The hills are burning and not much else is making news in these hot, lazy, end-of-summer days. Here’s a little something to quench your thirst.
The Los Angeles Times picked up the story of St. Peter’s Church and its delayed move to Green Hills.
KABC Talkradio 790 AM picked up the “half-off” campaign to cut L.A. politicians’ pay, interviewing Doug Epperhart of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council during the McIntyre in the Morning program.
The monthly First Thursday artwalk is Sept. 3 in downtown San Pedro. A few highlights are listed on the official website.
New issues of Random Lengths News and San Pedro Today are on the streets. The Random Lengths website hasn’t been updated yet, so you’ll have to find a hard copy to read the cover story on the Harbor Labor Coalition and the rest of the content. San Pedro Today has been posted to the web and features a rock band that caters to Catholic youth.
If you’re starting to think about your Labor Day plans, remember that the Vincent Thomas Bridge will be closed in the morning for the Conquer the Bridge run/walk.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Friday, August 21, 2009
Week in Review
7-Eleven approved – A local governing panel has approved plans for a 24-hour 7-Eleven at 19th Street and South Pacific Avenue, the subject of two long letters to the editor earlier in the week, including one by Councilwoman Janice Hahn.
Rest in peace? (Not.) – The historic San Pedro church that was going to be repaired and relocated to Green Hills Memorial Park is in bureaucratic limbo and “hasn’t found salvation yet,” according to Monday’s Daily Breeze.
Citywide press for political campaign rooted in SP – As previously reported, community activists Doug Epperhart and Bob Gelfand are waging a citywide campaign to cut L.A. politicians’ pay. The L.A. Weekly has picked up the story, asking, “can pissed off Angelenos cut the nation’s richest City Council salaries in half?”
Rest in peace? (Not.) – The historic San Pedro church that was going to be repaired and relocated to Green Hills Memorial Park is in bureaucratic limbo and “hasn’t found salvation yet,” according to Monday’s Daily Breeze.
Citywide press for political campaign rooted in SP – As previously reported, community activists Doug Epperhart and Bob Gelfand are waging a citywide campaign to cut L.A. politicians’ pay. The L.A. Weekly has picked up the story, asking, “can pissed off Angelenos cut the nation’s richest City Council salaries in half?”
Classic Cars will Cruise (and Close) Pacific Ave. Tonight
The fourth annual Hot Pedro Nites fundraiser is tonight, Aug. 22. The classic car event is organized by Clean San Pedro to benefit the group’s community beautification efforts.
The 300-car cruise will close South Pacific Avenue between Sixth and 17th Streets from 6 to 9 p.m. The festivities continue in downtown San Pedro, where street music will entertain restaurant and shop patrons.
Read all about it in the Random Lengths News cover story and today’s Daily Breeze.
The 300-car cruise will close South Pacific Avenue between Sixth and 17th Streets from 6 to 9 p.m. The festivities continue in downtown San Pedro, where street music will entertain restaurant and shop patrons.
Read all about it in the Random Lengths News cover story and today’s Daily Breeze.
Friday, August 14, 2009
7-Eleven on Agenda Tuesday
The Harbor Area Planning Commission on Tuesday will revisit 7-Eleven’s proposal to build a store in coastal San Pedro. The sticky issue remains the company’s desire to keep the store open 24 hours, as outlined in this week’s Daily Breeze story.
The meeting takes place on Aug. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the port administration building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St. The meeting agenda is here.
A new commissioner will be seated at this meeting. Phill Trigas, a Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member, has been nominated and confirmed to serve on the commission and will take office Tuesday.
The meeting takes place on Aug. 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the port administration building, 425 S. Palos Verdes St. The meeting agenda is here.
A new commissioner will be seated at this meeting. Phill Trigas, a Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council board member, has been nominated and confirmed to serve on the commission and will take office Tuesday.
Bits of News about Ponte Vista
The developer of the Western Avenue property will hold public meetings this fall and release a schedule of events next month, according to this news brief.
And this brief tells about the routine, “low-key” report that planning staff made before this week’s Planning Commission meeting. Bottom line: still researching, dialoging and planning.
