This community event features a petting zoo, traditional dancers, Taiko drummers, lion dancers, face painting, arts and crafts, calligraphy and brush artistry, and a surprise grand finale! Free admission. Item donations for local animal shelter welcomed. For more info, visit portoflosangeles.org.
exclusive event and concert will feature 16-piece Big Band orchestra, The Fabulous Esquires. Admission is $25, and includes dessert and wine bar. Free lesson at 7p, party begins at 8p. Get your advanced tickets and free 50-minute private swing lesson by appointment, for a chance to win free access to the Path to Healing Relationships Workshop on February 11. For tickets and more info, call (310) 547-2348 or visit SwingPeedro.party. 11 (Sun) – OPEN HOUSE at Holy Trinity School and Preschool (1226 W. Santa Cruz St.), 9a – Noon. Visit the Holy Trinity School and Preschool campus, including all classrooms, Computer Labs, and Science Lab. Enjoy a pancake breakfast, presented by the Boy Scouts. For more info, visit school.holytrinitysp.org.
11 (Sun) – PATH TO HEALING RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP at People’s Place & Palace (365 W. 6th St.), 10 (Sat) – VALENTINE’S SWING 1 - 4:30p. Seize this rare opportunity PEEDRO 2018 at People’s Place & to gain vital insights into the steps to Palace (365 W. 6th St.), 7p. The most ro- maintaining a good relationship. Sign mantic Valentine’s Dance to date! This up ten of your friends, and you and a guest will receive free access to the event, an eBook, and two hours of life coaching sessions (valued at $370). Q&A, dinner, and drinks to follow at a new health & wellness center Pappy’s Seafood. Admission is $57. For offering yoga classes! tickets and more info, visit sanpedrohealingrelationships.eventbrite.com or call (310) 625-0633 or (818) 245-0714.
CASA AYURVEDA & YOGA
February Events
1st Saturday Ashtanga Class Feb 3, 10:30am to Noon - Meet Mehrnoush on the mat! Mantra & Vibrations Workshop with Sasy Sat. Feb 3, 1 to 2:30pm - lecture w/chanting, followed by yoga $25/advance, $35/at the door
Ayurveda 101 Sat, Feb 10, 2-4p - Learn what your constitution is & learn basic knowledge to make healthier choices in life. Donation based - $20 suggested
Lunar New Year with Pete Lee Sat, Feb 17, 4:30-6pm - “Celebrating the Year of the Dog.” Refreshments served. $25/advance, $30/at the door
Ayurveda Beauty Workshop Sat. Feb 24, 2 to 3:30pm - hosted by Cynthia Conant $25/advance, $30/at the door
Introducing Michelle Settergren, Ayurveda Practitioner/Massage therapist, to our team! We’re adding Swedish, deep tissue & aromatheraphy to our services. Our new teacher, Killilan Vonrettberg, will be teaching a Strengthening Hatha Flow class on Sat. mornings at 10:30am. Come join him on the mat! (714) 931-3320 • 718 S Weymouth Ave, San Pedro • vedacasa.com 8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
11 (Sun) – HEARTBREAK & HEALING: YOUR STORIES OF LOVE, LOSS AND LUNACY at The Garden Church
(429 W. 6th St.), 7 – 10p. Whether it’s your first schoolyard crush, that prom date that stood you up, or a nasty divorce, share your story! What better way to spend the Sunday before Valentine’s Day? Hosted by award-winning mental health advocate, Rudy Caseres. Free admission. Appropriate for all ages. For more info, call (310) 953-5762, or email rudy@rudycaseres.com. 12 – 16 (Mon – Fri) – SCULPTURAL CERAMIC GLAZE WORKSHOP at Blue Water Clay (803 S. Pacific Ave.), Join potter, educator, author, and glaze specialist, John Britt, for a five-day glaze testing workshop, designed for beginner to intermediate potters, discussing various classifications of glazes, how they work, and how to achieve them. Admission is $450 + $50 lab and firing free. To register and for more info, call (424) 264-5364. 18 (Sun) – LUIS FUERTE at the San Pedro Library (931 S. Gaffey St.), 2p. Friends of San Pedro Library presents Luis Fuerte, Huell Howser's famous, but unseen, cameraman. Mr. Fuerte will present excerpts from his book, Louie, Take a Look at This!, and share anecdotes from his many years helping Howser "search for California's Gold." For more info, call (310) 832-6288. 24 (Sat) – THE GREAT LA AIR RAID OF 1942 at Fort MacArthur Museum (3601 S. Gaffey St.), 3 – 8p. This unique fundraiser event takes you back in time to a big band dance party, interrupted by the “air raid.” For tickets and more info, visit theairraid.com.
Want to see your event here? Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Deadline for the March issue is Friday, February 9. Find more events at facebook.com/sanpedrotoday.
Whatever happened to...
Melva James “I found out about Harbor Terrace from a friend whose relative lived here and loved it. I decided to give it a try. Within weeks I knew I had made the right decision. The staff assists me with my medication, showering and personal laundry. I use to sit at home and rely on others people to help me. Now I get to invite them to lunch here and we have time to enjoy each others company.” Melva James Resident of Harbor Terrace • A Full-Service Retirement Community • Independent Apartments • Assisted Living Services • Delicious Chef-Prepared Meals • Housekeeping & Linen Services • Daily Recreation & Social Programs
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(310) 547-0090
FEBRUARY 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9
SAN PEDRO WINS CURBED CUP 2017 Named 'Neighborhood of the Year' by Curbed LA story and photo by Caitlyn Trudnich Forget soccer’s World Cup, or Hogwarts’ Goblet of Fire – San Pedro has proudly won the Curbed Cup! Hosted by the Los Angeles real-estate and home design website, Curbed LA, this poll-based online bracket competition pitted 16 popular Los Angeles adjacent cities head-to-head, with only one ultimately being deemed Neighborhood of the Year. The bracket began on December 11, with San Pedro facing off against Westchester in the first round. The LAXadjacent Westchester, home to foodie destinations such as diners Pann’s and Dinah’s, and the latest eats at Proud Bird. However, they were no match for our town, which proudly contains a plethora of delicious destinations
After receiving second place to Leimert Park in 2016’s Curbed Cup, the San Pedro community came out in full force and fiercely voted in the polls, propelling San Pedro through the first round, and defeating the competition (73.46% - 26.54%). Within the second round, San Pedro advanced to the Elite Eight, and faced the bustling neighborhood of Chinatown. The area’s several new developments in the works, including the reopening of the Los Angeles State Historic Park, proved to be no match our ever-evolving town (76.81% – 23.19%), which is currently creating a $100-million San Pedro Public Market, replacing the former Ports O’ Call Village. Reaching the Final Four, San Pedro's
