DECEMBER 2015
DUSTIN GARNEAU MAKES IT TO 'THE SHOW' | REMEMBERING 6TH & PACIFIC | CRAFTED RECIPES | WEDDING: KEVIN & ROXANNE PESIC
Misty Comes Home San Pedro prepares to honor its iconic ballerina as she returns home to give back
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
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When I lived in New York City, I used to work at the ESPN Zone restaurant smack-dab in the middle of Times Square. It was one of those restaurants where you had to wear a nametag that included your favorite sports team. At my orientation, when they asked me which team I wanted on my tag, being from Los Angeles and a baseball fan, I naturally chose the Dodgers. It was my way of representing Southern California in the heart of New York City. During my shifts, I'd get the occasional question, "Why the Dodgers? You from California?" I'd reply yes, which was always followed by, "What part?" And I'd say, "Los Angeles." Since Times Square is the touristiest place in the city, if not the world, just saying Los Angeles was usually good enough. But when I'd serve a family from California, it went a bit deeper. "What part of Los Angeles?" "South Bay, near Long Beach," I'd reply. That was typically good enough. It wasn't until a few weeks after September 11, 2001, the questioning got more specific. One particular night, I happened to wait on a group of firefighters from Southern California. They were in the city helping with the recovery efforts at Ground Zero. The conversation went something like this: "Hey, a Dodger fan. You from Los Angeles?" "Yeah." "What part?" "South Bay, near Long Beach." "Ok, what part of the South Bay?" "Um, San Pedro? It's a small town where the port is." "We know San Pedro! We're from Redondo Beach! Hey, we got a hometown guy serving us!" I had been living in New York City a little over a year at this point and this was the first time I had someone recognize San Pedro. It was a bit refreshing, if not a little shocking. I bring this up because I know I'm not alone with this type of story. There are still people who live in Southern California who have no idea San Pedro exists. I have friends in Orange County who still think I just live in "L.A." I got used to being vague about my hometown because I knew most people would have no idea where it was. Cut to last month and I was back in New York City, this time on assignment for this publication for a change (usually I'm there covering filmmakers for entertainment outlets), and I'm at my favorite coffee shop (and satellite office), Caffè Reggio, in the heart of Greenwich Village. One of the female servers, whose name I sadly can't remember, but who always recognizes me when I come in, was working this particular afternoon. Our conversation went something like this: "Hey, back again for awhile?" "Yep." "You're from Los Angeles, right? What part?" "Oh, the South Bay, near Long Beach." "Right, what part of the South Bay?" "Oh, um, San Pedro? It's a small town where the Port of Los Angeles is located. I own the local magazine out there." "San Pedro. (pause) Hey, that's where Misty Copeland is from, right? I just saw A Ballerina's Tale at the IFC Center. She's amazing. I love her." "Yeah, I'm actually here to interview her in a few days." This was the first time I heard someone who's never heard of San Pedro before associate our town with Misty Copeland. And I must admit, it felt pretty cool to hear. I bring this up because Misty Copeland is, arguably, the most popular person to come out of San Pedro, and a great side effect of that is that it's putting San Pedro on the map in a positive light for a change. While Copeland had a spectacular 2015, San Pedro had a more challenging one. Our homeless problem has been the talk of the town since I first wrote about it in February, our waterfront development is finally moving forward but it's been slow going, Paseo del Mar is still split in half, suicides have become a serious problem at Point Fermin, bike lanes for invisible bicyclists have invaded our town like the plague, and to top it off, the 93-year-old building on 6th and Pacific went up in flames last month. It's been rough, to say the least. (But hey, we got a new drive-thru El Pollo Loco, so there's that.) Copeland will arrive in town this month and with her comes positive attention and press, which we can always use. We're incredibly fortunate that someone whose star is continuing to rise hasn't forsaken her past or rewritten her history. In fact, in the case of Copeland, her history with San Pedro has become a significant part of her rising fame. As she told me in our interview, "It's part of my story." And her story has become legendary. Copeland has carried herself with grace and dignity as she's become a dance icon and inspiring role model to millions of young women across the country, and through it all she continues to share her reverence for her hometown. There's something to be said for that. As 2015 closes and 2016 begins, let's take a moment to take stock in what makes this town of ours so special. It's a weird place, we all know this, but we like it that way. San Pedro has its fair share of problems and sometimes these problems seem insurmountable, but at the end of the day we still call this place home for a reason. There's something to be said for that. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editor-in-chief of San Pedro Today. He can be reached at contact@sanpedrotoday.com.
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MORTGAGE NEWS by Rae Gates, Senior Loan Officer, Gates Funding, Inc. Question: Is a Reverse Mortgage the right loan option for me?
If you are at least 62 years old, a Reverse Mortgage may be a useful financial tool. It will allow you to access the equity in your home with no limitations of how you use the money. It can also be used to purchase a new home that will meet your changing needs or lifestyle without having to deplete your entire
retirement savings.
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This San Pedro 1961, LAR2 updated duplex offers two good sized units with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room, dining room, kitchen, 2 separate detached garages. Freshly painted. The two units are good sized for the price with 1,961 sq. ft. living space and a 5,005 sq. ft. lot. Close proximity to Ports O’ Call, shopping, schools, Cabrillo Marina, restaurants and hotels. Sellers are motivated. Live in one unit and collect rent from the Maggie Fierro-De Alba other! Hurry or you’ll miss this great deal! Residential & Commercial Real Estate
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• NO MONTHLY MORTGAGE PAYMENTS REQUIRED. LOAN IS DUE WHEN YOU MOVE OUT PERMANENTLY, SELL OR PASS AWAY. • NON-RECOURSE: NEVER OWE MORE THAN WHAT THE HOME IS WORTH. IF HEIRS CHOOSE NOT TO REPAY THE LOAN AND THE HOME IS FORECLOSED, THEY WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DEFICIENCY. Programs & rates are subject to change without notice. Subject to lender approval. Terms & conditions apply. Interest taxes & insurance are additional. Points, fees & charges may apply. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Many other loan options available.
Stipulations include maintaining the property as primary residence, keeping current on property taxes and insurance, and making sure the house is properly maintained. Call Gates Funding Inc., today, to see if you qualify for a Reverse Mortgage loan and more importantly, if a Reverse Mortgage is the right loan for you. As part of the process you’ll then work with an independent reverse mortgage counselor, who can help you evaluate all the risks and benefits.
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 5
REVERSE MORTGAGE FEATURES:
DECEMBER 2015
DEPARTMENTS LETTER FROM THE EDITOR EVENTS
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VOICES MARCONI PIROZZI LANSING COUNCILMAN BUSCAINO HEALTH & WELLNESS HEYDAY FITNESS
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FEATURES COVER STORY: MISTY COMES HOME San Pedro prepares to honor its iconic ballerina as she returns home to give back LIVING THE DREAM Dustin Garneau makes it to 'The Show'
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REMEMBERING 6TH & PACIFIC Looking back on the historic building that was lost in a fire last month
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CRAFTED CHILE RECIPES Our friends at CRAFTED share a few recipes to spice up your holidays
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ON THE TOWN: 6TH STREET MURALS Beautiful murals by local artists now adorn the remnants of the 6th & Pacific fire
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WEDDING: Kevin and Roxanne (Romero) Pesic - April 11, 2015
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6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
ON THE COVER: Misty Copeland (photo: Richard Corman)
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joshua J. Stecker
ADVERTISING: General Inquiries: ads@sanpedrotoday.com
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION Joseph A. Casta単eda
Patricia Roberts - San Pedro (562) 964-8166 | patricia@sanpedrotoday.com
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS Joe Buscaino, Lori Garrett, Brooke Karli, Mike Lansing, Ricky Magana, Steve Marconi, Anthony Pirozzi, Angela Romero
Shana Ghekiere - San Pedro (and outer regions) (310) 753-5176 | shana@sanpedrotoday.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Richard Corman John Mattera Photography CONTACT INFO: PHONE: (424) 224-9063 EMAIL: contact@sanpedrotoday.com San Pedro Today P.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 11
Empire22 Media LLC OWNER/PUBLISHER Joshua J. Stecker San Pedro Today publishes the last Thursday of every month and is produced monthly by Empire22 Media LLC. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without written permission by Empire22 Media. 25,000 copies are delivered to San Pedro and portions of Rancho Palos Verdes. San Pedro Today is a product of Empire22 Media LLC. Empire22 Media LLC, their subsidiaries and affiliates are released from all liability that may involve the publication of San Pedro Today. Copyright 2009-2015, Empire22 Media LLC.
