San Pedro Today - April 2018

APRIL 2018

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INVASION OF THE HUMBERTO RAYGOZA BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE CHORIZO RECIPES TO 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!

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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

MARITIME DENTISTRY NEWSLETTER Comprehensive Dental Care & Implant Center

Despite Activated Charcoal Trend, No Evidence It Is Safe, Effective For Teeth

B

usiness Insider (1/16, Glassman) reports that activated charcoal, which hospital emergency rooms often use “to treat drug overdoses and poisoning,” is “becoming a hot new wellness trend” with touted benefits ranging from whiter teeth to clearer skin. Still, not all of the claims are true. The article notes that concerning charcoal use to whiten teeth, a literature review published in The Journal of the American Dental Association stated, “Dental clinicians should advise their patients to be cautious when using charcoal and charcoal-based ‘Dental clinicians should advise dentifrices with their patients to be cautious unproven claims of efficacy and safety.” when using charcoal and

charcoal-based dentifrices ...’

Severe Gum Disease May Increase Risk For Cancer, Likelihood Of Dying From The Disease, Studies Suggest

Oral Health Tips Provided For Women With Morning Sickness

edscape (1/23, Davenport) reports that two studies suggest “severe gum disease not only may increase the risk for cancer, including lung and colorectal cancer but also may increase the likelihood of dying of the disease, particularly pancreatic cancer.” In one study, published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, investigators found “that severe periodontitis was associated with a 24% increased risk for cancer, with the highest risks seen for lung cancer and colorectal cancer.” The other study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, indicated that periodontitis was linked to “a 33% increased risk for overall cancer mortality.” The data indicated that “the mortality risk associated with gum disease among” patients “with pancreatic cancer was far higher, with a more than twofold increased risk.”

aby Center (1/23, McGinnis) states that although women experiencing morning sickness may be inclined to brush their teeth immediately after vomiting, it’s best to rinse the mouth out first and wait to brush teeth. The article explains that “when the acid passes through your mouth as you vomit it erodes tooth enamel,” and “brushing that softened enamel erodes it, making it thinner and leaving your teeth more vulnerable to damage than before.” The article suggests women use plain water or a mixture of water and baking soda to rinse their mouths after vomiting and then brush their teeth at a later time. The article also encourages women who are pregnant to drink water, avoid acidic beverages, use a softbristled toothbrush, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly.

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MouthHealthy.org offers additional information on above topics.

This patient educational material is provided by Maritime Dentistry.

Please call us at (310) 832-5559 if we may be of further assistance.

Regards, Dr. Ardalan and Associates

Located in Weymouth Corners • 1411 W. 8th St., San Pedro

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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Let’s get right into it. I’m one of the few that likes the newly unveiled designs for the San Pedro Public Market. Do I love them?

No. But I like them.

For those unaware, last month the Port of L.A. held a town hall meeting at the Warner Grand Theatre to update the community on all the waterfront redevelopment plans, with the lead stories being: 1.)

New designs for the SPPM; 2.) Nederlander Concerts will manage entertainment in a new outdoor amphitheater; and 3.) A new opening date of January 1, 2021. (There’s a quick recap and rendering on page 9.)

The designs unveiled two years ago, when the official name change to the San Pedro Public Market was announced, were met with overwhelming approval from the community. (It was the name change people took most issue with.) In those renderings, the warehouse design had character, the colors were vibrant, and there were bold attractions, like an enormous Ferris wheel. This time, it seems like the developers toned it down a bit. In my opinion, they may have gone a bit too far with that.

As I said, I like the new design. I like the glass-walled warehouses, the massive steel beams and the inspiration taken from the machinations of the port.

I even like the open space, minimalist look. But the reaction online, and from what I’ve heard personally, don’t agree with me. The biggest complaints I’ve heard were that the new designs “lacked character,” were “dry,” and were “too industrial looking.” They’re not wrong, but that’s not their biggest problem.

For me, the new design’s biggest problem is that it lacks something grand, something great, something iconic that represents San Pedro and the City of Los Angeles. I thought we had that in the 2016 design that included the Ferris wheel on the outer point. The new designs have the outdoor amphitheater where the Ferris wheel was originally planned. That venue may end up being that one iconic thing, but I

think the developers can do better.

Case in point: Last month, I took my parents on an amazing two-week trip through the UK and Europe. We hit three major cities – Dublin, London and Paris – and in each of those cities, there were numerous famous landmarks.

Dublin has its beautiful Spire located in the center of the city. London has the gorgeous London Eye Ferris wheel along the River Thames. And of course, Paris has the Eiffel Tower and the Arc De Triomphe, among others.

This is a chance for Los Angeles to have something just as iconic along its waterfront and for San Pedro to be its home. What could that one thing be?

Nobody’s asked me for suggestions, but I’m going to list some anyway.

My favorite views of San Pedro are either from the water or from the sky.

But unless you’re flying or on a boat, you can’t enjoy such a view. Instead of a Ferris wheel, why not bring back a new, state-of-the-art Sky Tower. Not only would it give visitors an incredible bird’s eye view of the port and our town, it would also be the perfect homage to Ports O’ Call Village.

If that’s not your cup of tea, maybe a large art installation along the lines of the Spire of Dublin. Something so insanely cool and colossal that it can become one of those “must-sees” for anyone visiting Southern California.

Maybe it can be something as simple as a beam of light that shoots into the night sky every evening, viewable from nearly every point in town.

Whatever it is, it has to be big, bold and iconic. And these new designs seem to be missing that.

Look, I don’t have all the answers, but I know there’s something missing. I have faith that the L.A. Waterfront Alliance will deliver a world-class waterfront. But I do hope, as the new design goes through the tweaking process, that they think bigger than what was shown last month.

As the late Steve Jobs might put it, it just needs “one more thing.” spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editorin-chief of San Pedro Today. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

APRIL 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5

APRIL 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, Steve Marconi, Anthony Pirozzi, Angela Romero, Susan Schlag, Jamaal K. Street

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 APRIL 2018

Phone: (424) 224-9063 EMAIL: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733

VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 3

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: Humberto Raygoza, aka The Chori-Man. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

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APRIL 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.

vision. Enjoy an evening of celebration, featuring wine bar, gourmet dinner, lives music, silent auction, and more!

Tickets $100. For more info, email harborlites05@gmail.com or call Mary Ann Sizgorich at (310) 831-2960.

21 (Sat) – POET RICHARD LEACH & FRIENDS at the San Pedro Library (931 S. Gaffey St.), 2p. In celebration of National Poetry Month and National Jazz Appreciation Month, Friends of San Pedro Library presents composer, guitarist, and poet Richard Leach. Also 5 (Thurs) – RIBBON CUTTING & CEL- featuring bassist Bill Marcus, and poet Jim Doane. Admission is free. For more EBRATION at PHYSICAL THERAPY info, call (310) 832-6288.

SAN PEDRO (643 W. 6th St.), 4 – 6p.

Dr. Ja’nae Brown, PT, DPT, celebrates one year of service to the local commu- 21 (Sat) – CHINESE CULTURAL NIGHT at Little Sisters of the Poor nity. Ribbon cutting ceremony begins (2100 S. Western Ave.), 5:30p. Evening at 4:15p. For more info, visit drjanaewill feature gourmet food, traditional brownpt.com or call (424) 337-1980.

Chinese orchestra and entertainment, raffle, and more. For tickets and info, 5 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK in Downtown San Pedro, 6 visit crowdrise.com/LittleSistersofthe– 9p. Live music, food trucks, art gallery PoorChineseCulturalNight. displays, and food and drink specials 22 (Sun) – ART BY THE SEA WITH from local bars and restaurants.

POETIC EXPRESSION at Wayfarers Chapel (5755 Palos Verdes Dr. South), 5 (Thurs) – 8 (Sun) – VIETNAM VET10a – 4p. This unique art show will ofERANS “THE WALL THAT HEALS” fer fine art, crafts and photography, as MEMORIAL at Mas Fukai Park (15800 well as open mic poetry in the chapel, S. Brighton Ave.). The Vietnam Veterand face painting for the kids. Come ans Memorial Fund’s Wall replica and mobile Education Center will be in Gar- meet and visit with VIP guests Eric and Mary Wright in the meditation garden! dena. For volunteer opportunities and For more info, or to recite, contact the more info, call (310) 217-9537 or visit Visitors Center at (310) 377-7919 ext. 2, gardenaevents.com. or visitorscenter@wayfarerschapel.org.

7 (Sat) – ANGELS GATE WALKING 27 (Fri) – 7TH ANNUAL GREEN TOUR, 10a. Tour Angels Gate Park FESTIVAL at Port of Los Angeles High with local historian and San Pedro School (250 W. 5th St.), Noon – 3p. Join Today columnist, Angela "Romee" the POLAHS community help build a Romero. Tickets $15. Space is limited. sustainable future for people and the Second tour on Sunday, April 22. Call planet! Featuring over 40 booths and (310) 808-7800 to reserve. activities to inspire this year's motto of "A Just Transition." Event includes free 10 (Tues) – TK & KINDERGARTEN vegetable plants, great food from the TOUR DAY at Christ Lutheran School (28850 S. Western Ave.), 9a – Noon. For Conscious Food Court, fair trade boutiques, DIY activities, electric car show, more info, call (310) 831-0848 or visit and animal care and adoption. For more christrpv.com. info, call (310) 832-9201.

