MARCH 2017
CJ MERCHANT GROWS FOR THE GOLD | LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS | SPHS SWIMMER AUDREY STEEN
THE LEATHER SHOP REVIVES THE ART OF LEATHERCRAFT FOR A NEW GENERATION OF SAN PEDRANS
MARITIME DENTISTRY Comprehensive Dental Care & Implant Center
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! Dr. Ardalan, D.D.S.
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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
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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: USC School of Dentistry Professional Association: American Academy of Periodontology California Society of Periodontists American Dental Association California Dental Association American Association for Dental Research
29050 S. Western Suite 102A • Rancho Palos Verdes • www.harborhealthandspa.net
310-519-9690
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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Back in another lifetime (or what normal people call “the mid-1990s”), I used to own a baseball card/comic book shop called The Collector. It was in Rancho Santa Margarita in South Orange County, where my family moved to from San Pedro back in the late 1980s, and where I would spend my high school and college years before embarking on my own. I was a 17-year-old high school graduate when I took over the shop from the previous owner, with the help of my family, and was placed with the task of owning a business while taking junior college classes and trying to maintain some sort of normal teenage life. Looking back, those were fun and interesting times. My parents and best friend were my employees, I was learning the inner workings of small business ownership on the fly, and I was arguably the most popular guy in town amongst the elementary thru college demographic because I dealt in sports and superheroes. It was a dream job for a kid my age, but it was also an incredibly stressful period in my life (I had a nervous breakdown when I was 20), because, as any small business owner knows, it isn’t easy. Even though the stress was tough to deal with at times, entrepreneurship came naturally to me. I prefer being my own boss, making the decisions and accepting the consequences. It’s why, when I was laid off at the PressTelegram, the decision to embark on my own with this magazine was an
easy one. I’m also attracted to other entrepreneurs. It’s one reason why I love producing this magazine so much, because San Pedro is full of them and we get to tell their stories. From restaurateurs to our mom and pop shops, San Pedro has always been a town of do-it-yourselfers with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. That’s why when I walked into The Leather Shop, this month’s cover story, I immediately felt a kinship with co-owners Francesco Thompson and Aaron Labonte. The Leather Shop on S. Grand Ave. is beautiful, and almost feels out of place, like it belongs in downtown or maybe as part of the upcoming San Pedro Public Market. Thompson and Labonte have something special here, and it’s my hope this town checks them out and gives them the support they deserve. This is the type of entrepreneurial spirit San Pedro needs to cultivate again. Even though leather crafting is a far cry from selling comic books, hanging out in The Leather Shop and watching Thompson and Labonte demonstrate the various tasks that comprise the fine art of creating leather products was inspiring. In an age where so many young entrepreneurs are focused on tech-based products and services, it was a welcome sight to see such passion for a timeless art on display in our town. If you ask me, we need more of it. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
MARCH 2017 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
MARCH 2017
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua J. Stecker
ASSOCIATE EDITOR/ SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 2 ADVERTISING:
General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
Caitlyn Trudnich
Patricia Roberts - San Pedro (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION
Shana Ghekiere - San Pedro (and outer regions) (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS
EMPIRE22 MEDIA LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER
Joseph A. Castañeda
Jack Baric, Lori Garrett, Pastor Nathan Hoff, K.C. Libman, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Anthony Pirozzi, Angela Romero, Jamaal K. Street, Herb Zimmer
PHOTOGRAPHER
John Mattera Photography
CONTACT INFO:
Phone: (424) 224-9063 EMAIL: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733
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 2009-2017, Empire22 Media LLC.
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
ON THE COVER: The Leather Shop partners: Aaron Labonte and Francesco Thompson in their S. Grand Ave. store. (photo: John Mattera)
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MARCH 2017 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 7
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Mon to Sat • 7 am to 9 pm Sunday • 7 am to 8 pm
MARCH EVERY WEEK – STRONG PEDRO PROJECT at Plaza Park (10th St. & Beacon St.) Tues 5p - Run Club; Wed at 6:45a - TRX circuit; Fri 4:30p - Taught by Councilman Joe Buscaino; Sat 9a - Glute Camp; Sat 11:30a - Yoga. Open to the public. For more info, visit www.facebook. com/StrongPedroProject. Every Wed – CHILDREN’S WRITING CLASSES at the Corner Store (1118 37th St). Seven Golden Secrets of Writing with Diana Chapman, Wed 4:30-5:45p. For info, call (310) 626-7906. Every Fri – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (6th St. between Pacific and Mesa Streets) 9a-2p. Every Sat – LAFD HARBOR MUSEUM (639 Harbor Blvd.) 10a-3p. Experience San Pedro and Wilmington's Fire Protection and Rescue service history with vintage fire apparatus and various displays. The museum is located in Old Fire Station 36 in the San Pedro City Hall. Admission is FREE, donations are accepted. Every Sunday - SOUL FEAST at First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro (781 S. Averill Ave) 5:30p. Come out and join in every Sunday for a family worship service. All ages welcomed. Dinner is included. 2 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK in Downtown San Pedro. 6-10p 3 (Fri) – SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.) 7p. SPIFF invites you to celebrate the 65th anniversary of one of the most beloved films of all time, starring Gene Kelly & Debbie Reynolds. Tickets $10. For more info and tickets, visit www.spiffest.org.
8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
3 (Fri) – LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR at Little Fish Theatre (777 S. Centre St.) 8p. Written by Emmy, Tony, and Pulitzer Prize-winner Neil Simon, this show
is a perfect combination of material and talent, and will have audiences rolling in the aisles. For more info, times and tickets, visit www.littlefishtheatre.org. 5 (Sun) – SAN PEDRO’S 129TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION at the Muller House Museum (1542 S. Beacon St.) 1 – 4p. Happy Birthday, San Pedro! Celebrate with the San Pedro Bay Historical Society at this exciting event, which induces special displays, house tours, a history talk, activities for children and refreshments. San Pedrans are also encouraged to bring a photo or item to share that has special "San Pedro Significance.” Event is FREE. 9 (Thurs) – DINNER WITH FRIENDS at Little Fish Theatre (777 S. Centre St.) Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning Donald Margulies, this show examines the complexities of a marriage and the friendships that are affected by its breakup. The production will run until March 26. For more info, times and tickets, visit www.littlefishtheatre.org. 10 – 12 (Fri – Sun) – PORT OF LOS ANGELES HARBOR CUP at Los Angeles Yacht Club (285 Whalers Wk.) 10a. This Cal Maritime Invitational Intercollegiate Regatta attracts collegiate sailors from across the country, and now across the Atlantic, to complete aboard a matched fleet of Catalina 37 sailboats. For more information, visit layc.org. 11 (Sat) – USS IOWA CURATORS TOUR at the Battleship USS Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd., Berth 87) 8a – 6p. Join Battleship IOWA’s Curator Dave Way on this never before seen in depth look at the Battleship IOWA. This 4.5 hour tour includes a short film, history presentation, guided tour to decks that are off limits to everyday guests, Q&A Session, souvenir photo and buffet lunch. Tickets are $99, available for purchase at www.tickets.labattleship.com.
Are you 16-24 years old? Need a high school diploma?
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GRADUATE! Come in for an informational session!
