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Two Nights, One Purpose 

Two events that directly affect the quality of education for San Pedro students are selling tickets now and could really use your support. 

It’s not just about raising money. It’s about raising the bar for what our kids can dream of and achieve.

SAN PEDRO EDUCATION FOUNDATION: A NIGHT OF SIPS, SOUNDS, AND STUDENT SUCCESS
So many born-and-raised San Pedrans had their first jobs at Ports O’ Call Village and remember those times fondly. The legacy continues with West Harbor hosting this year’s Sips & Sounds fundraiser, with a behind-the-scenes update on what’s underway along the Los Angeles Waterfront. 

Presented by the San Pedro Education Foundation and now in its third year, this Sips & Sounds event combines live music, cocktails, and catered cuisine with a heartfelt mission: to provide every San Pedro student with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.

More than just a celebration, Sips & Sounds is a catalyst for change. The event directly supports programs that go beyond textbooks, fueling hands-on science education, next-generation and tech initiatives, inclusive learning tools for students with special needs, innovative teacher training, and classroom grants that bring big ideas to life.

But perhaps the most touching part of the evening? Dinner will be prepared and served by the incredible students of Willenberg Special Education Center. For them, the event offers more than experience; it’s a moment of pride, visibility, accomplishment, and belonging.

The foundation is already in motion. In just the past year, donor support helped:

• Rebuild Cabrillo Elementary’s library after flood damage

• Send White Point 5th graders to Emerald Bay for hands-on field science

• Provide adaptive PE equipment at Park Western Place Elementary

• Fund sensory-friendly seating for special education students at Barton Hill

• Outfit San Pedro High athletes with state-of-the-art football helmets

• Launch the Pedro Pen Writing Contest, the foundation’s first writing competition, awarding scholarships and publishing student authors in San Pedro Today.

For one evening, a ticket to Sips & Sounds is more than access to an unforgettable waterfront party; it’s a statement that San Pedro believes in its students—all of them.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF LA HARBOR: BIDS FOR KIDS—UNDER THE SEA
On September 27, the Bids for Kids gala returns as the signature fundraising event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor (BGCLAH). Hosted at the Torrance Marriott Redondo Beach, the night will bring together community champions, local leaders, and longtime supporters for an evening of dinner, auction, and purpose, all benefiting the 13,000 members served by the Club.

For nearly 90 years, BGCLAH has served as a lighthouse for young people in San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor City, Lomita, and the Harbor Gateway. Today, with 25 sites and 2,800 kids coming through its doors daily, the Club’s reach is both deep and wide.

What they offer is more than a safe space; it’s a launchpad. With robust after-school programs, academic support, arts education, and athletics, BGCLAH gives kids, especially those facing the toughest odds, the tools to rise.

And the results speak for themselves:

• 98.5% of students in the Club’s College Bound program graduate high school.

• 96% of those graduates went on to college last fall.

• Career Bound is placing more young people in the trades than any other program, leading to union jobs that have literally built this community.

That’s not just impact—it’s transformation.

But this year, the Club faces one of its toughest challenges yet. With reduced public funding and a growing pool of charitable dollars being allocated to wildfire relief efforts in the Palisades and surrounding areas, BGCLAH must raise an additional $1 million to keep pace with the demand and ensure that no student is turned away.

That’s what makes Bids for Kids more than a celebration—it’s a lifeline.

If ever there was a moment to show up for Harbor youth, it’s now. Please consider joining me on one or both nights. Or, even better, consider donating to these organizations by visiting their websites: San Pedro Education Foundation (sanpedroeducationfoundation.org/events) and Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor (bgclaharbor.org/events). spt

Temple Beth El Welcomes New Rabbi

Rabbi Julia Knobloch. (photo: courtesy Temple Beth El)

Temple Beth El welcomed a new voice to its pulpit this summer with the arrival of Rabbi Julia Knobloch, who officially started her tenure on July 1, 2025, after her ordination at Hebrew Union College Los Angeles. Rabbi Knobloch steps into her role with a unique background and a strong passion for both Jewish life and the creative arts.

“I was drawn to the people and the opportunities in this venerable congregation that has been part of San Pedro’s fabric for more than one hundred years: Ocean-facing yet anchored in history, what a great mix to dream up the future,” says Rabbi Knobloch.

