Friday, October 30, 2009
First Thursday This Week
The monthly artwalk is Nov. 5 in downtown San Pedro. People’s Yoga is having a grand opening at 365 W. Sixth St. (310) 625-0633. Visit www.1stthursday.com for a map and updates on other special events.
Artists Wanted: Photo Contest for All Ages and Talent Show for Seniors
The Maritime Research Center in downtown San Pedro is holding a photo contest. Winning images of San Pedro will be printed on postcards and the winners will each get a $50 gift certificate to spend at participating Seventh Street businesses. The deadline is Dec. 1. View the contest rules for details.
Harbor Area residents ages 60+ are invited to apply for a talent show taking place in early December at the Warner Grand Theatre. The show will be held in conjunction with a free screening of the film “Young@Heart,” featuring a chorus of seniors.
Local seniors with a flair for singing, dancing, acting or another skill can apply for the talent show by emailing LACommunityCinema@gmail.com with your name, contact info and a description of your talent by Nov. 16.
The talent show will precede the Dec. 2 film screening. The event is sponsored by the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn, the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs and Community Cinema.
Harbor Area residents ages 60+ are invited to apply for a talent show taking place in early December at the Warner Grand Theatre. The show will be held in conjunction with a free screening of the film “Young@Heart,” featuring a chorus of seniors.
Local seniors with a flair for singing, dancing, acting or another skill can apply for the talent show by emailing LACommunityCinema@gmail.com with your name, contact info and a description of your talent by Nov. 16.
The talent show will precede the Dec. 2 film screening. The event is sponsored by the office of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the office of Councilwoman Janice Hahn, the L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs and Community Cinema.
Preview of Next Weekend
There may be no free lunch in this world, but there’s free breakfast next Sunday, thanks to the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council. Enjoy your fill of free pancakes, sausage and beverages on Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St. Give your elected representatives an earful of your concerns. Get a tote bag and partake in a free raffle. Read the details and print a flyer for your neighbors at www.cspnc.org.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Port News
The upstart San Pedro Bay Port Technologies Development Center is getting an executive director.
Controversial port executive Wally Knox is leaving the harbor for the Department of Water and Power.
The new issue of Random Lengths News includes a cover story on “the port’s love affair with the cruise industry,” plus other port and community news.
Wilmington activists are mounting a legal battle against construction of a truck expressway.
Controversial port executive Wally Knox is leaving the harbor for the Department of Water and Power.
The new issue of Random Lengths News includes a cover story on “the port’s love affair with the cruise industry,” plus other port and community news.
Wilmington activists are mounting a legal battle against construction of a truck expressway.
Final Knoll Hill Meeting Tuesday
View and comment on the “preferred design” at this week’s Knoll Hill community meeting, taking place on Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes St.
The meeting begins with a display of the “conceptual design” from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by official remarks and public comment. See the flyer for further details.
The meeting begins with a display of the “conceptual design” from 6 to 6:30 p.m., followed by official remarks and public comment. See the flyer for further details.
Halloween Events
Seasonal Identity Crisis?
Dozens of Halloween events this Saturday and next. If there’s only a little information here, please click on the event for further details.
Oct. 24
“Twisted, Spooky, Creepy” at Little Fish Theatre Co. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 or two for $20.
Day of the Dead Open Studio Project at San Pedro Arts Association. 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($5 for members).
“Halloween Fright Night 7” by the Golden State Pops Orchestra. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 ($15 for students and seniors).
Sea Scare at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $5 for adults, $1 for children and seniors.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Warner Grand Theatre. Midnight. Tickets: $9.
Oct. 25
YWCA Harvest Festival at Ports O’ Call Village, Berth 76. 1-5 p.m. Free.
Oct. 29
“Scary Stories” by local actors at the Angels Gate Cultural Center amphitheater, 3601 S Gaffey St. Gather around the campfire at 6:30 p.m. for family-appropriate stories. Bring a sweater, a picnic dinner and chairs. Tickets: $5 for adults, children under 6 free. Call (310) 387-0908.
Oct. 30 and 31
Smilin’ Jack at ConocoPhillips. 6-9 p.m. both days. For the 57th year, the giant pumpkin is smiling for the community and his helpers are distributing free caramel corn. Call (310) 952-6156.
Oct. 31
Big Dia de Los Muertos celebration in downtown San Pedro from 3 to 10 p.m. Free. Folks in Long Beach can even hop aboard a free shuttle bus to attend.