Every Friday at 10:00 am SHARP. Please bring a parent/guardian if you are under 18 years of age. WINTER YouthBuild is located at the Toberman Campus 131 N. Grand Ave., Building 630 San Pedro, CA 90731
For more information: (310) 984-6478 or email Luz Flores at lflores@winterwomen.org
11 (Sat) – VISTA DEL ORO WALKING TOUR. 10:30a. San Pedro historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela "Romee" Romero, will be giving one of her famous walking tours of San Pedro. Get up close and personal with one of San Pedro's most popular neighborhoods. Tickets $15 and space is limited. Call (310) 808-7800 for more information or to reserve your spot. 11 (Sat) – GUINESS PINT NIGHT at the Whale & Ale (327 W. 7th St.) 6 – 8p. Grab a pint and listen to Beatles tribute band, The Backbeats. With your purchase of a Guiness, take home a limited edition 20 oz. imperial pint glass for free! For more information, call (310) 832-0363. 15 (Wed) – POINT FERMIN PHOTO CONTEST hosted by the Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar) The Point Fermin Lighthouse begins accepting photographic entries from amateur photographers of all ages for their first-ever photography contest. Participation is free for adult and children. Deadline is April 11. Entry forms are available for pickup at the point Fermin Lighthouse. For more info, email kristen.heather@lacity.org. 16 – 19 (Thurs – Sun) – LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.) The 14th annual film festival celebrates the importance of film, in its many forms. This year’s schedule includes 1967’s animated The Jungle Book, the classic 1962 musical, The Music Man, impactful documentaries featuring discussions from local filmmakers and organizations, and more. For more info, visit www.laharborfilmfest.com. 18 (Sat) – VOLUNTEER WORK DAY at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (5970 Palos Verdes Dr. South) 9a – 12p. Make a difference in our community and help improve the park with trail improvements, weed/invasive plant removal and park
beautification. Volunteers must sign-up prior to the event. For more info, contact the Recreation and Parks Department at (310) 544-5260 or parks@rpvca.gov. 18 (Sat) – AN AFTERNOON OF CLASSICAL GUITAR at the San Pedro Library, Phil Scott Meeting Room (931 S. Gaffey St.) 2p. Enjoy a performance by guitarist, pianist, and composer Tom Bellizia. Presented by the Friends of the San Pedro Library. Event is FREE. 18 (Sat) – GATHERING FOR THE GRAND GALA at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles (112 E. 22nd St.) 5 – 11p. Grand Vision's annual gala, themed “Some Enchanted Evening,” will feature dinner, dancing and an auction. Proceeds benefit the Warner Grand and the Meet the Music program, which provides in-school music education for San Pedro and Wilmington youths. For tickets and more information, visit grandvision.org. 19 (Sun) – MARINE MAMMAL MARCH MADNESS FUNDRAISER at the Think Café (302 W. 5th St., #105) 4 – 8p. Join the Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles and party for a cause! Featuring live music, food & drink, and silent auction. Tickets are $60. For tickets and more information, visit marinemammalcare.org. 28 (Tues) – ANTIQUE HATS WITH JANET STANCLIFF at the Peck Park Community Center (560 N. Western Ave.) 9:30a. San Pedro Garden Club welcomes Sunnyland Estate Sales’ Janet Stancliff, a life-long collector and expert in vintage lace, linen, and hats. Open to the public.
Email event info to events@sanpedrotoday.com. Deadline for the April issue is Friday, March 17. All locations in San Pedro unless otherwise noted.
R E M M U S R E V O C S I D . e m i t ife l a r o f s n o s s e L y. r e v o c s i d f o r e m A sum
SAN PEDRO & PENINSULA YMCA 301 S Bandini Street San Pedro, CA 90731 P 310 832 4211 W ymcaLA.org/spp For details on camp options and locations, please contact your Y or visit us online. The following programs are NOT sponsored by the School District – these services are provided by an outside agency and may require fees.
From science to sports and arts to adventure, YMCA Day Camp provides weekly activities that foster learning, exploration and, most of all, fun! We nurture the potential of children and teens by creating opportunities to try something new, build self-esteem and form lasting friendships.
SIGN UP TODAY ymcaLA.org/youthcamps
HONORARY MAYOR OF SAN PEDRO 2017: MEET THE CANDIDATES JEANNINE BRYANT Rich Development Company
ANN CARPENTER CEO, Braid Theory
Charities: Harbor Interfaith, Harbor Area Boosters Association, Inc., MOMS Club of San Pedro What is your favorite place in San Pedro? Cabrillo Beach A special memory I have of San Pedro is… Most recently, our Coastal Neighborhood Council put on Santa’s Holiday Express for three nights in the coastal San Pedro neighborhoods. Those nights were so full of community joy and spirit. I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.
10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
What is your hope for the future of San Pedro? My hope is that we get our waterfront developed from the Bridge to the Breakwater, so that our waterline becomes a source of hope and prosperity for our community and beyond, as intended.
Charity: AltaSea What is your favorite place in San Pedro? There are so many! If I must choose, it would be the open space next to the Korean Bell and Fort MacArthur, just below Angels Gate. I take my dogs for walks there all the time. In the early morning, it feels like my own private estate, as I am often the only one there. And the view of the Pacific is breathtaking! A special memory I have of San Pedro is... How I met my husband. In July 1998, I was helping a friend guide a group of novice kayakers on their first “open ocean” kayak trip from Cabrillo Beach to White Point/Royal Palms and back. The day didn’t go quite as planned. People were capsizing, there were many stragglers, and one woman even had to be towed back to shore. While we were waiting for all to arrive, I looked up at the boat in front of me just as a baby harbor seal was climbing on the back of it. I had never seen that happen before! Long story short,
I noticed the man in the kayak. Six months later we were married. We celebrated our wedding at Wilder’s Addition, the park that sits below street level along Paseo Del Mar. The wedding overlooked the spot where we first met. What is your hope for the future of San Pedro? We have a town that is already amazing. Rather than hope, I have a vision. For the first time in the 30 years since I've lived here, it seems that everyone is working together to realize a vision for a thriving San Pedro. AltaSea and the entire L.A. Waterfront plans are moving forward. Major events like Fleet Week are bringing people to town. It’s the right time for our company, Braid Theory, to invest in the community. It’s the right time for collaboration between the Port of L.A., the City of L.A., community leaders, private businesses, area schools, nonprofits, and residents. Follow Ann’s campaign online: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AnnCarpenterHonoraryMayorSanPedro
the view from the film box atop the San Pedro High School Pirate Stadium, the view in the spring when I umpire at Bogdanovich Park, and the harbor channel view when I umpire at Peck Park. A special memory I have of San Pedro is... Proposing to my wife Pam at 1:30 a.m. above mossy rock on Paseo Del Mar, which is across from Joan Milke Flores Park and the Korean Bell. I got quite the enthusiastic, “Yes!” I asked again 25 years later at the same spot, she said, “Yes!” again. I'm a pretty lucky guy. My brunette is pretty special! What is your hope for the future of San Pedro? That our leaders truly seek the chance to leave a huge legacy of positivity, by making our port the most awesome port on the planet! Go big!
