Hahn Happenings

Second from left, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) cheers Rep. Hahn’s message. Standing to Hahn’s right are Reps. John Olver (D-Mass.), David Cicilline (D-R.I.) and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)

Rep. Janice Hahn defended Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security in light of recent proposals to cut the programs. Hahn joined fellow congressmembers and activists at an Oct. 26 press conference to denounce proposals coming out of the so-called Supercommittee. At the Capitol Hill press conference led by Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), speakers urged the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to protect medical and retirement benefits. “Let’s remember these aren’t giveaways,” said Hahn. “Social Security and Medicare benefits have been earned by people who have worked decades paying into the system.”

In partnership with Rep. Ted Poe (R-Tx.), Hahn formed the bipartisan Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade and Security (PORTS) Caucus to promote port-related economic and national security issues. Shortly after announcing the caucus’ formation, congressmembers from Washington state, Florida, Louisiana, Hawaii, Illinois and Missouri joined the caucus, according to Hahn.

Hahn criticized the Transportation Security Administration for its handling of the recent incident at LAX involving a loaded gun in checked luggage.  In a letter to the TSA administrator, Hahn wrote, “I was especially disturbed to hear the spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration tell the Los Angeles Times that it is not the TSA’s responsibility to screen checked baggage for guns.  As reported on October 23, TSA spokeswoman Laurie Dankers said, ‘It’s the airline and passenger’s responsibility to ensure that firearms are transported correctly.’” Claiming the TSA has “abdicated responsibility,” Hahn wrote, “I would like to know, if the TSA is not enforcing its own regulations about loaded firearms in luggage, who is?”

On matters of foreign policy, Hahn issued brief statements about the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq and the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

District Business

In speeches to area Chambers of Commerce, Hahn updated local business leaders on her efforts to harness federal resources for the district.

Hahn singled out infrastructure, education and business reforms as the three catalysts to a stronger economy.

“I’m particularly eager to give small businesses the tools they need to succeed,” said Hahn, who serves on the House Small Business Committee.

“I want to keep in place tax credits that make it easier for small businesses to hire new employees, especially veterans. I want to cut the red tape small businesses must contend with and am working to create person-to-person contacts within the government to help you.

“I’ve been meeting with the Small Business Administration to free up capital for the small businesses in our region,” Hahn said at a San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Oct. 28.

Hahn addressed similar issues in her State of the Region speech to the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 19.

Electronic Democracy

New forms of online communication to send a message to Washington

Engage with the White House

The White House this week launched a one-stop website of opportunities to express opinions and access information about federal policy. Among the most hands-on aspects of whitehouse.gov/engage is Open for Questions, White House Office Hours and Advise the Advisor – all vehicles for direct and/or real-time communication with senior officials.

These initiatives and others are detailed on the Get Involved page. We the People is where the public can create and sign petitions. The Latest News page includes a calendar of live phone calls, video conferences and other ways to tune in and speak up.

Vote Nov. 8

The special election for the 15th District Los Angeles City Council seat vacated by Rep. Hahn is Tuesday, Nov. 8. At presstime, the latest Daily Breeze headline indicates “Furutani has largest war chest in 15th District race.” 

Polls are open from 7 am to 8 pm. The deadline to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot is Nov. 1. Additional election information can be found on the LA City Clerk website.

Easterly Snapshot

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was dedicated on Oct. 16, with remarks by President Obama (text/video) and a star-studded assembly of speakers and entertainers. San Pedro News took these pictures on the fateful morning of Aug. 23. At the time, commemorative events were underway ahead of the original dedication set for Aug. 28. DC Mayor Vince Gray held an Aug. 23 press conference to designate DC Day, envisioned as a special day for DC residents to preview the memorial. Hurricane Irene forced the Aug. 28 dedication to be rescheduled. And Aug. 23 is when the historic earthquake sent monumental shock waves through the Eastern Seaboard. (Right now, as San Pedro News is typing at midday on Sat., Oct. 29, freezing rain is falling outside our Capitol Hill newsroom. It’s a windy 36° and snowing elsewhere. Hurricanes, earthquakes and now a rare pre-Halloween snowfall – evidently, Mother Nature is in quite the mood).

Hahn Happenings

Rep. Janice Hahn took positions on abortion rights, labor policy, free trade agreements and other legislation in recent weeks.

In a Small Business Committee hearing, Hahn energetically defended the generic workplace posters that advise employees of their National Labor Relations Act rights.

“While small businesses call out to Congress for the help they need to hire and grow, Republicans are wasting time with their anti-union obsession,” said Hahn. “With millions of unemployed Americans depending on the Small Business Committee to create jobs, Republicans thought it was more important to debate a poster.”

Following a meeting with more than 50 local businesses, Hahn also voiced their concerns to the Small Business Administration. Arguing that businesses are hindered by bureaucratic paperwork and cumbersome procedures to apply for loans, Hahn called for reforms to expedite the loan process and invited the SBA administrator to visit the district.

Saying “I will not vote to fill the coffers of foreign governments at the expense of hard-working Americans,” Hahn voted against free trade agreements with Korea, Panama and Columbia.

The legislation passed the House and Senate on Oct. 13. According to the Washington Post, “the South Korea deal is widely hailed as the most consequential trade pact since the North American Free Trade Agreement was ratified in 1994.”

Hahn introduced an amendment to a piece of Republican environmental legislation that lessened restrictions on industrial boiler emissions. Hahn’s amendment would have upheld hazardous emissions standards for industrial boilers in the most polluted regions of the US.

Hahn’s amendment was defeated and the main EPA Regulatory Relief Act of 2011 (H.R. 2250) passed the House on Oct. 13. Authored by Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), the bill now goes to the Senate.