Her path to becoming a rabbi was anything but traditional. Before starting her rabbinical studies, Knobloch spent over a decade as a writer and director of television documentaries focused on adventure expeditions. Her work took her to some of the most remote parts of the world, including Alaska, Argentina, South Africa, and Mozambique.

As a rabbinical student, she served as a student rabbi at Beth Knesset Bamidbar in Lancaster and held internships at several congregations, including Temple Beth Hillel in Valley Village, Temple Beth Am in Los Angeles, and an international position with the congregation at Kibbutz Ketura in Israel.

Her professional experience also includes positions at the Union for Reform Judaism and the UJA-Federation of New York, further establishing her connection to the organizational and community aspects of Jewish leadership.

Besides her rabbinical work, Knobloch is a published poet with two poetry collections and a third on the way in 2026. She has led writing retreats and workshops in Los Angeles, New York, and Jerusalem, and previously served as the poetry editor for Ben Yehuda Press.

Coming from the west side of Los Angeles, Rabbi Knobloch has quickly embraced her new home in San Pedro and the South Bay. Looking ahead, she is eager to engage more deeply with San Pedro’s interfaith community and contribute to the diverse spiritual landscape of the port town.

“After serving this community for 30 years, it is such a pleasure to welcome a new clergy partner who, like myself and my original clergy partner, Rabbi David S. Lieb, of blessed memory, is truly wanting to make Temple Beth El and the surrounding San Pedro community her home, putting down roots and growing with this community,” says Temple Beth El’s Cantor Ilan Davidson. “I know that together, Rabbi Julia and I will be able to accomplish great things for this community.” spt

Fitness Begins with Love, Not Fear

In the pursuit of better health and fitness, we often encounter two powerful forces: love and fear. As Jim Carrey wisely said, “You can choose love or you can choose fear.” This message resonates deeply in the world of fitness, where our choices can shape our paths.

THE FEAR OF FAILURE

Many of us hesitate to start a fitness journey because we fear failure. We worry about not reaching our goals, feeling embarrassed at the gym, or facing judgment from others. Carrey reminds us that “fear is going to be a player in your life. You get to decide how much.” Instead of letting fear control your actions, consider this: What if you saw failure as a stepping stone to success?

Every time you step into the gym or lace up your running shoes, you’re taking a brave step toward a healthier you. Each workout is an opportunity to learn, grow, and become stronger—physically and mentally.

CHOOSING LOVE FOR YOURSELF

When we shift our focus from fear to love, everything changes. Love for ourselves and our bodies can motivate us to make healthier choices. As Carrey says, “You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

Instead of viewing fitness as a chore, think about the activities you enjoy and how exercise can improve those experiences. For example, if you like hiking, consider how staying fit helps you have meaningful conversations with your partner while exploring nature. Picture being able to climb stairs at work without feeling tired or coming home after a long day to give your family the energy and love they deserve. These are all things we value, and fitness can help us fully enjoy them.

AUTHENTICITY IN YOUR JOURNEY

Carrey also points out that “your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world.” In fitness, this means being true to yourself. Don’t compare your journey to others’—focus on your own path. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every step counts.

Embrace the workouts that feel right for you, and don’t be afraid to carve out your own path. Authenticity will not only keep you motivated but also motivate those around you.

THE POWER OF COMMUNITY

Finally, surrounding yourself with a supportive community can enhance your journey. Sharing your goals and struggles with others can help reduce fear and create a sense of belonging. Just as Carrey stresses the importance of facing fear, tackling challenges together can lead to collective growth and encouragement.

In the world of fitness, choosing love over fear can be life-changing. Embrace the journey, celebrate your unique path, and let your passions lead you. Remember, every workout is a step toward a healthier life, and every decision you make is a chance to nurture your body and spirit. So, take a risk on doing what you love, and see how it transforms your life. spt

2025 Pedro Pen Scholarship Winners

This spring, the San Pedro Education Foundation—along with San Pedro Today—launched the inaugural Pedro Pen Writing Contest, inviting graduating high school seniors to showcase their creativity in 500 words or less.

In addition to publication in this month’s issue, the top three writers received scholarships: $1,000 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third. After careful review by a panel of judges, three students stood out: Hannah Morris from San Pedro High School won first place; Zachary Blackwell from Mary Star of the Sea High School took second; and Milad Esfahani, also from San Pedro High, placed third.