We invite you to join us this Holiday Season! From intimate bible studies to inspiring musical works, there are different ways to connect to the community and to the true meaning of Christmas. First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro welcomes you!
Holiday Services on Christmas Eve Celebrative Service at 5pm and Candlelight Service at 11pm A Special Service of Music will take place on 12/20 during our 9:30am Worship Service.
Gloria by Randol Alan Bass Hodie by Z. Randall Stroope Join us for these two festive Christmas Works for Choir, Brass, Percussion and Organ!
Our Children’s Musical , “The Christmas Cross” will be a joyful program full of lively music and a beautiful Christmas message. The kids will be performing: 12/6 at our 9:30 Worship Service 12/13 during our new 5:30pm Contemporary Service, SOUL FEAST.
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY the Advent Series, “The Purpose of Christmas” It will be 11/30, 12/7, 12/14 at 7pm.
First Presbyterian Church of San Pedro A Family of Faith and Friends 731 S. Averill Ave. San Pedro, CA 90732 For more info: call 310-832-7597 or see www.firstpressanpedro.org
Worship Service Times: Sundays at 9:30am and 5:30pm
DECEMBER Tour the historic PT. FERMIN LIGHTHOUSE, built in 1874 to light the entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor, located in the Pt. Fermin Park (807 Paseo del Mar). Guided tours offered 1-3p Tues thru Sun. Closed Mon and major holidays. Admission is free; donations accepted. 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. Please call ahead to reserve space. Every Thurs (except holidays) – ADULT WRITING GROUP in Library room of St. Peter's Episcopal Church (1648 W. 9th St.). 1-3p. All welcome! For more info, call (310) 831-2186. 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 Sun – Tour the MULLER HOUSE MUSEUM (1542 Beacon St.) 1-4p. Built in 1899, the Muller House is the headquarters of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. Admission is free, but a donation of $3 is encouraged. 1 (Tues) - ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE at Assistance League of San Pedro (1441 W. 8th St.) Includes a selection of holiday food, stocking stuffers as well as unique gift items. Shop early to avoid that dreaded holiday stress! All proceeds benefit local philanthropic programs. 10a-5p (weekdays), and 11a-3p (Saturdays). Held all month long! 3 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK in Downtown San Pedro. 6-10p
at the Dalmatian-American Club of San Pedro (1639 S. Palos Verdes St.). 4p. Tickets $15. Doors 3:30p. Buffet Dinner available for $20 per person, other evening activities include music and dancing, raffle prizes and a 50/50 cash drawing. Music by Art Entertainment Live. To RSVP or for more info, contact Lori at (714) 423-3893.
produce and don’t forget to bring your reusable bags!
12 (Sat) - BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at Hesse Park (29301 Hawthorne Blvd. RPV) 9-10:30a. Delicious hot breakfast buffet! Kiddie Crafts! Holiday Carols! Entertainment by Palos Verdes Strings. Photo Opportunities with Santa! Enrollment limited and pre-registration required! $15 per 6 (Sun) - 35TH ANNUAL SPIRIT OF SAN PEDRO person. Children 18 months and younger free with paying HOLIDAY PARADE in downtown San Pedro on Pacific Ave adult. For more info, call (310)544-5260. and 6th St. 1p. More than 9,000 community members will come together to showcase the best that our community has 12 (Sat) - GUIDED NATURE WALK by The Palos Verdes to offer. Make sure to stop by and help make this parade the Peninsula Land Conservancy at Trump National Golf Club best yet! Remember to dress warmly! (1 Trump National Dr, Rancho Palos Verdes) 2p. Walk along restored habitat on the bluffs surrounding Trump National 6 thru 21 - 'THE ANIMALS AT THE STABLE' at Mary Golf Club and catch a glimpse of rare California gnatcatcher & Joseph Retreat Center (5300 Crest Road, Rancho Palos songbirds! Moderate walk. Park in public lot on the east side Verdes). Tours requested. Enjoy the 9th Annual Exhibit of of clubhouse at bottom of Trump National Drive off of PV 100 natives from all over the world. Admission is FREE. Drive South. Free and open to the public. For more info, visit Docent tours with reservation. Donation requested for www.pvplc.org. tours. For more info, call (310) 377-4867 12 (Sat) - HANDBAGS FOR HOPE at San Pedro Chamber 8 (Tues) - SAN PEDRO GARDEN CLUBS HOLIDAY of Commerce (390 W. 7th St). Donation drop off open MonLUNCHEON at Ports O' Call Restaurant (1200 Nagoya Way) Fri, 10a-4p. Please donate gently used or new handbags 11:30a. Make sure to come early for the jewelry boutique! with the following items: Deodorant, hairbrush, lip balm, Please bring non-perishable food items to be donated to the shampoo/conditioner, soap/body wash, razor/shaving gel, Harbor Interfaith pantry. $30 per person. toothpaste/toothbrush, and hand sanitizer. All handbags with be donated to various shelters in the community. For 11 (Fri) - CHOIRS OF HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC more info, call (310) 832-7272. CHURCH CHRISTMAS CONCERT at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. (1292 W. Santa Cruz St.) 7:30p. An Advent/ 21 (Mon) - MISTY COPELAND’S MASTER CLASS at The Christmas concert titled “The Advent of Mercy." Tickets Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.) 5-6:30p. Superstar $15; children under 12 free. Tickets available at the Parish ballerina Misty Copeland returns to her hometown to teach Office, (310) 548-6535. For more info, contact dbarnes@ a master ballet class in support of San Pedro City Ballet. holytrinitysp.org. Dont miss it! Tickets can be purchased online at www. SanPedroCityBallet.org. 12 (Sat) - VICTORIAN HOLIDAY at Point Fermin Lighthouse (807 Paseo Del Mar). Historic Point Fermin 26 (Sat) – PVPLC NATIVE PLANT SALE at White Point Lighthouse celebrates its 141st birthday in December. Enjoy Nature Education Center (1600 W. Paseo del Mar). 12–2p. Victorian holiday decorations and special guest carolers Every fourth Saturday. For more info, visit www.pvplc.org. from Hermosa Beach Youth Chorus Middle School from 1:30-3p. Lighthouse tours 1p, 2p, and 3p. For more info, visit www.pfls.org. Email event info to events@sanpedrotoday.
8 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
5 (Sat) - FIRST SATURDAY FAMILY HIKE at George F. Canyon (27305 Palos Verdes Dr. E, Rolling Hills Estates). 9a. Guided walks through the Canyon. Free and open to the public. All ages welcome. For more info, contact (310) 547- 12 (Sat) – CORNER STORE FARMERS MARKET at The com. Deadline for the January issue is Friday 0862. Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.) 10a-12p. Open every second December 18. All locations in San Pedro unless 5 (Sat) - VOICES OF THE SEASON WINTER CONCERT Saturday of the month. Grab some coffee and homegrown otherwise noted.
65’ Sail Yacht S I R E N Available for Charter Cocktail & Wine Cruise Sat & Sun (Nov 20 - Jan 3) 2 - 4 p.m. $50/person Open Boat | Call & Sign Up!
THE CORNER STORE PRESENTS 10th Annual Miracle on 37th Street Friday Dec. 18th
Catalina Island Vacations
Santa Brings Snow & Treats for Old Time Family Fun!
Afternoon & Sunset Cruises Gift Certificates Available! Captain John “Rags” Wolczanski
(310) 901-2518
rags@sirensailingcharters.com
Located in Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro » » » www.sirensailingcharterscom
Santa Arrives 5:30 - 8 p.m. • Local Artist Sales every weekend til Christmas • Great Selection of Melissa & Doug Classic Toys • Huge Selection of Sodas
Carolling 7:30 -8:30 p.m. Bring Bells, Flashlights & Christmas Spirit!
Open Christmas Day! Order Desserts and Florals by 12/20 1118 W. 37th St., San Pedro • (310) 832-2424 • Mon - Fri 6ish-6pm, Sat & Sun 7-6p
35th Annual Holiday Parade Returns Dec. 6 by SPT Staff It's time to get into the holiday spirit as the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce celebrates the 35th annual Spirit of San Pedro Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 6. The parade, scheduled to run from 1-3 p.m., will start lining up along Pacific Avenue at 13th Street and will turn down 6th Street as it marches through Downtown San Pedro, making it’s final stop at 6th and Palos Verdes Street near the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Each year, this festive tradition brings families, little leagues, scouts, students, high school bands, equestrian units, and volunteers to downtown San Pedro to celebrate the holiday season and the community. More than 9,000 people are expected to line the streets to view the parade. This year’s Grand Marshals include Councilman Joe Buscaino and San Pedro Honorary Mayor, John Bagakis, however they may be overshadowed by Timmy, Port of L.A.’s very popular giant rubber duck that first made his local debut at the Tall Ships Festival in 2014.
DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 9
Holiday Window-Decorating Contest For the second time, this year’s holiday parade will feature a friendly competition among San Pedro businesses that will showcase original holiday-themed displays in their windows. Previously, the contest was limited only to businesses along the parade route, but this year all San Pedro businesses and Chamber of Commerce members are welcomed to participate. Starting November 27 thru December 21, visitors may vote for their favorite displays by “liking” their favorite photos by 5 p.m. December 21 via the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SanPedroChamber) or through the website: www.spholidayparade.com/contest. Business owners are encouraged to share their decorated storefronts through social media to remind patrons to shop locally and support San Pedro businesses. (Full disclosure, San Pedro Today is a media sponsor of the parade and window-decorating contest.) This long-standing community tradition is made possible through the support of community businesses and individuals. For more information on the parade, visit www.spholidayparade.com. spt
VOICES
Holidays Bring 3 Great Reads for San Pedrans by Steve Marconi
10 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
If you're looking for a stocking stuffer for Christmas, your search is over. It may have to be an extra-large stocking, but I have three new books that should appeal to most San Pedrans. They cover three of my favorite areas: local history, World War II and sports. In no particular order of preference: Terminal Island: Lost Communities of Los Angeles Harbor, by Naomi Hirahara and Geraldine Knatz (288 pp, Angel City Press, 2015, $35, soft cover). Seeing Terminal Island today, all asphalt and cargo containers, it's hard to imagine large numbers of people once lived there. Meticulously researched and sumptuously illustrated with period photographs, Terminal Island tells the story of those people against the backdrop of an ever-evolving landscape that became the cornerstone of the nation's busiest port. The second half of the book focuses on the island's most famous inhabitants, the Japanese, beginning with their role in the development of Fish Harbor and ending with the eradication of an entire community in the wake of Pearl Harbor, when the federal government ordered the roundup and internment of all Japanese-Americans on the West Coast. What sets this book apart is the first half, the little-known story of Deadman’s Island/ Rattlesnake Island; the 19th century squatters who first made the island their home; the turn-of-the-century bohemians who built homes; and the elite of Los Angeles society who
followed and made Terminal Island one of the nation’s foremost seaside resorts. It was a vibrant but short-lived community as the railroads, which play a big part in the island’s history, soon realized the real money to be made off the island was from industrialization, not tourism. So as the harbor grew as a commercial port, residential property gave way to wharves and the burgeoning tuna industry. Thus entered the Japanese fishermen, mingling with the Italians, Slavs, Portuguese and others. Knatz, who made her own history as the first female executive director of the Port of Los Angeles and is now a professor at USC, has joined with Hirahara to produce an informative and thoroughly entertaining book about how that tiny stretch of rocks and sand became the lifeblood of San Pedro at the expense of the people who called it home. Once a Pirate Always a Pirate: Legends of the San Pedro Rats, by Lefty de San Pedro (140 pp, Outskirts Press, 2015, $17.95, paperback). Lefty Olguin has had many titles over his career, beginning with all-star pitcher at San Pedro High, where he graduated in Summer 1969: teacher, coach, scout, professor, administrator. Now the man who started his alma mater’s Athletic Hall of Fame has added author to his resume, albeit under the nom de plume Lefty de San Pedro, which tells you how much he loves his hometown. While Olguin’s first book is ostensibly an autobiography by a member of one of San Pedro’s most illustrious families, by its very nature it’s also full of Pirate baseball, which Lefty has been a part of, one way or another, for six decades. As a bonus, the autobiography segues quite naturally into long-overdue biography about the expansive Olguin clan. Lefty admits to being a poor student most of his life, but he’s always been a master storyteller; his former teachers would be amazed at how well he’s been able to translate those stories to the written page. He also gives the reader an honest, heartfelt portrayal of a large, loving family that has produced a number of great, though flawed, characters. Lefty, as only he can, lays it on the table, warts and all, and it makes for fun reading. Now retired, he says this book is just the first in a series on growing up in San Pedro. We look forward to the next volume. (Full disclosure: I’ve known Lefty since high school, but my inclusion in the book was totally unexpected.) The Ship That Wouldn’t Die: The Saga of the USS Neosho – A World War II Story of Courage and Survival at Sea, by Don Keith (382 pp, NAL Caliber, 2015, $27.95, hardbound). Seventy years after the end of World War II, and there is still no shortage of great stories coming out of that conflict. This book is a perfect example, and all the more pertinent here because San Pedro plays such a huge role. While the Neosho, as the title suggests, is the focus, it’s hard to separate the Neosho’s story from that of the destroyer USS Sims. The two ships were together at the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, which was the first major carrier engagement of the war. The Sims was escorting the Neosho, a tanker, far from the main fleet when they were attacked by a horde of Japanese planes that mistook them for a cruiser and a carrier. It’s the kind of tragic error that occurs often in the fog of war. In this case it cost the U.S. Navy two ships and more than 420 sailors. It's not spoiling the story to tell you that three of them were from San Pedro, Lt. Cmdr. Willford (his name is misspelled in the book) Hyman, captain of the Sims, and enlisted men Nelson Wilson and William Reynolds of the Neosho. For his actions in defending the Neosho, Hyman, a 1918 graduate of San Pedro High School and 1924 Annapolis graduate, received the Navy Cross, the second highest award for valor in the U.S. armed services. He was the most highly decorated San Pedran of the war. In addition, the Neosho and its crew would have been well-known in San Pedro. Before the war, the ship’s main duty was making milk runs between San Pedro’s oil docks and Pearl Harbor, where it refueled the Pacific Fleet. To tell more would spoil the story. Author Don Keith was able to find survivors from this action, and their firsthand accounts, along with Keith’s own in-depth research and interpretive writing style, give the reader a you-are-there perspective that makes this book hard to put down. spt Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.
Looking for some fun things to do this December? Sponsored By The San Pedro Historic Waterfront District
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN! EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT AWAITS YOU
DECEMBER 21
SAN PEDRO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS
WARNER GRAND THEATRE www.grandvision.org
MISTY COPELAND IN PERSON
The public is invited to watch the Misty Copeland Master Class. American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer and superstar Misty Copeland returns to her home town of San Pedro to teach a master ballet class in support of San Pedro City Ballet. Tickets and information at sanpedroballetschool.com
DECEMBER 12&13
WARNER GRAND THEATRE www.grandvision.org
THE NUTCRACKER
BY SAN PEDRO CITY BALLET It’s the 22nd year of this magical holiday tradition for the entire family. Tickets and information at sanpedroballetschool.com
For more information, visit www.spholidayparade.com
1st THURSDAY ARTWALK
DECEMBER 3 www.1stthursday.com Experience San Pedro’s tight-knit artists’ community. Food trucks, restaurants, plus live music!
Warehouse ONE
DECEMBER 17
DOWNTOWN ARTWALK
DECEMBER 5 GRAND ANNEX
www.grandvision.org
WAREHOUSE ONE
WAREHOUSE ONE headlines at the Annex with their skarock originals, covers and a few classic holiday songs witha twist! Opener: Head Hi.
3rd THURSDAY ENTERTAINMENT
3RD THURSDAY ENTERTAINMENT WALK www.SanPedroBID.com
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It’s the week before Christmas as struggling egg farmer Ethan meets a woman who could turn his life around. A light comic show that is poignant, thought-provoking, and a perfect way to start the holiday season.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE WARNER GRAND THEATRE! “ART, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT AT THE WATER’S EDGE”
DECEMBER 2015 THURS Dec. 3 – 7pm | “THE SOLOIST” (2009) ~ Robert Downey Jr. and Oscar® winner Jamie Foxx star in this acclaimed film about finding light amid homelessness and mental illness. Proceeds from this event will support Harbor Interfaith’s Homelessness outreach programs. $10 cash at the door (6pm) FRI Dec. 4 – 6pm | BOYS & GIRLS CLUB ARTS SHOWCASE ~ Visual and performing artists showcase what the holidays are all about. Doors at 5:30pm – ADMISSION FREE. SAT Dec. 5 – 8pm | GOLDEN STATE POPS ORCHESTRA “HOLIDAY POPS SPECTACULAR” ~ Favorite holiday music featuring the GSPO Chorale and the “Hallelujah Chorus Audience Sing-Along” – and snow! $28.50 - $60 at GSPO.com. SAT & SUN Dec. 12 & 13 | “THE NUTCRACKER” ~ San Pedro City Ballet’s annual gift to the Harbor features rising young talent backed by the Ballet’s professional company in this charming version of Tchaikovsky’s classic tale. $36/$26/$18 at sanpedrocityballet.org. Plays Sat at 2pm & 7pm and Sun at 2pm. FRI-SUN Dec. 18-20 | “WHITE CHRISTMAS” ~ San Pedro youth theatre company The Troupe’s version of Irving Berlin’s holiday musical is “as fresh as new fallen snow” - a treat for the whole family. Fri & Sat at 7pm and Sat & Sun matinees at 2pm. $22.50/$17.50/$5.50 at Troupescoop.com. MON Dec. 21 – 5pm | VERY SPECIAL EVENT – MISTY COPELAND MASTER CLASS ~ American Ballet Theatre Principal Dancer and superstar Misty Copeland returns to her home town to teach a master ballet class in support of San Pedro City Ballet. Tickets are available to be an audience member for this unforgettable experience. $40 and $25 at sanpedrocityballet.org.