DOMENIC COSTA Teacher, Angels Gate High School Head Coach, SPHS JV Football Umpire/Referee, Bogdanovich Park and Peck Park
Follow Domenic’s campaign online: Instagram: @domeniccosta Twitter: @CostaDomenic Snapchat: Coach Dom Costa
Charities: San Pedro High School Football, Port of Los Angeles High School, San Pedro Boys and Girls Club
The 2017 Honorary Mayor will be announced at the annual San Pedro Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Thursday, June 15, at the DoubleTree Hotel. For more info, contact the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce at (310) 832-7272.
What is your favorite place in San Pedro? Almost any place with a view of the ocean. Right in front of the Korean Bell is tops. I also enjoy
Convenient Parking | Where the Contractors Shop!
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Kim Kromas, DC, PhD
Jennifer Randolph, L.Ac
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Patients may be surprised to learn that dentists are capable of effectively caring for sleep apnea sufferers through the use of an oral appliance, which looks similar to a retainer or mouth guard. While a sleep apnea patient’s air passages close off and prevent them from breathing normally while asleep, our oral appliance holds the jaw in a comfortable position that keeps air passages clear and facilitates easy breathing.
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Located in Weymouth Corners | 1409 W. 8th St., San Pedro Dr. Ian Woo, O.M.S., M.D.
| Dr. Marvis Sorrel, D.M.D.
310.832.5559
VOICES
FORMER PIRATE WORKS HIS WAY THROUGH THE GOLDEN YEARS by Steve Marconi I’ve been thinking about retirement a lot lately, not because as a Baby Boomer I’ll be eligible for full retirement benefits in a few weeks, but because of the sad reality that I have nothing from which to retire (not counting this column). The majority of my contemporaries – longshoremen, firemen, teachers – have been riding off into the sunset all around me, fat pension checks firmly in hand. Meanwhile, the newspaper career I planned to retire from came to a sudden and premature end after 32
years when I was laid off at the L.A. Times. My career transition attempt as a pre-need salesman at Green Hills was short-lived, no pun intended. While my hard-working teacher wife contends I’ve been retired for years now, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to the household income through the lucrative (although sporadic) work as a casual longshoreman. And while I’m definitely one of the old-timers at the hall, there are other graybeards down there to let me know I’ll probably be bouncing around in UTRs for years to come. Ouch! Which brings me to Robert E. Burt, San Pedro High class of S`58, a man for whom “retirement” is a dirty word.
We Have 7 HDTVs to see all the games! Now serving Beer & Wine! Choose from
12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
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Burt, who played football for Bill Seixas and baseball for Bob Bell, officially retired from teaching in 2007, but after 54 years of coaching in high school and college, isn’t ready to call it quits. He was coaching football as recently as last year, and at 75, is looking for a new team he can help. “I don’t know what else I’d do,” Burt said. “I’m healthy as a horse, doing great, I love what I do, and I have a lot of fun with it. I’m not ready (to retire). When my body tells me no more, then I’ll know, but right now, it’s just too good to stop.” Burt, a resident of Hemet, got his B.A. at Cal State Los Angeles before beginning his coaching career at St. Paul High School (1962-65) in Santa Fe Springs. He was head baseball coach (46-18) and assistant football coach to San Pedro legend Marijon Ancich. That led to the head football coaching positions at Pater Noster in Mission Hills (1966-68) and Santiago High School (1969-74) in Corona, where he won four consecutive league titles. He entered the college ranks as an assistant at UCLA under Terry Donahue, working with Dick Tomey. When Tomey took the Hawaii head coaching job in 1977, he brought Burt along as his defensive coordinator (1977-79), where he coached with George Lumpkin, the former Harbor College star running back. Burt was assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Cal State Fullerton (1980-85) before getting the head coaching job at Division II Cal State Northridge, where he was 49-46 in nine seasons (1986-94). Burt returned to the high school ranks and finished up his teaching career at Temescal Canyon (19952007), where he was head football coach as well as athletic director. He was twice a finalist for CIF State
Athletic Director of the Year and in 2007 received the CIF Champions of Character Athletic Director Award. He continued his non-classroom career as head football coach at Notre Dame Riverside (2008-12), making the playoffs every year, and Cypress (2013-14), then two years ago was asked to help start a football program at a charter school in Menefee and last season was at a school in Fallbrook. “What I’ve been doing is kind of troubleshooting. Wherever they have problems, I come in and straighten it out,” Burt said. “I’m looking for a thing now where I can finish, do four, five years and finish up at a place with not so much drama and disarray.” A long-term job at 75? “I’m a little younger than my age,” Burt, who has five grandchildren, said. “I feel I’m younger, think younger, my health and everything is fine. Age is just a number anyway. I know guys who don’t get around and do anything at 60. It depends on health and attitude.” There are reminders now and then, however, that he’s been around for a while. A few years, his Notre Dame team opened its season against Mary Star at Daniels Field. “It was kind of déjà vu,” Burt said. “I coached against grandchildren of kids I grew up with. Guys came out of the stands to say hello.” Burt’s also been a regular at the annual Pirate baseball alumni game and was disappointed when this year’s event in February was rained out. By the time you’re reading this, he may already have been hired for his latest job, but this is a man who embodies the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.
LA’s PREMIER YEAR-ROUND WHALE WATCHING!
Voted 2016 Business of the Year by San Pedro Chamber of Commerce
We are proud to announce the arrival of La Espada, the most eco-friendly motor vessel on the West Coast!
Captain Danny Salas, owner/operator San Pedro High School, Class of 1980
L.A. WATERFRONT Cruises and Sportfishing
Call (310) 547-9916 for reservations, schedule or private charter cruise info.
Daily departures to search for the LARGEST animals in the world Gray Whales, as well as Orcas, Blue Whales and other Sea Life!
• Daily Harbor Tours available • Daily Sportfishing departures • Corporate Charters
WHALE WATCH SPECIAL
2 FOR 1 WITH THIS AD offer expires 6/15/17
Located along the lively LA WATERFRONT near the San Pedro Fish Market and USS Iowa at Berth 79, 1150 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731
VOICES
Thank you San Pedro for 30 Years of Support!
Check Out Our New Menu Items! Sandwiches & Burgers that are Heavenly! Made with the Highest Quality Meats & Exceptional Breads!
by Anthony Pirozzi
GREAT New Desserts, Too!