Images of ‘Occupy DC’

Two cooperating groups are occupying DC as part of the national protest running from Wall Street to San Pedro.

Under the rallying cry of “Stop the Machine! Create a New World,” a grassroots group called October2011.org is occupying Freedom Plaza along Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House. Occupy DC is camping in a park on K Street, a downtown thoroughfare synonymous with lobbyist power.

On Oct. 7, protesters staged a march to the White House and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, weaving past monuments and along busy K Street.

Marching towards the U.S. Chamber of Commerce with the White House and Washington Monument in the background.

In the course of the following week, they’d intersect with the adjoining Taste of DC food festival, for which they posted a sign reading “Join Us – Democracy Tastes Good.” They’d protest at museums, a Senate office building, the main train station and other high-profile locations around DC, resulting in a pepper-spray incident and arrests at several sites.

In response to questions about the movement’s agenda, DC organizer Kevin Zeese said protesters’ goal is to “end corporate rule.”

Our new Facebook page features a photo gallery of the Oct. 7 march through downtown DC.

Like, Follow, Tweet, Repeat

Connect with San Pedro News on Facebook and Twitter for more tidbits of DC.

Hahn Happenings

Rep. Janice Hahn was named to the Small Business Committee on Sept. 22. The committee oversees the Small Business Administration and its programs in addition to matters related to small business financial aid and assistance, regulatory flexibility, and paperwork reduction. This is Hahn’s second committee assignment, following her appointment to the Homeland Security Committee.

Hahn testified on the House floor about the long-term infrastructure bill.

“In my home city of Los Angeles, we’re already pursuing innovative measures like the 30/10, America Fast Forward initiative to get the infrastructure we need to stay competitive tomorrow built today,” Hahn said. “That initiative promises to create 160,000 jobs in my area alone. Just think of what that good program could do for our country as a whole.”

“Keeping our nation competitive in the future requires vision and boldness in the present, and I urge my colleagues to pass a long-term surface transportation bill equal to the opportunity before us.”

SP to DC

One in an occasional series on a San Pedran working the Washington political machine


Jim Thebaut, a downtown San Pedro resident, recently spearheaded a major environmental conference at the United Nations in New York.

Through his South Bay-based think tank, Thebaut produces documentary films on domestic and international water policy and other related issues.

Thebaut’s Chronicles Group partnered with the Energy and Water Institute of New York to organize the International Water Forum at the United Nations on Sept. 16.

“The overall objective of the forum is to establish water as a critical focus of the UN delegates’ attention while educating the general public about the severity of water shortages, climate change, drought and their connection to energy, public health, poverty, hunger, groundwater and aquifer depletion, agriculture, food supply, population growth and ultimately international security,” said Thebaut. “This is a global crisis that will require the attention of the world community if a solution is to be found.”

Attended by more than 600 water experts and stakeholders, the forum was convened as the first step in a global, grassroots public education and awareness campaign to spur citizen activism towards policy solutions.

In introducing Thebaut at a Los Angeles City Council meeting, then-Councilwoman Janice Hahn referred to Thebaut as the “Al Gore of water issues.”

David Nahai, former head of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, was among the panelists at the UN forum. Nahai and Thebaut co-authored a LA Daily News commentary headlined, “Los Angeles has role to play in fixing global water crisis.”

David Nahai, left, and Jim Thebaut

Through his decades-long career as a political advocate, international humanitarian and documentary filmmaker, Thebaut has led and contributed to productions that have aired on CBS, ABC, HBO, the Arts & Entertainment Network and public television networks.

On Capitol Hill, he has collaborated with the late Sen. Paul Simon and other lawmakers to advance federal legislation on water issues. Last year, Thebaut held an invitation-only film screening and reception in the ornate Capitol Visitors Center, attended by members of Congress, private sector representatives and other leading figures.

Simon publicly praised Thebaut in a letter backing Thebaut’s films. “... I strongly favor creating a powerful documentary, under the experienced leadership of someone like Jim Thebaut, which can alert citizens in our nation and around the world to where we’re headed, and how relatively modest policy changes can avert disasters,” Simon wrote in 2001, while serving in academia following his Senate retirement.

This seven-minute video is a preview of Thebaut’s current film in progress.

All About Connections

San Pedro News will be establishing Facebook and Twitter accounts early next week and we look forward to connecting with you. Meanwhile, you may wish to friend and follow Hahn’s accounts, listed on the right-hand side here.

House committees have their own Facebook and Twitter accounts as well.

Stay tuned for a full article on Washington-style social media in an upcoming issue of San Pedro News.

Easterly Snapshot

In a New York state of mind – Last year, the New York Times published “The Waterfront, Covered,” a collection of annotated reader photos of the New York waterfront. Your San Pedro News editor just happened to be in Manhattan at the time and submitted some pictures of Roosevelt Island, two of which were included in the gallery – with a photo credit. Cool, eh? (If you’re so inspired, you can dig through the Manhattan gallery to see the captions and photo credit for yourself.)

Announcing San Pedro News, Washington Edition

Welcome to the premier issue of San Pedro News, Washington Edition. From our new headquarters on Capitol Hill, the news department (of one) will be reporting on federal issues that impact San Pedro. Every other Saturday, we’ll bring you news from Rep. Janice Hahn’s office, plus other insights and perspective relevant to the hometown.

Hahn Speaks Up at First Homeland Security Committee Meeting

Rep. Janice Hahn was appointed to the Homeland Security Committee and actively participated in her first committee meeting on Sept. 8. The meeting focused on the state of national security 10 years after the 9/11 attacks.

“It was especially fitting that my first Homeland Security hearing would come as we near the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11,” said Hahn. “I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues on the committee to strengthen the security of our communities and our critical infrastructure, especially the Port of Los Angeles and LAX.”