15 (Sun) – HARBOR L.I.T.E.S. 50TH ANNIVERSARY at the Mary & Joseph 28 (Sat) – 29 (Sun) – SHORELINE Retreat Center (5300 Crest Rd.), 4 – 7p. STITCHERS’ SHOWCASE at the South Coast Botanic Garden (26300 Crenshaw Since 1968, Harbor L.I.T.E.S (Ladies Blvd.), Saturday: 10a – 4p, Sunday, 11a Involved in the Effort & Service) have – 3p. A judged show with close to 300 been supporting the LAPD Harbor Di-

8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

COMMUNITY MEETINGS 4 (Wed) – NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL, Board of Directors Candidate Information Meeting at Peck Park Community Center (560 S. Western Ave.), 6:30p. For more info, visit nwsanpedro.org and click, ‘Elections.’

9 (Mon) – NORTHWEST SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL, Board and Stakeholder Meeting at Peck Park Community Center (560 S. Western Ave.), 6p. For more info, visit nwsanpedro.org.

10 (Tues) – CENTRAL SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL, Board and Stakeholder Meeting at Port of Los Angeles High School Cafeteria (250 W. 5th St.), 6p. For more info, visit centralsanpedro.org.

16 (Mon) – COASTAL SAN PEDRO NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL, Board and Stakeholder Meeting at Cabrillo marina Community Building (2965 Via Cabrillo-Marina), 6:30p. For more info, visit cspnc.org.

entries featuring needlepoint, embroidery, beading, samplers, and mixed media. The boutique will feature new and almost new stitching treasures and supplies. Admission is $10. For more info, visit needleartistsbythesea.org.

28 (Sat) – LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR 5K RUN/WALK at 22nd St. Park (140 W. 22nd St.), 8a. This annual fundraiser helps the LSP fund a loving home with quality care to elderly in need. To register, visit crowdrise.com/LittleSistersofthePoor5kRun2018.

28 (Sat) – SAN PEDRO HOME HISTORY WORKSHOP at Angels Gate Cultural Center (3601 Gaffey St.), 10a.

Local historian and San Pedro Today columnist, Angela "Romee" Romero, will show you the ropes of researching your San Pedro home. She'll walk you through her process and give you tips on how to use local resources. $65, space is limited. To reserve your spot, call (310) 808-7800.

28 (Sat) – TEA BY THE SEA AND BOUTIQUE at the Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar), 10:30a – 1p.

Enjoy a cup of tea and the ocean view, while surrounded by the beautiful Point

Fermin Lighthouse gardens. Explore the grounds on a garden tour or self-guided lighthouse tour, and shop the many local artisan and craft booths. Free admission. For more info, call (310) 241-0684.

28 (Sat) – MAYDAY! TALES OF LOVE AND OTHER EMERGENCIES at Angels Gate Cultural Center (3601 S. Gaffey St.), 8-9:30p. The 3rd annual MAYDAY! features 90 minutes of spellbinding storytelling, and poetry by Charles Bukowski, Margaret Atwood, and more - suitable for all lovers and lovers of literature. Outdoor event, bring your own seating and dress appropriately. Picnics welcome. Free folding chairs are available on site. Recommended for adults and young adults.

Tickets are $15/couples; $10/individual.

Cash only. No reservations required.

For more info, visit angelsgateart.org or call 310-519-0936.

29 (Sun) – 6th ANNUAL LYONS ACADEMY OF IRISH DANCE SHOW & FUNDRAISER at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.). 1:30P. Celebrate Irish culture with stunning performances from the dancers of Lyons Academy! For tickets and more info, visit lyonsirishdance.com.

Want to see your event here? Email events@sanpedrotoday.com to place a listing. Deadline for the May issue is Friday, April 13.

Find more events at facebook.com/sanpedrotoday.

RAD RUN RETURNS MAY 5

(rendering courtesy Rapt Studio)

NEW DESIGNS UNVEILED FOR SAN PEDRO PUBLIC MARKET

by Caitlyn Trudnich On the evening of March 20, the Port of Los Angeles hosted an L.A. Waterfront town hall meeting and presentation, open to the public, at the Warner Grand Theatre. The informative event discussed the upcoming changes and improvements coming to the waterfront, including the development of the San Pedro Public Market.

Wayne Ratkovich, president and CEO of the Ratkovich Co. and a partner of the L.A. Waterfront Alliance, and Richard Kennedy, senior principal at James Corner Field Operations, were on hand to present updated design concepts and share some news about the San Pedro Public Market, which is slated to open on January 1, 2021.

New details on the massive waterfront makeover includes a partnership with Nederlander Concerts on an open-air concert space, container kitchens for potential pop-up style restaurants, the possible relocation of the Battleship Iowa to a more central location, and inclusion of the historic Red Car trolley line. In addition, Ratkovich also announced several notable San Pedro businesses that will be included within the new development, including San Pedro Fish Market, J. Trani’s Ristorante, Pappy’s Seafood, Sirens Java & Tea, Harbor Breeze Cruises, and the muchdiscussed, Ports O’ Call Restaurant.

The new SPPM designs are more industrial and minimalist than the previous designs shown to the public two years ago when the official name change was announced. Online reaction to the new designs were mixed. Some liked the industrial look with its homage to the history of the port, while others said the new

design lacks the character and charm found in the previous iteration.

With Ports O’ Call Village currently undergoing demolition, some members of the community have raised concerns about the future of its former tenants, including Ports O’ Call Restaurant and its workers.

Due to the need to develop within its location, Ratkovich confirmed that the restaurant will need to close in order for the SPPM development to stay on schedule, though he did not give a timeframe when that closure might be.

The town hall also discussed other developments in the area, including additional improvements to the Wilmington Waterfront, and updates on community outreach and youth-oriented programs, such as International Trade Education Programs (ITEP), Los Angeles Maritime Institute’s TopSail Youth Program (LAMI), and San Pedro Chamber of Commerce’s Rapid Response Team, which will provide free job placement assistance to Ports O’ Call Village employees.

AltaSea CEO Tom McOsker presented a glimpse into the future facilities and programs, which aim to become a major component to the success of the Port of L.A.’s everevolving innovations. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium also presented plans for expansion, as well as plans for an elaborate mural created by famous Endless Summer poster artist, John Van Hamersveld. And businesses such as Crafted and Catalina Express celebrated their successful years in business, largely in part by the local community’s adoption of changes and updates within San Pedro. spt

In memory of Narbonne High School’s former college career counselor, Dr. Amy Radovcˇ ic’ (aka Dr. Rad), who passed away in March 2014, her family announced the 4th Annual Rad Run will be held on Saturday, May 5, at Narbonne High School.

This 5K run/walk welcomes all to participate in this memorial event, with proceeds going towards the Dr. Rad Scholarship Fund.

Registration is currently open, with a cost of $45 for adults, which includes entry, t-shirt, and commemorative medal. Reduced rates for kids and college students.

To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/CA/HarborCity/RadRun5K. Deadline is Thursday, April 19.

For donations, please make checks payable to: Narbonne High School 24300 S. Western Avenue.

Harbor City, CA 90710 Memo note: Dr. Rad’s Scholarship Fund For more info, contact Race Director, Antonette Radovcˇ ic’, via email at mrsrado@hotmail.com. spt

ASSISTEENS CLASS OF 2018 The 53rd Annual Assisteens Recognition Ball was held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel’s Crystal ballroom on March 3.

Honoring the Class of 2018, this accomplished group of high school seniors, representing both Palos Verdes and Peninsula High Schools, were recognized for maintaining academic excellence, as well as their participation in school activities, and their dedication to service within the local community, with over 4,150 hours of combined volunteer hours to over 17 South Bay nonprofit organizations, including the Assistance League San Pedro – South Bay. In addition to being presented, the senior class, consisting of six young women and the Assisteens’ first young gentleman, danced a traditional waltz with their parents to Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.”