14 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
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With all of the attention on the White House these days, it seems like the news is filled with some story that catches our attention and takes over the airwaves. It seems to be all Trump, all the time. Local news on the other hand, is more about car chases, sports and weather. Regardless, keeping up with it all is difficult enough along with the daily grind of making ends meet, working long days, and helping the kids with homework. There are also many across San Pedro who even find the time to volunteer, spending endless hours supporting non-profits, helping in our schools, attending public meetings, supporting rallies, working to resolve certain issues in town, and organizing neighborhood clean-ups or a neighborhood watch; the list goes on. You know who you are, and I say thank you for fighting for a better future. Whether we want to believe it or not, there has been a lot of progress towards a better future in San Pedro, although it continues at a slow pace. For example, we have been waiting for waterfront development for more than 20 years, but today that redevelopment has begun with infrastructure improvements at Ports O’ Call. Also, the long wait for developing the former Navy housing on Western is underway. In 2002, the Urban Land Institute was asked to come to San Pedro by then-Councilwoman Janice Hahn and the San Pedro Chamber to assess what was required to revitalize our downtown and surrounding area. In the end, it came down to having more people in downtown San Pedro. This spawned the development of The Vue, the Bank Lofts and the Centre Street Lofts. Since then, we have also seen Marymount California University open a campus on 6th Street, Port of L.A. High School open on 5th Street, and most recently, Alice M. Baxter CollegeReady High School open on 9th Street. Periodic foot traffic has also been generated by local production companies such as Scalawag, Encore
or The Troupe and musical companies like the Golden State Pops. All have attracted new patrons to the Warner Grand Theatre. First Thursday continues to be a draw to downtown as businesses and art galleries are open late and food trucks attract their fans. Then there are new developments such as AltaSea, SpaceX, Crafted, and Brouwerij West that are adding a new dimension to our town. Finally, there are many successful downtown business establishments today that have done a great job drawing patrons from afar because of the food, atmosphere or overall products they offer. And let’s not forget the jobs that these businesses have created. So, why then are many of the properties in downtown still vacant? In fact, many have been empty for years. Have the property owners given up on San Pedro? Some believe that once the waterfront is developed, property owners will just cash out by selling their properties with no reason to invest today. Recently, I have seen successful efforts play out by local advocates to get corporate establishments such as the 99 Cent store on 10th and Gaffey to clean the outside of their building and are working to get Target on N. Gaffey to clean up their entrance way. I applaud such efforts, but where is the outrage toward property owners on Pacific Ave. and in our historic downtown business district that haven’t invested in their properties and leave them vacant? Some of these properties haven’t had a coat of paint in decades or upgraded to meet today’s business standards to attract entrepreneurs and job generating businesses. We demand “shovel ready” projects, so how about we demand investment in these vacant properties to create “business ready” projects? It’s time we redirect our focus to such properties and property owners and point out the blight and deficiencies, especially when it comes to revitalizing our downtown. The real question for property owners is: are you all in or not? spt To report dilapidated buildings, visit www.ladbs.org for details.
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VOICES
CATALINA SEA RANCH BLAZES NEW TRAILS
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by Herb Zimmer Operating out of several repurposed shipping containers inside AltaSea’s warehouse at Berth 58, Catalina Sea Ranch (CSR) is pioneering new ways to sustainably mine the ocean for its resources to feed a fast-growing world population. As its initial foray into sustainable aquaculture, CSR has created a hightech mussel farm at a 100-acre site six miles off the coast of Huntington Beach with plans to expand to 1,000-acres. It’s the first shellfish farm permitted in U.S. federal waters. So, why farm mussels? First, mussels are environmentally friendly. They are non-invasive, have no natural predators and produce zero environmental impact. They filter their nutrients from ocean water and don’t need additional feed. Second, in warm Southern California waters, they grow to maturity and can be harvested in just 6-8 months. Third, they’re in demand. Millions of pounds are being imported annually. Fourth, they are highly nutritious. One serving offers 75-85% of a person’s daily protein requirement. Fifth, they are very profitable. CSR’s farming method will produce 50-80% earnings margins. And, finally, the experience and knowledge gained from CSR’s farm has already earned them the stability and credibility necessary to win several government grants for cutting edge aquaculture research. I recently spent time touring CSR’s facility and speaking with CEO Phil Cruver and his staff about the technology they’re applying to the mussel ranch and the research they’re conducting under those government grants. I was amazed when they mentioned genetic selection, cryogenics, bioenergy and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies. According to Cruver, CSR is working on two grants aimed at increasing the mussel’s value as a nutritional source. One is increasing its meat-to-shell ratio. To accomplish that, CSR is collecting
mussels along the California coast and using DNA analysis and selective breeding to try to create the meatiest, most nutritious mussel possible. Since mussels only spawn twice a year in the natural world, CSR is also experimenting with methods of cryogenically freezing mussel larvae, which would enable year-round seeding, growth and harvesting. These technologies may be applied to other high-value shellfish such as scallops and oysters. CSR is also experimenting with growing giant kelp at its offshore ranch. This kelp grows an astounding two-feet per day. It pulls from the water five times as much carbon as land-based plants and draws in nitrogen and phosphorus. It can be used as a carbon neutral, renewable bioenergy feed source. And when added to livestock feed, it can reduce bovine methane production to virtually zero. Methane has more than 30 times the global warming potential as carbon, and California has mandated that our dairy industry must reduce methane emissions to 40% below 2013 levels by 2030. Kelp can help. Watching over the offshore ranch operation is another example of CSR’s use of cutting edge technology: a data-capturing IoT platform, which is powered by a donated buoy from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It collects data from an array of sensors and cameras positioned all around the facility, and gives a real-time snapshot of the ocean environment, like an underwater weather report. The results are uploaded to the cloud, via cellular network, for use by CSR staff, regulators and academic researchers. As global warming continues to adversely affect land-based food crop production, aquaculture will become increasingly important. CSR is pioneering many of the technologies that will be necessary to feed a growing world population. spt Herb Zimmer owns PriorityOne Printing in downtown San Pedro.
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VISION TO LEARN AT DANA MIDDLE SCHOOL by Jennifer Marquez
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Vision to Learn, a local non-profit agency, will be providing free eye exams and free glasses to students at Dana Middle School. More than 1,600 students at Dana have been screened by LAUSD nurses to identify children who are vision impaired. In addition, teachers and staff at Dana will be referring children who they think may need glasses. The Vision To Learn mobile eye clinic will be on campus in March to give students the opportunity to succeed with clear vision. Optometrists and opticians will be conducting free eye exams and children will pick out their own frames, making it a fun experience. Three weeks after the examinations, the glasses will be delivered. Vision to Learn even provides a warranty on glasses that are lost or broken up to a year. Parents must sign a consent form for their child to receive the exam and glasses. Children who already wear glasses are encouraged to get an updated prescription or an extra pair. Kids’ vision issues often go undetected, frequently leading to behavioral and academic problems in the classroom. As many as one in five children lack the ability to see clearly. Children with undetected vision issues often struggle to keep up in class. Also, many families at the low-income schools served by Vision to Learn, cannot afford to buy their children glasses. Missing work to take a child to an eye exam is not an option for some parents. UCLA research concludes Vision to Learn as having a positive impact on