The Pedro Pen Contest is one of many initiatives by the San Pedro Education Foundation (SPEF), a nonprofit supporting local public education. Founded by San Pedro residents, SPEF bridges the gap between public funding and student needs, offering mentorship, enrichment, and programs in robotics, arts, and entrepreneurship.

By partnering with teachers, families, and local leaders, SPEF strengthens the educational community and gives students platforms to express themselves and be recognized.

Congratulations to this year’s winners—and thank you to everyone who submitted. Your voices matter.

For more information, visit sanpedroeducationfoundation.org. spt

FIRST PLACE

Next Door, Across the Street, and Around the Block
by Hannah Morris
San Pedro High School, 12th Grade

Legs dangling, sitting at a wooden picnic table with a pink plastic tablecloth, metallic confetti strewn around the yard, and dozens of nameless relatives laughing, sharing stories–it’s finally time for cake.

We sing, then the first slice goes to my neighbor’s little cousin, the birthday girl. Though I’m the only outsider at this party, I feel excited and included as part of a family that isn’t “really” mine.

My parents moved to San Pedro the year before I was born—a tiny yellow house in a completely new town. When they first brought me home, according to my mom, I was met with pink streamers and balloons left by our kind new neighbors and congratulations from around the block. San Pedro has welcomed me from the moment I was born.

Later, the house across the street would become my first stop of the day. On bright, early mornings, I would sit in their yellow-tile kitchen, waiting patiently for my best friend to finally wake up. In trampoline chaos, sidewalk talent shows, and tree-branch picnics, I found what surely felt like a sister. With her, I would run as fast as I could down our sidewalk, dashing to knock relentlessly on the screen door around the block.

In this house lived our adopted grandparents, an older couple that met our youthful persistence with hard candy and a cozy spot on their wicker couch. My favorite visits were when the photo albums came out; as we flipped through the pages, tales of their 1950s interracial love story, of their move to San Pedro, and of their vibrant church community came alive. They were great storytellers, and we would always be back for more.

The day we learned of the wife’s passing, even in my first grief experience, I was surrounded and supported by my local family. Placing camellia petals on a tree stump overlooking the port, we held a little-kid memorial, remembering her warmth and care.

These flowers had been picked–with permission–from the lovely bushes of my next-door neighbor, a sweet woman with the most beautiful lawn and garden. At her house, when my friends from across town would come for playdates, this well-manicured front lawn was our dance floor, and the porch, a stage for the sing-song announcer. Occasionally, she would step out to watch, smiling.

Many of the people I knew moved away, including our family, and there are now several new faces on the block, yet old faces remain, never too busy for a chat when I’m around. Even with my friends who left–ten years later–we still exchange monthly text messages to keep in touch.

I will soon be moving away to college, wondering who my new community will be, but our town has taught me that family and connection are anywhere and everywhere that you choose to find it. And San Pedro will forever be my home. I know that, however long I may take to return, there will still be room for me. spt

Hannah Morris will attend UC Berkeley this fall as an English major. She’s excited to join student journalism and engage with Berkeley’s vibrant campus life. Passionate about advocacy, Hannah hopes to pursue a career in environmental or political journalism, using her writing to amplify underrepresented voices and important causes.

SECOND PLACE

My Hometown San Pedro
by Zachary Blackwell
Mary Star of the Sea High School, 12th Grade

I spent the first 12 years of my life living in San Pedro. 

Like many coastal towns across the country, it started with the fishing industry and blossomed into much more. Over the years, it has grown to be a place to be called home by so many people and really has one of the most welcoming crowds, in my opinion. And it is not only home to many people, but it is also called home to many historical sites of not just a time that is long gone, but also recent and future historical sites and places that will be remembered centuries from now.

One of the first things that you will notice about San Pedro is that it is located right next to the sprawling expanse of the Port of Los Angeles. Among that is probably one of the most relevant pieces of wartime history, the USS Iowa. As a child passing by the ship, I would always look at it as if it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. I always wanted to go onto that beautiful ship whenever possible to grab the feeling of being a sailor on her when she was sailing. To me, being able to experience the feeling of a long gone time is something that cannot be replicated. If you are not local to San Pedro, you might not even know of the ship until you arrive. But she has an ability to draw in people regardless of whether or not they are really into history. And if you ask me, she is a symbol of pride for the community there.