Happy Harbor Halloween on the waterfront from noon to 3 p.m. Free.
Haunted House and “Nightmare on Beacon Street” sponsored by Beacon House. 6 p.m.-midnight. Donation: $5.
Costume party at Ma Griffe Galerie. 5-9 p.m. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Vicars and Tarts Costume Party at the Whale and Ale. 6 p.m. No cover.
“Jaws” at the Warner Grand Theatre. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($5 if dressed in costume).
Howl-O-Ween Adoption/Fundraiser at the Harbor Animal Shelter, 957 N. Gaffey St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
Rene and Mary Sanchez have gotten into the seasonal spirit, decorating their home in the 2800 block of South Pacific Avenue. If it could talk, Mary’s hybrid Santa-scarecrow would be wishing everyone a Merry Halloween.
Dozens of Halloween events this Saturday and next. If there’s only a little information here, please click on the event for further details.
Oct. 24
“Twisted, Spooky, Creepy” at Little Fish Theatre Co. 8 p.m. Tickets: $12 or two for $20.
Day of the Dead Open Studio Project at San Pedro Arts Association. 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($5 for members).
“Halloween Fright Night 7” by the Golden State Pops Orchestra. 8 p.m. Tickets: $25 ($15 for students and seniors).
Sea Scare at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. 6-9 p.m. Tickets: $5 for adults, $1 for children and seniors.
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Warner Grand Theatre. Midnight. Tickets: $9.
Oct. 25
YWCA Harvest Festival at Ports O’ Call Village, Berth 76. 1-5 p.m. Free.
Oct. 29
“Scary Stories” by local actors at the Angels Gate Cultural Center amphitheater, 3601 S Gaffey St. Gather around the campfire at 6:30 p.m. for family-appropriate stories. Bring a sweater, a picnic dinner and chairs. Tickets: $5 for adults, children under 6 free. Call (310) 387-0908.
Oct. 30 and 31
Smilin’ Jack at ConocoPhillips. 6-9 p.m. both days. For the 57th year, the giant pumpkin is smiling for the community and his helpers are distributing free caramel corn. Call (310) 952-6156.
Oct. 31
Big Dia de Los Muertos celebration in downtown San Pedro from 3 to 10 p.m. Free. Folks in Long Beach can even hop aboard a free shuttle bus to attend.
Happy Harbor Halloween on the waterfront from noon to 3 p.m. Free.
Haunted House and “Nightmare on Beacon Street” sponsored by Beacon House. 6 p.m.-midnight. Donation: $5.
Costume party at Ma Griffe Galerie. 5-9 p.m. Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Vicars and Tarts Costume Party at the Whale and Ale. 6 p.m. No cover.
“Jaws” at the Warner Grand Theatre. 9 p.m. Tickets: $10 ($5 if dressed in costume).
Howl-O-Ween Adoption/Fundraiser at the Harbor Animal Shelter, 957 N. Gaffey St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.
OPINION: Wanted: 80,000 Committee Members
By Doug Epperhart
Enough with the committees already.
We have three neighborhood councils, a Port Community Advisory Committee, a Community Redevelopment Agency citizens advisory committee, chamber of commerce, business improvement district board, and Arts Culture Entertainment district board, all of which have had some interest and input to the San Pedro waterfront master plan recently approved by the Harbor Commission.
And now various bureaucrats and activists are grappling with creating a committee to work with the port to flesh out the specifics of the master plan. Do we really need another group, likely staffed with the usual suspects, to advocate for the handful of San Pedrans who have somehow managed to avoid representation by one of the aforementioned bodies?
In fact, all of these entities – and many others – were able to get information about the waterfront plan, digest it, make their opinions known, and influence the outcome. There’s no reason to believe that won’t continue now that the plan has been adopted.
Here’s a suggestion for the port and community: instead of a committee of a dozen or two dozen of the chosen few, how about a committee of 80,000? Or at least as many of us San Pedrans who are willing to pay attention to what’s going on and offer our input.
The port has a high-powered publicity machine capable of telling everybody everything. Let them use it to provide regular reports on the waterfront, say once or twice a month. Those interested in getting these reports can sign up for emails, tweets, or snail mail. And everything would be posted on the web.
These communications should include a brief summary of what’s happened in the recent past, what’s expected to happen in the near future, and, most importantly, the opportunity for individuals to give feedback on proposed specifics. This could be done via email, online, telephone, or even at “listening sessions” where staff would be available for face-to-face discussion.