student’s grades. In addition, receiving new glasses at the school become a shared experience and teachers have noted an improved learning environment in entire classrooms. Teachers reported to UCLA that glasses helped the students become more engaged in the classroom. When children can see the board or read the words in a book they were not only more confident about participating in the class, but the class as a whole had fewer disruptions. Also discovered was that providing glasses in a group setting reduces the stigma associated with wearing glasses. The group dynamic helped encourage students to wear their glasses at school and home. “Research demonstrates that a critical element of academic success is the ability to read and write at gradelevel,” states Steven Gebhart, principal, Dana Middle School. “Thanks to Vision to Learn and a sponsorship by the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, giving students in need the access to new glasses makes achieving these skills a reality for many Dana students,” he continues. “The partnership of the South Bay Sunrise Rotary Club, Vision to Learn and Dana Middle School is an example of how schools and organization can collaborate to create opportunities and success for all students within the community,” states Gebhart. Vision to Learn was founded by Los Angeles philanthropist Austin Beutner in 2012 and has provided over 70,000 eye exams and 55,000 glasses in 138 cities. To learn more about Vision To Learn, visit www.visiontolearn.org or call (800) 485-9196. spt Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com
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was day one of Ibarra becoming a fight The fallout with Rampage spun trainer — a career that placed him in Ibarra into a deep depression. “I had the corner of numerous boxing and to find my confidence again after UFC champions and landed him in what I was going through,” he says. Rio as the official cut-man of the 2016 Several friends convinced him to open Olympic boxing competition. a gym for kids in Westminster and As Ibarra’s experience grew, he so he launched a non-profit called began getting opportunities to work World Class Youth Foundation. It was by Jack Baric with numerous promising boxers, working with young kids that helped including Oscar De La Hoya. Ibarra Ibarra break out of his funk. “It brought Ibarra’s fascination with organized John Ibarra first learned how says even at a young age, De La Hoya’s me out of my grave,” he explains. fighting grew after he began training to fight in the streets, alleys and talent was easily recognizable. “We After operating for three years, the in martial arts. Although he got his ribs told him that when parking lots of San Pedro — and after gym closed because broken while sparring, his passion for a lifetime in the fight game, he has he said his prayers its landlord sold the fighting never wavered. His love for returned home with the dream of at night to include building. Ibarra decided the sweet science brought him to the opening a non-profit gym where kids asking God to win it was time to move Hoover Street Gym, a legendary boxing the gold medal in from underserved neighborhoods “back to Pedro.” gym that was located in a rough South Barcelona.” As any can use proper fight training to build Ibarra is currently Central Los Angeles neighborhood. discipline and self-esteem. boxing fan knows, training kids at a ring “The first day I went there, there was Known in professional fighting those prayers were in a space adjacent a dead guy on the sidewalk in front of as Juanito, Ibarra’s introduction to answered after De to the LAPD Harbor the gym and kids were jumping over fighting was as a fifth grader when he La Hoya took the Station, but hopes to was bullied by kids on his walks home the body,” recalls Ibarra. Lightweight title at raise enough funds Although the gym was far from from Bandini Elementary. Payback the 1992 Olympics. to open a full-fledged glamorous, every big name in boxing didn’t happen until later at Dodson Al “Stankie” operation in downtown Junior High where Ibarra tracked down came through its doors to train with old Stankiewicz, John Ibarra San Pedro. Although (photo: courtesy John Ibarra) his aggressors one by one. “I went and school legends like Eddie Futch. Ibarra the trainer who boxing and MMA is the was invited into the gym by a trainer found all the guys that jumped me introduced Ibarra vehicle Ibarra uses to named “Hurricane” Fred Moreno, who to De La Hoya, also connected him to and got them back,” he remembers. “I connect with kids, he hopes his nonsat him down and told him to practice got the reputation as a tough guy and Vitor Belfort, the first MMA fighter profit will grow to provide vocational taping hands while blindfolded. This nobody messed with me after that.” that he trained. Ibarra would go on to training and scholarships for kids from work with numerous MMA fighters underserved local neighborhoods. that won UFC championships. The “My tools happen to be fighting and fighter that Ibarra is most popularity fitness, but I think kids can be the best linked to is former UFC Light at whatever they want,” he says. “It’s Heavyweight champion, Quinton just about believing in yourself. That’s “Rampage” Jackson. Ibarra both trained why my model is to build champions in and managed the fighter, but the two life.” spt parted ways after Rampage accused Blues Benefit, an evening of dinner, Ibarra of being a thief. Ibarra says, drinks, and music on Saturday, “My heart was broken. It was like March 11 at the Dalmatianhaving your own son say that.” Ibarra American Club will benefit the filed a defamation lawsuit, which was World Class Youth Foundation. settled after Rampage issued a public Purchase tickets online at www. retraction and apology. ticketriver.com or call (949) 3788072.
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GROWING FOR GOLD
HOW 12-YEAR-OLD ARCHER, CJ MERCHANT, CREATED A SMALL BUSINESS – RIGHT IN HIS OWN BACKYARD by Caitlyn Trudnich
CJ Merchant
(photo: John Mattera)
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If you have ever read the bestselling novels, or watched the mega-blockbuster, The Hunger Games, it is hard not to be inspired by the heroic protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. Skilled with a bow and arrow, Katniss excels in her abilities, while also remaining humble and working hard to achieve her goals. Much like the main character, 12-year-old South Shores resident CJ Merchant also has chosen to aim towards greatness – he hopes to compete as an archer in the Olympic games. Merchant’s love of archery began after viewing the aforementioned film. He describes how he became involved with the sport, saying, “I think my interest sparked initially four years ago, after watching The Hunger Games movie. I got a bow for Christmas soon after.” Since then, the 7th grader of Miraleste Intermediate School, has been involved with the South Bay Archery Club’s X-Ring Archers Junior Olympic Archery Development (JOAD), and has participated in many competitions, meeting with other archers, and practicing daily. His accolades include taking First Place in the annual JOAD Competition two
years consecutively, finishing seventh in the nation at 2016’s JOAD National Indoor Tournament, and most recently competing in the worldwide Vegas Cup, where CJ proudly earned his “Silver Olympian” and “6 Gold” JOAD pins. After watching the 2016 Summer Olympic games, CJ was inspired to set his goals high. Having already been approached to apply for the Salt Lake City-based “Regional Dream Team,” he is hoping to shoot for the target of competing in the 2020 or 2024 games. Merchant’s passion for the sport continued to grow, as well as his sights on competing in the Olympics. In need of new equipment and knowing the fees of competing, CJ decided the way to raise money was sitting right in his own backyard. “I want to do what I can to pay for some of the costs [of archery] myself, instead of relying on my parents for everything. I suggested starting a business, so my parents and I thought about what I might be able to do. We have rosemary growing in our backyard, and always use it when we cook. I think it was my dad that said maybe I could deliver it to neighbors
monthly. Then my mom said I should include a recipe each month. Desperate to get better equipment and not wanting to wait for Christmas or my birthday, I went to my bedroom and designed and drew up the logo for my business.” CJ’s Rosemary soon became a family affair, with his mother finding recipes, his father helping assemble flyers, and CJ picking the herbs from their backyard. CJ began his efforts by making around 100 flyers, and visiting door-to-door in his neighborhood. “I was able to knock on a few doors and give my story, with most people very eager to help me out. I ended up with a few donations in person and even got a PayPal donation that first day! I was very encouraged.” The idea behind CJ’s Rosemary is simple. If interested, CJ and his parents will deliver to your door fresh, homegrown rosemary with a featured recipe (Rosemary sweet potato fries is CJ’s personal favorite). The goal of the business is to monetarily earn enough to fund his athletics, however Merchant graciously explains his ideas of payment, saying, “If the person
receiving wants to help me out, then they can give me whatever amount they choose. If they choose not to, that’s okay too. I’ve met some great people in my neighborhood and so far, everyone has been extremely nice.” As with any exciting happenings in our small town, news of Merchant’s grassroots business quickly spread, from both word of mouth and social media. CJ hopes to continue to focus on his small business for as long as it takes to help him reach his archery goals. When he is not showing off his talents within the athletic and entrepreneurial worlds, CJ also enjoys cooking (his family has named him the “fruit ninja”), taking care of his five pets, performing in community and school plays, and watching Stranger Things on Netflix. Sounds like anything this young man sets his mind to, he is sure to hit a bullseye. spt For more info on how you can participate in CJ’s Rosemary, please email: CJsRosemary@cox. net. Donations can be made via PayPal to the same email address.