And this brief tells about the routine, “low-key” report that planning staff made before this week’s Planning Commission meeting. Bottom line: still researching, dialoging and planning.
Politician-turned-Port-Exec to Speak at Coastal Council Meeting Monday
The Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets on Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo Marina Community Building, Cabrillo Plaza, Berth 28. The agenda includes a waterfront redevelopment update by former state assemblyman Wally Knox, who is temporarily serving as a Port of Los Angeles executive. Knox was named to the newly-created post of deputy executive director for external affairs this spring, but, citing financial concerns, the City Council voted not to confirm the permanent position.
Nuch and the People from the Neighborhood
City Attorney Carmen “Nuch” Trutanich hosted hundreds of neighborhood council members and other civic activists at downtown L.A. City Hall Thursday.
The unprecedented meet-and-greet began with a reception, followed by a report and question-and-answer session led by the self-declared “people’s lawyer” from San Pedro.
At least one elected official credited the neighborhood councils for Trutanich’s upset victory in the May election. “If not for neighborhood councils getting involved, he wouldn’t be here,” said Councilman Dennis Zine. “You made the right choice.”
Trutanich took every opportunity to emphasize his populist, public-service mission. Here are some soundbites from the meeting:
“You hired me to be your lawyer. Do you want your lawyer to be politically correct or good?”
“During my first management meeting, I told my managers that if you mention politics in here, you won’t be here next week.”
“I don’t think I’ve been home before 10:30 since I took office. It’s just the way you have to lead. We have a department that’s so, so very dedicated to the people of this city. I consider myself a leader among equals.”
Message to billboard companies, who are objecting to the city’s new ban on the outdoor ads: “The days of civil suits against you are over. If you violate criminal law, I’m going to have you arrested and you will go to jail and post bail like anyone else who breaks the law. At the end of the day, we’re going to take control of our city, one billboard at a time.”
For more along these lines, click over to last Sunday’s Los Angeles Times story, “Trutanich stirs city attorney’s office.”
The unprecedented meet-and-greet began with a reception, followed by a report and question-and-answer session led by the self-declared “people’s lawyer” from San Pedro.
Nuch speaks, above, and takes questions from the audience.
At least one elected official credited the neighborhood councils for Trutanich’s upset victory in the May election. “If not for neighborhood councils getting involved, he wouldn’t be here,” said Councilman Dennis Zine. “You made the right choice.”
Trutanich took every opportunity to emphasize his populist, public-service mission. Here are some soundbites from the meeting:
“You hired me to be your lawyer. Do you want your lawyer to be politically correct or good?”
“During my first management meeting, I told my managers that if you mention politics in here, you won’t be here next week.”
“I don’t think I’ve been home before 10:30 since I took office. It’s just the way you have to lead. We have a department that’s so, so very dedicated to the people of this city. I consider myself a leader among equals.”
Message to billboard companies, who are objecting to the city’s new ban on the outdoor ads: “The days of civil suits against you are over. If you violate criminal law, I’m going to have you arrested and you will go to jail and post bail like anyone else who breaks the law. At the end of the day, we’re going to take control of our city, one billboard at a time.”
For more along these lines, click over to last Sunday’s Los Angeles Times story, “Trutanich stirs city attorney’s office.”
Run across the V.T. Bridge
A race across the Vincent Thomas Bridge will take place on Labor Day. Conquer the Bridge is sponsored by a Redondo Beach-based company. Read more in the Daily Breeze.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Nuthin’ to Say
This week’s recap is more pictures than words.
Politicians and Other Characters Roam the ‘Taste’
City Attorney Nuch Trutanich, top photo, parked himself near the Redmen’s Lodge booth at last weekend’s Taste in San Pedro. Trutanich was among the political figures who made appearances Sunday, as did City Controller Wendy Greuel, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, State Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal and Assemblyman Ted Lieu. Another character present was the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium harbor seal, posing for pictures and humbly collecting donations from the tasters.
Good Clean Fun
The aforementioned city attorney was photographed taking the plunge at the recent picnic for city attorney employees. Into the dunk tank went the leading lawyer and, sure enough, someone had spot-on aim. Case closed. See the whole photo gallery here.