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next conquest was our across-thebridge neighbors, and Goliath in their own right – Downtown Long Beach. Throughout social media, the sense of enthusiasm online was palpable, and many locals liked, shared, and commented, in hopes of receiving enough votes (and bragging rights) to claim victory against the popular Downtown district. Though the polls were very close, and neck-in-neck for the 24-hour span, online San Pedrans proved successful (59.12% - 40.88%). The 2017 Curbed Cup concluded with San Pedro versus the unexpected Burbank in the finals. The home of several television studios, as well as their own airport, Burbank fought the good fight, yet San Pedro was determined to go all the way – and it worked (66.96% 33.04%)! “Throughout the tournament, there was an outpouring of love for the neighborhood,” says Curbed LA Editor, Jenna Chandler, “with readers and residents lauding its stellar seafood, windsurfing, diversity, charming downtown, grand suspension bridge, flourishing waterfront, teeming tide pools, beautiful park on the bluff, and cultural institutions, from the historic Warner Grand to the ballet theater where Misty Copeland trained as a teenager.” On January 16, Councilman Joe Buscaino, along with the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and members of the community, gathered for an honorary celebration at the Korean Friendship Bell, marking this exciting achievement. “San Pedro is deserving of this award,” says Buscaino. “We value our people, who make this town amazing. We also value the amazing views we have, the Pacific Ocean, the coastline, Paseo Del Mar, the Korean Friendship Bell, Point Fermin Lighthouse, the ever evolving waterfront that’s taking place, our arts
and culture scene in Downtown San Pedro, and our community leaders. We also value our port, which is an amazing economic engine, not only here in our country, but also internationally. The port is the international gateway of goods, and we also claim San Pedro is international gateway of people.” President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Elise Swanson, described what this accolade means to the local community, saying, “This affirms our mission at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, which is to work to make San Pedro a better place to live, work, and visit.” Swanson continues, “We know how popular San Pedro is with visitors, and this just affirms all the great work the community has been doing, including our waterfront development, all our incredible assets like the Korean Friendship Bell, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.” The celebration concluded with a special ceremonial ringing of the Korean Friendship Bell a total of 33 times, symbolizing universality. “For 42 years, the Korean Friendship Bell has called San Pedro home,” says Ernest Lee, President of the nonprofit Korean Friendship Bell Preservation Committee. “We are so excited that San Pedro is finally getting the recognition that it deserves.” San Pedro seeks to uphold the title of “Neighborhood of the Year,” with all the upcoming developments, new businesses, and a thriving local community in 2018. “San Pedro is a tight knit community,” says Buscaino. “We are connected both online and offline with generations of people, that come to this great town of ours over many, many years,” Buscaino enthusiastically adds, “Let’s bring it home next year, too!” spt
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FEBRUARY 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11
VOICES
BE NICE! by Anthony Pirozzi
Each year, many of us come up with New Year’s resolutions. However, by now, many have quickly forgotten about them or have given up completely. A close friend of mine, who I have been working with for 28 years in aerospace, says the same thing about himself every time I show him a young picture of us, “That’s when I use to be a contender.” We laugh because we were young, thirty pounds lighter, single, and traveling the world launching satellites. The future was in our hands. Of course, this year, one of my resolutions is no different, get healthier and drop some weight. So far, I am working to keep that resolution going and have made some progress. The year, though, has started off with the loss of a few people I know at very young ages. We all know that in the blink of an eye, our lives can change forever, especially when a loved one passes. When you lose a friend, or have friends who have lost a sibling at a young age, it leaves an impression on you to reflect on your own life. It is also a reminder to enjoy life, even more than ever, and to truly appreciate all that you have, especially family and friends. During one of the services, it was stated that the best way we could honor the person who passed was to “be nice” to each other. I have been to many services where I can’t remember too much about what was said during the eulogy, but this one will be hard to forget. It was simple and to the point. We see examples today, where being nice to each other is not necessarily the case. Divisive words stated by our President, sexual harassment cases in Hollywood and by government officials, social injustices that we see reported in the news, personal battles that take place on social media, and our own personal experiences in our daily lives, to name a few. We need to pause and ask
12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
ourselves, “Why, in this day and age, are we are still seeing such behavior?” Today, we have access to just about everything at our fingertips, to the point that direct social interaction is being reduced. If you look around while in a public place, restaurant, or at an event, chances are many people are on their phones and not talking to each other. Our youth is missing all that is around them because they’re looking at their devices, instead of absorbing the environment around them. As an example, one day a bunch of our neighborhood families went out to lunch together. The parents were at one table and the kids at another. The parents were talking, but the kids were quiet because they were all on their phones on social media. I asked the kids to put their phones away until we were done with lunch and just talk with each other. They actually did, and all the parents enjoyed how the silence quickly turned into the sound of conversation and laughter. Each and every day presents itself an opportunity for us to be nice to each other. Whether it’s by complimenting a person’s positive action, thanking somebody for helping solve a problem, sharing the road and letting a driver pass, waving to the person who gives you the right of way, looking at the checker at the grocery store while they help you, paying attention to the person talking to you, establish a no-phone zone in the home for family time, helping someone in need, or posting something positive. This year will present challenges in each and every one of our lives. The one thing we can do is make a concerted effort to take that extra step and be nice to each other. Go out of your way to make our world, and our town, an even better place to live, work, and play. spt Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at apirozzi@yahoo.com.