Aside from the many historical locations there, the community is like one that I have not seen anywhere else. It’s almost like it is just one massive family that lives there. Whenever I drive through where I used to live and where a lot of my friends that I’ve had for a while live, I feel welcomed. To me, it’s a very suburban version of a small town from the Midwest, and you know almost everyone that is there and care for them like they are your direct family. Having spent the first three-quarters of my life there, I got to meet so many people and hardly ever were they rude or demeaning, most of the friends I made when I was there remain friends of mine to this day.

All in all, someone might think of San Pedro as just another suburban town that’s connected to a major city. But to me, it will always be my home and my family. It is where I feel the most comfortable and where I know where everything is. I live in Lomita now, but whenever I return to San Pedro, I feel like I never left. spt

Zachary Blackwell is heading to Cal State Fullerton to major in criminal justice. His long-term goal is to serve his community as a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy, with hopes of eventually rising through the ranks to become the county’s sheriff. Zachary is driven by a strong sense of duty and commitment to public service.

THIRD PLACE

Pedro’s Ancient Water World
by Milad Esfahani
San Pedro High School, 12th Grade

When most people think of San Pedro, they usually think of the beautiful sandy beaches, lush green trees lining the boulevard, and a wonderful, close-knit community they know and love. 

However, there is a whole ‘nother side of Pedro that is barely known or talked about simply because of how obscure it is. What I am talking about are the remnants of the prehistoric world that occupied the land of what would become San Pedro.

If you go back millions to even just thousands of years and look at the South Bay Area, you would notice that the Palos Verdes Peninsula and San Pedro are actually instead an island rising out of a shallow part of the ocean that spread all the way to the mountain range surrounding us, as we used to be one of the Channel Islands. Slowly over time, as the sea levels naturally lowered to today, more land was left uncovered, and what would become the Greater LA area was left. However, this had a major effect on the physical characteristics of San Pedro.

If you live in San Pedro and drive around (or bike like me), you would notice how San Pedro is completely traversed in hills and short plateaus. This is because each of those “steps” used to be a beach and its towering cliffs accompanying it. As time went by, the ocean receded and there would be a new beach again to the point where we have our picturesque Cabrillo, Point Fermin, and Royal Palms beaches. Because of this, it is really easy to find the remnants of these old habitats all around San Pedro in the right conditions.

This causes quite the phenomenon where San Pedro and the surrounding areas have become quite the hotspot in finding fossils and evidence of prehistoric life. This is seen in the recent discovery at our own San Pedro High School, where an ancient canyon caused fossils and shells from three different time periods to all group up in that locality and create a treasure trove for paleontologists.

As I was able to work with the Natural History Museum last summer, I soon realized how much our beautiful town was connected to the ocean and all that call it home. I soon realized that studying marine biology and eventually becoming a paleontologist can help me discover how San Pedro’s environment used to be so that we can learn lessons from them and use them today. Without the ocean and its inhabitants, we wouldn’t have our iconic landmarks like the Korean Friendship Bell or Sunken City, and we should learn to keep the nature in the area healthy and safe as it keeps us going strong. spt

Milad Esfahani, a graduate of San Pedro High’s Marine Science Magnet, will attend UC Santa Cruz as a Marine Biology major. Once set on becoming a paleontologist, he now dreams of combining that passion with marine science. Milad hopes to return to San Pedro one day to teach and inspire future generations of scientists.

Back-to-School Checklist for Parents

I can still remember a conversation I had with my parents one summer afternoon, about a week before school started. 

My mom walked into the kitchen and announced, “Isn’t it exciting? School starts next week!” She hoped she could get me fired up for the school year, reminding me that I’d get to see my friends again and start a fresh new year. 

 But I felt no excitement. Only dread. I looked up and said, “I don’t want to go back to school.” 

Before I could wallow too long, my dad cut in with his no-nonsense tone: “I don’t want to go back to work either, but you like to eat, so I don’t have a choice. And I don’t get summer vacation.” It was a moment of tough love. But looking back, it was precisely the mindset I needed. 

Our San Pedro teachers and staff will be ready for the new school year, but it’s the consistent support and guidance from parents that makes the most significant difference in our students’ success.