Politicians and Other Characters Roam the ‘Taste’
City Attorney Nuch Trutanich, top photo, parked himself near the Redmen’s Lodge booth at last weekend’s Taste in San Pedro. Trutanich was among the political figures who made appearances Sunday, as did City Controller Wendy Greuel, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, State Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal and Assemblyman Ted Lieu. Another character present was the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium harbor seal, posing for pictures and humbly collecting donations from the tasters.
Good Clean Fun
Photo by Los Angeles City Attorney blog.
The aforementioned city attorney was photographed taking the plunge at the recent picnic for city attorney employees. Into the dunk tank went the leading lawyer and, sure enough, someone had spot-on aim. Case closed. See the whole photo gallery here.
Bye, Bye, Bratton
L.A.’s police chief is resigning and everyone has something to say about it, including Councilwoman Janice Hahn. If her soundbite in the Los Angeles Times wasn’t enough for you, you can find her entire (short) statement on the press releases page of her website, which is now updated frequently.
Hear Hahn at Neighborhood Council Meeting Next Week
The Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council meets Monday, Aug. 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.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn is scheduled to speak at Tuesday’s meeting of the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council. The Aug. 11 meeting takes place at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St., beginning with refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The agenda is posted at www.sanpedrocity.org.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn is scheduled to speak at Tuesday’s meeting of the Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council. The Aug. 11 meeting takes place at the Croatian Cultural Center, 510 W. Seventh St., beginning with refreshments at 6 p.m. followed by the meeting at 6:30 p.m. The agenda is posted at www.sanpedrocity.org.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Locals Wage Citywide Campaign to Halve Council Pay
Two community activists are leading an initiative campaign to cut the pay of L.A. city politicians.
The proposal by Doug Epperhart and Bob Gelfand, veteran members of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council, would cut in half the salaries of the mayor, city attorney, city controller and city councilmembers. The reform measure would be a city charter amendment, anticipated to appear on the November 2010 ballot.
At $178,789, L.A. councilmembers are the highest paid legislators in the country, outearning members of the U.S. Senate and Congress. The L.A. “half-off” campaign is the cover story in the current issue of Random Lengths News. (At presstime, there were technical difficulties with the online version. But, you can view the Random Lengths video interview with Epperhart and Gelfand.)
The proposal by Doug Epperhart and Bob Gelfand, veteran members of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council, would cut in half the salaries of the mayor, city attorney, city controller and city councilmembers. The reform measure would be a city charter amendment, anticipated to appear on the November 2010 ballot.
At $178,789, L.A. councilmembers are the highest paid legislators in the country, outearning members of the U.S. Senate and Congress. The L.A. “half-off” campaign is the cover story in the current issue of Random Lengths News. (At presstime, there were technical difficulties with the online version. But, you can view the Random Lengths video interview with Epperhart and Gelfand.)
Fill Your Plate at ‘Taste in S.P.’ This Weekend
The 21st annual “Taste in San Pedro” is this weekend, Aug. 1-2. The festival runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at Pt. Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar.
Saturday concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m. Sunday’s military tribute takes place at 12:55 p.m. (not at the festival conclusion, as San Pedro News erroneously reported last week). General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, members of the military and children 6-17. Tickets for food and drinks are sold separately.
All the volunteer shifts are filled and the vendor booth space has sold out. Read more background in the Daily Breeze.
Saturday concludes with fireworks at 9 p.m. Sunday’s military tribute takes place at 12:55 p.m. (not at the festival conclusion, as San Pedro News erroneously reported last week). General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, members of the military and children 6-17. Tickets for food and drinks are sold separately.
All the volunteer shifts are filled and the vendor booth space has sold out. Read more background in the Daily Breeze.
‘First Thursday’ Next Week
The monthly First Thursday artwalk is Aug. 6. Highlights were not posted online at presstime. Check the website next week for an update.
Media Roundup
A new issue of San Pedro Today has been published in print and online, with a cover story on multigenerational family-owned local restaurants.
San Pedro is the featured community in the August issue of Los Angeles Magazine. Half a dozen downtown shops and restaurants are profiled in the “Street Smart” story.
San Pedro is the featured community in the August issue of Los Angeles Magazine. Half a dozen downtown shops and restaurants are profiled in the “Street Smart” story.