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Shows, dates, times and performers are subject to change without notice. The Warner Grand Theatre is a facility of the City of Los Angeles
Office 310.548.2493 For more shows and info visit www.grandvision.org
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The Future of the Waterfront Begins Now by Anthony Pirozzi As we head into the holiday season, there are many things to be thankful for in San Pedro. For me, it’s family, community and, of course, good health. We are very fortunate to live in a town where we are all connected in some way or another and when times are tough we are ready to support one another. This was apparent during the recent fire that struck the businesses on Pacific Avenue between 5th and 6th Street. The outpouring of support left one of the business owners I know emotionally overwhelmed when describing the level of generosity, not only from family and friends, but also from San Pedrans they did not know personally. It's just another testament about who we truly are as a community. As the holiday season approaches, there are many ways for each of us to continue to help those in need to help make the holiday season that much better. There are many food and toy drives that can be found locally by searching online. Another to add to the list is the Merrytime Holiday Toy Drive that will take place at the Maritime Museum at the base of 6th Street on our waterfront. This new toy drive will take place on December 5 from 5 to 9 p.m., during the Holiday Harbor Boat Parade and the Holiday by the Sea event on the same evening. The Merrytime Holiday Toy Drive will compliment the annual holiday events on our waterfront. Bring an unwrapped toy to the Maritime Museum, enjoy new museum displays, holiday stickers for the kids, holiday music, take a picture with Santa and Baby Duck Timmi and watch the boat parade from the back patio of the museum. This will be a great evening to kick off the holiday season. Visit www.portoflosangeles.org for details. Since becoming a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner, my continued focus has been on waterfront development and ensuring the port approve infrastructure funding to finish what it started and what is entitled to the community through the approval of the 2009 Waterfront EIR. This year, the Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the funding for the infrastructure and hired design firms for both the San Pedro and Wilmington waterfronts and is in the final stages of engineering for key elements of the first phase of the development. So progress has not stopped, but there is so much more to accomplish. As we look to 2016, our waterfront development will begin to visually take shape. We have waited far too long to transform our waterfront, but over the next six months we will see the ground start to move and begin this transformation. As with any remodel you may have experienced, success comes in phases. The first phase will be to relocate the boats that are docked in front of Acapulco Restaurant to Ports O’ Call (POC) followed by the demolition of certain structures to make way for the promenade along the waterline. Another key element will be to realign the roadway into POC to improve the flow of traffic by realigning Sampson Way and entering POC at 7th Street. This realignment will also make way for the new Downtown Square that will be located at the base on 6th Street, becoming one of the main gathering locations for large events along the waterfront. Check the Port of Los Angeles website periodically for key dates and ground breaking ceremonies that will take place, as well as community meetings that will discuss next steps and the overall timeline to complete the redevelopment of Ports O' Call. Truth be told, no matter what has been done to date regarding waterfront development we will always measure our success as a community on whether or not we redeveloped Ports O’ Call. Over the next six to nine months, we will begin to see a new beginning of this transformation. If there is one thing that Councilman Joe Buscaino and I work through daily it is waterfront development. Both of us truly believe that in order solidify our future, it begins at the waterline. spt Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at apirozzi@yahoo.com.
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With the holidays upon us, it conjures up memories of Christmas’ past and related holiday stories. One of the most famous is the story of Mary and Joseph looking for housing in Bethlehem as Jesus was about to be born. As the story goes, they were turned away repeatedly from one inn to the next and finally found refuge in a stable. Not how you would expect the Son of God to enter this world – you've got to figure that at least He would have a room at the inn. Fast-forward 2,000 years and we continue to face a lack of housing for far too many people. San Pedro Today's editor-in-chief, Joshua Stecker, has written repeatedly about the tremendous homeless situation our community faces and the lack of compassionate solutions being initiated. And today, if you gather a group of “Peedro” brethren together, eventually the discussion will turn to the homeless problem. Town Hall meetings have been called, a Task Force has been established and even small abodes not much larger than deluxe doghouses were placed on our streets. The citizenry were outraged when that happened – where is the outrage that so many sons and daughters have to call a bus bench, park or business alcove home? But for the grace of God that could be any one of us, whether we want to admit it or not. The looming room at the inn problem is the one we aren’t discussing yet. It is estimated that in 20 years the population of Los Angeles will grow by 50%, if not double. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that thousands of these new Angelenos will either be born to our relatives or will find their way down the 110. Where will these people and our descendants live? What plans are being made for the tremendous amount of affordable housing that will be needed long before the next two decades pass? I’m not talking about more Vues or Bank Lofts, but rather housing that coming generations can afford. Will we plan adequately so that the sons and daughters of our sons and daughters can afford to live and thrive in the community we call home? Lastly, as “working poor” families will grow both in numbers and need, increasing important social services will be mandatory. Will the city, county and private nonprofits keep up with the growing demand by building our capacity and making more room at our “inns”? At the San Pedro Boys & Girls Club, we committed to expand and modify our facilities so that we can serve the maximum number of at-risk youth possible. These plans included adding four modular buildings, new Middle School and K/1 Centers, two STEM Centers, additional fine arts and music centers and soon a new dance center. We recently dedicated a new 16,000 sq. ft. sports arena that we built at Daniels Field. We added two busses to our fleet to bring even more youth to our Clubhouse each day and added a hot dinner program daily to assure that our members have at least one final meal before their heads hit the pillow. Fifty years ago, when the San Pedro Boys Club was built at our current location, the Club served 150 youth daily. Last month, we averaged an amazing 550 youth each day with a capacity to serve at least 100 more. Our challenge will be to continue to grow our donations and operating budget to adequately staff these optimum facilities, but there definitely is room at our inn and all are welcome. While these three related issues will seem insurmountable to many, I leave you with a message of hope via a quote from St. Francis of Assisi: “Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” My holiday wish is that collectively we will strive to do the impossible, and ensure that there is always room in our community for future generations and those who need us most – whether they are homeless or an at-risk child just needing a helping hand. spt Mike Lansing is Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 15
VOICES
Creating a Better Balance
16 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
by Councilman Joe Buscaino There is, perhaps, no greater issue in the city of Los Angeles than the very visible and fast growing number of homeless people on our streets. Residents have consistently, and in great numbers, asked me to do “something” about it. As a Los Angeles City Councilman, and former officer with the LAPD, I have always tried to do the right thing for my community, and have worked especially hard to solve our homelessness issue. I have participated in the bi-annual homeless count, visited Skid Row, held a homelessness forum attended by over 1,200 people, walked a foot beat with the LAPD, cleaned up encampments every week for the past year, and have educated myself about the issue. Earlier this year, I hired a dedicated team from the Los Angeles Homelessness Services Authority to engage the homeless population in my district and to match them with services. So, far we’ve been successful in placing 78 people into housing. In October, I helped open a 79-unit permanent supportive housing development called the Vermont Villas. By the end of next year, a total of 311 permanent supportive housing units will be coming online in my district. These accomplishments inspire and motivate me. Indeed, if our only issue were finding homes and services for homeless people, I’d say we were making decent strides. Unfortunately, homelessness is more than a lack of a home. Difficult economic situations do contribute to homelessness, yes, but so do drug addiction and mental health challenges. So take someone who has lost their home, and mix in a crack or meth addiction and an untreated diagnosis of schizophrenia – pretty tough, not only for that person, but also for all of the others who live among and around them. Then add in a healthy dose of human trafficking, rape, and the sale of drugs – all of which are documented occurrences in our homeless encampments, and it quickly becomes apparent that we are failing. We have failed. Failed our neighborhoods, failed our