If you are interested in Assisteens membership, email: assisteensmembershipsp@gmail.com. spt

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VOICES

BIT BY BIT, SAN PEDRO’S HISTORY DISAPPEARING FROM THE LANDSCAPE

by Steve Marconi business worth keeping open during construction of the new San Pedro Public Market. While that is debatable, there is no doubt about the popularity of the Fish Market, which is everything that is right and also everything that is That quote comes wrong with the waterfront. to mind as I read The Fish Market has thrived about the razing of Ports O’ Call Village throughout the deterioration of the and the sudden outcry over the loss of village because it attracts thousands of Ports O’ Call Restaurant. visitors every weekend, mostly from out Back in the early ‘70s, the city of town. Those same visitors, however, bulldozed San Pedro’s historic Beacon only come to eat seafood, drink Corona Street district with a lot of grandiose and stroll along the waterfront; they plans that for decades remained just didn’t spend money at any of the shops. empty lots. That scorched-earth policy And they certainly didn’t migrate included one of San Pedro’s most up Sixth Street. (Why anyone thinks beautiful buildings, the old Carnegie things will change after the new market Library, with its domed roof, despite is done is beyond me. Out-of-town public opposition. crowds will continue to come for the The Harbor Department deems Fish Market, but if anyone else is the San Pedro Fish Market the only planning to make money there after the Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it.

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initial honeymoon period, good luck.)

Ports O’Call Restaurant may not have been the moneymaker the Fish Market is, but it has played a significant role in the lives of generations of San Pedrans. It probably deserves a better fate, but if sentimentality meant anything to the city, we’d still have the Carnegie Library. Over the years, we’ve said goodbye to the SS Catalina, Princess Louise, Sierra Nevada, ad nauseum, so San Pedrans should be used to this by now.

In Memoriam The passing of Ronnie Barber (San Pedro High, S`63) would have made Page 1 in the old News-Pilot, but even in the era of social media, the obituary was missed by many.

The term “legend” is thrown around quite liberally today, but Barber was a true San Pedro legend. You didn’t even have to be interested in sports to know about Barber, whose prowess on the football field kept him in the sports headlines for years.

In 1962, the 6-foot, 185-pound tailback became San Pedro High’s second City Player of the Year after Jim Decker in 1951. Barber was Marine League Player of the Year back-to-back in 1961 and 1962, and probably would have been City Player of the Year as a junior except for another rather good back at Roosevelt by the name of Mike Garrett.

The strong-armed, swift-footed Barber accumulated some eye-popping statistics while running Coach Bill Seixas’ single-wing offense. In two seasons, he had 2,508 yards of total offense and 31 touchdowns in a time when the school played only eight regular-season games. On the ground, he gained 1,819 yards and scored 24 touchdowns, and he passed for another 689 yards and seven scores. For his career, he averaged 179 yards of total offense a game and six yards per carry.

As a junior, he led the Pirates to their first Marine League title in six years, and the school’s first-ever playoff win. The season ended at 8-2 when Barber was injured in a playoff loss to Birmingham. His sensational senior year saw him rush for 843 yards and pass for 318 more, but the season ended with a coin toss after the Pirates

finished in a three-way tie for first place with Banning and Gardena. The Pilots won the coin toss to determine the league’s playoff representative; San Pedro finished at 5-3.

Barber; a retired longshoreman, died Jan. 23 at age 72. His athletic legacy includes his son and grandson. Ronnie Barber II was a first-team all-league quarterback in 1981 and 1982 at Banning High, helping the Pilots win their sixth straight City title as a junior.

His son, Ronnie Barber III, played running back for San Pedro High in 2003, where he made first-team allleague while wearing his grandfather’s retired No. 23 jersey.

The senior Barber was named one of San Pedro’s 100 all-time greatest athletes in 1988, and in 2014, was inducted into the charter class of the San Pedro High Athletic Hall of Fame.

Speaking of Statistics Going over Barber’s numbers reminded me of another unreported loss to the high school sports community.

Bruce McIntosh died last November at age 87 in Rio Vista. A former longtime San Pedro resident, he was the dean of prep statisticians in the state and a mentor to Steve Schiazzano, the unofficial historian of San Pedro High sports. For a tribute to McIntosh, check out www.calhisports.com.

I’ll take Sports for 600, Alex Finally, it’s worth noting the odd circumstance involving local basketball, where we have Mary Star High grad John Bobich (1980) coaching San Pedro High’s varsity, and San Pedro High grad Mike Sestich (1987) coaching Mary Star’s varsity.

Bobich already has had a long and successful run, while Sestich, an All-City player with the Pirates, appears to be turning the Stars into a powerhouse. Meanwhile, former Pirates varsity baseball coach Bobby Ramirez (W’69) has returned to San Pedro as an assistant varsity coach at Mary Star.

Ramirez, a member of both the San Pedro High and Harbor College halls of fame, has retired from the classroom but is far from done coaching. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.

Mother's Day is coming May 13!

Celebrate your Mom in the pages of

Make May a month to remember by having your mom featured in San Pedro Today!

Celebrate a special mother in your life with a tribute in our Mother's Day issue.

If interested, please include the following in an email: • Your message of 75 words or less • A digital, high-resolution photo of the mother • Mother's full name Email all submissions to contact@sanpedrotoday.com by Monday, April 16.

(Sorry, no postal submissions will be accepted.)

All submissions are free of charge. Submissions will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

San Pedro Today reserves the right to edit submissions for publication.

Not all submissions are guaranteed publication. Any questions, email contact@sanpedrotoday.com.

APRIL 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 11

VOICES

IT’S HAPPENING!

by Anthony Pirozzi There comes a time in your life when you realize all that you have known is changing, whether for the good or the bad.

That can come with a personal challenge, a loss of a family member, the completion of a life-long dream, or dramatic changes to your surrounding community. When I began to dive into local politics, it was not because I had this great desire to do so. After all, my passion and desire has been driven by kids. I love to coach, motivate and inspire kids on and off the field. I express the importance to kids of believing in themselves in order to accomplish anything in life if they put their heart and minds to it.

However, in 2006, Eastview Little League was at a turning point in its history when Target was planning to come to town and displace over 550 kids. I was coaching in the league at the time and realized this was not only a turning point for families of the league, but also for a piece of San Pedro’s history and I needed to get involved.

On the day the fields were demolished, we were upset, sad and full of emotion. The league would end up being given the opportunity to build fields at Knoll Hill, so I volunteered to be the league’s new field’s project manager and joined the Eastview board of directors. In 2008, we threw out the first pitch, and today the league is in its 57th year and has a top notch little league facility with one of the best views of any little league facility in Southern California.

Today, we are once again at the crossroads of change and this time it’s Ports O’ Call Village. It has been a long time coming for many in this town. There is a silent majority of folks that can’t wait for the change to occur, whereas others may not want it, and some are in the middle of what should happen. Regardless, redevelopment is happening.

As you read this column, the first phase of developing the San Pedro Public Market is taking shape. The 12 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

pathway to developing the waterfront promenade and furthering public access to our waterline is in full swing. Our long time New Englandstyle waterfront village will now be revitalized to reflect our working port, our culture, and pave the way for our future. All of us have nostalgic memories of Port’s O’ Call and must cherish them forever, but now is the time for us to realize that the development of the San Pedro Public Market will begin to create the memories for our children and their children in the same manner that Port’s O’ Call did for us. The reality today is that there is a generation gap between these memories and it is time to close it.

Imagine a place where you are walking on a continuous waterfront promenade with a stunning view of our working harbor. You explore the history of San Pedro along the way when you decide it’s time to eat and sit down at a local restaurant only to discover that a kid you used to coach is serving you. While there, your daughter, who works at the nearby research and development, firm calls you. She says that she just picked up your grandson who just finished a school-sponsored boating trip that just docked not too far from the restaurant.

You tell them to join you for lunch. As you all sit and enjoy this wonderful day, your grandson jumps up and down in excitement as he notices a barge in the distance bringing in another rocket that just returned from space after providing cargo to the International Space Station. As you say good bye to your family and leave for the day, you see a sign reminding you that in a few weeks there is a welcoming event for astronauts returning to earth in a space capsule after splashing into the ocean just off our coastline.

This is what is being developed on our San Pedro waterfront. It is a future we cannot imagine, but it is the one that is happening today. spt Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at apirozzi@yahoo.com.

APRIL 2018 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 13

VOICES

TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS: WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP?

by Susan M. Schlag, MS, LMFT In the wake of yet another school shooting, across the nation, families, schools and individuals are searching for answers. In our local community, schools are conducting lockdown drills to prepare for the unthinkable. This has impacted us all and has created the need for parents to have discussions with their children that can be difficult, confusing and anxiety provoking.

As a mental health professional, I consider that impact to the students, family members and school personnel in Parkland, Fla., as well as the far-

reaching impact all across the country and into our own community. As a parent, I think of the impact on my own children and how our friends and their families are affected.

For parents like myself, who want to have a meaningful discussion with their children, here is some information on the impact of trauma on children, how to talk to your kids about school violence and ensure your children have the support they need to cope and heal.

impact. Exposure to trauma can affect people in different ways. Some common responses to exposure to trauma include: anxiety, nightmares, sleeplessness, not wanting to talk about or think about trauma, thoughts of the trauma popping up unexpectedly, feeling irritable/angry, increased fearfulness, increased concern for general safety for self or others and loss of interest in activities that were previously enjoyable.

The Impact of Trauma on Children When someone (child or adult) is exposed to trauma, whether they are a direct victim or hear about or see images of the trauma secondhand, it can have a profound and lasting

How to Help Our Children Cope 1. Open communication – Talking about what happened in a safe space with trusted adults (primarily parents, but also teachers, close friends and family members) can be helpful.