So, whether your child is stepping into kindergarten or high school, here’s a back-to-school checklist, just for parents:

1. Re-establish Routines Early. Start adjusting sleep schedules at least one to two weeks before school starts. Children and teens need 8–10 hours of sleep a night to be at their best. Ditch late-night screen time and encourage quiet activities, such as reading, before bed. A well-rested student is a focused learner.

2. Prioritize Daily Attendance. Attendance is foundational to success. Plan appointments outside of school hours and help your child understand that being present and on time matters. Chronic absenteeism can lead to falling behind and future academic struggles, even in the early grades.

3. Get to Know the School System. Stay informed by reviewing the school calendar, bell schedule, and important dates. Try to attend back-to-school nights and parent meetings. If your child is in LAUSD, log into the Parent Portal or Schoology (lms.lausd.net) to monitor attendance, grades, and assignments. Weekly online check-ins can catch small problems before they grow.

4. Set Clear Expectations. We know children thrive on structure. Age-appropriate expectations around homework, screen time, chores, and behavior will lead to better outcomes for your child in school. However, the goal is to encourage them to take responsibility for their own education as soon as possible. It is easier to discuss the effects of responsibility and rewards than it is to discuss discipline.

5. Open Communication with Teachers. We all hit bumps in the road, so don’t wait for a problem to arise. Introducing yourself to your child’s teacher early in the school year will help build the partnership you’ll need when the year gets difficult. A short and friendly email can go a long way.

6. Encourage Extracurricular Involvement. School isn’t just about academics. Activities such as clubs, sports, music, and community programs (like the Boys and Girls Club) help build discipline, reduce stress, and boost confidence. Research shows that kids who participate in extracurricular activities often earn better grades and develop stronger social skills. 

7. Set Them up for Small Wins, Every Day. In one of the most memorable commencement speeches ever, Admiral William H. McRaven told graduates, “If you want to change the world, start by making your bed.” Every child is different, but if your child starts the day with a small win, they are already ahead of the curve. Brushing teeth, getting dressed, and yes, making the bed all set the tone for a successful day. 

Discipline starts with the little things. One simple accomplishment every morning, and we’re all better prepared to tackle bigger challenges.

Let’s do this together, one day and one encouraging word at a time. spt

Raising the Bridge, Raising the Stakes

Let’s talk about something that’s been floating (pun intended) around recently, raising the Vincent Thomas Bridge. 

Yes, raising it, not tearing it down or replacing it. Just lifting the iconic green beauty about 26 feet higher so the world’s biggest cargo ships can slip underneath and keep the Port of Los Angeles competitive.

Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka is proposing the idea to coincide with Caltrans’ 16-month redecking plan, scheduled to begin in Fall 2026.

As a San Pedro resident, I hate the idea of a long-delayed closure. As a harbor commissioner, I am tasked with reviewing all the facts and ultimately voting for what’s best for our community. This idea is still in the fact-gathering stage. We’re nowhere near ready to bake that cake.

BIGGER SHIPS, BIGGER FUTURE

We know the latest and largest clean fuel vessels in the world can’t pass under our 185-foot clearance bridge today. That puts us at a disadvantage against Long Beach, which went from 155 feet of clearance to 205 feet with the construction of the new Gerald Desmond Bridge. (Do we really need to call it the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge?) 

By raising the bridge to allow more vertical clearance, we’re essentially telling the global shipping industry, “Bring it on. We’re ready.” More cargo coming through our port means more longshore jobs, better economics for our local businesses, and more Public Access Investment Plan dollars spent right here in San Pedro and Wilmington for community parks and projects.

IT’S NOT HAPPENING TOMORROW. AND THAT’S A GOOD THING

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If this project moves forward, it won’t start next year or the year after. It will take time to design a plan, obtain permits, and obtain financing. We’re likely looking at after the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. That’s a blessing in disguise. Why? Because it gives us time to plan and plan well. Additionally, it allows West Harbor time to reach critical mass and establish a local following before a long-term bridge closure.

Wilmington is being forced to deal with the majority of the traffic detours from the redecking project. Most of the alternate routes are grossly unprepared and poorly suited for the added volume. Wilmington deserves a comprehensive plan that includes serious state and federal investment in infrastructure before the bridge closure. 