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FEBRUARY 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13
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VOICES
CATHOLIC EDUCATION POSITIVELY IMPACTS THE SAN PEDRO COMMUNITY By Dr. Linda Wiley Across the nation, Catholic Schools Week is celebrated January 28 through February 3, with the theme, “Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” Based on this theme, San Pedro Catholic schools have hit it out of the ballpark, as Catholic school graduates make an impact on our community in ways you may not realize. San Pedro is a wonderful, unique community, making it a perfect place for the Catholic way of thinking. Catholic schools celebrate community, both within the school and in the broader civic community. "Being part of a Catholic school community has been a natural extension of the sense of community we've experienced in San Pedro," said Andrea Howe, a parent of Holy Trinity Catholic School. “At just six-years-old, our daughter's understanding of and commitment to being of service to her community, to being kind to others, and to caring for her friends and family is part of her daily life. For our family, that spirit of giving and sense of community has been one of the best aspects of a Catholic education." Learn. Catholic schools in San Pedro provide excellent academic preparation in safe, caring environments. We create positive environments imbued with a sense of achievement, enthusiasm, belonging, and joy. Students enjoy coming to school, which enables them to become their best selves through practicing their faith, striving in academics, and participating in athletics and extracurricular opportunities. Serve. Our students contribute to the community in a myriad of ways, beginning in the early grades, by donating to community organizations such as Harbor Interfaith Shelter, Harbor Animal Hospital, Rainbow Services, and the Marine Mammal Care Center. Lead. Catholic schools produce leaders who give back to their community. Alumni from all three San Pedro Catholic schools hold leadership positions in San Pedro, including local school principals, the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs, the Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, the
President of the San Pedro Youth Coalition, the Community Affairs Advocate at the Port of L.A., and the Editor-inChief, Associate Editor, and several columnists of San Pedro Today. Our graduates also include doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, business owners, and politicians in our community. Succeed. Jerry Duhovic, Mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes and graduate of Holy Trinity and Mary Star High School, states, “Catholic education is something I very much believe in, and attribute as a major contributor, not only to my good fortune and success, but that of countless others I know.” The list of our graduates serving and leading our community speaks to success, but so does the research. Catholic Schools’ nationwide graduation rate is 99% compared with public schools at 82.3%, other Religious Schools at 97.8%, and Nonsectarian private schools at 95.2%.* Nationally, Catholic schools have an 85.2% rate of high school graduates who attend a four-year college as compared to public schools 44%, other Religious schools at 63.3%, and Nonsectarian private schools at 56.2%.** Another major factor, which contributes to creating a family atmosphere, is the Catholic school alumni who return to teach at their alma mater. “There is a sense of love, compassion and understanding that Mary Star Elementary teachers and faculty give to the students which goes hand in hand in teaching,” says Michelle Nunez, alumnus and parent. If you are looking for a safe environment with a great family atmosphere, that offers excellence in academics and a strong foundation in faith, visit our Catholic schools. Mary Star High School has a Shadow Program, where students can visit the school for a day. Both elementary schools have Open Houses coming up, Holy Trinity (Sunday, Feb. 11) and Mary Star Elementary (Sunday, Feb. 25). Come visit us and see how we create exceptional young people. We’re here, we’re in your community, and we make a difference. spt Dr. Linda Wiley is the principal of Holy Trinity Catholic School & Preschool
*(Broughman, S.P., and Swaim, N.L. [2013]; Stillwell, R., and Sable, J. [2015]). **(Broughman, S.P., and Swaim, N.L. [2013]; Snyder, T.D., and Dillow, S. A. [2015]).
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Lara Hughey, owner of Green Girl Farms
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by Daniella Segura
LARA HUGHEY'S GREEN GIRL FARMS AIMS TO PROVIDE FRESH, LOCALLY GROWN, SUSTAINABLE FOOD FOR SAN PEDRO Imagine walking through a neighborhood where you can visit gardens and eat produce straight off the vine. Imagine a local food web throughout an urban city, with produce growing on sidewalks, balconies, and backyards. This is the vision Lara Hughey has for San Pedro. “I want to grow the food in the community in which it’s consumed. We’re trying to create access to fresh, local grown, sustainable food for everyone,” Hughey says. “The goal of my nonprofit, Green Girl Farms, is to grow food in empty spaces and make that food available to the community through donations and produce stands.” Hughey started Green Girl Farms with her husband, Scott Anger, in 2015,
after she had been gardening, selling produce, and teaching others in San Pedro for several years. Recently, she received a lifetime achievement badge from the UCCE Master Gardener program. “That means I have volunteered more than 1,000 hours of my time educating people how to garden. Specifically, I focus on edible gardening, composting and vermicomposting,” Hughey says. “At heart, I’m actually a frustrated home gardener. As an adult, I never really had a space to garden, so that is the driving force for gardening in other peoples’ empty spaces.” Monique Carbajal, who recently began volunteering with Green Girl Farms, first met Hughey about a
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year ago at her produce stand, which Hughey hosts every second Saturday of the month at the Corner Store in San Pedro, “I think what she’s doing is fantastic, using unused, vacant spaces to grow the produce and getting the fresh vegetables out into the community,” Carbajal says. “When you go to a Green Girl Farms produce stand, you talk with Lara and see exactly where that sweet potato, cauliflower, basil, kale, beet, and zucchini came from. That’s amazing.” What first started as a hobby in 2000, quickly sprouted into a passion. While living in Brooklyn, New York, working as a documentary filmmaker and consultant, Hughey wanted a hobby that would help relieve her stress. Inspired by her grandparents, who had a garden
at their home in Oklahoma, Hughey fondly remembered many summer visits while growing up, and their diverse garden of watermelons, cantaloupe, okra, and tomatoes. “I would sit in that garden and eat tomatoes morning, noon, and night,” says Hughey. Her garden began small, growing tomatoes in pots on the second-floor balcony of her Brooklyn apartment. “I got these big, beautiful, green, luscious plants. Then, at the end of the season, I had zero tomatoes. So, I said to myself, ‘Well, why did that happen?’” Hughey recalls. “I got on the computer and figured it out, and that was first step. That’s where it all began.” In 2008, Hughey moved to San Pedro. She noticed an empty square of dirt on
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From Basil to Zucchini: Green Girl Farms, located on 14th St. and Mesa, features a rotating selection of fresh vegetables, spices and honey. (photos: John Mattera Photography)
the sidewalk in front of her home. She knocked on a neighbor’s door, borrowed a shovel, and planted a tomato plant. “Then, it became a tomato plant with a trellis and a little fence, and other little plants around,” Hughey describes. “People started asking me questions when I was out there. I could answer tomato questions, but I couldn’t answer too many other questions.” At the same time, her son started attending San Pedro Cooperative Nursery School. At the school, parents take on various, helpful assignments. Hughey soon became the school’s gardener, and began teaching preschool children about gardening. When her son started school at Point Fermin Elementary, Hughey successfully authored a grant to refurbish the school’s garden. “You can’t put a price tag on introducing an elementary student to the best tasting tomato they’ve ever had and it’s not red!” Hughey says. “I mean, that aha moment, is something I live for with everyone I talk to. I wanted to spread that enthusiasm and knowledge to our community.” Between working on her sidewalk plot and teaching children to garden, Hughey wanted to learn more about
gardening to better answer others’ questions. In 2012, Hughey applied and was accepted to the UCCE Master Gardener program. Soon, Hughey was growing more food than her family could eat. She remembered seeing a produce stand at the Corner Store on 37th Street, and after talking to the owner, learned the it was no longer in operation. Hughey, with permission, began selling her produce at the Corner Store and has been doing so for a little over three years now. Despite all her efforts, Hughey still wanted to grow more in the community. “When Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles came into being, they had a big empty parking lot. My husband and I emailed Rachel Sindelar, the Executive Director, and said, ‘Hey, wouldn’t it be great if you had an edible garden here?’” Sindelar agreed, and Hughey and her husband began working on building an edible garden at Crafted. “Building that garden was so fulfilling that I decided that I need to keep this going somehow, and that’s when I formed Green Girl Farms,” Hughey explains. “We wanted to continue to bring gardens to unused spaces, create a local food web, and provide opportuni-