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THE LEATHER SHOP REVIVES THE ART OF LEATHERCRAFT FOR A NEW GENERATION OF SAN PEDRANS
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by K.C. Libman | photos by John Mattera Photography
ith one smooth movement, Francesco Thompson brings down 8,000 pounds of force with a single hand, cutting a piece of leather that will soon bear the name of his retail store. Thompson is the owner of The Leather Shop, the brick-andmortar manifestation of his love for leathercraft and his mission to share it with San Pedro. After cutting a piece of full-grain leather into a circular shape with a four-ton “clicker” – a powerful handoperated press that uses dies to the same effect as a cookie cutter – he sets a custom brass stamp with the shop’s logo atop of the leather and presses
the clicker again. Thompson has just made a coaster (price: a scant $5) that will become one of a set of four, and eventually a bit of local pride for a customer’s home. Raised in San Pedro and a 1998 graduate of Mary Star High School, Thompson finished his tenure in the Coast Guard in 2009 at the height of the recession. He worked various odd jobs, feeling like something was off while trying to find his calling. “I was diagnosed with PTSD [though] I was non-combat, and I would feel people coming up behind me… something was going on,” he says. “I went to the VA and was diagnosed with PTSD but I needed something to cope with depression. I had no purpose in life, bouncing job to job, so I
The Leather Shop partners: Aaron Labonte and Francesco Thompson in their S. Grand Ave. store.
would go on YouTube to explore, and I stumbled upon leathercraft.” With $200 to his name, Thompson, then working at Green Hills Mortuary, purchased his first hide and tool set with intentions of making a belt. He gave that hand-stitched belt to a coworker with the understanding that he would ask for it back someday. Not realizing that his first belt project was a double-stitched gun belt, he began to crank out that design en masse, getting his start on Shopify under the name Thompson Tactical Belts. Gun belts, while popular, creatively backed him into a corner, so he set up shop in his garage, making wallets, bags and fashion belts. Demand became so great that prospective customers started visiting his home to check out
his work. What was once his outlet suddenly became profitable, leaving Thompson at a happy crossroads of personal fulfillment and professional satisfaction. “Leather for me has always been therapeutic,” he says. “It has this power over me that just calms me. It’s like any love: you know once you find it. Once I started doing leathercraft, I knew this was it.” Now, with The Leather Shop fully fleshed out just west of downtown San Pedro, where he’s making his aforementioned pieces in addition to dog collars, leashes, leather trays, passport holders and more, Thompson is looking to give back. In addition to an adult-oriented belt-making class he’s holding, in which the entry
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Top left: Thompson demonstrates leather stitching; bottom left: Inside The Leather Shop; above: The boutique’s storefront on S. Grand Ave.
cost covers materials and a finished product, The Leather Shop will soon start hosting free children’s classes. Participants will get to stamp and paint keychains and bookmarks while learning about the basics of leathercraft. “I want to educate people about leather because I know what it did for me,” he says. “I see the sparkle in kids’ eyes when they try leathercraft. We’ll have pre-made projects so they have something that gives them the opportunity to be creative and to be
educated about where leather comes from, what are the advantages of it and just get kids in the community to do creative things.” The Leather Shop seems as perfect an environment as any for fostering creative efforts. Thompson and his business partner Aaron Labonte spent two months renovating the space, knocking down walls, adding modern fixtures and installing a massive custom workbench made by a neighboring cabinetmaker. Outfitted with vintage furniture
pieces collected from all over Los Angeles County, as well as a 1960s road bike hanging from the ceiling and animal hides across the showroom’s floor, The Leather Shop is equal parts neighborhood hangout and approachable boutique. The prices are low for the level of craftsmanship and the attention to detail is high. After all, leathercraft is still a driving force behind Thompson’s happiness, a chance flirtation with an artisanal avenue that has turned into his livelihood.
“I really want to create products that are not just a commodity but actually have meaning,” he says. “When people come in here, I want them to know I’m handing them a quality product that they can pass down to their kids.” spt The Leather Shop is located at 915 S. Grand Ave. in San Pedro. For more info, call (310) 521-9345 or visit www.theleathershop.store.
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76 TROMBONES ON THE CINEMATIC BRIDGE:
A PREVIEW OF THE 14th ANNUAL L.A. HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: MARCH 16 – 19, 2017
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by Caitlyn Trudnich One of the most powerful artistic mediums is film. Utilizing film, the audience can be transported to a fictitious world, entertained by song and dance, moved by the spoken word, and view impactful messages of history and current issues within our own reality. For the 14th year, San Pedro has been proud to present all these qualities and more of film through the L.A. Harbor International Film Festival. From March 16-19, this year’s festival will provide a full spectrum of film genres. Beginning on opening day, the festival proudly presents the LAHIFF’s “Read the Book, See the Movie,” program, which encourages literacy and discussion within the education of local schools within our community. This year, the LAHIFF has chosen to feature 1967’s animated Disney classic, The Jungle Book. As part of the program, the festival, along with publishing sponsors Penguin Classics and Puffin Classics, provided 600 copies of the classic paperback adventure tales, The Jungle Books, by Rudyard Kipling, to local students. The selection, in fact, was so popular this year, an additional 200 books were purchased for the program’s distribution. Festival director and founder, Stephanie Mardesich, discusses the intended involvement of the students, saying, “The Jungle Books are full of poetry. We’ve encouraged the students to read aloud in the classroom and asked each school to choose one student to read a poem out loud during the discussion after the film, adding the dimension of oral interpretation of literature. This also promotes poise, confidence, and public speaking for the student, and a moment to shine among
their peers.” Opening Friday night, the festival presents contemporary Italian film, Se Dio Vuole (God Willing). With San Pedro being home to a large community of Italian-Americans, this film seemed fitting, as Mardesich notes, “There is a significant niche audience to appeal to, though the movie is for everyone. We invite all to experience this delightful and intriguing movie full of humor, pathos, intrigue and much to contemplate.” The LAIFF continues on March 18, with the third day of the festival jam-packed with exciting, informative, and entertaining films and activities. Beginning at noon, the fifth-annual “NewFilmmakers L.A. (NFMLA) On Location: The Los Angeles Video Project,” will be presented to the festival audience. This engaging series, sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, KTLA, Hollywood Center Studios, and L.A. City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, includes 26 short films, created by young filmmaker finalists. Though the films are brief (One to five minutes, to be exact), their impact on community engagement, culture advancement, and tourism is certain to be long lasting. The power of poetry and the written word will also be showcased, with a presentation of the 1976 film, The Belle of Amherst. Based on the life and works of the acclaimed Emily Dickinson, this one-woman play, starring Tony-winner Julie Harris, will include a poetry reading and discussion, in partnership with L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs and their campaign to promote literacy, “The Big Read L.A.” Lending itself to the title of this year’s celebration is a screening of
1962’s beloved Meredith Wilson musical, The Music Man. “We are excited to be showing the 35mm print, that’s a rare experience,” says Mardesich, “The picture is an homage to America and we expect the audience to leave the theatre singing ‘76 Trombones’ or one of the other familiar tunes.” Tying into the theme of Americana and classic nostalgia, the “76 Trombones Red Carpet Gala” will be held prior to the film’s presentation, featuring food and drink from generous sponsors, such as SVEDKA Citron Vodka, Ports O’ Call Restaurant, San Pedro Fish Market, Niko’s Pizzeria, and many more. The final day of the festival is dedicated to the art of the documentary. The first film being screened is a subject near and dear to the hearts of our coastal community – whales. Directed by Greg MacGillivray and narrated by acclaimed actor, Ewan MacGregor, Humpback Whales gives an up close and personal look into the natural beauty of the magical aquatic mammals and marine life. Following the film, a forum regarding subjects seen within the film will be lead by
members of AltaSea and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. Concluding the weekend-long event is a powerful, thought-provoking film, which evokes meaningful conversations of tolerance and international history. Crows of the Desert – A Hero’s Journey Through the Armenian Genocide tells the story of Levon Yotnakhparian, an Armenian survivor and tailor turned soldier, who heroically rescued hundreds of orphans during the 1915 genocide in Turkey. Mardesich proudly explains the film selection, saying, “The LAHIFF presents this film with all objectivity and encourages the audience to consider the facts presented, pursue their own reading and research and mostly consider the humanity of the subject.” Directed by local Rancho Palos Verdes resident and Emmy award-winning filmmaker Marta Houske, the presentation will conclude with an engaging Q&A segment. spt For more info, tickets and schedule of events, visit www.laharborfilmfest.com.