A new plan gives us a longer runway to do it right and provide better coordination with the over 40 city, county, state, and federal transportation projects underway in the Harbor Area.

THE FLIP SIDE: LONGER CONSTRUCTION & COMMUTER PAINS

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. Raising the bridge is no small task. We’re talking about a much longer timeline than the deck replacement alone. This isn’t a summer roadwork project—it could add a year or more to the existing redecking plan, with detours and closures that affect everyone from port truckers to people just trying to get to work.

San Pedro and Wilmington residents already deal with congestion, rail crossings, and narrow thoroughfares. So, any new project must take those realities seriously. That means meaningful community input, smart traffic planning, increasing cargo movement through rail, and significant investment in mitigation efforts. No shortcuts. 

WHAT’S IN IT FOR SAN PEDRO?

This plan could extend the bridge’s usefulness for another 75 years and keep the Port of Los Angeles firmly ranked as the busiest port in the Western Hemisphere. Sadly, we too often see short-term vision align with election cycles instead of long-term gains that last for generations.

Raising the bridge stands to protect jobs, attract investment, and boost local businesses. However, we must also protect our quality of life. That means looking out for the neighborhoods that bear the brunt of construction, especially in Wilmington, and ensuring we’re not trading economic progress for years of gridlock.

Obviously, this will open the door to discussions around increasing the number of lanes and possible bike and pedestrian access. I’m no engineer and will await their findings.

In the end, raising the Vincent Thomas Bridge isn’t just about shipping lanes or cleaner vessels. It’s about vision. It’s about asking ourselves whether we’re planning for the Harbor Area we have today—or the one we want to see long after we’re gone.

So, let’s start the conversation. Let’s make sure if this happens, it happens with us, not to us. And who knows, someday, we might be able to tell our grandkids, “You see that ship passing under the bridge? That’s here because we had the guts to think big.” spt

Two More Books to Add to Your San Pedro Library

If you’re still looking for something to read this summer, I have two worthy candidates in front of me.

They are probably the largest and smallest books produced by San Pedro natives. 

‘Mexican American Baseball in the South Bay.’ Available at Amazon.com.

The first is the expanded second edition of Mexican American Baseball in the South Bay. Fermin Lasuen grad (1971) and co-editor Ron Gonzales informed me, when I reviewed the first edition in August 2022, that there would be more to come in this excellent sports history, but I had expected a Volume 2. Instead, we now have everything in an 816-page monster, almost double the length of the original.

There is more content about players from San Pedro, Wilmington, and Terminal Island, as well as Harbor College, the baseball fields on North Gaffey, and the Field of Dreams. New contributors include Lefty Olguin, Victoria (Brucker) Ruelas, Bobby Ramirez, Jesse “Chuy” Ibarra, and Irene and Richard Samudio.

Packed with photos, this remains a must-have on your San Pedro history shelf and a bargain at $30 (Amazon).

‘Tales From the Ammo Dump.’ Available at Amazon.com.

The second book, clocking in at just 69 pages, is Tales from the Ammo Dump: A Vietnam Vet Recalls His Time in the United States Army by Van Barbre. I told Barbre’s story here in November 2017, and it was only recently that his daughter persuaded him to put it in writing.

Barbre, a W‘64 graduate of San Pedro High, was drafted in 1965 and a year later found himself in South Vietnam, where he survived several harrowing experiences that you’ll have to read about yourself.  

A retired postal worker, Barbre, now 80, is a prolific videographer. Besides a blog, he has nearly 600 videos on YouTube. Most are family- and church-oriented, but he has dozens of instructional videos for home and garden DIY projects, as well as videos of old San Pedro. His video tribute to Vietnam veterans has garnered more than one million views.  

Tales from the Ammo Dump is available on Amazon for $5.49.

MORE HISTORY

Reminders of San Pedro’s long association with the military (see the books above), which dates back more than a century, continue to reverberate today, as illustrated by recent stories that have crossed my news feed.

Among the innumerable tragedies surrounding the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, was the sinking of the USS Utah.

What made the loss of 58 men, including two from San Pedro, especially tragic is that the attack on the Utah was a mistake. That was obvious at the time, but I only learned about how that mistake was made when an article by Alan D. Zim, published on the U.S. Naval Institute website in 2020, appeared on Facebook earlier this year.