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ties and spaces for the community to participate and learn.” While Hughey was working at the produce stand, a pastor, Anna Woofenden, approached Hughey with an idea. Woofenden wanted to create a church with no walls, and exist as a vibrant, urban garden. Hughey loved the idea, and she and her husband helped create The Garden Church on Sixth Street. The church soon became a compost hub, where people could bring their compostables to be turned into compost used for the garden. “Over the last three years at The Garden Church, we’ve pulled in 6,000 pounds of compostables. That’s three tons of compostable that were converted from the waste stream,” Hughey says proudly. While working at The Garden Church, Hughey met Claudia Kliszewski who began volunteering for Hughey soon after. “She’s just so excited about what she does that it’s contagious. She’s generous, loves the community, and supports them. She inspires people to get engaged,” Kliszewski says. In 2017, when a space on 14th and Mesa Streets became available, Kliszewski acquired the space for a permanent home and farm for Green Girl
Farms. “I wanted to contribute, too. I’m new to this community, and I really feel something here I haven’t felt anywhere else I’ve lived,” Kliszewski says. “I told Lara, ‘Would you want to do this? Because I can’t do this by myself. I don’t know enough, but I want to do it this for the community.’” Last June, the space was ready to be planted. Currently, about half of the 2,000 square-foot area is being utilized. Yet, in the past six months, the farm has produced more than 1,000 pounds of food that has gone back into the community. The farm operates with Hughey and volunteers planting and harvesting the produce. The produce is then either sold at produce stands in the community or given to volunteers for their time. “Generally, food you buy in the grocery store comes from over 100 miles away, here in Southern California. For the rest of the country, it comes from thousands of miles away. That process uses up precious nonrenewable resources,” Hughey says. “So why not grow produce in our own community? You’re not going to get better tasting sugar snap peas than the ones that came from 20 feet away. There truly is a difference, even if I
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"THE GOAL OF GREEN GIRL FARMS IS TO GROW FOOD IN EMPTY SPACES AND MAKE THAT FOOD AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DONATIONS AND PRODUCE STANDS" Freshly harvested cauliflower and kale sit on a table ready for purchase. Below: Cucumbers slowly take shape. (photos: John Mattera Photography)
can’t quantify it.” Looking towards the future, Hughey hopes to continue to grow Green Girl Farms. “I would like to see empty spaces all over San Pedro growing food, because the community that comes here to get food is completely different than the community that comes to The Garden Church—it’s seven blocks away,” Hughey says. “In my mind, it would be fantastic to have these gardens and compost hubs throughout San Pedro and Los Angeles. I would love to collaborate with other organizations to make a local food web more of a reality than just a dream.” When asked what motivates her to do the work she does, Hughey says it’s the hope of creating a better world
for future generations. “I believe that you should be able to walk through the garden, pick a tomato off the vine, and eat it. That is why I believe in environmentally sound practices,” Hughey explains. “We’re not divorced from the environment, even if we’re not living in a rural setting. Nature’s everywhere; life’s pervasive. I want everybody’s children to go grow up in a world that’s less polluted.” spt Green Girl Farms new hub hosts a produce stand and volunteer time, every Wednesday from 9 – 11a at 390 W. 14th St.. Hughey also has a produce stand at the Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.) every second Saturday of the month from 10a – Noon.
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HANDS ON CREATIVITY SAN PEDRO’S BLUE WATER CLAY EDUCATES & INSPIRES LOCAL ARTISTS IN CERAMIC ARTS by Caitlyn Trudnich It all starts with a block of clay. Staring at this mass of cool, natural material is initially daunting. Yet suddenly, your hands begin to create, and an idea begins to take form. This simple concept was how Blue Water Clay was born. Artist Jan Govaerts found creative inspiration in 1999, discovering a passion for ceramic arts. “I always considered myself a painter, even though I had always taken ceramics classes along with painting," says Govaerts. "However, one day a particular image came to mind, and I thought, ‘You know what? I’m going to try to make that!’” That image turned into 21 six-foot, handmade coiled towers. From that project on, ceramic arts became her calling. In addition to formerly teaching ceramics at Angels Gate Cultural Center for many years, Govaerts also cofounded The Loft Studios and Gallery in San Pedro in 1995, which houses the working spaces of several, local artists. Govaerts recently teamed with fellow creative minds, Nancy Davis and Peggy Leberknight, to co-found Blue Water Clay, a full service membership ceramics studio in Downtown San Pedro. This unique studio is truly impressive; offering everything an artist needs to create, including an ample amount of glazes, and just about any kind of tool you can think of to use. In addition to their electric kiln, Blue Water Clay is especially proud of their latest addition – a massive gas kiln, which Leberknight confirms, is like the “Ferrari of kilns.” Blue Water Clay also offers classes, for both hand building and wheel throwing, each welcoming all levels of
Blue Water Clay co-founders (l to r) Nancy Davis, Peggy Leberknight, Jan Govaerts (photo: John Mattera Photography)
expertise. “We have lots of regulars. Some of the people in my class started with me at Angels Gate, and have been coming to class for over 10 years,” says Govaerts. In addition, the space will also be offering specialized workshops, including a five-day glaze testing workshop hosted by specialist John Britt, February 12 -16. Becoming a member of Blue Water Clay not only gives artists the ability to work in a tranquil and accommodating space, but working with ceramics also provides something uniquely personal to each member. “When you work with clay, you are connected to what I call, Mother Earth,” says artist Lilo Campeau. “You just feel that energy, and it takes you where you want to go.” Campeau has been working with ceramics consistently for the past three to four years, and after meeting Govaerts, became a member of Blue Water Clay. She describes why she chose this medium, saying, “Clay is better than almost any medium because you can shape it, twist it, do whatever you want with it. Just about anybody can do it. It comes directly from the Earth.” Another member, Neena Fitzgerald, describes the emotional connection ceramics provides, saying, “It’s very therapeutic to me. When you’re stressed out, you can come here.” While working on a couple pieces, she describes the creative process, saying, “Sometimes you don’t know what your end result is going to be, but while you’re doing it, it has its own life.” Govaerts reiterates, “What you make
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isn’t really the point. The point is the process. There are no mistakes in clay.” Finding a place to master your craft is equally important. Member Kathleen Martin was glad to have found Blue Water Clay, saying “I have been trying to improve my wheel throwing skills, and I’ve been working on a certain shaped bowl for probably four years. Just having the opportunity to be here and having instructors, and everything the membership includes, has been wonderful.” Martin adds, “It’s a magical place.” Co-founder Leberknight, who has not been working with clay for very long, just enjoys being a part of the studio and finds joy through the artistic process. “I’m new to this, so I’m still just learning, creating, and giving finished products to family. The other day, after completing a project at the studio, I felt so happy! It was just fun. It’s an amazing experience.” Having found their location in the heart of Downtown San Pedro, Blue Water Clay becomes the latest business in an artistically driven community. “There wasn’t really any other area that we wanted to be in, “says Govaerts. “Art has been pretty influential in shaping Downtown as it is now,” she continues. “So many of the buildings are occupied by artists, and events such as First Thursday are important in bringing people to the area.” Blue Water Clay is proud to be a new addition to this movement, and hopes to spread awareness to the ceramic arts, eventually making San Pedro and Blue Water Clay a hub for this hands-on
medium. Having recently moved from Manhattan Beach, co-founder Nancy Davis happily exclaims, “San Pedro is my new home, and Blue Water Clay is my second home.” She also recalled a recent interaction with a fellow Downtown neighbor that reaffirmed the decision to plant roots in the area, saying, “Recently, we had someone stop by who said, ‘Hey, I’m from around the corner, and I just wanted to say thank you for investing in our little neighborhood, here.’” While membership and classes continue to grow, Blue Water Clay hopes to grow and prosper even further, including an eventual expansion to their location. “We have been described as being on the frontier of the Arts District,” says Govaerts. “The Arts District is alive and growing. We hope to help extend the Arts District further South on Pacific Avenue.” Govaerts optimistically shares, “There are a lot of ceramic artists in San Pedro. Collectively, we might make San Pedro a center for ceramics.” spt Blue Water Clay is located at 803 S. Pacific Ave., and open Monday – Friday, 10a – 6p. For a full class schedule, and more information their upcoming workshop, visit bluewaterclay.com, call (424) 264-5364, or email bluewaterclay@gmail.com.