Hahn questions witnesses testifying before the committee.

Gov. Tom Ridge, former Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, responds to Hahn’s question on port security issues. Photos courtesy of Rep. Hahn’s office.

People who Work (or Want to)

Between Labor Day and President Obama’s jobs bill, labor issues have been headline news this month.

In a statement following Obama’s address to Congress, Rep. Janice Hahn outlined the local angle to the national jobs bill, referring to three political leaders and constituents to illustrate the stakes and far-reaching impact of the proposal. Said Hahn:

“Tonight, the President reminded Congress and all Americans that regardless of party, we need to work together so people can get back to work.  I strongly support his efforts to invest in infrastructure and to improve our bridges and roads because dollars spent on these initiatives mean that we will be able to hire Americans to rebuild our country.

Investing in infrastructure is something that both Republicans and Democrats can agree upon. Just last week, I met with the Republican Mayor of Torrance, Frank Scotto, who encouraged me to back this kind of targeted spending.

I was pleased to hear the President announce a plan that will ‘create more jobs for construction workers, more jobs for teachers, more jobs for veterans, and more jobs for the long-term unemployed.’

I was also delighted that First Lady Michelle Obama invited Tamara Washington, a resident of Torrance, to attend tonight’s speech. Ms. Washington’s dedication to finding work to help support her family is the kind of unsung bravery and courage that millions of Americans demonstrate each and every day.

Finally my guest at this evening’s event, Matt McKinnon, the Director of Legislative and Political Action at the Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW), attended on my behalf as a reminder that whatever action we take in creating jobs, it must be directed at the hard-working men and women who have made this country strong in the past and are eager to get back to work.”

Speaking on the House floor on Sept. 14, Hahn called for passage of the jobs bill.

“The American people have waited too long for this Congress to put its focus where it belongs: on creating jobs and getting this nation back to work...,” Hahn said. “The American Jobs Act is good news for veterans, construction workers, teachers, firefighters, the long-term unemployed and … all Americans who can look forward to a stronger economy and a more competitive nation.”

Here’s a video of Hahn’s remarks.

(On a related note, here is a video of Hahn’s July swearing-in).

On the subject of working people, the Daily Breeze has posted a photo album from the annual Labor Day march and rally in Wilmington.

Easterly Snapshot

Maintaining a Nixon-era tradition, the White House gardens are open to the public in the spring and fall. Last October, there was a surprise celebrity appearance in the form of First Dog Bo. Being the gracious statesman, Bo indulged his admiring constituents and diplomatically posed for the citizen paparazzi.

All Good Things ...

Dear readers: New demands on my time require me to stop publishing San Pedro News. These past two years have been a real labor of love, but I can no longer sustain this work as a side project. I’m taking my career in a new direction and need to devote myself to that pursuit completely. I’m turning off comments because I can’t check in and monitor them. The site will stay up for archival purposes.

You can find news and special events where I find them:

Daily Breeze
San Pedro Today
Random Lengths News
PedroCalendar.com
SanPedro.com community calendar
San Pedro Chamber of Commerce

Very best regards and thanks for your readership, comments and interest in San Pedro News.

Sincerely,
Andrea Adleman

Week in Review

“San Pedro waterfront project enters Phase 1”

“Shipper arrives in Port of L.A. with ‘no-frills’ link to China”

“San Pedro residents try to block PV Marathon over parking concerns”

Neighborhood Council Meetings Next Week

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Monday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave. View the agenda, visit www.nwsanpedro.org or call (310) 732-4522 for more information.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Tuesday, May 11 at the Port of LA High School, 250 W. Fifth St. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. View the agenda, visit www.sanpedrocity.org or call (310) 918-8650 for more information.

The Food Section

The Los Angeles Times discovered Nosh Café in downtown San Pedro and they liked what they noshed.

Thursday Screening of Michael Jackson’s “This is It”

The King of Pop comes to the San Pedro big screen Thursday for a special presentation of the film, “This is It.” The movie screens at 7 p.m. at the Warner Grand Theatre, preceded by a dance performance by San Pedro City Ballet. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Get into the spirit by wearing one white glove and get a free small popcorn. Details at www.grandvision.org or (310) 833-4813.

Happening Today

The Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival continues this weekend. Peruse the Daily Breeze story for background info.

If this is finally your year to plant a garden, go claim some freebies at the San Pedro Math & Science Center today, May 1, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The LA school district and Councilwoman Janice Hahn’s office are sponsoring a seedling giveaway, where you can also get free compost and more. Bring your own containers. Details in this blog post and the event website.

Week in Review

“LA/Long Beach lead US in ozone pollution”

“Janice Hahn joins backlash against Arizona’s new immigration law”

“San Pedro resident running for state superintendent”

“San Pedro bird center members among responders to Gulf oil spill”

New issues of Random Lengths News and San Pedro Today are circulating, with cover stories on the war in Iraq and the Little Sisters of the Poor nuns, respectively. (Neither is posted online at presstime, so find the print edition around town).

Arts News

First Thursday is May 6. Visit your favorite galleries and eateries at the monthly artwalk in downtown San Pedro and/or make new discoveries on the free guided tour, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Think Café, 302 W Fifth St. For more information about the tours, contact FirstThursdaySPTour@gmail.com. For general information about First Thursday, call Findings Art Center at (310) 489-1362.

The Daily Breeze theatre critic gives “wholehearted approval” of “Fully Committed” at Little Fish Theatre Company.

And at the Warner Grand Theatre: “Golden State Pops to feature Weill, Borodin selections”

State Budget Public Hearing Friday

Distract yourself from the L.A. city budget crisis and ponder a bigger deficit. State Assembly Democrats are holding a series of hearings to take public testimony on budget priorities. A Los Angeles-area hearing is taking place on May 7 in the San Fernando Valley. Here are details on how to participate in person or via live webcast.