2. Honoring feelings – Allow children the space to openly express their feelings and validate those feelings. (i.e. “It must feel scary when you think about what happened,” “It is confusing and hard to understand why this would happen.”)

3. Provide reassurance – Acknowledging that bad things happen and also reassuring children that parents, schools, local police, etc. are working to make sure they are safe. Ask schools about current safety plans and create family safety plans. Having a plan for what to do in case of an emergency can increase sense of safety and confidence.

4. Age specific discussion – Conversations should be customized to your child’s age and developmental level. Young school age children (ages 5-10) may be able to better communicate through art/drawings or play as well as talking. Adolescents (ages 11+) generally have better developed verbal communication skills and will be more likely to be able to talk about their feelings.

5. News coverage – It can be confusing to young children to watch coverage of traumatic events on TV. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to allow your children to view news coverage. If you do decide to allow your children to watch, watch

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with them and discuss during and after.

6. Be aware of your own reactions – As parents, we model for our children how to respond in situations.

If parents are able to remain calm and openly discuss feelings, children will learn how to do this also. If parents are feeling anxious and scared, it is important to be able to recognize this as well and take steps to cope with these feelings yourself. Practice positive coping skills (relaxation, mindfulness, maintaining a routine, healthy eating and exercise habits). Including your children in these practices can be helpful for the whole family.

Seeking Professional Help If you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior following exposure to trauma, do not hesitate to seek professional help. Significant changes can include: a change in behavior at school or a drop in grades, wanting to be alone more than usual, prolonged anxiety and fearfulness (continues a month or more beyond exposure to trauma), depression, avoidance of trauma reminders (doesn’t want to talk about, think about or go to places that remind them of trauma), refusal to go to school due to fears, changes in eating and sleeping patterns and new physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches).

A mental health professional (therapist, psychologist, school counselor) are excellent resources.

When seeking professional help, look for a mental health professional that is experienced working with children and trauma. A mental health professional will be able to help you and your child process the trauma experience and learn new coping skills to address trauma reactions as well as build resilience for the future. spt Susan M. Schlag is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-owner of Peninsula Center for Children and Families. To learn more about Susan and Peninsula Center for Children and Families, visit www.peninsulafamilies.com.

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Humberto Raygoza (aka The Chori-Man) with his business parner, Mandy Barton, in front of their new Alma St. store.

(photo: John Mattera Photography)

INVASION OF THE HUMBERTO RAYGOZA BRINGS HIS SIGNATURE CHORIZO RECIPES TO SAN PEDRO

by Joshua Stecker

O

pening a retail eatery was not part of the original plan.

While Humberto Raygoza, better known as The Chori-Man, and his business partner, Mandy Barton, were looking for an affordable commercial kitchen that could handle the ever-increasing wholesale demand for Raygoza’s signature chorizo recipes, Barton stumbled upon a vacant kitchen on Alma St. in San Pedro.

“I came over to check out the bakery and saw that Zina’s Pizza had just closed,” recalls Barton. “I asked the landlord about it and he said it was available.”

The former home of Zina’s, the adequately-sized space was perfectly situated between With Love Bakery and 16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

Alma Market on a small neighborhood block between 23rd and 24th Streets.

Inside, the space was kitchen-ready with room for a small counter towards the front.

“Humberto was working out of a shared kitchen at the restaurant where he'd started, Del Rey Deli Co. [in Playa del Rey],” says Barton. “We got to the point where we were making at least 500 pounds of chorizo a week and it really wasn't sustainable to work around somebody else's schedule. [When I found this space], I called Humberto and said, ‘Get down here.’”

The partners made a deal with the landlord on the spot, and just like that, The Chori-Man was calling San Pedro home.

IT BEGAN WITH BEANS Last month marked the fifth anniversary of Raygoza launching his chorizo business, which would eventually be named The Chori-Man, an homage to his father.

“My dad's nickname was Chori,” he says. “When I was a kid, everybody would call him Chori because he sold chorizo. So, when I was looking for a name for the business, I was like, ‘You know what? I'm going be The Chorizo Man.’ But I knew I needed it shorter, so it became The Chori-Man, and it just stuck.”

A former nursing student, it was during a trip to Mexico in 2013 while on a break from school that prompted him to make a life-changing choice. “My goal

was to be a nurse, but I got tired of being a broke student. I was eating beans and lentils every day,” recalls Raygoza.

“I had taken a break from school and knew that I didn't want to go back. I just couldn't figure out what I wanted to do. So, I took a trip to Mexico and I talked to my uncles working in the butcher shop. They started with chorizo.

I figured my dad started with chorizo, maybe I could do it.”

Everyone on his father’s side of the family was in the cattle or butcher business, but work for Raygoza’s father was tough to come by in the late ‘70s when his family immigrated from Mexico to Van Nuys, where Raygoza was born.

The only thing that his father knew best was meat. “My father would make cho-

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Top to Bottom: New signage above The Chori-Man store; the Guajillo Pulled Pork Sandwich; grab & go Broccoli Soup; and Smoked Brisket in The Chori-Man Quesadilla

(photos: John Mattera Photography, The Chori-Man Instagram )

rizo at home with my mom, and then he'd walk the streets selling it. People knew that on Saturday morning you could come by our house, knock on the door, and get a pound of chorizo. Growing up, that was our staple.”

Looking to ditch nursing and make a go at the family business, Raygoza began experimenting with different chorizo concoctions. He quickly turned his attention from medical books to cookbooks and started studying. “I experiment with chorizo. I just love flavors. I take good quality meat, good quality spices,” he says. “The original recipe is my dad's and grandpa's. He gave it to me and I modified it. It took me four years to get the red chorizo to where it is now.”

For the uninitiated, chorizo is best described as a flavorful pork sausage mixed with a variety of spices that traditionally uses natural intestine casings.

Known mostly as a breakfast meat, chorizo can be used in anything from pastas to sandwiches. Raygoza remembers going to the butcher shop as a kid and listening to his grandpa explain to him that all the trim that comes off the bone, the fat and little pieces of meat left over, are what makes great chorizo.

“I hear people say, ‘Oh, it's just sausage.’ Or, ‘It's just chorizo.’ No, it's not just sausage, and it's just not chorizo, especially with my stuff,” explains Raygoza. “The mix and blend of those spices, it's flavor. You don't just eat it in a taco. You can add it to your soup, to your pasta, to your salad, your salsas.”

Raygoza had a good feeling his chorizo would be popular because he was already testing it on fellow co-workers, and they were loving it. “When I was in school, I would sell chorizo beans to the medical assistants and nurses that I worked with in this clinic in Santa Monica. That's how the chorizo business actually came about,” explains Raygoza.

“My dad knew that I didn't have much money, so whenever he'd come to L.A. to visit, he'd bring some chorizo. I used to make big pots of beans and that's all I would eat, so you get creative.

You make beans one way, you make them another way, so I started putting 18 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

chorizo in my beans and ate them at work. The ladies at work caught on, and they're like, ‘Let's try it.’ So, I gave one a try, and then after that they were like, ‘I'll trade you. I'll buy some from you.’

That's how the chorizo business actually started, because of those chorizo beans.”

Taking a page out of his father’s playbook, Raygoza was soon making his own chorizo and began walking the streets of Culver City, where he currently resides, trying to earn some money, just as his father did in the Valley. “I took the same plan my dad had. You made chorizo and walked the streets. When you don't have any money, that's the only way to do it.”

He walked the streets of Culver City for most of 2013 and 2014, walking a couple of miles a day selling chorizo out of a cooler, all the while trying to perfect different variations of the pork sausage.

CRAFTED COMES CALLING In 2014, Raygoza started working out of Del Rey Deli Co. in Playa del Rey, while hustling his sausages throughout Los Angeles. He was only producing one taco and one burrito with red or green chorizo, that was it. But the foodies were spreading the word. He soon caught the attention of L.A. Weekly, which named him Best Secret Chorizo in 2014, writing: “Raygoza's one-man artisan empire is helping to un-suckify L.A.'s chorizo scene.”

“I was an unknown when they wrote about me,” says Raygoza, “but key people caught on.” Some of those people were the folks at Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles, who asked him to work a special event at the artisan marketplace in January 2015.

“It was my first ever cooking gig,” he reveals. After the event, Crafted offered him a permanent spot on the weekends, which he quickly accepted.

“By September, I wasn't making too much money; it was kind of quiet. So, I left and started my first farmers market in Downtown L.A., and then it was like the floodgates of Hell opened up because everybody started catching on.”

In 2016, he returned to Crafted, this

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A wall showcases apparel and the menu inside The Chori-Man store.

(photo: John Mattera Photography)

time at the behest of the newly opened Brouwerij West. “I came back in February when they were just opening and that's when all the breweries caught wind,” says Raygoza. “I was in full swing with all the breweries in L.A., going from brewery to brewery selling tacos, burritos, and chorizo by the pound.”