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Before and After: Ports O' Call signage in September 2017 (left) and in January 2018 (right). (photos: Angela Romero)
super early to get good parking. Most of the shops hadn’t opened and the village was quiet. It was the perfect opportunity to walk through the entire complex and take a thorough photographic survey for posterity and my personal archive. As I took photos, I asked myself what I would’ve wanted the people who were witnessing the last days of Beacon Street to capture. The answer was simple, everything. In a way, Ports O’ Call is my generation’s By Angela “Romee” Romero Beacon Street, and it was my job to try and capture everything for future San Pedro historians who won’t get to experience this place and will only On Valentine’s Day 1963, the San know it from photographs and old Pedro News-Pilot announced that timers' memories. So I photographed restaurateur David Tallichet had finally every building, sign, and cobblestone decided on a name for his soon to be path I could. When the stores opened, completed waterfront development, I asked the shopkeepers to let me Ports O’ Call Village. On January 14, take pictures of the interiors. For the 2018, only one month shy of the 55th next couple of months, I continued to anniversary of that announcement, observe and document the imminent the village’s handful of holdout shops demise of Ports O’ Call Village. opened for their last Sunday, ever. There was virtually no visible For as long as I can remember, change at Ports O’ Call from August going to Ports O’ Call on a Sunday was to October, when the leases expired. considered a non-starter for locals. The Only the tenants could feel the cloud of large, out of town crowds made the area uncertainty that hung over the village ground zero for every San Pedran’s like a fog. Would they really have to worst nightmare, bad parking. But as close? the village’s closing drew near, that selfLate October was when I started inflicted dread fell away and I found driving through Ports O’ Call any time myself spending more Sundays, and I had to cross from one side of town to other days, down at Ports O’ Call, just the other. The Daily Breeze was running to experience it all before it went away. more stories about the shops’ fight The first Sunday I spent a significant to stay open, making it a high profile amount of time at Ports O’ Call was story. I knew it wouldn’t be long before in late August of last year. I got there the Pedro poachers would come along
PORTS O’ CALL’S FINAL DAYS
24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
looking for souvenirs for their man caves full of Pedro memorabilia. The first signs went missing in November, but thankfully not much was lost before the Port of Los Angeles collected what was left and locked it away for preservation. By mid November, the tenants who chose not to join in the litigation against the Port of L.A. had moved out, and the remaining shops began to discount their merchandise. The customers enjoyed the bargains, as I watched them thin the stock through the remainder of 2017. The months-old uncertainty spilled into the new year, but now the question wasn’t if they would close, but which day would be Ports O’ Call’s last. On the morning of January 8, the first rainy day of 2018, an L.A. County Sheriff’s deputy went shop by shop, posting eviction notices with an order to vacate by January 13. Because of the holiday weekend, the shops were given the hard date of January 16 to be out. I don’t know what I expected to find on the last Sunday of Ports O’ Call, but I was not prepared to walk into a scene I can only describe as ‘business as usual.’ Well, as usual as it can get with most of the shops empty and/or boarded up. I arrived in the mid-afternoon and made the requisite loops around and around, looking for a parking space in a lot that looked very much at capacity. The shelves in Candy Town looked sparsely stocked, but it didn’t keep the customers from walking in and out like any other Sunday. The Boardwalk Grill
had a full patio of customers enjoying a sunny winter’s day in California. I had watched the ice cream shop loading out huge frozen cases the day before but the line was still out the door that last day. The group of people gathered outside the Sea Breeze stores, picking through their clearance tables could easily be considered a mob. The shop must go on, even when it’s going out of business. There was not one wasted moment in the final days of Ports O’ Call Village. The tenants continued to attend to their customers even after the clock had run out. On the final day of business, the owners of Candy Town, Edward and Moon Ko, stayed late into the evening clearing the candy off the orange shelves. Candy Town was one of the longest running businesses in the village, but the Ko’s decided to just walk away, leaving everything behind except for some bags of candy they were donating to their church. That couldn’t have been an easy thing to do. As the Ko’s continued to clean and clear in the shop, a man and his young son walked up to the door and stood there, realizing the activity meant the store was not open for business. When Moon noticed the pair peering into the front window, she instinctively grabbed two pieces of candy and presented them to the little boy and his father. This bittersweet gesture was a beautiful ending to Ports O’ Call Village, a place where families made lasting memories along San Pedro’s waterfront, from its first day to its last. spt
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SPORTS
KICKING IT UP A NOTCH POLA GIRLS SOCCER COMPETES IN DIVISION 1 SEASON by Jamaal K. Street
Beginning in 2011, the evolution of the Port of Los Angeles High School girls soccer program has grown progressively with each passing year. During their initial first five years, each season unfortunately ended in elimination at the hand of Los Angeles CES in the CIF-Los Angeles City Section playoffs, both during the semifinals (2011 and 2014), and the championship game itself (Division 3 in 2012 and 2013, Division 4 with a 2-1 overtime loss in 2015). 2016 was supposed to be the Polar Bears’ year. With the Unicorns going up a division higher, Division 4 favorite got to the finals as expected. However, the team’s destiny was delayed once again, with a penalty kick shootout loss to Northridge Academy. POLA’s breakthrough finally came in 2017, as they were moved up from Division 4 to Division 2, due to competitive equity. With tougher postseason competition, the Polar Bears triumphed, winning 2-1 sudden death overtime over previously undefeated Grant of Van Nuys at Los Angeles Valley College, and earning their first CIF-LACS championship. “Our run last year was very impactful for the team and our school,” POLA junior defender Kendall Dimson said. “Our hard work and dedication was finally rewarded.”