Zim explains how the Japanese wasted precious torpedoes on the obsolete dreadnought, which had been converted into a gunnery training ship, because they mistook it for an aircraft carrier or contemporary battleship. The fact that it was anchored on the side of Ford Island, where carriers out at sea at the time of the attack normally moored, was a factor, along with sun glare and haze that affected the pilots’ vision.

Thus, the Utah was attacked, even though pilots had been explicitly told not to target it. Six torpedoes were launched at it; only two struck, but the Utah rolled over and sank within minutes. 

There were 461 survivors. Among those lost were Ship’s Clerk William A. Juedes, 24, and Seaman 1st Class Leroy H. Jones, 21, whose wives had remained in San Pedro when the fleet moved to Hawaii. They are among those still entombed on it today, as the Utah was never salvaged and remains as a memorial.

Yet another wartime tragedy took the life of San Pedro’s Ray Elsworth Scott, 34, an Electrician 1st Class on the submarine USS F-1 on December 17, 1917. The F-1 was part of the Pacific submarine fleet that was based in San Pedro prior to and during World War I. It sank off the coast of San Diego when, during training exercises, it collided with another submarine. 

Scott, who was married, was one of 19 men who went down with the sub; there were three survivors.

The F-1 was located in the 1970s and first photographed in 2014, but it was only earlier this year that researchers were able to survey the wreckage, which lies at a depth of more than 1,300 feet, with high-resolution imaging. See the remarkable pictures at cbsnews.com/news/wwi-submarine-uss-f-1-images-san-diego-coast.

Like the Utah, it’s a designated war grave. spt

From Homelessness to Hope

There’s power in stories—especially the ones we live to tell. 

When we’re able to share them, it often means we’ve made it to the other side. This month, we return to individual voices—stories of people navigating systems meant to help but often fraught with challenges.

During COVID, I helped co-found and serve on the board of the nonprofit Harbor Connects. I recently sat down with a man referred to us after moving into permanent housing. He has asked to remain anonymous, but his words and resilience speak volumes.

HOW IT STARTED

Originally from Evanston, Illinois, he came to California in the early 2000s to visit family—and stayed. He had studied in Northern Illinois, earned his Series 63 and 7 licenses, and launched a promising career in the financial and insurance sector. After transferring to a Prudential office in California and continuing along his career in finance, life was moving in the direction he’d planned.

But then life took an unexpected turn: “I never thought I’d be unhoused,” he says.

It started when his company folded and he lost his job—along with many of his colleagues. Without income, rent became impossible. He lived in a hotel until his savings ran dry. “I used my savings as long as I could.”

Eventually, he heard about a local shelter and moved in the day before he ran out of money to stay in the hotel. He notes his luck that they had space. 

“That first night, I was scared. I had no idea what to expect. Being unhoused wasn’t something I could’ve ever imagined for myself.”

From the shelter, he was referred to Harbor Interfaith Services. “They helped me get all my paperwork together. The intake process was overwhelming—so much to complete—but they made sure I was ready if housing became available.”

After 51 weeks, he received the news he had been waiting for: he would receive a place of his own.

REBUILDING FROM ZERO

As he moved into housing, his caseworker, Carmen Sanchez, encouraged him to reach out to Harbor Connects for support getting reestablished.

“I needed everything—utilities, phone service, furniture. Everything you lose when you lose your home.”

Through Harbor Connects, he was connected to Travis, who assisted with his electricity deposit, phone setup, and a few urgent bills. But even more than material support, he found reassurance.

“Sometimes, I just needed to talk things through. Knowing someone was there made all the difference.”

Between Harbor Interfaith and Harbor Connects, he found more than services—he found a sense of community.

When asked what he wants people in the community to understand, he’s clear:

“There’s this idea that shelters have plenty of space. They don’t. Especially not for men. And people forget—this could be someone’s brother, cousin, coworker.”

He urges the community to respond with empathy: “You have to see the unhoused as neighbors. Treat people who are unhoused the way you’d treat a neighbor or a loved one. With kindness. With respect.”

LOOKING AHEAD

He doesn’t sugarcoat the experience, but he also doesn’t dwell on it. With stable housing, a supportive network, and a job he enjoys, he’s optimistic.

“What’s next? Hopefully something good. I know I’m going to be okay—I have faith and I believe in myself.”