Barton chimes in, “And that’s where I met Humberto.”

Mandy Barton, 49, was a customer of Raygoza’s long before getting into business with him. Before embarking on The Chori-Man express, she worked for Panasonic Avionics, flying around the world training airlines on how to use their inflight entertainment systems.

She ditched that gig to work in contract law at USC but was feeling uninspired.

Partnering with Raygoza changed all that.

“When we first met at Crafted, I'd never eaten chorizo before,” laughs Barton, a San Pedro resident since 2010.

She makes raw milk cheeses in her

20 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

spare time and would give some to Raygoza to try. They struck up a friendship, and in early 2017, she started assisting him with event bookings, eventually working events with him.

“We got into the L.A. Times Food Bowl, which was a huge event, and he’s like, ‘You have to work this event with me.’ It was really great to be on my feet all day long and just be in the kitchen.

I even had a fun time washing dishes.

I said to him. ‘I think this is why we're friends. I think we're meant to work together.’ So, we struck up a deal and I became a partner last year.”

She adds, “I feel like I was born to do this. It feels right.”

THE LONG GAME The shop on Alma St. is bustling on this particular Sunday morning in March. One woman walks in, sunglasses on, saying she has to pick up a breakfast burrito for a hungover friend.

“She called me and was all, I need that burrito,” she says to Barton as she

places her order. Hers is an all too common story.

Remember, a retail eatery was not part of the plan. All Raygoza and Barton wanted was a commercial kitchen, because for them, the long game is to get The Chori-Man’s sausages into retail stores. Having their own take-out restaurant was an afterthought.

“The goal for The Chori-Man is to be a powerhouse brand in stores,” says Raygoza. He’s piqued the interest of some of the biggest Mexican brands in the world, many complementing him on what a great job he’s done. “The day I started selling chorizo, that was the goal, to get into the markets. Be a retail powerhouse and place ourselves in the same category as the other great brands. ‘You want great chorizo, get The Chori-Man brand.’”

San Pedrans are lucky because we can get The Chori-Man brand now.

Open four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, The Chori-Man shop sells burritos and tacos with your choice

of their signature red, green or Argentinian chorizo, or chipotle braised beef.

Breakfast burritos tend to be the most popular, but they have dishes for lunch and dinner, along with a variety of side dishes and an always eclectic daily special. And if you’re feeling like cooking some yourself, you can buy their chorizo by the pound.

“It seems like every weekend we get a little busier,” says Raygoza. He’s heartened by how great the wholesale side of the business has been doing, noting that if the retail store should ever slow down, he could sell strictly wholesale and still be doing fine.

“People come by asking how we’re doing, telling us they hope we don't close,” laughs Raygoza. “We signed a 10-year lease. We're going to be here for a while.” spt The Chori-Man Artisan Chorizo & Meats is located at 2309 S. Alma St. in San Pedro. For more information, call (424) 287-2414.

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SERVING THOSE THAT PROTECT & SERVE HARBOR L.I.T.E.S. CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN SUPPORT OF L.A.P.D. HARBOR DIVISION

by Caitlyn Trudnich In 1968, Judy Chow would hop on her bicycle, often bringing her twoyear-old daughter along for the ride, and pedal to the local L.A.P.D. station.

Visiting with Lt. Dan Sanchez (who later retired as Commander) and Sgt. Carl McDaniels, they discussed how to bridge the gap between the police and the local community.

“Lt. Sanchez said, ‘I don’t know where to start, June!’” Chow recalls.

Chow suggested that the L.A.P.D. should make appearances at PTA meetings at local schools with the hope of opening lines of communication with families within the area. “Fifty years ago, things were a lot different,” says Chow. “Many of the wives were just supposed to raise children, put dinner on the table, and that was it. It was unheard of that we would partner with the police.”

This group of local women became dedicated to the idea of giving back to the L.A.P.D. Harbor Division, and Harbor L.I.T.E.S. (Ladies Involved in Time, Effort, and Service) was born.

Founding member Chow recalls the early days, saying, “[The goal was for] each community to recognize the officers protecting them, so they would feel more comfortable, and realize that the officers were family people also.”

After spreading word of their newly created group, even going door-todoor, monthly meetings started gaining participation. The local organization explored various ways of servicing both the L.A.P.D. and the community, including providing useful information and signage to neighborhood watch groups, organizing meetings with officers to discuss general concerns or complaints, and programs for children in need.

Within their 50 years of service, it’s hard to believe that such a longstanding organization dedicated to service has been relatively unknown within the 22 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

Harbor L.I.T.E.S. members (l to r) Mary Ann Sizgorich, founding member Judy Chow and current president, Millicent Borgarding. (photo: John Mattera Photography)

community. “There’s oftentimes people that don’t understand what we do,” says current president, Millicent Borgarding. “We’re still very grassroots and volunteer-driven.”

However, although maintaining the fundamentals of why Harbor L.I.T.E.S. was founded continues to be a priority, they also have new goals to spread awareness to their organization’s efforts. In addition to recently becoming a part of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Harbor L.I.T.E.S. would also like to increase their social media presence, as well as eventually create a website. “The mission will always be the same, but we would like to gain more exposure, and help people understand that the L.A.P.D. officers are your neighbors,” says Borgarding. “They are part of this community.”

Although under the radar, Harbor L.I.T.E.S. has contributed their time, service, and fundraising efforts that have allowed them to regularly show their appreciation to the Harbor Division. In addition to hosting Officer Appreciation Luncheons, the station is decorated on holidays like Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve, and copious amounts of food is provided for both local and visiting officers. During Christmastime, two trees are donated and decorated to bring the officers some holiday cheer, as well as members helping to fundraise and assist with the L.A.P.D.’s Christmas gift drives and seasonal events. It’s these little acts of kindness that go a long way.

In connection with an official liaison, Harbor L.I.T.E.S. fundraises for other needs of the Harbor Division, including a new fridge or helping to pay the cable bill. Other notable efforts that Harbor L.I.T.E.S. have made possible over the years include the expansion of the Harbor Division’s parking lot, the creation of the station’s memorial wall, which honors fallen L.A.P.D. officers, and the continued support of the L.A.P.D. Cadet program.

Mary Ann Sizgorich, an active Harbor L.I.T.E.S. member, describes her reasons for becoming involved with his unique group, saying, “Officers have their life on the line every day for me, and I wanted to do something.”

After attending a meeting, she knew that she would love to help any way she could, whether it be helping spread the word to other potential members, visiting local businesses for donations and event planning, and writing letters of correspondence, which resulted in her nickname, the “Sunshine Girl.” She proudly describes how all their efforts are worthwhile, saying, “Officers will come up to us and say, ‘Oh, thank you,’ and our reply is always, ‘No, thank you for what you do for us each day.’”

In honor of Harbor L.I.T.E.S. big anniversary, a fundraiser celebration will be held on Sunday, April 15, at the Mary and Joseph Retreat Center. The evening will include gourmet food, wine, and live entertainment, including the Hollywood Revisited Extravaganza featuring pianist, Greg Schreiner.

“This is the first time that we’ve done something of this scale and we are very excited,” says Borgarding. The event will also include a silent auction, hosted

by San Pedro Today publisher Joshua Stecker, and feature items donated from generous members of the local community, including San Pedro Brewing Company, The Distinctive Edge, and Captain’s Treasure Chest.

“I’m honored to have been asked to emcee the Harbor L.I.T.E.S. 50th anniversary gala,” says Stecker. “They do amazing work in support of L.A.P.D.’s Harbor Division. We’re going to have a great time at the gala celebrating their 50 years of service.”

After half a century of involvement, time, and effort in support of the L.A.P.D. Harbor Division, it’s about time that this incredible organization not only celebrates, but also receives the recognition they deserve. Looking back on all that Harbor L.I.T.E.S. has accomplished, Chow says, “I’m proud of the ladies and the time that they give.”

As the organization seeks to continue to grow towards the next 50 years and beyond, Borgarding enjoys meeting new members, and leading the next generation towards servicing those that protect and serve, saying, “They’re the future.” spt To purchase tickets to the Harbor L.I.T.E.S. fundraising celebration, email harborlites05@gmail. com or call Mary Ann Sizgorich at (310) 831-2960.

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ONE LAST HAPPY HOUR

By Angela “Romee” Romero

My Mom was a total lightweight when it came to drinking. I think that’s why she loved Margarita Mondays at Acapulco. Those cheap, fruity slushies couldn’t have had more than a whisper of tequila in them. However, she wasn’t the only fan. The patio would be full in no time, and there’d always be that self-imposed rush for her to get her last drink order in before they ran out of clean glasses and switched to plastic cups. She hated the plastic cups.

We spent a lot of happy hours on that patio at Acapulco. My mom even threw me a surprise “baby” shower there when I got my dog. I was mortified.