homeless. There are those who say that as a city, as a society, we should just throw up our hands and allow our homeless, our disenfranchised, our poor, to do whatever they want – because that is all they have. I strongly disagree. Such an attitude puts our most vulnerable in danger and creates a nightmarish society that no one wants. I believe we need practical, enforceable rules that will help clean up our streets and compel homeless residents to choose services and treatment over encampments and addiction. I believe we need to create an environment where service providers can have a stronger influence than the criminal community. Last week, the Los Angeles City Council voted on my amendments to Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 56.11, which prohibits the storage of personal property in public spaces. The law requires people living on L.A. streets to remove their tents from public areas between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., changes the notice for encampment cleanups from 72 to 24 hours, and allows the LAPD to cite and/or arrest individuals who fail to follow the law. The intention is to allow the LAPD to have a defined mission and authority when dealing with the criminal element that is contributing to the eroding of our community standards. Proper enforcement – enforcement with teeth – will result in more opportunities to connect those who are the most vulnerable and the most in need with appropriate services. Every interaction between the LAPD and homeless individuals should include the offer of supportive services and fair and compassionate treatment. This is why I have also requested a feasibility report on how the LAPD can be absorbed into the homeless coordinated entry system. We must create an environment where every “touch” results in an opportunity for our homeless to accept help. We must create a better balance between the health and safety of our community and the rights and needs of individuals. If we agree that bringing down the tents during the day will have a positive effect in improving our homelessness issue, then we must agree on an enforcement method that can accomplish this goal. We can all agree that no one should have to live next to a homeless encampment or in a homeless encampment. Let’s help our homeless while maintaining the standards befitting a modern city. spt
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 17
Misty Comes Home San Pedro prepares to honor its iconic ballerina as she returns home to give back
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by Joshua Stecker
Copeland poses in NYC under the Brooklyn Bridge (photo: Richard Corman)
It's early November and it's unseasonably hot in New York City, even hotter than San Pedro at the moment. Coming to the east coast in the middle of fall, one doesn't expect this type of weather. One also doesn't expect to interview a world-famous ballerina from your hometown, but here we are. The original plan was to meet Misty Copeland for an in-person interview, but as such things go with those who employ publicists, sometimes scheduling just doesn't work out as planned. Turns out the iconic ballerina had a prior engagement that she couldn't back out of for fear of committing a criminal offense. Yes, even Misty Copeland has to report for jury duty. Fortunately, the ballerina that Glamour magazine recently named as one of their Women of the Year was able to make some time over the phone for her hometown magazine, a place she still considers her home away from home. "I still consider San Pedro home," says Copeland. "It's the only place I consistently lived in while in Southern California for a substantial amount of time. It's such a part of my story and how I got here as a ballerina. Starting out at Point Fermin, I remember the first talent show I did, and going on to Dana Middle School and being captain of the drill team and going to the Boys & Girls Club, that's where my dancing career really started." The first thing you notice when talking to Copeland is how gracious she is. There doesn't seem to be any air of pretentiousness or elitism with her, even after spending nearly half her life running in the exclusive circles of New York City's dance community and hobnobbing with A-listers, an exclusive list that she can proudly claim membership to herself even though she would never admit it. It's clear she hasn't distanced herself from her humble beginnings. To most San Pedrans, the "Misty Copeland story" is something of legend. There's no need to rehash it here since it's been documented ad nauseam and we covered it in our March 2014 issue, but suffice it to say, people know it. It's something she'll refer to in our interview as "my story" a few times, as if there should be a registered trademark symbol next to it, which isn't too far from reality since "her story" became a best-selling memoir last year with a biopic also in the works. Nonetheless, she knows her history has defined her just as much as her talent, and overcoming the odds to become a role model for so many young women is a responsibility she relishes. "I feel like being a role model is something that I've been naturally drawn to doing," Copeland, 33, explains. "It's been natural when dancers would come to me and ask me for advice, or I would get letters. I think it's so much a part of the ballet tradition. It's about passing down the knowledge that you have. So it feels very organic for me to do that. And it makes me feel so proud, because especially minority children in San Pedro can relate
(photos: Joan Marcus; Oskar Landi)
Misty Copeland: Master Class Copeland will bring her knowledge and talent back to her hometown on December 21, when she'll host a Master Class on behalf of San Pedro City Ballet, the local dance school owned by Cindy and Patrick Bradley where she originally trained as a teenager. When asked what the students taking the Master Class can expect, even Copeland isn't quite sure. "I haven’t really thought about it yet," she laughs. "I teach master classes here and there. It's pretty organic; no matter what level you're teaching, you're following the same guidelines. When I first started teaching, I remember writing down every single combination I was going to do, and I got to the school and the kids were such beginners that I couldn't use anything I had planned! I'm going to wait until I get there and feel it out and see what the dancers have to offer." For Cindy Bradley, having her protégé return to the place where it all began and impart her wisdom to a new generation of dancers is something she can't be more thankful for. "I often run into people who take great pride that this sweet, soft spoken, local little girl has grown to become a woman whose strong voice and clear message is changing so many lives," says Bradley. "It took support from countless people in our community to make it possible for her to realize her potential. Misty is being so generous to give back to San Pedro by coming home. The funds raised will help expand our after school training program giving other underserved children the opportunity to nurture their potential and find their voice. In the hearts of San Pedrans she will always belong to us as we watch her capture the hearts of the entire world." For the Master Class, Copeland will lead 50 intermediate to advanced dancers coming from across Southern California (even some out of state) on stage at the historic Warner Grand Theatre. Tickets are available to the public to watch the class in session. Proceeds from the event will benefit San Pedro City Ballet’s DancED Steps Up dance outreach program, the same type of program where Copeland was discovered. "I'm proud to be from San Pedro," adds Copeland. "And it makes me so happy that [the town] has been so supportive through all of this." Earlier that same day, Copeland will be honored by the City of Los Angeles with an intersection named after her. Misty Copeland Square will be revealed at the intersection of 13th Street and Pacific Avenue, where San Pedro City Ballet School is located. "It's really crazy!" laughs Copeland. "It's so funny to me. I feel bad for my older sister who still lives near there, that she's going to have to see my name [all the time]." Copeland has fond memories of her time at San Pedro City Ballet, especially during her early years performing in The Nutcracker, a San Pedro tradition that returns to the Warner Grand on Dec. 12 and 13. "The first time I did The Nutcracker, I'd only been dancing seven or eight months and I was Clara," recalls Copeland. "I think at that point we were performing in the San Pedro High School auditorium. I remember I experienced my first time falling on stage... The following year, I was made Sugar Plum Fairy. The Nutcracker was the consistent chain that pushed me to becoming a better ballerina."
DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 19
Copeland in On the Town; right: A Ballerina's Tale
to my path and my upbringing and my story and can see that the arts can do so much for someone. It gave me a career and an incredible life."
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“I’m proud to be from San Pedro, and it makes me so happy that the town has been so supportive through all of this.” Bradley recalls the attention Copeland was attracting during those early years. "The very first time Misty performed in our Nutcracker, the L.A. Times had heard a rumor that San Pedro had a prodigy of color," she says. "They actually showed up at dress rehearsal. The article brought in audience members from all over L.A. There was this little girl on stage for the first time in the auditorium of San Pedro High School and there was a buzz that was undeniable." A selfie by Copeland taken backstage during On the Town. Bottom: A young Copeland with an even younger Wolf Bradley, son of Cindy and Patrick Bradley, owners of San Pedro City Ballet (photos: top: Instagram, bottom: Bradley family)
Misty Copeland's Master Class is Monday, Dec. 21 at 5 p.m. at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.). Tickets: $40 premiere, $25 general, available at www.sanpedroballetschool.com. Misty Copeland Square ceremony is Monday, Dec. 21 at 4 p.m. at the intersection of Pacific Ave. and 13th Street. The event is open to the public.
DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 21
The Year of Misty 2015 was a banner year for Copeland. In June, she finally earned her promotion to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, the first African-American ballerina ever to hold that role. (A Ballerina's Tale, an excellent documentary by Nelson George that chronicles Copeland's rise at ABT, is available on Amazon and iTunes and is worth a watch.) At a news conference at the Metropolitan Opera House announcing the promotion, Copeland said, "I had moments of doubting myself, and wanting to quit, because I didn’t know that there would be a future for an African-American woman to make it to this level. At the same time, it made me so hungry to push through, to carry the next generation. So it’s not me up here – and I’m constantly saying that – it’s everyone that came before me that got me to this position." In August, Copeland made her Broadway debut as Ivy Smith in the musical On the Town. When asked how she felt about performing "on the boards," Copeland admits she was, in her words, "terrified." "I'm a better artist coming out the other end, but in the beginning I had my doubts. It was terrifying. I can't remember the last time I got scared to be onstage. The dancing was different than what I was normally doing, and adding dialog and singing, it was so far from what we do as dancers. Most dancers dance because they don't like to speak in front of people… It was the perfect show for me to be a part of. I don't know if there is another show that would’ve been a good introduction to Broadway for me." To top it off, later that same month, Copeland announced her engagement to Olu Evans, her boyfriend of 10 years, in the September issue of Essence magazine. To write something horribly cliché like "Misty's future seems bright" wouldn't necessarily be off the mark. Any other phrasing would still have to convey the same sentiment because barring something scandalous, Copeland's future seems solid. She's not only established herself as an amazing dancer, but also as an even more effective role model and spokesperson. She's been able to keep her name out of the tabloids and has focused her career on inspiring young women, challenging stereotypes and breaking racial barriers. At 33, Copeland realizes she has a limited amount of time to continue performing at her level, so what comes next? "I feel like I'm going to have my hands in so many things, but they'll all be connected to ballet. I don't think I'll ever leave this world," she says. "So many things are happening that I never thought I would do, so it's hard for me to predict. I'm sure there will be more books, I don't know, maybe television producing. Who knows?" spt
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Living the Dream SPHS alum Dustin Garneau makes it to “The Show” by Joshua Stecker Photo: courtesy Colorado Rockies
24 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
Photo: Rich Pilling/Getty Images North America, courtesy Colorado Rockies
There’s a scene in Ron Shelton’s classic baseball comedy Bull Durham, where Kevin Costner’s Crash Davis, sitting on the bus with his other, much younger, minor league teammates, imparts his experience of playing in the Major Leagues, or “The Show,” as it’s called. They listen intently as he explains: Yeah, I was in the show. I was in the show for 21 days once – the 21 greatest days of my life. You know, you never handle your luggage in the show; somebody else carries your bags. It was great. You hit white balls for batting practice, the ballparks are like cathedrals, the hotels all have room service, and the women all have long legs and brains. For Dustin Garneau, a graduate of San Pedro High School (2005), it took seven seasons with seven different minor league teams scattered across the country before he got that the news that every minor league ball player hopes to hear: “you’re going to ‘The Show.’ ” “We had just finished a game against Memphis and we were headed to Nashville, which was a three or four hour drive,” explains Garneau during a phone conversation. “My manager, Glenallen Hill, got on the PA system on the bus and said, ‘Garneau! You’re going to the big leagues, you got your call.’ It was pretty cool.” This was August 19, just six days after his 28th birthday. He was catching for the Albuquerque Isotopes and as soon as the team made it to Nashville around 3 a.m., Garneau found himself on the first flight out to Denver that morning and was at Coors Field by 10:30 a.m., walking through the gates as the newest member of the Colorado Rockies.
“I went straight to the ballpark off the plane,” remembers Garneau. “I didn’t get any sleep.” Fortunately, the team wanted to give him a day of rest, so Garneau, a 19th round draft pick in 2009 for the Rockies, took in the sights and sounds of Coors Field from the dugout before making his major league debut as the starting catcher the next day against the Washington Nationals. “I knew all the guys on the team,” says Garneau. “One of the coolest things is when you’re walking around the locker room and guys come up to congratulate you. It’s pretty cool.” Nationals starter Max Scherzer would be the first Major League pitcher Garneau would face. Walking up to the plate for the first time in a Major League ballpark, the Cal State Fullerton alum wasn’t sure what to expect. “It was crazy. I took a little bit more time than I usually do walking up to the plate, just to process what was going on,” laughs Garneau. “It was nuts. And then I was facing Scherzer. It was a whirlwind of emotions. I was jacked up beyond belief.” Garneau would rip a double down the left-field line for his first Major League hit. As Major League traditions go, he ended up keeping the ball. Three weeks later in San Diego, Garneau would add another personal milestone, blasting a 394-foot, two-run shot for his first Major League home run off the Padres’ James Shields. “It was an 0-2 count, Shields hung a curve ball and I hit it over the fence. I knew I got it pretty good. It was an unbelievable experience. I was at home plate before I realized I had hit a homer,” he recalls. He ended up getting that ball, too, when teammates in the bullpen traded a signed ball for Garneau’s home run ball with the fan that snagged it. Those two milestones were special for Garneau, but as he explains it, nothing would prepare him for when he made his hometown debut at Dodger Stadium when the Rockies came to town on September 15. “I got to the field early just to walk around Dodger Stadium,” he explains. “I’d been going there since I was a little kid. That was probably just as crazy as my first game in the big leagues.” Garneau sure wasn’t alone in the stadium, as a contingency of family and friends, most from San Pedro, arrived to cheer him on. “When I sat in the box, the Dodgers catcher asked me, ‘How many people you got here?’ It was pretty funny.” Garneau would end the 2015 season playing 22 games with 11 hits, 2 home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBIs and a .157 batting average. Towards the end of the season, he split catching duties with another Rockies rookie, Tom Murphy. He’s looking forward to February when he’ll report back to Spring Training in Scottsdale, Ariz. “I have no clue [what the future holds]. We’ll see what happens this off-season and if there are any moves made. Right now, I’m on the roster and I’ll be doing the same old stuff and go to Spring Training and see what happens.” Since the season ended, Garneau has been back in Southern California with his wife Jacqlyn, working out at Cal State Fullerton and helping his father-in-law working construction on the side. “It’s been awesome. I’ve had a ton of support from my friends and family. San Pedro has been great. I feel like I have the whole town behind me. I can’t explain it.” spt
Come Meet our New Store Manager
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Robert Saputra
Carly LaMont? “I needed more care and it was getting too difficult to live alone. Harbor Terrace was the answer. I now have something to look forward to every morning at 7:30 when I have coffee with the gals in our coffee shop. My daughters no longer worry about me as they can see that I am much happier. I never get bored with all the fun and interesting programs to attend. Helpful and kind staff, along with friendly neighbors, makes my home here just about perfect!” Carly LaMont Resident of Harbor Terrace
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 25
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 27
Sam Martin’s clothing store on 6th and Pacific, circa late 1950s. Inset: The inside of Sam Martin’s
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(photos: courtesy Martin family, Inset: San Pedro Bay Historical Society Archives)
Remembering 6th & Pacific by Angela “Romee” Romero
Like most of San Pedro, I was devastated to get the news that an early morning blaze had erupted on the northeast corner of 6th and Pacific on November 2. Not only did the fire wipeout some beloved local businesses but it also destroyed the building that has stood on that corner for more than 90 years. As the displaced businesses start to open their doors in new locations, there’s a good chance that the building will be deemed a total loss. It’s at times like these that the historian in me gets a little self-indulgent and I tend to lose myself down some Pedro history rabbit holes. This time I went looking for all the information I could gather on the burned building so I can be the appropriate amount of sad when it eventually goes away. With the help of the San Pedro Library, San Pedro Bay Historical Society Archives and the Internet, I’ve been able to piece together a little history of one of downtown San Pedro’s finest corners. This is by no means a complete history. The first thing to understand when this building is concerned is that while it may look like one building to us, the city of L.A. sees it as a set of conjoined twins – one named 488490 W. 6th Street and the other 524-544 S. Pacific Avenue. In all there are six storefronts that make up the entire building. With that many spaces, you can only imagine how many businesses have called them home in the last 93 years. 6th Street Let’s start with the spaces on 6th Street. When the architecture firm of Jeffery and Schaefer were designing this building back in 1922, they probably had no idea that in nine short years, their new neighbor would be the Warner Bros. Theater. The building was completed in early 1923 and the Pacific-Southwest Trust & Savings Bank opened on Valentine’s Day in space 490. Over the years, the space stayed mostly retail, housing an auctioneer, various men’s and women’s clothing stores and Lewis Jewelers briefly in the 1950s. It ended as the rental office for the Renaissance Group, the current owner of the property.
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San Pedro now has two great restaurant options!
6th and Pacific circa mid-1930s; surrounding: Vintage ads from the News-Pilot touting various stores that called 6th and Pacific home (photos: San Pedro Bay Historical Society Archives)
Now, 488, the space directly next to the Warner Grand, had some tenants that may sound familiar to you. Sure, it may have started with a barber, then a barber with a billiard room, but in 1932, Frank Agostino Shoe Repair shows up in the city directory, followed by Vincenzo Trani Shoe Repair a couple of years later. Trani’s would stay in this spot for a few years before moving to 7th Street where everyone remembers them. Baby Town Children’s store took over the space in the late 1940s just before another well known store moved in at the start of the 1950s – Lad ‘n’ Lassie! Yes, we all remember it just a ways down the block, but it started off here first – and there’s an ad to prove it (pictured). In the 1980s, 488 was home to Jesse’s Record Store before being home to Renzwear.