Along with regular updates, there should be public meetings at key points to gather a crowd to provide comment. Workshops should also be part of the mix.
The port has done all of these things in the past as a means to gauge public opinion. I’m sure they’ll keep doing them. Frankly, I don’t need another committee to get between me and the decisionmakers. And neither, I think, do most San Pedrans.
***
Doug Epperhart is a San Pedro resident, business owner and Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member.
Enough with the committees already.
We have three neighborhood councils, a Port Community Advisory Committee, a Community Redevelopment Agency citizens advisory committee, chamber of commerce, business improvement district board, and Arts Culture Entertainment district board, all of which have had some interest and input to the San Pedro waterfront master plan recently approved by the Harbor Commission.
And now various bureaucrats and activists are grappling with creating a committee to work with the port to flesh out the specifics of the master plan. Do we really need another group, likely staffed with the usual suspects, to advocate for the handful of San Pedrans who have somehow managed to avoid representation by one of the aforementioned bodies?
In fact, all of these entities – and many others – were able to get information about the waterfront plan, digest it, make their opinions known, and influence the outcome. There’s no reason to believe that won’t continue now that the plan has been adopted.
Here’s a suggestion for the port and community: instead of a committee of a dozen or two dozen of the chosen few, how about a committee of 80,000? Or at least as many of us San Pedrans who are willing to pay attention to what’s going on and offer our input.
The port has a high-powered publicity machine capable of telling everybody everything. Let them use it to provide regular reports on the waterfront, say once or twice a month. Those interested in getting these reports can sign up for emails, tweets, or snail mail. And everything would be posted on the web.
These communications should include a brief summary of what’s happened in the recent past, what’s expected to happen in the near future, and, most importantly, the opportunity for individuals to give feedback on proposed specifics. This could be done via email, online, telephone, or even at “listening sessions” where staff would be available for face-to-face discussion.
Along with regular updates, there should be public meetings at key points to gather a crowd to provide comment. Workshops should also be part of the mix.
The port has done all of these things in the past as a means to gauge public opinion. I’m sure they’ll keep doing them. Frankly, I don’t need another committee to get between me and the decisionmakers. And neither, I think, do most San Pedrans.
***
Doug Epperhart is a San Pedro resident, business owner and Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Week in Review
Harbor Interfaith Services will be expanding, thanks to a $5-million grant from the county.
Rep. Jane Harman gave a State of the Region address, which ended up focusing on the situation in Afghanistan.
Story and photo gallery from Monday’s Sportswalk induction.
A little write-up and picture of last Saturday’s Citizen of the Century ceremony honoring John Olguin.
About a year after its formation, the downtown San Pedro Property Business Improvement District (P-BID) is hiring a manager. Better hurry and apply; the deadline is 5 p.m. Monday.
From the arts pages, coverage of “Hate Mail” and “Deathtrap,” both on stage now at the Little Fish Theatre Co.
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit PedroCalendar.com and SanPedro.com for other events happening around town.
Rep. Jane Harman gave a State of the Region address, which ended up focusing on the situation in Afghanistan.
Story and photo gallery from Monday’s Sportswalk induction.
A little write-up and picture of last Saturday’s Citizen of the Century ceremony honoring John Olguin.
About a year after its formation, the downtown San Pedro Property Business Improvement District (P-BID) is hiring a manager. Better hurry and apply; the deadline is 5 p.m. Monday.
From the arts pages, coverage of “Hate Mail” and “Deathtrap,” both on stage now at the Little Fish Theatre Co.
Last but not least, don’t forget to visit PedroCalendar.com and SanPedro.com for other events happening around town.
Coastal Council Meeting Monday
The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28. View the agenda on the council’s newly redesigned website.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Stop the Presses
This week’s San Pedro News will be a day late. It will publish on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 17) and reach your email box tomorrow, Sunday. One item it will contain is the Coastal neighborhood council meeting Monday. View the council’s new website for the agenda.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Here and There
Assorted tidbits for San Pedro newshounds this week.
Per our midweek update, the Olguin memorial unveiling is today, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
The new San Pedro High School principal, Jeanette Stevens, will speak at both of next week’s neighborhood council meetings. Hear her Monday (Oct. 12) at the Northwest meeting (6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave.) and/or Tuesday (Oct. 13) at Central (6 p.m. refreshments, 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St.)
This year’s Sportswalk induction ceremony is Monday at 10 a.m. View the inductees and additional information at www.sportswalkwaterfront.com.