Now that she’s gone, it’s one of my most treasured memories. Everyone has their special waterfront place. For my family, it was Acapulco. That’s why I shouldn’t have been so surprised when I got really emotional about its closing at the end of February.

Acapulco was El Paso Cantina for most of my life. I remember the name change coincided with a remodel that moved the entrance from the north side of the building to the center. The building was originally the northern bookend eatery of David Tallichet’s

(Top) The Rum Runner, circa 1970s. (Insets) Maria AsoauRomero, with daughter Romee, on her 50th birthday, June 2010; Acapulco Restaurant closed Feb. 25, 2018, to make way for the new waterfront promenade and San Pedro Public Market. (photos courtesy Angela Romero)

waterfront empire, The Rum Runner.

Tallichet was the father of the Ports O’ Call Restaurant, the village, and many other atmospheric restaurants throughout Southern California. I never went to the Rum Runner, but I was able to see the interior in an old episode of Columbo, starring Peter Falk. In true atmospheric style, the Rum Runner centered around a central theme – think El Torito meets Disneyland’s Pirates of the Caribbean. It was decorated with pyramids of giant rum barrels and antique distillery equipment, deep red carpets, leather chairs, chunky wood tables, and a whole lot of wrought iron.

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Eventually, the atmospheric fad grew tired but the restaurant’s location was the only draw it needed. When the Rum Runner closed and the space was taken over by El Paso Cantina, they didn’t need to change much because the arched entryways and stucco walls fit perfectly with their Mexican theme. But I’m sure it wasn't the architecture that sold the new tenants on the property, it had to be the waterfront. People like eating and drinking next to water, and the lower price point offered by a chain restaurant made that experience more accessible for a lot of people, like my family.

My mom passed away in 2010.

Her last birthday actually fell on a Margarita Monday, and it was magical.

We got there at three o’clock in the afternoon to claim our real estate on the patio, and didn’t leave until ten at night. She might have actually gotten tipsy that night, there’s definitely a cell phone video of her dancing to George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog” with her friend Susana. Every birthday since, we’ve gone back for a margarita in her honor.

One year, I even stole a glass.

Over the years, I had come to resent the organized sadness that going to Acapulco came to represent, but when

I heard that it would be closing by the March 1 deadline, I organized one last happy hour for my family. My sister brought my one-year-old niece for her first, and last, chance to partake in this family tradition. I ordered a blended coconut-pineapple margarita for old times sake, even though I rarely drink anymore. As I sat there, I found myself scanning the restaurant, pushing my mild photographic memory to remember even the smallest detail.

Then I started to tear up. I was mildly embarrassed to be crying over a chain restaurant. I didn’t even like their food, and honestly, the overall dining experience had really declined in the last few years. This was not my mother’s Acapulco.

While I've been documenting the demise of Ports O’ Call, I’ve heard many stories just like mine. It’s sad to lose these places that hold so many memories. But the reality is that they haven’t been the way we remember them for a long time. It’s okay to be sad that things are changing, but it’s time to give our younger generations a chance to make fond memories on the waterfront. I just hope the new development has a place with really good margaritas. spt

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SPORTS

THEY SHOOT, THEY SCORE SPHS VARSITY BOYS SOCCER WINS L.A. CITY CHAMPIONSHIP story & photo by Jamaal K. Street

Los Angeles Valley College is starting to become a good luck charm for San Pedro prep soccer.

Last year, Port of Los Angeles High School Girls Soccer captured their first CIF-LACS (Division 2) championship, with a 2-1 sudden death overtime triumph over Grant of Van Nuys. Fastforward to March 3, 2018, when this location once again worked its magic, with San Pedro High School Varsity Boys Soccer in pursuit of their own CIF victory as they battled University of Los Angeles for the Division 4 title.

For 80 minutes of regulation, neither team scored. Four minutes into the first overtime, San Pedro junior wing, Juan Retana, would score to break the ice. Three minutes later, University junior midfielder, Denilson Garcia, would answer with a goal of his own.

The game remained tied at 1-1, but the penalty kick shootout would determine a champion.

The Pirates were up to the challenge, successfully making all five kicks, with sophomore wing player, Billy Lopez, delivering the final kick to officially take home the CIF-LACS Division 4

San Pedro High School Varsity Boys Soccer champs.

championship, SPHS’s first boys soccer CIF title since 1987.

“We went in with the mentality of winning it all,” San Pedro senior midfielder, Jorge Alvarenga, said. “To be able to do so with hard work and dedication, we got what we wanted.”

It was a physical and emotional duel between San Pedro (14-8-2 overall) and University (15-5-5) as a whopping ten cards were issued out, nine combined yellow cards, and one red card, which the Wildcats drew for a hard foul from behind in the 58th minute, giving San Pedro a one-man advantage for the remainder of the game up until the titledeciding shootout.

In the first half, San Pedro, who nearly scored two minutes into the contest, would control the majority of the field possession, but the Wildcats had the two closest scoring opportunities, missing a shot off the

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crossbar, then missing again via a header off a perfectly placed free kick soon after.

After the red card from University, San Pedro would dictate the pace, moving the ball swiftly in the second half, and setting the stage for overtime.

Six minutes into overtime, junior defender, Pablo Alvarez, would throw it in to Alvarenga, fighting off University senior defender, Carlos Onofre, before crossing a pass to Retana, who tapped it in just past junior goalie, Angel Olivares, for the 1-0 San Pedro lead.

After a subsequent foul in the box, Garcia would blast in his tying free kick, which deflected off a Pirate blocker out of the reach of Hernandez.

No goals were scored during the second ten-minute overtime frame, but due to the rainy conditions from Friday, and while on Valley College turf, the CIF-LACS elected to bypass the two five-minute sudden death periods and the game would immediately turn to the shootout to finish.

The shootout coin toss was won by San Pedro, who elected to shoot first.

Alvarenga boomed in his kick from his left foot past Olivares. Garcia did the same to tie the shootout at 1-1. Senior goalie, Kevin Hernandez, would blast in his kick to put Pedro in front to stay, stopping Onofre's attempt to tie with a diving save to the left side of the net.

Most goalies who shoot on penalty kicks tend to crack under the intense pressure, but Hernandez embraced it, firing up the San Pedro crowd after making his kick, then making the save to deny Onofre, which enthused the

Pirate fans even more.

“It was very crucial for me to have the CIF title in the palms of my hands, knowing I have a historical city that has been waiting 31 years for another high school soccer title,” Hernandez said. “I knew I had to perform the way I did, especially for my hard-working coaches and teammates, for our supportive fans, and to accomplish my biggest high school goal. We did it for the culture.”

Senior midfielder, Albert Bier, and sophomore midfielder, Eric Alvarez, would make their penalty kicks to put the Pirates ahead 4-2 in the shootout, but after University made their third kick in four attempts to give the Wildcats a glimmer of hope to stay alive, in came Lopez to seal the deal.

Lopez powered through his shot into the right corner of the net, setting off a joyous celebration for San Pedro, capping off a very tense run to the championship with their second straight shootout win of the tournament. The Pirates also edged North Hollywood, 4-2 on penalty kicks after the game finished in a 2-2 draw in the semifinals on February 27, while also holding off Bernstein of Los Angeles and Jordan of Los Angeles in the first two rounds by a pair of 2-1 margins. “We felt very fortunate coming in,” Alvarez said. “But after we won CIF for the first time in 30 years, we felt like legends.”

During the year, San Pedro finished third in the Marine League with a 6-3-1 mark (all three losses were by one goal), also posting solid wins over Redondo Union, Granada Hills, and neighbor POLA in December. spt

WEDDING

EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES JONATHAN & CARLA AMUNDSON AUGUST 5, 2017 story by Caitlyn Trudnich photo by John Mattera Photography

Jonathan and Carla (Harris) Amundson met during one of the biggest worldwide celebrations – Y2K. Although meeting on a blind date at a New Year’s Eve celebration seems pressure-filled, the couple quickly felt comfortable with one another, discussing over dinner their favorite classic television theme songs, and hitting the dance floor throughout the evening. Jon fondly recalls, “When it was close to midnight, we went outside and brought in the New Year. While all the other couples kissed, we gave each other a hug, and shook hands.”

Soon after, Jon and Carla officially began dating…or so Jon thought.

“After a month or so, I thought we were dating,” he says. “We spent so much time together, and shared a kiss here and there, so I thought we were together!”

About a year after they had met, Carla remembers asking Jon, “Are you ever going to ask me to be your girlfriend?” Although Jon already thought it was implied, “Me wrong?

Never!” Jon jokes, he happily and officially asked her immediately. The couple dated for eight months, filled with good times together, and each month marked with Jon bringing Carla a rose.

Although with immense love and respect for one another, while Jon and Carla were attending college and exploring their career paths, they decided to part ways.

However, as the saying goes, “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours.”

In 2013, Jon and Carla reconnected through Cupid for millennials – Facebook. The former couple quickly picked up where they had left off, and 28 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

about a month after the initial friend request, Jon (again) officially asked Carla to be his girlfriend.