Parts of S Pacific Avenue Closed for Filming This Weekend; Downtown is Accessible

South Pacific Avenue between Fourth and 12th Streets is closed for filming this weekend. Downtown businesses are accessible via Mesa Street to the east, and Fourth and Sixth Streets will be open to cross Pacific Avenue eastbound. A bank robbery and speeding getaway will be part of the action as “Faster” is filmed, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Week in Review

Residential burglary alert: “Police arrest 3 burglary suspects” and “Police use truancy sweep in battle against San Pedro burglaries”

“City Attorney Carmen Trutanich calls Villaraigosa’s budget a ‘management failure’”

“State Democrats are split in Hahn-Newsom race”

The current issue of Random Lengths News features an interview with Chief Charlie Beck of the LAPD.

Arts News

A preview of “Fully Committed” and a review of “Tooth and Nail,” both at Little Fish Theatre Company.

The LA Harbor International Film Festival runs Thursday-Sunday, April 29-May 2 at the Warner Grand Theatre.

Learn to be a Neighborhood First Responder

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council is sponsoring free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to teach the basic skills needed in the event of a disaster. The classes will be taught at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave., from 6:30 to 9 pm on seven consecutive Thursdays beginning May 6. Classes cover disaster preparedness, search and rescue, disaster fire suppression, disaster medical operator/assessment and team organization.

CERT educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

To register, send your name, address, and phone number to board@nwsanpedro.org or 638 S. Beacon St, Box 688, San Pedro, CA 90731. For more information visit www.nwsanpedro.org or contact Katy Carlson at girlscoutkaty@hotmail.com or (310) 320-3027.

Correction

The Earth Day events previewed last week actually occurred last Saturday, April 17. Today, April 24, you can help the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy clean the White Point Nature Preserve.

Past and Future

Here’s the week in review and week ahead, all wrapped up into one.

“Polar Bear Club pioneer Ray Falk dies at 87”

“Port of LA High School holds admissions lottery”

“San Pedro takes aim at ‘unsightly’ advertising benches”

San Pedro Today has launched a new website. The current issue is posted, plus much more.

In arts news, read a preview of “Tooth and Nail” at Little Fish Theatre Company, a work authored by a San Pedro playwright.

The Week Ahead

Earth Day is Thursday, April 22 but these two San Pedro events are happening next Saturday. In addition, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is sponsoring an Earth Day clean-up at White Point Nature Preserve next Saturday. (And/or, you can recycle old electronics today, April 17, at Albertsons on Western Avenue to raise money for San Pedro Girl Scouts.)

Coastal Council Meeting Monday – The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on April 19 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.

Week in Review

What’s up? If it’s Saturday, the answer is (a) kites and (b) a commemorative airplane flyover, both of which will fill the San Pedro skies today. Fly kites with the Kiwanis at 22nd Street Park and/or mark the first flight over the Pacific at Pt. Fermin Park. Details here.

If it’s high-flying political talk you prefer, head to the Democratic candidates forum this afternoon, 3-6 p.m. in Harbor City on April 10.

Ponte Vista drifted out of the news for a while, but it reappeared this week in a report that it’s effectively “back to square one.” The old planners are out, the chief investor has resumed control and the slate has been wiped clean as the developer starts over.

The ports are updating the Clean Air Action Plan and holding public meetings on the topic later this month. View the meeting flyer here or find much more background information at www.portoflosangeles.org and www.cleanairactionplan.org.

If you haven’t seen a print copy of the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council’s new newsletter yet, click to view the premier issue of Grand Central.

The co-founder of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium has died.

Have Fun, Do Good and Support the Hometown All at Once

Enjoy yourself and support San Pedro lifestyle businesses at today’s Edge of LA International Wine Festival.

Next Saturday, give it up for the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, which is holding a casino night fundraiser on April 17.

Neighborhood Council Meetings Next Week

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Monday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave. View the agenda, visit www.nwsanpedro.org or call (310) 732-4522 for more information.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Tuesday, April 13 at the Port of LA High School, 250 W. Fifth St. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. View the agenda, visit www.sanpedrocity.org or call (310) 918-8650 for more information.

Angels Gate HS Construction Update

Hear an update at a community meeting Wednesday, April 14 at 6 p.m. at White Point Elementary School, 1510 Silvius Av. Details here.

Extra Credit if You Can Find the News This April Fool’s Week

Hey, what happened to the news this week? Your industrious editor can’t find anything substantive to report to you eager readers.

Here’s what I’ve scraped together:

Today is the informational meeting for neighborhood council candidates from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Peck Park. Details here.

You can flip through the new issue of the San Pedro Business Journal, with a lead story on the economic benefits of the arts.

Here’s what’s on the horizon this month:

The first annual Edge of LA International Wine Festival is next Saturday, April 10 in downtown San Pedro.

A Democratic candidates forum is taking place next Saturday afternoon in Harbor City. Democrats running for Secretary of State, Attorney General, Insurance Commissioner and Superintendent of Public Instruction are confirmed to attend. Details here.

The LA Harbor International Film Festival is April 29-May 2.

Happy Easter and Passover to end this “holiday light” and fool-hardy news week.

Week in Review

Photo courtesy of L.A. City Bureau of Sanitation

Leaders of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council joined with community activists, politicians and city functionaries to break ground Monday on the long-awaited Peck Park Canyon restoration project.