SAN PEDRO SHOW & TELL briefly while studying law. After a stint carry 150 passengers. Captain Duffy in Arizona, he came back to San Pedro is also responsible for some of the just as the city was taking shape. He most beautiful homes in San Pedro. served as the San Pedro City Attorney, Every time one of his eight children California State Assemblyman and got married, he built them a home. I a California State Senator. While in recently met the last Duffy descendant office, he was criticized for being one living in San Pedro and got pretty of the strongest voices against San excited. Pedro consolidating with Los Angeles. Myles Regan was born in County San Pedro migrant groups. There are Capt. Mitchell Duffy hails from Cork, Ireland in 1871. Regan didn’t quite a few Irish immigrants who had Bellaghadeon, County Mayo, Ireland. come to San Pedro until 1913 when a significant impact on San Pedro in Duffy came to America in 1862 when he was 42. He may have had a late its early years who may have been he was 22-years-old. He spent some start, but his impact on the town recognized as individuals but never as a time on the east coast as a horse dealer was enormous. Myles Regan was a group. I would like to introduce you to before heading west to join some of contractor and his handiwork can be a few of my favorites. his siblings in San Francisco. Captain seen all over town in both commercial William H. Savage was born in Duffy was an amazing entrepreneur and residential sectors. One of his County Limerick, Ireland in 1836 and and headed south to Los Angeles to most iconic commercial properties is emigrated to the U.S. when he was make a name for himself. He found the Bank of San Pedro on Mesa and 7-years-old. Judge Savage is one of my success in Santa Monica but after 7th Streets, now just the facade of the all-time favorite San Pedrans because discovering the future city of San Bank Lofts. Residentially, Regan is his life story would easily make a Pedro on a scouting trip with a friend, responsible for an entire genre of San pretty awesome movie. When he was he dropped everything and put all his Pedro homes. You’re probably familiar 25, he joined the Marines and served efforts on growing the port town. His with it – mostly white, stucco, Spanish the Union during the Civil War. After first endeavor was running the ferry roof tiles, arched windows. Regan was the war, Savage was stationed at the between San Pedro and Terminal a building machine in the mid to late drum barracks in Wilmington where he Island. He grew the business from 20s, the firm constructing over 5,000 gerlach-1007-DB-4c.qxd:gerlach-1007-DB-4c 11/15/07 10:15 AM was introduced to his future home. He a rowboat to a motorized boat and buildings. Is there a Myles Regan home worked as a laborer on the waterfront eventually to The Orient, which could in your neighborhood? spt
SAN PEDRO’S IRISH INFLUENCE by Angela “Romee” Romero “Wasn’t I lucky to be born in my favorite city?” – Tootie Smith, Meet Me in St. Louis. Especially now, I feel extremely fortunate to have grown up in San Pedro. Yes, we have amazing weather, delicious food and stunning views, but that’s not why I feel so lucky. I am grateful that I grew up in a community with a strong immigrant and ethnic heritage. From its inception, San Pedro has been shaped and grown by immigrants who saw the potential and promise that this port town had to offer. Everyone is familiar with the ‘Big 3’- Croatian, Italian and Mexican, followed by the Spanish, Portuguese, Scandinavian and Greeks. I would like to officially add the Irish to the list of
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AUDREY STEEN SWIMS INTO THE FOREFRONT SPHS JUNIOR GIRLS’ SWIMMER SETS RECORDS FOR INDIVIDUAL & TEAM SUCCESS by Jamaal K. Street
30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2017
San Pedro High School has had a renaissance in swimming in recent years, but it’s reached a whole new level of excellence thanks to Audrey Steen. The junior has already established new school and CIF-Los Angeles City Section records with her drive and determination in the water, regardless if she’s in solo events or relays. “I am inspired by all the swimmers faster and more successful than me,” Steen says. “They are my drive. That is what pushes me in practice.” Steen’s first big splash during her freshman season came in the 2015 CIF-LACS Swimming Finals where she set a section record in the 100-meter backstroke at 54.86 seconds. Steen continued to swim her way to two more first place finishes, in the 200-meter individual medley in two minutes and 3.48 seconds (2:03.48), and also sparking the 200 freestyle relay team to the championship and another City record at 1:40.31 alongside Yasmin Saxey-Santillo, Ella Simmons and Emily Darin. “I was exposed to a higher standard of swimming and nextlevel competition,” Steen says. “My freshman year made swimming a lot
more serious sport for me. I had always been serious in competition, but when I started getting better at swimming the practices became much more intense.” This set the backdrop for even more success in 2016 during Steen’s sophomore season. Getting to show off her talent on a local stage outside of Marine League competition early on, Steen would win the 200 Individual Medley in 2:05.25 and the 100 backstroke at 56.06 in the South Bay Invitational meet, the latter of which set a new record for the Invitational. The coming out party for Steen would come in the 2016 CIF-LACS Swimming Finals, as her team came in second behind eventual champion and perennial power, Palisades Charter, a better spot from the Pirates’ third place finish in 2015. Steen would repeat as the individual champion in the 200 IM at 2:06.10, and the 100 backstroke at 56.26, but also anchored both the 200yard medley relay (1:51.70) and 200 freestyle relay teams (1:39.72), which both set new CIF-LACS record times. “The relay events aren’t necessarily needed to be strong to do well from an individual standpoint, but in relays it is critical if you want to score points,” Steen says. “It’s an amazing feeling
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Audrey Steen
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when you accomplish something like a city record together knowing that all of you put 100% effort into it.” Coming into the 2016 CIF State Swim Meet in Clovis, Calif., a week later, Steen’s main goal was clear. “My goal at State was to beat my freshman year times or at least get to the same times,” says Steen. Steen would do all she could in finishing at 56.69 in the 100 backstroke, good for 12th place, and finishing at 2:04.3 in the 200 IM, setting a new season best in her 13th place finish in that event to cap off a stellar sophomore campaign. Still, it could have been better according to Steen’s own standards of competing. “I went into the State meet with a lot more pressure and anticipation that was brought on by myself because everyone was being so supportive of me,” Steen recalls of her experience in Clovis. “I let the pressure get to me, which was no one’s fault but mine.” Still, there was a positive. “On the other hand, the relay races I did great,”
says Steen. “I was focused and didn’t worry too much because we had already broken the record at city so the pressure was off.” Steen also played on the SPHS girls’ water polo team, which established a newfound level of her aggression in swimming. “Water polo made me work muscles I’ve never used before, which is good cross-training,” Steen says. You can also credit Steen for her excellence in the classroom too, as she finished with a sparkling 4.1 GPA in her first two years. “My ultimate goal at the end of my high school swimming career is to be amongst the best swimmers in the state of California, as well as the nation,” says Steen, who has dreams of continuing to swim at the college level. “Also, I want to bring a new light on the sport of swimming in San Pedro, as well as the South Bay. Swimming can be overlooked or isn’t seen as a real sport, so I want to show how wonderful, amazing, and demanding the sport is.” spt