After dating for about three years, the couple knew they were meant to be together, and marriage became a topic of discussion. On Christmas 2015, John and Carla traveled to Sacramento, where Jon asked for Carla’s mother’s blessing, and she happily obliged.

On February 14, 2016, Jon officially asked Carla another important question – to be his wife. “I was hoping Jon was going to propose, but he was doing everything he could to throw me off the scent,” says Carla. After having treated Carla to a day of pampering, the couple dined at the Cheesecake Factory in Redondo Beach. With Jon attempting to propose at sunset, the couple took dessert to go, and sat on a scenic bench on the pier.

Although they missed the sunset, Jon was ready to pull off the big surprise, with the help of a cheesecake reading, “Will you marry me?” However, before the big reveal, Carla got a glimpse of the very special dessert. “She started saying, ‘Oh my God! Oh my God!’ repeatedly,” Jon recalls. “She turned to me, and I had the ring held up to her.

Before I could get down on one knee, she threw her arms around me, kissed me, and said, ‘Yes!’” Carla fondly remembers, “I was so happy when he proposed, and I kept thinking, ‘It’s about time.’” She humorously adds, “He also included chocolate in the proposal, because he knows that chocolate is one of my

major food groups.”

On August 5, 2017, Jon and Carla exchanged vows in front of 130 of their closest friends and family, with a ceremony at the Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates.

Joining the bride and groom were Maid of Honor, Ana Fadich, bridesmaids Sara Eisenberg, Jill Sylvester, and April DeSanti, Junior bridesmaid, Sophia Taylor; Best Man, Michael Amundson, and groomsmen Anthony Amundson, Peter Page, and David Taylor; Flower girls, Holly Taylor and Maddie Eisenberg; and Ring bearers, Charlie and Zachary Eisenberg.

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her mother, Sally Harris. In honor of her late father, Ross Harris, Carla attached his photo to her bouquet, so he was with her on the special day.

Celebrations continued at their two hearts-themed reception, held at the South End Racquet & Health Club in Torrance. Décor colors included several shades of pink, and also showcased one of the bride’s favorite hobbies – crochet. “I am a huge yarn-aholic,” Carla describes. “I have a huge stash of all different kinds of yarn. So I knew that I wanted yarn to be a part of our wedding day, since it’s a huge part of my daily life.” As part of the wedding planning, Carla enlisted the help of many friends and family members to crochet several design elements as part of their wedding décor. Even Jon, who had never crocheted before, was more than willing to grab some yarn and pitch in.

The hard work paid off, and Carla’s vision beautifully came to life. Each dining table was adorned with a centerpiece made up of pink and white crocheted roses, and every chair back was also given a crocheted rose. That’s 2,500 roses total!

The bride and groom danced their first dance to “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship, and enjoyed hitting the floor all night long to music by DJ Luis Santiago. In addition to their wedding cake, created by Torrance Bakery, another sweet treat included homemade rose-shaped cookies as the guests’ party favors, made with love by both Jon and Carla’s families.

The newlyweds honeymooned on a cruise along the Pacific Coast, visiting Vancouver, Oregon, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara. Upon returning home, they extended their post-wedded bliss with a trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth.”

“Jon and I both love Disney, and our Disneyland dates,” says Carla. “After we got back from our honeymoon, we had to go to get our bride and groom hats and our pins that said, ‘Happily Ever After.’”

The future is blooming for Jon and Carla, who hope to enjoy a lifetime of love and, one day, start a family together. And as for more crochet?

Jon says, “I’m actually working on a sweater right now!”

Jon and Carla reside in San Pedro, where Jon is a cook for a local restaurant, and Carla works as an Assistant Manager for a retail store. spt

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RELIGION

A SAN PEDRO CATECHISM

by Pastor Nathan Hoff

There is a lyric in an Ascension Day hymn that is wrong: “Faith believes, nor questions how.”

How many grew up with an implied or explicit communication that felt or sounded something like this: “Questions are not welcome here!” “Real believers just trust, they don’t ask why.” “Don’t be so rebellious, just believe me, I’m the pastor/rabbi/ priest/guru/yogi/practitioner.” This is a betrayal of even traditional faith.

There is no ongoing Passover celebration without children asking questions. “Why is this night different than any other?” There is no authentic prayer without questions.

Look for all the question marks in the Psalms – the prayer book of the Bible.

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” “How long, O Lord?

Will you forget me forever?” (Psalms 22 and 13). Saint Peter’s preaching on Pentecost produced inquirers, not know-it-alls. When he wrapped up, they asked a question, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2.37) Asking questions is almost as primal as you can get. The brain has amazing development even before birth, but according to Bahar Gholipour, writer for LiveScience.com, babies' brains grow 1% larger each day for the first few months. If you kept up that brain growth trajectory, your brains would be the size of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. Okay, I made up that last bit.

The points is, words like “mommy” and “daddy” and “now!” are soon followed by the important word, “Why?” And then, new worlds open up, doors are opened, and wonder is kindled.

Limiting our curiosity and wonder only to the material world closes us to that world that transcends the material. I’d like to change the hymn lyric to “Faith believes, and questions how.”

Like many of you, I grew up with a catechism. I share a childhood 30 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

catechism in common with my parents, grandparents, and my children.

It contains as many questions as it does answers. I wouldn’t have naturally asked some of the questions the catechism asks, but I’m glad it taught me to ask good questions. The basic catechetical question is repeated often, “What does this mean?” Science asks essential questions: “What do you observe?” “How does this work?” “Is this rational?” “Is it consistent?” Faith asks essential questions: “What does this mean?” “Is life more than an accident?”

When I teach the catechism to our youth, I’m amazed that the memorized “by heart” questions and answers on the page typically lead to questions that actually come from the heart. “So does this mean...?”

“Are you really saying...?” “But what about...?” Then, it's as if I hear the door cracking open, the grappling with questions around meaning and truth, and an “aha” might be close!

Saint Peter heard the question of the crowds at the end of his message on that Pentecost. He was also aware of what they were thinking before he even began speaking. His message begins by addressing the questions they were actually asking. Are you asking faith questions any more? Big cosmic questions like, “What happens after we die?” Practical questions like, “Why do we worship on a certain day?” Heartbreaking questions like, “What about suicide?” Or funny questions like, “Why do people pay more to sit close at a baseball game, but sit in the back of church when they could sit in the front for free!”

What questions belong in a 2018 San Pedro Catechism? Send me an email at pastor@trinitysanpedro.org, and maybe I’ll reflect on some of them with you. spt Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at: trinitypastor.blogspot.com.

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There I was standing in my underwear. Staring at my reflection. A pile of clothes lay at my feet. Nothing fit. Nothing looked good. Something about the lighting in dressing rooms that really brings out the cellulite. I felt disgusting. I felt frustrated. In that moment it all became too much. So, I just dropped the dress, hung my head, and cried.

It was almost 10 years ago when a young twenty-something female client told me about her emotional episode in the dressing room of a department store. I never forgot that story. It was haunting and heartbreaking. A girl who worked tirelessly to not hate her reflection. Her life and thoughts revolved around dieting, exercise, and losing weight. And she was stunning. Anyone who looked at her would kill to be or be with her.

It’s indicative of an epidemic. Call it body shaming. Call it body dysmorphia.

But it illustrates a huge flaw in thinking that keeps people perpetually stuck in their weight loss/fitness journeys: That you exercise to look good, so your body is worth loving. When in actuality, you love your body, so you exercise, and as a result, you look good.

I hate to get all Dr. Phil on you but here’s a concept you need to grasp: If you can’t learn to love your body and accept it as it is, no amount of cardio and 7-day cleanses will get you there.

Even if everyone else happens to think you look amazing. Even beautiful celebrities confess how deeply insecure they often are. And they constantly yo-yo because of it. Why? The results in your life operate on feedback loops.

If you’ve calibrated correctly your results will be desirable. But if not, you’re doomed to frustration. Here’s an example: Have a bad day; feel crappy about yourself. Binge on junk food and partake in destructive habits for temporary pleasure. Said binge causes you to wake up the next day feeling worse. So, you drown the guilt with more destructive habits. The cycle repeats itself.

Or… Wake up and exercise, hug your kids, kiss your wife. Feeling upbeat, you attack your day productively and, high

on exercise, you make better dietary A FULL CONVENIENCE HARDWARE STORE THAT WILL SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY choices throughout the day because SUPPORT YOUR it feels good to feel good. You go to bed accomplished and wake up feeling rested and energized. Wake up feeling rested, so you hit the gym, hug your kids, and kiss your wife and embark on another great day. The cycle repeats itself.

The fruits of your life are either from positive or negative feedback loops.

Now, it’s perfectly possible to get your wires crossed and do the RIGHT things for the WRONG reasons, diet and exercise being two of them. Far too often, people exercise because they loathe how they look in the mirror and mistakenly place all of their confidence in the vanity, and not the fulfillment, diet and exercise produces.