2017-18 Port of Los Angeles High School girls soccer team (l to r): Keely Bales, Kendall Dimson, Briana Mancilla, Amber Lopez, Gisselle Mora, Natalia Iniguez and Britney Delgado (photo: John Mattera Photography)
As the 2017-18 season continues, POLA is kicking it up a notch, as they are now in Division 1. Meaning the Polar Bears deal with the likes of defending champion Granada Hills, and other tough competitors, including 15-time champion El Camino Real, and 12-time defending Marine League champion San Pedro. “Moving to Division I for the playoffs was a good decision,” says junior midfielder Gisselle Mora, the hero of last year’s Division 2 title game. “It gives us a chance to show what we are made of.” Everyone in the Crosstown League is pretty much aware of that fact. Since 2011, POLA is 76-1-4 in Crosstown League play, including a 3-0-1 start to this current season, winning the league outright all seven years, and undefeated in 73 consecutive league games since suffering a 1-0 loss to Foshay Learning Center. The majority of those 76 wins have been lopsided, and in some cases the Polar Bears even hit double digits. Last year’s 13-0 league run was the most dominant, as POLA outscored their victims 111-5. Second-year school New West Charter has provided the real
26 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
threat thus far with a 2-2 tie on November 29. “We don’t let all the [league] wins get to us,” says three-time AllCity selection senior midfielder Briana Mancilla. Mancilla has had the greatest prep career in all San Pedro Prep Girls Soccer, with 93 goals and 67 assists in over three years, both POLA school career records. “Because we all know what truly matters, and that’s how we compete in the playoffs.” Mancilla, Mora, senior midfielder Britney Delgado, sophomore forward Keely Bales, and sophomore midfielder Natalia Iniguez form an intimidating tandem, as they all scored 76 of POLA’s 125 goals last season. Additionally, Dimson, junior Amber Lopez, and senior Christy Messner (last year’s Crosstown League MVP), are a great defensive back row, which needs to be solid to protect freshman goalie, Kiana Nelson. Lopez is one of the more versatile players for POLA as she is also another midfielder. She describes her role, saying, “A critical part of being both a defender and midfielder would be organizing the back and front lines. But
in both positions, I’m able to see the entire field.” During last year’s historic run to the title, Delgado played a massive role in scoring three goals, one each in the first three rounds against Marshall, Van Nuys, and San Fernando. “We worked hard to be the best,” says Delgado, who produced a hat trick against rival Harbor Teacher Prep on December 6. “It’s the only other way I could give back to my teammates after all the greatness we achieved together.” Bales provides speed on the sidelines as a forward, who had 16 goals last year, taking up from where Anna Vidovich (25 goals, 24 assists in 20162017) left off. “I’m able to be a playmaker and finish opportunities that my teammates set me up with,” says Bales. “I hope to continue making more opportunities in hopes of getting back-toback rings.” Freshman midfielder/defender Sophia Alvarez and junior forward Berneise Casillas, a Mary Star transfer, are other key players for POLA, while fifth-year coach Javier Torres is closing in on 100 career victories. spt
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WEDDING
TRUE BLUE
MARCEL & SHANNON ROSS MAY 31, 2017 by Caitlyn Trudnich photo by John Mattera Photography If you’re a sports fan, more specifically, a Los Angeles Dodgers fan, you know that no matter what, you’re in it for the long haul. It’s unconditional love at its finest. Throughout the years, they’ll be times when the Dodgers claim victory, like when they made it to the World Series after 29 long years. They’ll also be times where they’ll experience the agony of defeat, like that crushing loss to the Houston Astros. Nevertheless, that’s your team. And as long as they’re playing, and no matter how long it takes to get to the Series, you’ll always be wearing blue and driving to Chavez Ravine, ready to cheer them on and celebrate. From the very beginning, Marcel and Shannon’s relationship was a homerun. The two met as rookies on the Fourth of July in Hermosa Beach. Marcel was 25, and Shannon was 20. The pair dated for five years, and went everywhere together – literally. Their love took them all over the world, including Italy, Croatia, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Grand Cayman Islands, Mexico, and, of course, many visits to games at Dodger Stadium. “Shannon has the biggest heart and is the most caring person I know,” says Marcel. With those sentiments in mind, Marcel popped the question to Shannon while dining at a San Pedro favorite, Neil’s Pasta & Seafood Grill. “It was beautiful,” Shannon recalls, “Marcel is so kind and such a generous person...
I, of course, knew I wanted to spend my life with him.” The engaged couple then said “I do” on May 31, 2007, with a small ceremony, visiting the bright lights of Las Vegas. Although thrilled with their decision, the newlyweds decided to make a pact. On their tenth anniversary, they would celebrate in a unique way. “We had always said at ten years, we would do it up big,” says Shannon. And that they did. Exactly a decade to the day, Marcel and Shannon had made it past the pennant race. After ten “seasons” of marriage, the Rosses recommitted themselves to one another in a celebration worthy of winning the World Series. Their Dodgers-themed vow renewal was held on May 31, 2017 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro-Port of Los Angeles. With Sverre Toft of the Norwegian Seaman’s Church officiating, Marcel and Shannon exchanged their own, selfwritten vows during their ceremony, overlooking the Cabrillo Marina, in
28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
front of 160 guests. The wedding party wore Dodger blue, with the groomsmen and groomswoman wearing blue vests, bowties, and Dodgers caps, while the bridal party looked stunning in blue dresses. Groomsmen included Paul Bjazevich, John Penna, Alex Ramos, Steven Sullivan, Vince Terzoli, Peter Villanueva, Jerry Vrbanovich, and groomswoman Meredith Gregory. Bridal party included Annette Balog, Flaven Butler, Erin Carter, Gina Gregory, Melissa Ross, Lisa Mattera, Vickie Trigas, and Betty Wollard. Marcel and Shannon’s children, Daniel and Luke, were also part of the special day. The party continued at their reception in the Madeo Ballroom, which featured elegant touches of the color blue throughout the overall décor. Tables were adorned with baseballs, and wooden bats decorated with custom team logos of their last name, created by Jill of All Trades Design. “We used all local San Pedro vendors,” Shannon
says proudly. After having taken dance lessons at People’s Place & Palace, the couple felt confident to show guests what they had learned, with their first dance to the romantic “All of Me” by John Legend. The bride also had a pinch hitter up her sleeve – two dresses! During the ceremony, Shannon wore a beautiful, lace wedding gown. However, for the reception, she switched it up, wearing a gown featuring light beading. “The second one was more fun for the reception,” says the fashionable bride. As for the next ten years of marriage and beyond? Marcel and Shannon would love to do more traveling together, purchase another home, have grandchildren one day, and, of course, spend many more dates together at the ballpark. Marcel and Shannon reside in San Pedro, where Marcel is a foreman for ILWU Local 94, and Shannon works as a community advocate. spt
CELEBRATE SAN PEDRO CATCHES ON | 2016-17 PREP SOCCER PREVIEW | STRONG PEDRO PROJECT | WEDDING: ARTHUR & CLAUDIA MENDEZ
Celebrate
CJ MERCHANT GROWS FOR THE GOLD | LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS | SPHS SWIMMER AUDREY STEEN
RED'S CHEESECAKES | SAN PEDRO'S EASTER EGGS | POLA HIGH SCHOOL'S SOCCER CHAMPS | EXTENDED EVENTS CALENDAR!