Plus,

“All LA city libraries to close on Sundays due to budget crunch”

“Cleanup extension sought for Cabrillo Beach’s ‘F’-rated water”

“Officials seek to stem 25th Street flooding problem”

“San Pedro steps up efforts to keep Warner Grand Theatre open”

“San Pedro intersection returns to pushbutton crosswalk lights”

Councilwoman Janice Hahn announced the addition of a graffiti officer to the LAPD Harbor Division station.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council has published the premier issue of its “Grand Central” newsletter. It’s not yet online, but look for it at spots in downtown San Pedro.

The April issue of San Pedro Today is out with a cover story on the L.A. Maritime Museum. Pick up a hard copy while the magazine’s website is down.

Greater Harbor Area News

Over in Long Beach, a new outfit called Urban Ocean Boat Cruise is showing passengers “the grittier side of L.A.’s coast.”

The curator at the Drum Barracks museum in Wilmington may be laid off. Moving from this fact of the city budget deficit, the Los Angeles Times goes on to profile the facility’s unique role in L.A. history.

Missing the latest issue of the District Weekly? Alas, the Long Beach-based newspaper has shut down. A determined reporter immediately moved the “paper” to a blog. Read Dave Wielenga’s “REDISTRICTED” at LBreport.com.

Be Part of the Solution: Run for Neighborhood Council

All San Pedro and Harbor Area neighborhood councils are holding elections in June. Candidates must file papers to run by April 9. An informational meeting is taking place next Saturday, April 3 at Peck Park. Here’s a news brief with more information.

Arts Section: First Thursday and ‘Little Mermaid’

This week is First Thursday (on April Fools Day!) Daily Breeze columnist John Bogert will sign his new book of columns at Williams’ Book Store, 443 W. Sixth St., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beforehand, consider taking the free monthly guided tour beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 7th Street Chophouse, 465 W. Seventh St. Tour guests are invited to meet at the restaurant and socialize early over complementary appetizers. Tour stops include Flazh!Alley art studio and Gallery Azul, concluding at Williams’ Book Store for the book signing.

The monthly First Thursday artwalk takes place on April 1 in downtown San Pedro from 6 to 9ish p.m.

In other arts news, the Daily Breeze previews “The Little Mermaid,” on stage this weekend at the Warner Grand Theatre.

Week in Review

Happily, the Pt. Fermin Lighthouse curator isn’t getting laid off after all.

Beacon House, a downtown San Pedro recovery home, got a $360,000 grant from L.A. County, which it will use to remodel and construct additional housing. (Published in Wednesday’s paper, March 17, but not posted online for some reason).

This week’s issue of Random Lengths News has a cover story on the “war on public education,” with an inside piece on the San Pedro High School reform plans and other community news.

Politics News

Who’s running for the Harbor Area LA City Council seat? – San Pedro columnist Diana Chapman has posted a story on definite and probable candidates for the 15th district council seat. Doug Epperhart, David Greene and Rudy Svorinich, Jr. tell Chapman they are in for sure. The maybe list includes John Delgado, John Mavar, Anthony Pirozzi, Anthony Santich and James Weston. Read all about it at theunderdogforkids.blogspot.com.

Youthful public service – Students and civic-minded folk will be cleaning and painting at San Pedro High School this morning (March 20) as part of the Day of Service, a joint project of the LA mayor’s office and the LA school district. Kite flying is also on the agenda. It all begins at 8 a.m. at the school, 1001 W. 15th St.

Attention John Bogert Fans

The inimitable Daily Breeze columnist just released a collection of columns in book form. Bogert will sign his “Grounded” at the San Pedro Library today (March 20) at 1 p.m. and at Williams Book Store on April 1 (First Thursday). Details here.

Week in Review

Oh so tidy when the headlines speak for themselves.

“Community leaders scramble to keep San Pedro’s Warner Grand open,” but some are optimistic that a private operator will bring change for the better

Case study in LA city layoffs: “Point Fermin lighthouse curator gets pink slip”

“LA council okays plan for school air filters near Port of LA”

“Hahn announces city funding for Harbor Area projects”

About that Lt. Gov. Race …

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom throws his hat into the ring and LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa throws his support behind Councilwoman Janice Hahn.

Civic Datebook

Waterfront meeting – A workshop is taking place Thursday on the downtown-area waterfront improvements. See what they have in mind and give your input at the March 18 meeting, set for 6 p.m. at the Port of LA High School, 250 W Fifth St. Call (310) 732-3567 for more information.

Coastal council meeting Monday – The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets at its regular time and place (6:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building) on Monday, March 15. Visit www.cspnc.org or call (310) 290-0049 for more information.

Spring Time

Remember to move your clocks ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday. Save the daylight already!

Happy March

Just a few nibbles of news to begin the month.

News briefs

Embarking Princess Cruise passengers can now bring friends and family aboard for a nostalgic “Bon Voyage Experience.”

On a related note, downtown merchants are launching a pilot program to draw cruise passengers to their businesses.

In other news, “[m]ore than 400 trees to be trimmed in downtown San Pedro.”

The new issue of Random Lengths News is out with a cover story on the neighborhood councils’ political power. (Not yet online; look for the print edition at the newsstand).

Arts notes

The Daily Breeze theatre critic gave a thumbs-up to the two “Escanaba” shows now on stage at Little Fish Theatre.

The food critic gave a thumbs-up to Beach City Grill in downtown San Pedro.

Neighborhood Council Meetings Next Week

The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Monday, March 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave. View the agenda, visit www.nwsanpedro.org or call (310) 732-4522 for more information.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Tuesday, March 9 at the Port of LA High School, 250 W. Fifth St. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. The agenda can be viewed on the council’s home page. Call (310) 918-8650 for more information.

City Budget Forum This Morning

Rise and shine – it’s dollars and cents time!

