LA City Council President Speaks to SP Business Leaders

Council president Eric Garcetti

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti spoke optimistically about the city’s social, cultural and economic strength in remarks to San Pedro business leaders Thursday.

Delivering the keynote address to the San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce awards luncheon, Garcetti pointed to tourism, trade and technology as Harbor-centric forces in the regional economy.

“We’re all linked together by more than a narrow strip,” said Garcetti, referring to the Harbor Gateway link between the port and the rest of L.A.

While acknowledging that Harbor Area residents are more impacted, Garcetti noted that port-related pollution also affects inland parts of L.A.

Directly and indirectly, the port is one of Southern California’s largest employers, Garcetti emphasized.

In introducing her colleague, Councilwoman Janice Hahn praised Garcetti for his leadership in revitalizing Hollywood and spearheading Proposition O, a 2004 city bond measure to improve the storm water draining system and reduce trash and toxic runoff at beaches.

A third-generation Angeleno, Garcetti said that his grandfather came to the Harbor to swim at Cabrillo Beach.

Speaking about present-day San Pedro, Garcetti said, “you’ve captured here what makes L.A. great: you have a great neighborhood.

“I’m always impressed when folks come from San Pedro to lobby for something to get what you deserve,” Garcetti added.

After Garcetti’s remarks, the Chamber presented awards to four San Pedro business leaders.

Spirit Cruises and Ports O’ Call were named “business of the year.” Owner Jayme Wilson accepted the award.

Ante Perkov accepted the “restaurant of the year” award for Ante’s Restaurant. Perkov, the founder’s grandson, is pictured at right, with Councilmembers Garcetti and Hahn.

Mike Lansing received the “bold vision” award for his leadership at the Boys and Girls Club.

L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe received the “leadership” award for his decades of public service. To his right are Chamber leaders Camilla Townsend, CEO, and John Ek, board chair.