APRIL 2017
MARCH 2017
JANUARY 2017
FEBRUARY 2017
2016-17 PREP BASKETBALL PREVIEW | MAKING HEALTHY CHANGES IN THE NEW YEAR | IN MEMORIAM: WILLIAM STECKER
#LeafYourMark
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FEBRUARY 2017 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 1
JANUARY 2017 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 1
MCKENNA'S PENDLETON | VITALICH SOFTBALL SISTERS COMPETE IN EUROPE | WAITING FOR YANCY | AND MORE INSIDE!
HOW A FACEBOOK GROUP INSPIRED A NEW GENERATION OF COMMUNITY ACTIVISM
PLUS: SPHS SOFTBALL CHAMPS | NEWS-PILOT YOUTH CARRIERS | SP CHAMBER AWARDS
JULY 2017
MAY 2017
JUNE 2017
PIROZZI'S ITALIAN DELI'S NEW OWNERS | PREP BASEBALL & SOFTBALL PREVIEW | COLLECTOR'S EXPO ON THE USS IOWA
THE LEATHER SHOP REVIVES THE ART OF LEATHERCRAFT FOR A NEW GENERATION OF SAN PEDRANS
PLUS: YMCA TIMELINE & MEMORIES | PREP SPORTS SIGNING DAY | FITNESS: WHY YOU QUIT
AUGUST 2017
Our picks of the top community anniversaries and milestones we should be honoring every year.
ickin’ Alive & K
THE Y AT 100 CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SERVICE IN SAN PEDRO
The New Kid In Town
GREG MORENA STAKES HIS CLAIM IN DOWNTOWN SAN PEDRO WITH PAPPY'S SEAFOOD
THE MARY STAR FIESTA CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF FUN, FAITH AND FAMILY
WAYS TO GIVE BACK | SCRAPBOOKS UNCOVER SP'S PAST | AMAZING TEACHER/STUDENT REUNION NOVEMBER 2017
SP INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | PORT TOWN IN NEON | PREP VOLLEYBALL PREVIEW & MORE!
OCTOBER 2017
SEPTEMBER 2017
PLUS: WHITE POINT HOME TOUR | DANE WELLS CRUSHES IT | PREP FOOTBALL PREVIEW & MUCH MORE!
ONE OF SAN PEDRO’S MOST POPULAR FAMILY EVENTS CELEBRATES HALF A DECADE OF OLLIES AND KICKFLIPS PLUS: WHAT'S GOING ON WITH CHANNEL STREET SKATEPARK?
The New Frontier
MEET CRAFTED ARTISTS | MIRACLE ON BEACON STREET | PREP SPORTS YEAR IN REVIEW | AND MORE! DECEMBER 2017
WITH A NEW GENERATION TAKING THE REINS - PLUS A VISIT FROM THE CROATIAN NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM - SAN PEDRO’S CROATIAN AMERICAN CLUB IS EXPERIENCING A RENAISSANCE
First Thursday at 20 TWO DECADES LATER, A LOOK BACK AT HOW ONE OF SAN PEDRO’S LONGEST RUNNING TRADITIONS CAME TO BE
WITH DEEP-SEA EXPLORER DR. ROBERT BALLARD ON BOARD, ALTASEA LOOKS TO TURN SAN PEDRO INTO A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE 'BLUE ECONOMY'
Here's to a prosperous 2018, San Pedro! Thank you for letting us tell your stories.
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FINDING ITS STRIDE
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS IN SAN PEDRO, CRAFTED FINALLY COMES INTO ITS OWN
RELIGION
MANHOOD & #METOO by Pastor Nathan Hoff “Now Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13.1) Another tragic #MeToo story begins in the middle of the Bible, which is full of stories similar to the ones coming into the light of our own day. This time the perpetrator’s name was Amnon, who shared a father, King David, with the victim, beautiful Tamar. Like millions before and after Tamar, she didn’t have much of a voice to raise her own #MeToo story. She tried to reason with Amnon, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing. As for me, where could I carry my shame?” Then, he raped her. When their father was made aware, “King David heard these things, he was very angry,” however, he did nothing. Maybe David’s own failures made him feel disqualified from saying what he should have said, or doing what he should have done. The only thing the angry passivity of David accomplished was to drive shame deeper for Tamar. Many modern day Amnons have recently been exposed, and there are other anxious Amnons who will be exposed in the coming days. There are also many modern day Davids who get angry about such injustice, but do nothing. What does it mean to be a man? Are our two options: perpetrator man or passive angry man? Patrick Erlandson was the emcee of an anti-trafficking event that the San Pedro YWCA hosted a year ago. I asked for his card at the end of the evening, and along with information for the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, it read, “Patrick Erlandson, Abolitionist.” When asked why manhood was in trouble, Erlandson replied, “Men have believed the lie of entitlement.” He went on to say this attitude “has enabled even very good men to justify very bad behavior and deeds.” So, how do you become an abolitionist? Abolitionism has a global scope that begins in a man’s heart, his home, and his community. My first taste of the abolition movement was a global experience. It began in Tanzania in a home where formerly trafficked girls are finding restoration. Our congrega30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I FEBRUARY 2018
tion just raised the needed funds for a reconstructive surgery that should never have to be done on anyone, much less a 12-year-old girl. My heart is still there. But, maybe my heart feels safer when it is far away because I have a real daughter here under my roof, and some real sons. What about them? How about the heart that beats in my own chest? What about the atmosphere in our congregations or our community? Abolitionism has a place in my heart. The abolitionist seeks to abolish the attitudes and related actions that treat others as a commodity to be consumed, or an object to be viewed or used. The abolitionist recognizes that there is an internal battle for freedom that is as important as the external battle against slavery. Abolitionism has a place in my home. Our children need to know about safe practices on social media. The home is the world, the community, the congregation in miniature. We are raising future husbands and wives, members and citizens. The abolitionist fosters an atmosphere of dignity and respect for the actual humans under their roof. Abolitionism has a place in my community. We all are in communities that include vulnerable populations. There are so many opportunities to be a second-chance dad to those without one. I’ve seen it at the Bogdanovich baseball diamond, and at a father-daughter dance at Christ Lutheran School, and every week in my confirmation class. Patrick Erlandson, who also leads a group called Men Standing Against Trafficking, recently said, “Men are the solution. Because when we stand in faith and love and generosity in reflection of our Lord, we move mountains.” Monthly, Erlandson takes his stand to see slavery ended on one of the tracks in Long Beach. There is another option for men beyond perpetrator man or passive man. Men, you can be an abolitionist. spt For more information: National Human Trafficking Resource Center (888) 373-7878 Fight the New Drug Organization fightthenewdrug.org Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at: trinitypastor.blogspot.com.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