If you see a lot of construction and moving trucks around the downtown Centre Street Lofts in the coming months, it’s because the longshore union is establishing its Local 13 offices on the ground floor.
Per our midweek update, the Olguin memorial unveiling is today, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m.
The new San Pedro High School principal, Jeanette Stevens, will speak at both of next week’s neighborhood council meetings. Hear her Monday (Oct. 12) at the Northwest meeting (6:30 p.m. at Peck Park, 560 N. Western Ave.) and/or Tuesday (Oct. 13) at Central (6 p.m. refreshments, 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St.)
This year’s Sportswalk induction ceremony is Monday at 10 a.m. View the inductees and additional information at www.sportswalkwaterfront.com.
If you see a lot of construction and moving trucks around the downtown Centre Street Lofts in the coming months, it’s because the longshore union is establishing its Local 13 offices on the ground floor.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Olguin Monument Unveiling Saturday
Community pillar John Olguin will be honored at a ceremony Saturday to unveil a monument naming him “Citizen of the Century.”
Sponsored by the San Pedro Rotary Club, the event takes place on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the entrance to Pt. Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar.
Here’s the background information from the press release:
Sponsored by the San Pedro Rotary Club, the event takes place on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the entrance to Pt. Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar.
Here’s the background information from the press release:
Mr. John Olguin served the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department for 50 years in the Aquatics division. His many accomplishments include: Co-founder of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, the establishment of the Point Fermin Marine Life Refuge, and past president and charter member of the Cetacean Society. He is considered the local “father of whale watching” and “Mr. San Pedro.” He was given a Lifetime Achievement award by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe. For 55 years, he raised the funds and coordinated the Cabrillo Beach Fourth of July fireworks.
“It’s a great honor to be receiving this recognition from the San Pedro Rotary,” said Olguin. “The location of this monument means a lot to me. Many years ago I saw that this piece of land was collecting trash and needed attention. I got people involved to landscape and beautify it.”
The Rotary worked with local government for many years to find the right location for the monument. The small triangular median, noted for its large anchor, at the corner of Gaffey and Shepard Streets was selected. Considering the breadth and depth of Olguin’s community contribution, it’s no surprise that he was instrumental in improving this very spot.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Waterfront Reborn: They Did It
We bring you only one news story this week, but it’s important enough to fill this week’s virtual “paper.”
At the end of their seven-hour meeting Tuesday, the Board of Harbor Commissioners voted to approve a sweeping plan to redevelop the San Pedro waterfront.
Commissioners made two amendments to the then working, now final, plan. On the controversial issue of new cruise ship terminal construction, they voted to build the first berth of the outer harbor cruise terminal on east side (away from Cabrillo Beach.)
Secondly, they instructed staff to write an implementation (read: funding) plan in 30 days.
As pictured above, hundreds of community members attended the late-night meeting. A handful of voices are quoted in the Daily Breeze stories “$1.2 billion waterfront redevelopment OK’d”
and “Restaurateur savors waterfront victory.”
It took a decade to approve a plan and will take another decade to build it. But, as the Daily Breeze editorialized, “If their predicted schedule is accurate, we’re more than halfway there.”
If you’re so inclined, you can view the entire meeting on the port’s video page. Lastly, here is the port’s press release on the subject.
Photo by John Stinson.
At the end of their seven-hour meeting Tuesday, the Board of Harbor Commissioners voted to approve a sweeping plan to redevelop the San Pedro waterfront.
Commissioners made two amendments to the then working, now final, plan. On the controversial issue of new cruise ship terminal construction, they voted to build the first berth of the outer harbor cruise terminal on east side (away from Cabrillo Beach.)
Secondly, they instructed staff to write an implementation (read: funding) plan in 30 days.
As pictured above, hundreds of community members attended the late-night meeting. A handful of voices are quoted in the Daily Breeze stories “$1.2 billion waterfront redevelopment OK’d”
and “Restaurateur savors waterfront victory.”
It took a decade to approve a plan and will take another decade to build it. But, as the Daily Breeze editorialized, “If their predicted schedule is accurate, we’re more than halfway there.”
If you’re so inclined, you can view the entire meeting on the port’s video page. Lastly, here is the port’s press release on the subject.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Moment of Reckoning on the Waterfront?
The local media have spilled considerable ink ahead of Tuesday’s big meeting on waterfront redevelopment.
That meeting takes place on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 100 W. Fifth St. All eyes will be on the Board of Harbor Commissioners as they review and possibly vote on a plan to redevelop the waterfront.
