Friday, December 25, 2009

Seaside News

There’s an oceanic theme to this week’s news.

Will the last WWII warship find a home in San Pedro? Read about your possible new neighbor, the USS Iowa.

The Marine Mammal Care Center at Fort MacArthur is overflowing with distressed animals.

Whale watching season has begun and cruises are running daily through March.

The new issue of Random Lengths News has a cover story on the port news of 2009. The print edition is out but the online version is not yet posted.

The port is sending holiday greetings electronically … and rather comically. The “12 Days of the Port of LA” e-card trumpets everything from “7 clean trucks hauling” to “5 mega-ships!” to “3 Least Terns.”

Western Avenue Restaurant News

We’re a little late on some of these, but here the eateries that have opened and closed on Western Avenue.

Coming soon




Two soon-to-be new kids on the block: Saladish and a second Pavich’s Pizza.



Truselas is serving Italian and California cuisine in the Albertson’s shopping center, across from Cold Stone Creamery where an Asian restaurant used to be. A story appears on page 26 of the October issue of San Pedro Today.

Sirinat Thai is packing in the crowds at peak times. Read a review on the second page of this Random Lengths section. Located on 25th Street in the shopping center with Chicago for Ribs and Hollywood Video.

Aloha Ice Cream and Coffee has closed in the same shopping center.

Amalfitano Bakery, by the owners of the former Ramona Bakery on Pacific Avenue, is expected to open in January.

A second location of Pavich’s Pizza will open in early 2010 in the former Pizza Hut on Western and Summerland Avenues.

Saladish is expected to open in the Terraces in February. The restaurant will be comparable to a Souplantation, serving organic salads plus soups and wraps in a more intimate setting. This will be the first U.S. location of the Korean chain, which plans to open five other cafes in the L.A. area.

Needless to say, P’sketti Spaghetti House has closed.

Happy Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa begins today. The holiday was created in 1966 by CSU Long Beach professor Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate African and African-American family, community and culture. Learn more at the official Kwanzaa website.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Week in Review

LA, can you spare a job? Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is forming an economic advisory team to create jobs and revive the local economy.

What’s in your glass? If it’s H20, you might want to know this: “LA’s water quality ranks low among large US cities.”

Speaking of water, Coastal San Pedro neighborhood councilmember Soledad Garcia was recently honored for her citywide leadership of the Department of Water and Power oversight committee.

The feds have noticed the port’s green goals and the result is “Clean Truck Program at ports wins EPA award.”

Random Lengths News published a 30th anniversary commemorative edition Friday. Find it around town (but not yet online) and read what the prominent townsfolk have to say.

Arts & Culture News

The Rabbitat shop is closing. Adopt a bunny and/or save money on inanimate merchandise at the clearance sale through the end of the year.

An effort is underway to create a stamp for the late San Pedro writer Charles Bukowski, who penned the novel Post Office based on his job at the Terminal Annex postal sorting facility. L.A. fans are backing a petition to create the stamp in time to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Bukowski’s death in 2014.

Read about two holiday shows now playing at the Warner Grand Theatre: “The Christmas Carol” by The Relevant Stage and tonight’s Golden State Pops Orchestra “Holiday Swing” show.

Coastal Council Meeting Monday

Monday’s Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meeting will bring a mix of business and pleasure. New San Pedro High School Principal Jeanette Stevens will speak and the board will take up some bona fide motions. Then the meeting will progress to the critical agenda items involving Pavich’s Pizza and other refreshments. The meeting takes place on Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28. For more information, view the agenda or call (310) 290-0049.

Merry Days

Wishing our readers a Happy (end of) Hanukkah and Merry Christmas (in advance). Have a wonderful holiday … or several.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Week in Review

They’re watching you – all 321 cameras that keep an eye on port security. Read more in the Daily Breeze cover story from last Sunday.

Crime in downtown and coastal San Pedro is making the news. The Daily Breeze did stories before and after a special Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meeting about community crime Tuesday. And, following two incidents in coastal San Pedro, a community meeting is taking place Sunday. Hosted by Councilwoman Janice Hahn, the Dec. 13 meeting is set for 9:30 a.m. at the Starbucks at 25th Street and Western Avenue. The coffeehouse was robbed late last month and a nearby clothing store in the Vons shopping center was also robbed this week.

The Gaffey Street pool will be renovated with port funds from the China Shipping settlement.

What’s more, they’re going to build a pool at the new Angels Gate High School. As the Daily Breeze reports, the pool will give the San Pedro High School swim team its own place to practice and it will be open to the public. Get the background in this story, written ahead of the LA school board vote Tuesday to approve funding.