Known for telling it like it is, City Councilman Bernard Parks is speaking at a city budget forum this morning organized by the Harbor Area neighborhood councils. The forum takes place at 9:30 a.m. on Feb. 27 at Rolling Hills Preparatory School, Palos Verdes Drive North west of Gaffey Street.

Hear from Parks, chair of the budget committee, along with union leader Julie Butcher, neighborhood councilmembers and others to learn how the city budget crisis can and will hit home for San Pedro residents and all Angelenos. (Some hints can be found in the Week in Review stories below.)

View the flyer for more information.

Week in Review

Related to the city budget:

“Harbor Area museums could lose curators in city of LA budget cuts”

“LA animal control officials step up dog licensing efforts”

“Some neighborhood council leaders concerned over DONE merger plan”

Find a city budget commentary by Doug Epperhart of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council in the current issue of Random Lengths News.

In other news:

“Port of LA sinks USS Iowa”

“LA board approves reform plans for San Pedro, Gardena high schools”

From the business page, a profile of Ancient Arts, a stained glass company in downtown San Pedro.

The hapless pelicans made the news again: Officials have determined “[p]elican illnesses attributed to weather, food scarcity”

If you hunger for more news, find the March issue of San Pedro Today in print and online, with a cover story on renovation of the Angel’s Gate Lighthouse.

Arts for a Fresh Perspective: First Thursday and More

See a show or visit an art gallery to get your mind off this week’s weighty news. Here are some options:

Little Fish Theatre Company is staging two versions of “Escanaba.” The Daily Breeze has all the details.

Get some fresh air, plus art, music and fine food at First Thursday this week (March 4). See the website for a rundown of highlights and a printable map. Take advantage of the free guided tour to galleries and more, beginning this month at Rafaello’s at 6:30 p.m.

Local Forum on City Budget Crisis

The city – and state, for that matter – are scavenging for coins between the sofa cushions. Thousands of layoffs, service cutbacks and the elimination and consolidation of city departments have been announced or implemented. How does it affect everyday Angelenos? A Harbor Area community forum next Saturday will go beyond the headlines to reveal the nuts and bolts and real-life impact of the financial crisis. L.A. City Councilman Bernard Parks, chair of the Budget Committee, will be joined by union leader Julie Butcher and neighborhood council members at the public forum, taking place on Feb. 27 at 9:30 a.m. at Rolling Hills Preparatory School, Palos Verdes Drive North west of Gaffey Street. View the flyer for more information.

Remembering the L.A. Air Raid

The Ft. MacArthur Museum is hosting its annual re-creation of the Great Los Angeles Air Raid of 1942 today (Feb. 20) from 12 noon to 8 p.m. rain or shine. Tickets are $30, with proceeds benefitting the museum. View the Daily Breeze story or the Ft. Mac webpage for more information.

Coastal Council Meeting Monday

The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Feb. 22 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.

Week in Review

Updates this week on the flood damage from the rainstorms: officials are looking for as much as $7 million to fix the storm-drain system while the people flooded out of their homes and businesses are “frustrated” seeking relief from the city.

The distressed pelicans are getting a lot of sympathy – and press. The Los Angeles Times reports on the high costs of feeding the rescued birds, while the Daily Breeze notes, “State Fish and Game joins probe of pelican health problems.”

Political notes: Councilwoman Janice Hahn responds to a Daily Breeze editorial on her withdrawal from the shipyard negotiations. And the LA school board voted this week to place a parcel tax on the June ballot.

Meanwhile, Back at the Theatre

Following up on last week’s preview of The Relevant Stage’s “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” the Daily Breeze theatre critic has now seen the show and written a review that begins, “the second time is the charm.” The show runs through Feb. 27 at the Warner Grand Theatre.

Week in Review

The plight of pelicans began as the lead story in the Daily Breeze, then became the subject of multimedia reports on KNX 1070 newsradio and the Channel 2/9 TV news.

As expected, funding issues dominated Thursday’s meeting on waterfront redevelopment. Determined to find the money to build something, Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz told the Daily Breeze, “I'm going to learn how to beg and I’m going to get that money.”

Local students will continue to get hands-on maritime lessons aboard the Angels Gate tugboat, thanks to donations that kept the vessel afloat when funding was jeopardized.

She’s from the government and the Port of Los Angeles High School hopes she’s here to help (with funding). In other words, “San Pedro school uses Rep. Harman’s visit to lobby for funds.”

High-tech safety is the plan as “[a]uthorities boost security at port complex.”

Money and politics had a little fender-bender this week, with the result that “Hahn recuses herself as mediator after shipbuilder’s contributions come to light.”

It was an uncontested election, but the results are in: “Voters overwhelmingly favor Gardena, San Pedro high school reforms.”

Just call this one Ports O’ Potty: “Automated restrooms at Port need user-friendly modifications.”

Shop local for your Valentine’s Day flowers at Fleur de Lys, a new Weymouth Corners shop profiled this week on the Daily Breeze business page.

Coastal Council Meeting 1 Week Later

The monthly meeting of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council is Feb. 22, a week later due to the President’s Day holiday.

Love-Themed Theatre

The Relevant Stage is performing “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” this Valentine’s Day weekend and through the end of the month. It’s an encore show returning this year by popular demand after last year’s run. Read a review from Friday’s Daily Breeze.

Week in Review

Portside, there’s talk of replacing the Gerald Desmond Bridge and a twist in the proposal to build a new shipyard on Terminal Island.

And more maneuvering in the quest to bring the USS Iowa to San Pedro.

This news is – bad pun alert – rooted in controversy: “Six downtown San Pedro trees must be removed to keep funding.”

Peruse a range of community, business and arts news in the latest San Pedro Business Journal.

In school news, “[s]ome sixth-graders would stay at elementary schools under LAUSD plan.”