More on 7-Eleven
Random Lengths reports on 7-Eleven’s presentation to the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council, which voted to oppose its proposed store at 19th Street and South Pacific Avenue, and the Harbor Area Planning Commission meeting the following day. And Erin Strelich, chair of Coastal’s planning committee, shares her thoughts in a letter to the editor responding to last week’s San Pedro News story.
More News Videos
Add Random Lengths News to the sources of local news videos, along with Councilwoman Janice Hahn and former Honorary Mayor John Mavar. See Channel RLn for Random Lengths’ videos.
Friday, July 24, 2009
7-Eleven Decision Delayed 1 Month
The Harbor Area Planning Commission this week delayed action on the proposed 7-Eleven in coastal San Pedro until next month. Following testimony by supporters and opponents of the proposed store at 19th Street and South Pacific Avenue, commissioners moved to postpone a decision until the August 18 meeting. 7-Eleven is no longer seeking authorization to sell alcohol right away but may apply for permission a year or two after opening, according to Councilwoman Janice Hahn’s office. The store is seeking approval for 24-hour operations, a point of contention among some neighbors and community activists.
‘Taste in San Pedro’ Begins with Special Friday Concert
The 21st annual “Taste in San Pedro” kicks off this Friday, July 31 with a rock concert from 6 to 10 p.m. headlined by Platinum Rockstars, plus 110 South and the Jerry Butera Blues Band.
The food booths are not open for this special concert, but will be serving tastes of San Pedro cuisine beginning at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.
The ‘Taste’ is open until 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2 at Pt. Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar. A fireworks show will close the festival on Saturday and a military tribute will wrap it all up Sunday night.
Admission is $10, plus individual food and drink tickets. Guests who buy and print tickets online can enter through preferred express gates. Use promotion code FL09 to save $1 off adult general admission tickets online. (The code is not valid on family, military, senior or couples packages).
Go to www.tasteinsanpedro.com for information and tickets.
The food booths are not open for this special concert, but will be serving tastes of San Pedro cuisine beginning at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1.
The ‘Taste’ is open until 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2 at Pt. Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar. A fireworks show will close the festival on Saturday and a military tribute will wrap it all up Sunday night.
Admission is $10, plus individual food and drink tickets. Guests who buy and print tickets online can enter through preferred express gates. Use promotion code FL09 to save $1 off adult general admission tickets online. (The code is not valid on family, military, senior or couples packages).
Go to www.tasteinsanpedro.com for information and tickets.
Week in Review
Downtown business owners have launched a grassroots organization to stage special events and promote local commerce. Shops will be open late every Thursday night, not just on First Thursday.
Seaside Pharmacy, San Pedro’s oldest known business, lost a piece of its history when former owner Virgil Ray “Mac” McCutchan died on July 16, the Daily Breeze reported.
“Port facing April 1 deadline for inner Cabrillo Beach cleanup” and they’re already racing against time, according to the Daily Breeze.
Sunken City sank a little more Friday.
“Single drivers can pay tolls to use carpool lanes starting in Dec. 2010,” the Daily Breeze reported. The policy will apply to the Harbor Freeway and a portion of the San Bernardino Freeway.
Catching up on last Friday – Here is the July 17 Daily Breeze story on the Attorney General’s money-bearing visit to a San Pedro drug treatment center and here is a look at the newly named director of Angels Gate Cultural Center.
Seaside Pharmacy, San Pedro’s oldest known business, lost a piece of its history when former owner Virgil Ray “Mac” McCutchan died on July 16, the Daily Breeze reported.
“Port facing April 1 deadline for inner Cabrillo Beach cleanup” and they’re already racing against time, according to the Daily Breeze.
Sunken City sank a little more Friday.
“Single drivers can pay tolls to use carpool lanes starting in Dec. 2010,” the Daily Breeze reported. The policy will apply to the Harbor Freeway and a portion of the San Bernardino Freeway.
Catching up on last Friday – Here is the July 17 Daily Breeze story on the Attorney General’s money-bearing visit to a San Pedro drug treatment center and here is a look at the newly named director of Angels Gate Cultural Center.
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