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Guest Slips Available for Christmas Boat Parade on Dec. 5!
Pacific Avenue The Pacific Avenue side accounts for most of the building with 544 being the corner and largest space. According to the 1923 city directory, the earliest tenants in these spaces included the Brighten-Up Paint Store in 524, Palos Verdes Restaurant & Bakery in 528, Pacific Avenue Toggery in 532, CW Pierson Investment Co. in 540 and Quaker Drug in 544. The smaller spaces had many businesses coming and going over the years. Palos Verdes Restaurant soon became Palos Verdes Café and stuck around until the 1940s. Fuller Paints took over and lasted quite a while in the northernmost part of the building. Some of the other standout tenants in the small spaces include Cozart Beauty Shop and Breen’s Appliances & Furniture that moved here from the space that Ticktocker Thrift Shop now occupies on 6th Street. The corner shop is the one people remember the most, 544 S. Pacific Avenue. As I mentioned, it began as the Quaker Drug Store, but in 1930 Quaker moved across the street and the Marine Building & Loan Association moved in. But the space would soon return to its drug store roots several years later when the Owl Drug Co. moved in. Owl Drugs would occupy the northeast corner of 6th and Pacific for 20 years, even expanding their kitchen over the years. Because Owl was a subsidiary of Rexall Drugs, it changed its name briefly to OK Drugs then to Owl-Rexall in 1958 when they gave up the cushy corner, downsized and moved next door to 528 S. Pacific. On June 6, 1958, the News-Pilot ran an article announcing that Sam Martin’s Men’s Store would be holding a liquidation sale at their location on the 100 block of 6th Street in preparation for their move up the street; they would be starting fresh with new merchandise at 544 S. Pacific Ave. Four months later, on October 18, 1958, Sam Martin’s Men’s Store held a Grand Opening ceremony. Sam Martin was excited about the future in his new location. He said that the store had already, “…drawn a surprising amount of customers from the fashion-conscious Peninsula areas.” In 1976, Sam Martin decided it was time to retire and sell the business that his father started in 1930. The new owners expanded the store by 2,000 square feet in 1978, the portion of the building that housed Playground Fitness. In the early 1980s, the Salvation Army Thrift Store moved into the space and flourished for more than 25 years before it fell victim to the recession and shuttered in 2009. This is how I remember the space. It was one of the only regular places I shopped in downtown before I got really involved. I guess it’ll always be the Salvation Army in my memory. But let’s not forget the brief insanity of the oddly dressed mannequins that lived in the windows just after the Salvation Army closed. We were all glad to see CrossFit WorldPort move into the space after that. Sixth Street won’t be the same without this building, but hopefully something good will take its place. spt For more stories about San Pedro, visit Angela Romero’s blog, www.thatssopedro.com.
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 31
Warm Up Your Holidays with These Chile Recipes ‘Tis the season for office parties, potlucks, cocktail parties and cozy dinners with family and friends. Add a little spice to your season with these easy to make chile-infused recipes you can bring to all your holiday gatherings. ChiliBerry Dip This dip is made with ChiliBerry Jelly available from Paradise Preserves at CRAFTED at the Port of L.A. It has a rich cherry color that looks beautiful on a holiday hors d’oeuvres buffet. Recipe by Paradise Preserves creator, Carey McMillian. 6 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 c. pecans, toasted 1/2 c. ChiliBerry Jelly You can use store-bought roasted pecans or toast them yourself in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 350-degree oven for 8-10 minutes. Chop the pecans and mix in a bowl with the jelly and cream cheese. Transfer to a chip and dip server or pretty platter and serve with a light cracker or crisped baguettes. ChiliBerry jelly is also a great way to perk up a sandwich made with leftover ham or turkey, so be sure to keep some on hand throughout the holidays.
32 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
Chili Con Carne with Cascabel Sauce Available from Red Car Market at CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, San Angel Cascabel Sauce is based on the unique flavors of the cascabel chile. Cascabel, Spanish for “little rattle,” derives its name from the sound of the seeds inside the dried chile. Cascabels have a medium heat and complex flavor that includes hints of wood, smoke, and nuts. This award-winning recipe is by Tim and Florence McCarthy, creators of San Angel Mole and owners of the Red Car Market store.
• Preheat oven to 300°F. • Heat one tablespoon of oil in an ovenproof Dutch Oven over medium high heat. • Brown three pounds of beef chuck roast cut into 1" cubes in a pot. • Remove all but one teaspoon of fat. • Add one jar of San Angel Cascabel Sauce and enough beef broth or water to almost cover the meat. • Bring to simmer and put in the oven, covered. • Get ready for your party or watch some football for two hours or until meat is fork tender. • Serve as an entrée with beans over rice, or put out some tortillas and other fixings for make-your-own burritos. Stop by and check out CRAFTED for more holiday food and gift ideas by local makers. This is the time of year when the artists and crafters who have set up shop inside CRAFTED make the fantasy of Santa’s Workshop come to life. You can watch many of them create presents for everyone on your list. Everything they make comes with a story and a piece of heart. In addition to shopping among the most unique of gifts, there’s lots of other reasons to enjoy CRAFTED. Complimentary parking, gift wrapping and music performed by different local choirs and carolers every weekend are just some of the treats that will remind you what the holidays are really about: spending time with those you love and maybe even indulging yourself a little. So skip the mall and shop small this year at CRAFTED. You’ll actually be giving two gifts – the present for the person on your list, and the gift of supporting a local artisan. CRAFTED is located at 112 E. 22nd Street in Port of Los Angeles Warehouse 10. Check our calendar of events at www.CRAFTEDPortLA.com for details about Small Business Saturday, Handmade in the South Bay’s Holiday Boutique and Sip-Shop-Celebrate extended hours. spt
NWS
NATIONAL WATERCOLOR SOCIETY Presents
The 95th International Annual Exhibition October 24 thru December 20, 2015
This year’s exhibition is truly international. All work has never been shown in a national exhibition. The NWS Gallery - 915 S. Pacific Ave., San Pedro CA 90731 Regular Gallery Hours: Thurs thru Sund 11am-3pm & First Thursdays 6-9pm
www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 33
HEALTH & WELLNESS
5 Foods to Naturally Fight Off Those Winter Colds and Flu
34 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
by Lori Garrett 'Tis the season for holiday cheer, goodwill, and unfortunately, colds and flu. As someone who’s spent years dealing with a compromised immune system, preventing those nasty viruses has become a priority for me. The key to preventing and fighting off viruses is building up strong immunity, but it’s often easier said than done. Of course, good nutrition, sufficient sleep, and proper stress management are all critical to maintaining a healthy immune system, but despite our best efforts, sometimes those pesky bugs still get us. Although medication has its time and place, it often treats only the symptoms and causes undesirable side effects. Instead, I’ve come to lean on several natural, immune-supporting remedies that have proven to be more effective, healthy, and safe: 1. Bone Broth – Bone broth has been around for ages, and it’s the reason that good old fashioned chicken soup — the kind that’s made from scratch — is still one of the best things you can consume when your body is in need of a little TLC. In particular, it has been shown to have medicinal properties when treating upper respiratory tract infections. Among its many other health benefits, bone broth supports a healthy gut, boosts immunity, and reduces inflammation. I use my bone broth as a base for soups or just to sip by itself (I like to add some turmeric to my soup for added anti-inflammatory support). Just be sure to use bones from organic, pasture-raised sources (and simmer bones for at least 12-24 hours). 2. Raw Honey – Raw honey, with its antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties, has been a favorite healing remedy for centuries. It has been shown to boost immunity, aid as a cough suppressant, and help treat bacterial infections, ulcers, and nausea. Active Manuka honey has been found to be particularly beneficial. A small bite of raw honey is always soothing when I have a sore throat. Be sure to consume only raw, unpasteurized honey, preferably from a local and responsible beekeeper, and check with your doctor first if you are immunocompromised (and honey of any sort should never be fed to a baby under one-year-old). 3. Fermented Foods (Probiotics) – Since the bulk of our immune system lies in the gut, probiotic-containing foods play an important role in keeping both the digestive tract and immune system healthy. The best way to get probiotics is via foods like fermented vegetables, such as unpasteurized and unprocessed pickles and sauerkraut, which contain live cultures (this usually requires fermenting your own foods at home, although the Bubbies brand does offer a live culture commercial option). In addition to fermented foods, I also like to include a high quality probiotic supplement as part of my daily diet. 4. Apple Cider Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used as a healing remedy for ages due to its believed antimicrobial, anti-glycemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that ACV can aid with diabetes management and weight loss, but it’s also long been (anecdotally) touted as a remedy that supports healthy digestion, detoxification, and helps fight against congestion and allergies, among many other ailments. 5. Cinnamon – Studies have shown that among its many health benefits, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties. It’s been praised for its ability to fight against colds, sore throats, coughs, and even some stomach bugs. Cinnamon should be consumed in moderate amounts, and if you are on medication, consult your doctor if you are considering taking it as a supplement. My favorite tea remedy: • 1 cup of hot filtered water • 1 teabag of your favorite organic herbal tea (I like peppermint) • 1 tsp raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar • 1 tsp raw Manuka honey • ¼ tsp. organic ground cinnamon Simply steep, stir, and sip! spt This information is not meant to replace the advice of your medical doctor or healthcare professional. If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before starting any supplementation. You can follow Lori Garrett on her healthy lifestyle blog: www.adventuresofasickchick.com.