From last Sunday, a recap of residents’ struggles to recover from the rain damage. (Over in the opinion section, Councilwoman Janice Hahn’s office took exception to the story.) Now that it’s raining again, sandbags, anyone?

On a decidedly lighter note, the San Pedro Target will soon carry more grocery foods.

Civic Calendar

Waterfront Development Meeting Thursday: Time for Implementation
Now that the plans have been approved, port officials will give a briefing on the implementation stage. The meeting takes place on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St. The implementation guidelines, schedule and other background information can be found in this LA Waterfront newsletter.

Neighborhood Council Meetings Next Week
The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets Monday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave. Visit www.nwsanpedro.org or call (310) 732-4522 for more information.

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets Tuesday, Feb. 9 at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St. Refreshments are served at 6 p.m. and the meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.sanpedrocity.org or call (310) 918-8650 for more information.

Fine Tuned

The world premier of “Avatar” music will be staged today (Saturday) as part of the Golden State Pops Orchestra’s “Great Composers Tribute.” Taking place on Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Warner Grand Theatre, the show features music from “Avatar,” the TV show “Lost” and other popular productions. John Ottman, the composer behind tunes from “The Usual Suspects,” “X2: X-Men United,” “Superman Returns” and “Valkyrie,” will be interviewed on stage at 7:30 p.m.

So Says the Chief

Police Chief Charlie Beck, center, is surrounded by community groups supporting the Harbor Division station.

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck outlined his priorities before an audience of civic leaders at a San Pedro luncheon Thursday.

Beck identified Constitutional policing – that is, following the law to enforce the law – plus crime reduction and terrorism prevention as some of his goals for the department. He also expressed deep concern for the wellbeing of officers, a number of whom are facing a “perfect storm” of reduced overtime pay and difficulties paying their mortgages and keeping their homes.

Beck said he comes to San Pedro at least once a week to visit his parents, George and Elma, longtime San Pedro residents.

Sponsored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, the luncheon recognized nine volunteer organizations supporting the LAPD Harbor Division. The Harbor Area Boosters Assn., Harbor Area Cadets, Harbor LITES, the Harbor Area Community Police Advisory Board, the Teen Community Police Advisory Board, the Harbor Area Volunteer Corps, the Harbor Area Reserve Corps, the Weed and Seed Project, and the Harbor Area Crisis Response Team received certificates of appreciation for their service.

Week in Review

Today’s Daily Breeze reports at length on the San Pedro High School reform meeting Thursday, attended by an estimated 1,300 people.

The February issue of San Pedro Today has a cover story on The Corner Store, plus commentaries by eight community leaders.

On the heels of the movement to bring the USS Iowa to San Pedro comes the idea to do likewise for the newly decommissioned nuclear submarine USS Los Angeles.

LA school board member Dick Vladovic penned a letter to the editor sharply critical of the cell phone towers near Taper Avenue Elementary School.

This news was kept on the down-low until it was too late: Canetti’s Seafood Grotto has closed.

On a related note, the Los Angeles Times published a Papadakis retrospective as the restaurant serves its final dinner on Jan. 31.

First Thursday This Week

The monthly First Thursday artwalk is Feb. 4 in downtown San Pedro. Highlights include:

• An exhibit at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. 7th St., by a 12-year-old photographer.

• The unveiling of a labor mural by Slobodan Dimitrov at La Salle Lofts, 200 block of West Seventh Street, at 4:30 p.m.

• A free guided tour of select galleries, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Off the Vine Wines, 491 W. Sixth St. Participants are invited to join in a $5 wine tasting before the hour-long tour.

Under a grant from the LA Community Redevelopment Agency, fINdings Art Center is now coordinating First Thursday. For more information, call Annette Ciketic at (310) 489-1362.

OPINION: Neighborhood Council Funding Threatened; Budget of $0 Proposed

By Doug Epperhart

The city’s chief administrative officer has issued a report recommending that neighborhood councils not be funded for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Instead of the $45,000 allocated to each council in 2009, they’d get zero. And any money left over from this fiscal year would also be taken.

What would that mean for San Pedro?

• No more money for beautification along North Gaffey.
• No more money for trees in Central San Pedro.

• No more money for programs and projects at Point Fermin, 15th Street, Taper Avenue, San Pedro High, and other schools.

• No more money for Shakespeare by the Sea, Little Fish Theatre, Warner Grand movies, Music by the Sea, or any other community events and groups.

• No more Coastal Currents or Northwest Advocate newsletters.

But, it also means those of us who have given years of volunteer time to neighborhood councils will not just fade from the scene or go away. We will still be here, fighting for our families and our neighbors and our community.

It’s true the city of Los Angeles is on the verge of bankruptcy. Revenues continue to decline faster than the city can cut its expenses. This is why the mayor proposes selling off parking meters and structures to a private operator, something many of us neighborhood council activists oppose. One likened the short-term gain to selling off grandma’s good silver to buy a bottle of scotch.

If you want to get a handle on what will happen at City Hall next week, go to www.budgetla.org, a website created by L.A.’s neighborhood councils.

Meanwhile, call Councilwoman Janice Hahn, (310) 732-4515, and Mayor Villaraigosa’s Harbor Area representative, Ricardo Hong, (310) 732-4632, and let them know how you feel about this attempt to kill neighborhood councils. Or email councilwoman.hahn@lacity.org and Ricardo.hong@lacity.org.

By the way, the report doesn’t recommend touching the councilmembers’ $179,000 salaries or their office budgets or slush funds. You might want to offer an opinion about that, too.
_________________________________
Doug Epperhart is a San Pedro business owner, community leader and member of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council.

Soaked

It’s a matter of fact: according to the data, the South Bay was hardest hit by this week’s rain storms. Storm drains were overwhelmed, homes were flooded and reporters and photographers documented the story over three days.