The school board also voted to condemn the cell phone towers that recently went up near Taper Avenue Elementary School.

With just a year left on its temporary lease, Eastview Little League again asked the port Thursday to extend its time on Knoll Hill. Commissioners did not take action on the group’s request, according to a Daily Breeze brief.

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council is not holding a December meeting. Their agenda: to take a little holiday from politics. Do I hear a second?

And how about a break from parking meters? Wish granted. Downtown San Pedro meters will be free from Dec. 15 through Jan. 1.

Holiday Happenings

Tubachristmas today (Dec. 12) at 3 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St.

It’s a LuLu jewelry sale this weekend (Dec. 12-13) at The Corner Store, 1118 W 37th St. (310) 832-2424.

City Hall tree decorating on Monday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at 638 S. Beacon St. Details in the flyer.

Miracle on 37th Street on Friday, Dec. 18 at The Corner Store. Pictures with Santa and socializing from 5 to 8 p.m. Caroling and egg nog at 7:30 p.m. The forecast calls for snow, just like last year. Bring flashlights and bells. 1118 W. 37th St. (310) 832-2424.

Give a pet a good home and Save a Stray for the Holidays. The adoption event takes place at the San Pedro animal shelter next Saturday (Dec. 19) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 957 N. Gaffey St. and other shelters citywide. Save a stray and save money with special discounts on adoptions. Find more information at the sponsoring FoundAnimals.org.

Downtown San Pedro Restaurant News

George’s Café Opens in 8th Street Lofts



George’s Café is now serving Mexican and American favorites in its new location at the 8th Street Lofts, 800 S. Pacific Ave. Chef/owner George Haro, pictured above, is cooking a limited menu for breakfast and lunch as he readies for full service in a few weeks. Watch for dinner service and an ice cream counter coming soon. Meanwhile, Haro is eager to welcome his regular customers to his new location in the quaint “plaza” of the Italian-style building. The café is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (310) 521-8307.

7th Street Chophouse is now serving lunch Tuesday through Friday.

Marcello’s has rebranded itself as Michael’s Tuscany Room. Read all about it on page 30 of the current San Pedro Today.

Next: a roundup of Western Avenue restaurant news.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Civic Notes

Week in review

Mother Nature fidgeted and sent chunks of cliff tumbling into the sea. Translation: there was a landslide along Paseo del Mar in coastal San Pedro.

City Attorney Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich was in the hospital this week with abdominal pains, but he’s out now.

Saying “the fate of this department is tied to the fate of this city,” new Police Chief Charlie Beck was sworn in Thursday.

Get your bi-weekly dose of news from global to local in the latest issue of Random Lengths News, circulating in print and online.

Today and the week ahead

The show’s on the water today (Saturday) for the 47th annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade at 6 p.m. Details and viewing locations here.

Make merry on Sunday at the 29th annual holiday parade beginning at 1 p.m. on Dec. 6. Assuming he’s feeling well enough, the city attorney will serve as grand marshall, followed by a myriad of other politicos parading along.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council is holding a special meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 8 to address recent crime in the area. The meeting takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St. Visit www.sanpedrocity.org or call (310) 918-8650 for more information.

Locally Crafted Holiday Gifts

So, you’ve been voting with your dollars and shopping locally this holiday season. That’s the spirit! In addition to your favorite stores, shop these special sales for locally made arts and crafts:

The Corner Store is hosting a series of art shows and sales this month. Pottery by Delora runs now through Sunday (Dec. 6), featuring ceramics and silky bejeweled handbags. Upcoming: It’s a Lu-Lu jewelry sale Dec. 12-13 and SilverFox jewelry sale Dec. 19-20. 1118 W 37th St., (310) 832-2424.

Shop downtown’s holiday craft festival on Sunday (Dec. 6) in conjunction with the annual holiday parade. Find all sorts of gifts, home décor, clothing and accessories at the fair, plus face painting, music and refreshments. Sponsored by the new Downtown San Pedro Business Assn., the festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Renaissance Lot, 429 Sixth St. For more information, view the flyer or call Our Creations at (310) 519-8231.

The San Pedro Arts Assn. is holding a holiday boutique sale beginning Friday with an opening reception at 7 p.m. The sale and Dec. 11 reception take place at the group’s gallery in Ports O’ Call Village, Berth 77, Bldg. P18. For more information, visit sanpedroarts.org or call (310) 831-2928.