Merry Christmas
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SAN PEDRO
222 W 6th Street, Unit 10 San Pedro, CA 90731 310 514.8779
Torrance Memorial Physician Network
Welcomes Dr. Michelle Barhaghi OB/GYN
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DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 35
Dr. Barhaghi is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. Dr. Barhaghi’s new office is located at:
HEALTH & FITNESS
The Pinterest Paradox
36 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
by Ricky Magana If you browse the uber-popular social network Pinterest, you’ll notice a funny phenomenon. The “pins” very often consist of two things: 1.) Workout Motivation, 2.) Dessert Porn. It’s a funny juxtaposition to see all the bright, bold images of motivating physiques working out right next to a pumpkin scone recipe. It’s also an appropriate metaphor for the battle we frequently find ourselves in: competing wants. I want to be skinny, but those red velvet cupcakes look amazing! So we eat the cupcakes even though it dilutes our efforts to get fit. It can be frustrating to constantly shift from wanting to achieve weight loss but being powerless at the sight of a cheeseburger. And it’ll always be this way until you get yourself out of the diet-binge-diet cycle and transition to the “skill mindset.” Let me explain. I used to think that there was this secret being hidden from me. That if I could only find it, then everything would click. The dream career, money would pour in, fitness would be effortless. I just had to find the Holy Grail. This opens you up to all manner of scams and snake oil. “They” tell you you’re fat and out of shape because certain ingredients or evil corporations are making you that way. “They” tell you a certain a super food is the secret to weight-loss. Magazines will talk about loving yourself, that you’re beautiful just as you are, and in the same breath tell you they can flatten your belly in seven days. It’s a confusing message. Most diets are a crutch. They avoid the (initially) painful process of growing out of unhealthy food habits. Rather they get you to suffer long enough to lose a few pounds by taking a “detour” that eventually dumps you right back where you started. It’s like every drive I ever take on the perpetually-closed-for-construction Vincent Thomas Bridge. This is because we don’t think of eating and healthy living as a life skill, but it is. Learning to distinguish when you’re really hungry or just bored. Knowing when it’s appropriate to indulge and exactly how many beers you should have. Finding healthy food and recipes that you can eat day-in and day-out. Knowing how to plan your day so you don’t miss a workout. These are all indispensible skills that unless you take some serious time to develop, you’ll never hold on to your results. Our lives are a constant feedback loop. We constantly make mistakes that (hopefully) you learn from and correct along the way. In the several years that I’ve helped clients, here are some skills I’ve learned reap far more benefits than a shake diet. Take Radical Ownership – This is a concept from decorated Navy Seal Jocko Willink. Not everything that happens is your fault or in your control but when you behave as if it were, it empowers you to take action. It will open your perception to finding solutions to all kinds of obstacles most people sit idly and whine about. Eliminate Decision Fatigue – What am I going to wear today? What should I eat? What time am I going to workout? Everyday you make hundreds of micro-decisions that slowly sap your energy and productivity. Do you know why Steve Jobs wore jeans and a turtleneck everyday? He knew freeing the mental bandwidth of “What am I going to wear?” would help him better run his company. There’s probably 1-2 solid hours that’s being wasted everyday because you’re deciding what to decide. Be a Copycat – Tony Robbins calls this concept “modeling” and it’s one of the fastest ways to dramatically improve your fitness results. Take anyone you admire for his or her amazing physique or discipline. Perhaps a busy parent who still manages to stay in shape. Take them to lunch and find out exactly what they do everyday. Workout out with them. Steal their grocery list. Copy them in everyway and you’ll quickly find what separates them from everyone else. Notice, none of these tips are items you can “add to cart” on Amazon. They will take time and you will slip up, but if you really want change you have skip the guilt trip and keep at it. Enjoy the holidays and get ready to make 2016 your best year yet. spt Before starting a dietary supplement, it's always wise to check with a medical doctor. For some sample workouts to help you get better, email ricky@heydaytraining.com.
526 W. 5th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Happy Holidays!
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38 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I DECEMBER 2015
On the morning of Monday, November 2, San Pedro was dealt a devastating blow as a fire consumed the building on the corner of 6th and Pacific that was home to local businesses that included Renz Wear, CrossFit World Port and Playground Fitness. A few days later, local artists took to the now boarded up building to add a variety of beautiful murals. Each mural capturing a sense of renewed promise that even through tragedy, the businesses affected will rise again from the ashes. (photos: John Mattera)
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Wishing You a Very Happy Holiday
GREECE & TURKEY • Rome Italy • Istanbul Turkey • Naples Italy • Mykonos Greece • Crete Greece • Athens Greece • Kusadasi Turkey
from Perone Travel Tino, Linda, Tricia, Cathy, Paula, Carol, Russ and Wendy
THAILAND • Singapore • Bangkok • Ko Samui
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PRINCESS CRUISES GIFT CARDS Great for the holidays or any occasion.
WEDDING
Yes, It's Love
Kevin & Roxanne Pesic ~ April 11, 2015
by Brooke Karli photos by John Mattera Photography were Best Man Michal Pesic; groomsmen Peter Romero, Sam Uglesic, Stanko Obuljen, Chris Simeoni, Keith Johnson, and Trevor Smith; Ring Bearer Hank Hauger; Maid of Honor Jill Gaston; bridesmaids Jessica Robles, Tiffany Gutierrez, Mariebelle Francis, Marissa Gonzalez, Tanya (Uglesic) Bencum, and Bridget Castania; and Flower Girl Claire Pesic. During the ceremony, Kevin’s cousins Kathleen Mirkovich and Michelle Pesic each recited a special reading. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed the reception at Los Verdes Country Club, where Kevin and Roxanne shared their first dance to Bob Marley’s “Is This Love.” Roxanne and her father Joey Romero, and Kevin and his mother Mary-Anne Pesic, shared their dances to Rod Stewart’s “You’re in My Heart.” After their big day, Kevin and Roxanne honeymooned in Tahiti and Mo'orea for eight days. Just months into their marriage, the two bought their first home in San Pedro. Currently, Kevin is a casual on the docks, a substitute teacher, and a lifeguard at Cabrillo Beach. Roxanne is also a casual on the docks, and a waitress at Los Verdes Country Club. They are also expecting their first child, a baby girl due in February 2016. spt
DECEMBER 2015 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I 41
Kevin and Roxanne (Romero) Pesic met in 1999 at a mutual friend’s house party, but it wasn’t until 2001 – while they were both attending Los Angeles Harbor College – that the two began to date. They were on and off for the next 8 years and in 2009, the two decided to seriously commit to one another. While they were dating, they adopted their dog Maggie and moved in together in 2013. Six months after moving in together, on April 11, 2014, Kevin asked Roxanne to be his wife. “I had to work that day but Kevin had the day off, so when I got home he suggested that we go down to Royal Palms with Maggie for a walk on the beach at sunset,” recalled Roxanne. “At one point we stopped to sit and talk, and after 15 minutes of doing that, he says, ‘Hey, what’s this?!’ and the next thing I know, he’s down on one knee with a ring!” Roxanne said yes, of course, and exactly one year later – on April 11, 2015 – the two became husband and wife in front of 260 guests at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church. In order for the ceremony to be that of a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony, Roxanne needed to be baptized as a Catholic and therefore made the decision to convert to Catholicism – a decision she is very proud of. Standing next to Kevin and Roxanne on their special day
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