That feedback loop goes something like: Exercise and diet like crazy to the point of obsession. Get results, feel great. Have a bad day, minor slip-up in your diet, or worse, someone told you look like you gained weight. Crash and burn, tell yourself “What's the use?!” and binge for two weeks. The cycle repeats itself.

Constantly obsessing about food, dieting, and how you look compared to others, gets exhausting, and while it might motivate you in the short term, it's not sustainable. That line of thinking produces guilt and self-pity, and those rarely produce positive changes.

Contrary to what you may think, acceptance must come before achievement, not the other way around. Once you make peace with your body, health and/or your poor habits, only then you will truly realize if you need to take better care of it. And consequently, become energized to improve it.

Don't get me wrong, acceptance does not mean you’ve settled or given up. It doesn't mean you aren't motivated to change. Quite the opposite. You will never work harder for the things you love; including your own body. So, go look in the mirror, appreciate it warts and all, and tell that sexy beast to get to the gym. spt (In the old Hollywood Video store)

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by Lori Garrett When I say, “Treat yo self,” Parks and Recreation fans know exactly what I’m talking about.

In the series, characters Tom and Donna celebrate a Treat Yo Self Day once a year, splurging on indulgent goodies like expensive clothes, fragrances, and cocktails. It’s a concept rooted in pampering oneself (in this case, to an excessive and rather comical extreme) and putting oneself first, even if for just one day a year.

In real life, pampering ourselves isn’t such a bad idea. In fact, the concept of “self-care” has become a popular one lately. We often become so wrapped up in the daily grind and taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves.

Of course, I’m not suggesting we over-indulge in habits that could get us in trouble. Although they may sound tempting, that food binge or impulsive shopping trip will probably just leave you with regret and feeling even worse the next day. (Sorry, Tom and Donna!)

Instead, self-care refers to a healthy indulgence of sorts: treating yourself to things that will make you feel better and healthier in the long run. It means taking time out to care for you, in body, mind, and soul. This often results in feeling happier, more refreshed and energetic, and better able to handle the stresses of the world. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

The best part is, heathy indulgence doesn’t have to involve excessive spending or going out of your way.

The following methods simply involve taking time out for yourself and making yourself a priority for a few minutes every day. Here are a few easy ways to properly “treat yo self”: Get Some Sun – Much like the war on dietary fat, the war on sun exposure continues to spark controversy. Fear of skin cancer has made us afraid of the sun to an extreme. But many experts are recommending a responsible amount of daily sun exposure to produce sufficient vitamin D, which is critical to our health. Remember that it needs to be without sunscreen (gasp!), but never to the point where you burn.

(This means fair-skinned folk will need to get out of the sun much sooner than

those with darker complexions.) So, enjoy the sunshine while soaking up (a few of) those rays.

Connect with Others (and Not Online) – Studies have shown that social interaction in person is biologically imperative for humans.

In this age of the internet and social media, it’s more important than ever to put down our phones and make time for direct social connection and quality time with others. Such interaction is linked to healthier life habits, improved well-being, and more positive physical and mental health outcomes.

Sleep! – It sounds elementary, but many of us are simply not getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation actually can hinder the immune system, cognitive performance, and overall mood. It’s okay to allow yourself to go to bed early, sleep in, or even take a nap when your body is calling for it.

Hydrotherapy – Did someone say, “Bubble bath?” Water therapy has been successfully used since ancient times to treat numerous health conditions.

Among its many benefits, hydrotherapy has been shown to reduce pain, relieve stress, and improve sleep, circulation, and cardiovascular function. Consider pampering yourself with a nice soak in an Epsom salt bath, hot tub, or even some local hot springs.

Meditate – Meditation encourages a calm state of mind, tranquility, and clarity. It has been proven to help reduce stress and encourage healing.

Whether it’s meditation, visualization, or other methods of mindfulness, just a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Earthing/Grounding – Sink your toes in the sand! Research shows that “earthing” or “grounding” (making physical contact with the Earth’s electrons) contributes to overall well-being. Believe it or not, simply walking barefoot in the soil, sand, or grass is linked to various health benefits, including reduced pain and inflammation, better sleep, and increased energy.

So, if you are going to indulge a little, why not “treat yo self” to caring for your own well-being? After all, you are worth it, and there is nothing more indulgent and satisfying than that. spt Follow Lori Garrett's wellness blog, www.adventuresofasickchick.com.

NEW ARRIVAL Walker Frederick Jones Weston and Chelsey Jones are thrilled to announce the birth of their son, Walker Frederick Jones. Born on January 16, 2018, weighing 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and 20 inches long. Big sister Londyn joins her proud parents in excitement over the new addition to their family.

EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE? CONGRATULATIONS IN ORDER? CELEBRATING A MILESTONE? Share your good news in the pages of

For more information, email events@sanpedrotoday.com or call (424) 224-9063.

NEW ARRIVAL Robert Jace Montoya Lullabies and laughter, cuddles and joy!

Amanda and Justin Montoya are thrilled to announce the birth of their little boy!

Robert Jace Montoya arrived on January 23, 2018, at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance. He is surrounded by the love of so many family and friends on Earth, as well as in heaven.

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THIS MONTH IN SAN PEDRO HISTORY compiled by Julia Swanson

April 1, 1940 – The Pacific Fleet of battleships, consisting of 46 naval vessels that had been based in San Pedro, sailed to Hawaii to deter Japanese aggression until the attack on Pearl Harbor. The heavy cruisers had been transferred from the Atlantic to San Pedro in 1919 where the Harbor was deep enough for the largest battleships.

April 13, 1892 – In 1784, Don Juan Dominguez, a Spanish soldier who had arrived in California, had been granted a concession of 75,000 acres from the Spanish Empire. This was Rancho San Pedro; the land San Pedro currently sits on. On this date, the heirs of the Dominguez family sold the Rattlesnake Island on his property to a new railroad. It was called Rattlesnake because it was home to a large population of rattlesnakes who migrated down the Los Angeles River. The name was changed to Terminal Island by the railroad company because the terminus of the new railroad was now located there.

April 17, 1915 – J.T. Gaffey of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce suggested the establishment of a naval station in San Pedro. As a result, a naval station was established in this town in August 1919. The naval fleet coming in was given a rounding welcome by 100,000 people.

April 21, 1969 – The Beacon Street Redevelopment Plan was officially adopted by the City Council. Its main goal was to eliminate blight and create a healthy local economy. In 1971, the Harbor Dept. moved into 34 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I APRIL 2018

Clockwise from top left: 6th Street in 1920; San Gabriel, the first steam locomotive to haul freight and passengers between San Pedro and L.A.; Naval fleet in the harbor, 1919; Rancho Dominguez drawing, 1880; Naval fleet in the harbor, 1938; Free Harbor Jubilee, 1899.

its new headquarters at Palos Verdes and Fifth Street, featuring an exterior framing that suggests a modern harbor skyline, the turquoise-windowed structure being unique for its brown trusses and support beams, which provide increased earthquake safety.

April 22, 1841 – The Sepulveda family received a Decree of Possession from Mexico of the Palos Verdes section of the Rancho San Pedro, the other part being owned by the Dominguez family. Two Sepulveda family members were Vice-Mayors of Los Angeles in 1839-1848.

April 25, 1846 – Hostilities between Mexico and the United States over California commenced. The United States sent an American warship to San Pedro, California. This ship was spotted coming into the San Pedro Harbor in August by the Sepulveda family. The warship had the American troops who landed in San Pedro and marched to pueblo Los Angeles where the Mexican troops were afraid of losing and the U.S. won Southern California with no fighting needed.

April 26, 1899 – The whole town came out to celebrate the Free Harbor Jubilee for the victory of the Los Angeles Chamber and L.A. Times, who carried the ball for San Pedro against the railroad influence in Congress to transfer the port to Santa Monica Bay and eliminate the ports of San Pedro and Wilmington. There had been a bitter nine-year fight for the harbor to be in San Pedro since 1888. California Senator Stephen M. White led the fight, and today a statue of him resides near Cabrillo Beach on the street in San Pedro that bears his name.

April 27, 1899 – 14,000 people witnessed the dumping of the first rocks for the Federal breakwater and then enjoyed a community BBQ. The great port was on its way.

This Month in the World April 2, 1513 – Spanish explorer, Ponce de León, sighted Florida and claimed it for the Spanish Crown after landing at the site of present day St. Augustine, now the oldest city in the continental United States.

April 4, 1968 – Civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot and killed by a sniper in Memphis, Tennessee.

April 12, 1861 – American Civil War began as American troops opened fire in Charleston, South Carolina April 12, 1945 – President Franklin Roosevelt died.

April 16, 1889 – Charlie Chaplin was born in London, England.

April 18, 1906 – San Francisco earthquake, creating a wildfire destroying 10,000 acres and 4,000 deaths.

April 23, 1564 – Birthday of William Shakespeare in England.

April 30, 1789 – George Washington became the first President of the United States. spt

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