HEALTH & FITNESS
LIVING WITH INVISIBLE ILLNESS by Lori Garrett sclerosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Symptoms include everything from extreme fatigue, dizziness, and nausea to chronic pain and cognitive impairments. Such symptoms leave patients less able (or sometimes unable) to perform everyday activities. It’s easy for others to question those with invisible illness or disability, since you cannot see such symptoms, but the pain is very real for those affected. Why Should We Care about Invisible Illness? One of the most challenging aspects of living with invisible illness or disability is proper communication with others. Chronic illness robs sufferers of the simplest of joys and often means we have to miss out on activities and special life events. Because this affects relationships with friends, colleagues, and loved ones, it’s important to communicate why we might have to miss out: why we might have to decline a particular invitation or why we might be less social on certain occasions, for example. Of course, there’s a fine line between communicating facts and complaining, but I believe that initiating dialogue helps to prevent misunderstandings. For me, severe pain and extreme exhaustion can come out of nowhere. I might feel fine one moment and terrible the next. Symptoms are unpredictable, making it difficult to make and keep commitments. Side effects from medications might also kick in at the most inopportune moments. Helping others understand these challenges will hopefully improve relationships between those of us suffering from chronic illness and the loved ones who support us and are affected by our limitations too. Additionally, I believe compassion is needed more than ever right now. In a climate of divisiveness and sometimes callous assumptions, it never hurts to remind ourselves to show kindness and humanity, especially towards those we may not fully understand. spt Follow Lori Garrett's wellness blog, www.adventuresofasickchick.com.
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Several years ago, I had an adverse reaction to a biological drug while being treated for a Crohn’s flare. The drug triggered a “lupus-like syndrome” that left me with head-to-toe body pain, including severely inflamed joints, achy muscles, and sharp stomach pain and nausea. At the time, I worked on a college campus, which meant walking a long distance from a very large parking lot to my office every day. On the outside, I looked like a perfectly healthy individual. On the inside, however, I was in excruciating pain. Because all my joints and muscles were affected, every motion — including walking — was torturous. On top of it, the condition caused “postexertional malaise,” which meant every action proved to be utterly exhausting. In order to keep working, I had to start using a disabled placard, which allowed me to park closer to my office than I normally would. I couldn’t help but wonder what others watching me were thinking each time I exited my car from my disabled parking spot. I have no doubt that there were whispers, questioning how someone like me — someone who appeared to be fine — could be “disabled.” This is one of the stigmas attached to invisible illness. Some sufferers have even been accused of faking or exaggerating their illness, adding insult to injury. While I eventually recovered from that episode, I still face lingering physical limitations because of my Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune complications (like fibromyalgia). And I know I’m not alone. Let’s discuss what it means when a seemingly healthy person faces such limitations. What is Invisible Illness? People with invisible illness or disability may appear healthy on the outside, but are actually suffering from debilitating (sometimes life threatening) symptoms on the inside. Examples of invisible illness include Crohn’s, lupus, multiple
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RELIGION
WHERE IS GOD IN SAN PEDRO? by Pastor Nathan Hoff The most unreligious book in the Bible is Esther. There is no mention of prayer, or praise, and no mention of God. Throughout the eras, people have wondered if it even belongs in the Bible. I'm glad it’s there. Purim is the festival in the Jewish calendar which commands the reading of the book of Esther; this year Purim is observed on March 12. I'm always a little envious of my neighbors over at Temple Beth El around Purim time. We, over at Trinity, are in Lent, with ashes and abstinence of various kinds. Our kids walk somberly to worship while the kids on their way to Temple are all dressed up like royalty. How can sad ashes compete with Disney princess dresses? In the Purim service, every time they read out the name of the bad guy (Haman), everyone drowns it out with groans, boos, and shrieks. Purim fits the joking description of all Jewish holidays: "They tried to kill us. We won. Let's eat." The only difference about Purim is God isn't out in the front, but behind the scenes. We clearly hear Israel's story of a sad sojourn as aliens in a foreign land, and that land's king, who is looking for a replacement queen since the last one got too uppity. Warning to the new queen! Don't make waves. Don't make demands. Don't make requests. Be seen and not heard. Don't get too involved. Don't take risks. The king ends up picking a Jewish queen. Enter Esther. Then a plot twist that will test Esther's mettle. Like many through history, jealous Haman (everybody, "Booooooo!") has a grudge against Israel and he gets the king to make some really regrettable "executive orders." When Esther's uncle Mordecai catches wind of the plan, he finds a time to pull her aside and says, "For if you keep silent at this time, relief
and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" Esther 4:14 (English Standard Version). God does so much of his work behind the scenes. I suppose he could have pushed some buttons or pulled some levers in heaven to control the situation. Convert the King. Maybe Haman could die as an "Act of God." Honestly, there are times I wish God would just directly control everything. I wish he would force his ways through with sweeping executive orders. Cancel out all the other unrighteous orders out there. I'd love to see him push a button and just eradicate sex trafficking, terror, cancer, domestic violence, the taking of human life at any age or stage, and every other evil injustice. We are in this big story, and I wish the Author would just make the "happily ever after" happen now. But, instead, we see the strategic way God works in Esther. Literally, in Esther, then through Esther. He isn't satisfied for her to be an observer, He makes her a participant. It is one of the riskiest things in the world to go from being an observer of the story to a participant in the story. This big redemptive story is not one actor with billions of earthlings in the audience. This big story has billions of actors and actresses, including you and me. The gracious author has written himself into the story to direct from within instead of safely keeping his distance with his control buttons in his heavenly director's chair. This was, and is, risky for God, too. In fact, I believe it got him executed. He gets it. Many have missed God in Esther, but he is there. Many miss God in San Pedro, but he is here too. You also are here, and I believe it is "for such a time as this." spt Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow is blog at www.trinitypastor. blogspot.com.
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