Wednesday headlines: “Storms wreak havoc in South Bay”

Thursday headlines: “Second storm pelts South Bay”

Friday headlines: “San Pedro residents now coping with flood aftermath” and “Sandbags, sand were scarce commodities in San Pedro during storm”

Plus, “San Pedro beach parking area remains closed due to mudslides”

Sea creatures also soaked: “Dozens of disoriented pelicans recovering from storm’s effects” and “Dolphin is latest marine mammal to wash up on Cabrillo Beach”

Photo gallery

Video of damage at Ninth Street and Pacific Avenue

Getting help: phone list of government agencies, fire stations and other resources from Councilwoman Janice Hahn. (San Pedro Today provides a printer-friendly version here.)

All stories from the Daily Breeze unless otherwise attributed.

Big Ships Make Big News

Today, the USS Los Angeles is being decommissioned in a private ceremony in San Pedro. The Navy vessel, nuclear warheads and all, patrolled during the Cold War and is now destined to become scrap metal in Washington state. View the photo gallery here.

Last Sunday’s Daily Breeze reported on the twists and turns in efforts to bring the USS Iowa to San Pedro.

Civic News

Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck is coming to San Pedro to keynote a Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday.

The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets Monday, Jan. 25 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.

“Port of LA High School looking to buy its building from port,” says today’s Daily Breeze.

A new issue of Random Lengths News has been published, with a cover story on the 22nd Street Park. (Extra credit if the name Bea Atwood Hunt means anything to you).

Pin-Up Fashion

The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles is staging a fashion show Sunday at the Warner Grand Theatre, featuring pin-up looks of the 1920s to 50s. Half of proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the theatre. Details in the Daily Breeze story and at the Grand Vision Foundation.

Week in Review

Local law enforcement got a little stronger with the addition of 17 new officers to the LAPD Harbor Division.

In port news, the Los Angeles Times ran a story on the Clean Trucks program and both the LAT and Daily Breeze reported that cargo traffic is up.

The Fresno Bee covers the possibility that state Sen. Dean Florez may withdraw from the lieutenant governor race, effectively clearing the Democratic field for Councilwoman Janice Hahn. Said Florez: “Janice Hahn is formidable, no doubt.”

One last opa – Papadakis Taverna will close at the end of this month.

Short story and pictures from the opening of the 22nd Street Park last Saturday.

Civic Calendar

Only one entity submitted a proposal to operate San Pedro High School under the Public School Choice system, instituted for low-performing schools. That entity is an alliance of teachers and parents of the school itself. Attend a public meeting Wednesday to hear a presentation on the proposal. The meeting takes place on Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at the school auditorium, 1001 W. 15th St. The 128-page proposal can be viewed here.

The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meeting is a week later due to the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. It will be held on Jan. 25.

Arts News

Little Fish Theatre Co. is staging Pick of the Vine, nine short plays that earned four stars in the Daily Breeze review.

Speed Reading

Quick news for your Saturday morning.

Tie your shoes and scoot out of the house for today’s opening of the 22nd Street Park. Speechifying with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council and others is at 11 a.m., followed by free lunch. Find more background information in this week’s Daily Breeze story.

And/or, take your precinct-walking shoes over to the Stammreich for State Senate kickoff today in Torrance.

The Arcade Building in downtown San Pedro celebrated its 85th birthday this week.

In case you were wondering how business is doing at the twin ports, the Los Angeles Times reports they are “fight[ing] to stay dominant,” noting “the port complex has been handling less cargo as competitors in Mexico, Canada and other parts of the U.S. draw more traffic.”

The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council will hear a presentation on the USS Iowa at its Tuesday meeting. The Jan. 12 meeting takes place at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh Street, beginning with refreshments at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 6:30 p.m.

The regular monthly meeting of the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council is Monday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave.

A new issue of Random Lengths News is circulating in print and online, with a cover story on the top local stories of 2009.

Civic Notes

Councilwoman Janice Hahn has officially entered this year’s Lt. Gov. race. Read the press release at janicehahn.com.

Local Republican Party leader and former Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member John Stammreich is running for state Senate, 28th District. Stammreich is challenging incumbent Jenny Oropeza (D-Redondo Beach) for the seat, which represents portions of San Pedro and other South Bay communities. (Click here to find out your state legislative districts). A kickoff rally is taking place in Torrance next Saturday, Jan. 9. Details at stammreich4senate.org.

A new issue of San Pedro Today is circulating in print and online, with a cover story on businesswoman Rae Gates.

Arcade Building Birthday Party at First Thursday

The monthly downtown San Pedro artwalk is this Thursday, Jan. 7.

The Arcade Building on Sixth Street is marking 85 years with a daylong celebration that includes seminars, birthday cake and a mixer. Details at thearcadebuilding.com.

Check the First Thursday website early next week for additional highlights.

22nd Street Park Opens Next Saturday

The long-awaited grand opening of the 22nd Street Park is next Saturday, Jan. 9. The dedication ceremony takes place at 11 a.m., followed by a free picnic from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located between Miner Street and Via Cabrillo Marina, the park includes a 4.5-acre field, walking paths, bocce ball courts, bike paths, benches, restrooms and plenty of free parking.

Host a Foreign Student

Looking for something unusual to do in the new year? Consider hosting an international student attending Marymount College in Palos Verdes. The Foreign Language School is seeking host families, who get a $500 monthly stipend and priceless cultural enrichment.

So It’s a New Year. Whaddya Think?

The Daily Breeze published New Year’s remarks by a bunch of South Bay political leaders. Read their musings here ... or not. What do you think? What’s your vision for San Pedro this year? Chime in with your comments.

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.

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.

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.

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.