Here are the recent news stories:
A three-story package was published in the Daily Breeze last weekend. The main story, “Decision nears on $1.2B San Pedro waterfront plan,” includes a TV news segment as an added bonus. Companion pieces explore the potential benefits to downtown San Pedro and Ports O’ Call. Two letters to the editor were published Thursday.
The port has released another newsletter and the waterfront is the cover story in the current Random Lengths News.
That meeting takes place on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club, 100 W. Fifth St. All eyes will be on the Board of Harbor Commissioners as they review and possibly vote on a plan to redevelop the waterfront.
Here are the recent news stories:
A three-story package was published in the Daily Breeze last weekend. The main story, “Decision nears on $1.2B San Pedro waterfront plan,” includes a TV news segment as an added bonus. Companion pieces explore the potential benefits to downtown San Pedro and Ports O’ Call. Two letters to the editor were published Thursday.
The port has released another newsletter and the waterfront is the cover story in the current Random Lengths News.
Elsewhere in the News
The October issue of San Pedro Today is available in print and online, featuring a cover story on the Golden State Pops Orchestra.
Going back to port-related issues, the Los Angeles Times examined the impact of diesel pollution on communities along the 710 Freeway. Headlined “A new crop of eco-warriors take to their own streets,” the story and video look at air pollution from the perspectives of grassroots activists in Commerce, Huntington Park and neighboring communities.
Going back to port-related issues, the Los Angeles Times examined the impact of diesel pollution on communities along the 710 Freeway. Headlined “A new crop of eco-warriors take to their own streets,” the story and video look at air pollution from the perspectives of grassroots activists in Commerce, Huntington Park and neighboring communities.
Arts & Culture
The first downtown San Pedro Fall Craft Fair is today (Sept. 26) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Renaissance lot at 429 W. Sixth St. is the place to go for ceramics, woodwork, jewelry, clothing, accessories, Christmas ornaments, soaps, oils, candles and more. The event, which includes children’s face painting, food and music, is part of the downtown business owners’ grassroots efforts to revive the local commercial district. For more information, call (310) 519-8231.
A new month begins on Thursday, which means First Thursday is this week, Oct. 1. Highlights appear on the First Thursday website, where you can print the monthly map.
A new month begins on Thursday, which means First Thursday is this week, Oct. 1. Highlights appear on the First Thursday website, where you can print the monthly map.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday Happenings: Clean the Seashore, Eat Some Seafood, Mind the Pt. Fermin Traffic
Be good to Mother Earth and join in the 25th annual Coastal Cleanup Day at Cabrillo Beach this morning (Saturday) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Meet at the aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr. Call (310) 548-7562 for more information.
Savor succulent seafood at the 11th annual Port of L.A. Lobster Festival this weekend. Bring your appetite today and help with their world-record attempt for most seafood prepared at an outdoor event. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.lobsterfest.com for details and print an admission discount from the tickets page.
Also, the Light at the Lighthouse religious festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Pt. Fermin Park.
Savor succulent seafood at the 11th annual Port of L.A. Lobster Festival this weekend. Bring your appetite today and help with their world-record attempt for most seafood prepared at an outdoor event. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Visit www.lobsterfest.com for details and print an admission discount from the tickets page.
Also, the Light at the Lighthouse religious festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at Pt. Fermin Park.
Key Document Released Envisioning Waterfront of the Future
The port has posted a long-awaited environmental impact report (EIR) on waterfront redevelopment, presenting six possible scenarios for redevelopment. The Board of Harbor Commissioners will consider the options and potentially vote on a course of action on Sept. 29. Find the executive summary, full EIR and details of the Sept. 29 meeting on the port’s website.
The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council is holding a special meeting Tuesday to consider its position on the newly released EIR. The community is encouraged to testify both at this meeting – taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St. – and at the port’s Sept. 29 meeting.
The Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council is holding a special meeting Tuesday to consider its position on the newly released EIR. The community is encouraged to testify both at this meeting – taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 22 at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St. – and at the port’s Sept. 29 meeting.
Angels Gate High School Meeting Thursday
The L.A. school district is holding a public meeting this week to give an update on construction of the new public high school at Angels Gate. The meeting takes place on Sept. 24 at 6 p.m. at White Point Elementary School, 1410 Silvius Ave. For more information, call (213) 893-6802 or listen to recorded information on the hotline, (213) 893-6810.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