HERE'S HOW TO SUCCEED IN 2018 by Ricky Magana “I’ve had many people tell me they have ten years of experience, when in reality, they have one year of experience repeated ten times.” - J. Paul Getty Hard to believe, but I am entering the sixth year of this fitness column. That’s roughly 45,000 words about fitness and exercise. If you’ve kept up this far, thank you. After tens of thousands of words on this subject, there’s one thing I know for sure: Growth is not automatic. Simply because you do something for years, doesn't mean you will become better at it. It’s very possible to live in a rut. Old age doesn’t bring maturity or wisdom. Having grown children doesn’t make you a good parent. Mindlessly going through the motions in your career, relationships, or in my realm, the gym, doesn’t entitle you to results or rewards, intention does. That is, acting with total clarity on what it is you’re trying to accomplish and for what purpose. You can’t just do things. You must do them with purpose. You must be clear on why it matters to bother with it at all. I’ve found that if I pursue anything without intention, I’ll eventually fail. And anything I pursue with intention, comes to fruition with creepy accuracy. In last month’s column, I spoke about the importance of accurately assessing where you’re starting from, because in order to get where you wanna go, you need to understand where you are now. This month, I want to focus on how to become intentional in your pursuit of getting better. Doing so will produce a level of focus that will pull you towards your desired outcomes. Being intentional starts with having goals, i.e. clear and specific objectives, but we won’t stop there. Goals are primarily concerned with “getting” something. Intention is concerned with “becoming” something. Goals are the means to the end. Necessary but incomplete. Take this example. Goal: Get in shape by losing 20 pounds. Intention: Become a strong mother and example to my children. The goal is the measurable, quantifiable result. The intention is the reason
the goal matters in the first place. Which do you think will be more compelling after you’ve been dieting for six weeks, and the scale isn’t moving as fast as you want it to? Which will get you through the hard times, the moments where you wanna quit? The 20 lbs. or the idea of being a strong mother? Paradoxically, when it comes to intention, you can put the cart before the horse. You can behave like the person you hope to be in this very moment. Everyday you can say, “What would the better, stronger version of me do in this situation?” And over time, you will become that person (and lose the weight in the process). Why is that? Your mind can’t leave a question unanswered. It’s like a search engine. If I said, “Find people wearing a red shirts,” or “How many Honda Civics can you find in a day?” for the next week, you’d be relentlessly scanning your peripheral for red shirts and Civics. You’d begin to see them everywhere. It’d become an annoying habit that you couldn’t stop. That same incredible cerebral engine can be applied to your goals. Here’s how you can apply this to make 2018 your year. Write this down: 1. Define a specific, measurable, and quantifiable outcome you want to achieve and due date. Nothing vague. If it can’t be given a clear pass or fail via some sort of litmus test, it’s not specific enough. Saying you wanna “get fit” or “get healthy” is almost meaningless. 2. Describe the kind of person you would need or want to become in order to achieve that result and why in 100 words or less. 3. Describe five to ten daily and weekly habits, behaviors, and beliefs that kind of person possesses. 4. Post this sheet somewhere you’ll see it everyday. That’s it. Now working backwards, you patiently practice the daily/weekly behaviors of that person, and in time you’ll become that person, and ultimately achieve the goal. And if you want to get there 10x faster, find someone who will hold you accountable. Hope that helps. spt Heyday Elite Fitness offers a 2-minute scan that provides a full 1-page body fat analysis to help you tailor your fitness goals. For more info, email ricky@heydaytraining.com.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
ONE FATEFUL NOVEMBER
NOW ACCEPTING MEDICARE
by Lori Garrett Have you ever had a chance encounter with someone that changes your trajectory forever? I remember one such experience in November 2009, during an emergency room visit. I was admitted due to an ongoing adverse reaction to a Crohn’s medication, which had left me disabled with head-to-toe body pain, severely inflamed joints, painfully achy muscles, sharp stomach pain, and unbearable nausea. By the time I landed in the ER that fateful November night, my throat was swelling to a point where I couldn’t swallow. My symptoms had officially become life threatening. I was desperate for help. I’d been suffering for months, and had been to multiple doctors with no success in finding a solution. But I didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary from this particular emergency room visit. I assumed it would be a typical ER visit. A “quick fix” of sorts, meant to stabilize me and send me off to follow up with my regular doctors. But it turned out to be so much more. In addition to the standard treatment, one of the ER doctors sat down to have a thorough conversation with me, which went beyond the typical medical advice I would usually receive. In particular, we talked about nutrition. No, not the conventional generic nutritional advice we often get, but a more philosophical, specific approach. After sharing how nutrition had made a difference in his life, he actually suggested that making some major changes in my eating habits could play a significant role in my healing. I was pleasantly surprised. No medical doctor had ever taken the time to do that. Now don’t get me wrong, I can understand why. Medical doctors base their advice on solid science and research, as they should, and the research on nutritional therapy has been, if you ask me, contradictory, inadequate, and sometimes rather inaccurate or incomplete. Unfortunately, this often leaves us with generic, “safe,” but often-unhelpful nutrition advice from medical professionals.
But this doctor was brave enough to think outside the box. He made some suggestions that went beyond convention, one of which was a book called, The Maker’s Diet. As soon as I was able to, I got my hands on that book with the hope of starting my transformation. At first, this new food plan seemed too restrictive to follow. I didn’t think I could succeed at giving up some of the foods I really loved. But I was desperate for relief, so I gave it a try. It wasn’t easy to make the changes, but after a month on this new diet, my symptoms resolved. It was my first indication that nutrition can be therapeutic and that food can have great power as medicine. Admittedly, I fell off the wagon shortly after and slipped back into my old, comfortable eating habits. And consequently, my disease would flare again. I wasn’t ready for a lifelong change just yet, so the vicious cycle would continue until I was ready to make a real change. But thanks to this doctor, I knew I had this tool in my back pocket, ready to go at any time. Later, when I eventually did try changing my eating habits again, my nutritional therapy would evolve into even more effective lifestyle food plans (like The Specific Carbohydrate Diet and Paleo), which would change my life for the better. But my venture into nutritional healing really started with The Maker’s Diet and the suggestions I received that pivotal November night. I don’t remember the ER doctor’s name, but I’ll never forget the impact he made on my life. I was very fortunate to cross his path that night. He could have quickly treated me and sent me on my way. But instead, he defied convention and took the time to help set me on the path to understanding how food can heal. He helped reshape the way I viewed food, and helped me realize that I need to be accountable for how I nourish my body. It gives me hope that there are extra special doctors out there who will go the extra mile, suggest alternative therapies, and make a significant difference in a stranger’s life. spt
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