Today, he’s once again working as a financial advisor, helping people plan for their future. spt

One Foodie’s Adventures in Croatia

As cliché as this may sound, Croatia has been on my bucket list ever since I swiftly Googled the location of the exterior shots of Kings Landing from the series Game of Thrones—I was immediately mesmerized by the scenery. 

I am freshly back and ready to share the most memorable meals with you. 

Let’s start with the must-have traditional Croatian food.

Burek is a beloved Balkan savory rolled-and-baked phyllo dough pastry traditionally filled with cheese, spinach, or meat. Burek was the first and last food item I had because I love it so much. It can be purchased at bakeries and the omnipresent popular chain Mlinar. 

In Split, a must is soparnik, a flat pie stuffed with leafy greens, such as chard. This savory hand-held treat is recognized as a piece of Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage. 

While in Zadar, our tour guide Dina from Šušur, took us on a delicious and informative culinary exploration of traditional Croatian staples: crni rižot—“black risotto” made with cuttlefish, locally produced prosciutto, and Paški Sir—a cheese made with milk from sheep that graze on hardy herbs covered in salt particles scattered by dry Bora winds. We wrapped up the tour with cevapcici served with Balkan flatbread lepinja, red pepper relish ajvar, and creamy cheese kajmak. The tastings included a variety of Croatian wine pairings and a locally crafted beer by Brlog brewery in Zadar. 

Veal peka from Konoba Toni in Skradin. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

We had a fantastic veal peka at Konoba Toni in Skradin. Peka is a traditional Croatian cooking method where meat or seafood is slow-roasted with vegetables for hours in an outdoor oven. For this technique, the pot’s dome-shaped lid is covered with hot coal, which cooks the food with heat from above and below. This cooking process allows for deeper flavor and tender meats. Our veal pieces were flanked by equally flavorful potatoes, carrots, and red peppers, as well as bread baked in the same outdoor oven. 

Through Adriatic Travel, we booked a seven-day boat tour. I was very impressed with our daily three-course lunches made by our onboard chef, Ivan, and his assistant. A fantastic meal was the Pašticada, a traditional Croatian braised beef dish, similar to a pot roast, that is marinated and cooked in red wine and vinegar, along with vegetables, some of which are inserted into the roast. Some also add select fruit for added depth of flavor. The result is a tender roast served with a thick sauce, sliced over gnocchi. 

The catch of the day from the Adriatic Sea at Paradise Garden Restaurant in Hvar. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

While in Dalmatia, seafood is a must. We had an exquisite meal at Paradise Garden Restaurant in Hvar, both in terms of ambiance and the food itself. There is something special about having the catch of the day from the Adriatic Sea, in particular, when the fish is cooked whole on charcoal and fileted tableside by your server. We chose crispy cucumber salad, fried potatoes, and seasonal grilled vegetables as sides, which were a perfect match with our fresh fish. 

Other noteworthy meals included dinner in Dubrovnik at Taj Mahal, a Bosnian restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide and well known for its cevapcici, which was one of the best I had during my trip. I also enjoyed a great glass of Plavac Mali red wine, which was recommended by our server. 

At Skver Konoba in Korčula, a must-have is žrnovski makaruni, a traditional recipe indigenous to the island, which is hand-rolled oblong hollow-shaped pasta served with a braised meat sauce that is not tomato-based. 

A Taste of Croatia: cevapcici served with Balkan flatbread. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

I had a lot of octopus, but pizza kornati at Pizzeria Maslina in Ždrelac captured my heart. The pizza toppings were olive pesto, mozzarella, thinly sliced octopus, and motar—aromatic pickled leaves from a plant that grows along the Adriatic Sea and is often used in Dalmatian cuisine.   

Now, on to drinks. The most popular wines in Dalmatia are made with locally grown grapes pošip (white wine) and plavac mali (red wine). We had a few wine tasting adventures, including a visit to Grgić Vina (the same winemaker as Grgich Hills Estate in Napa Valley) in Trstenik. Another must is rakija, a beloved brandy traditionally made with either grapes or plums, but it can also be flavored with any desired fruit.  

There were four popular drinks that I was introduced to, which pleasantly surprised me: bevanda—a Dalmatian mix of wine and still water, gemišt—a popular central Croatian mix of wine and sparkling water, miš-maš red wine mixed with orange-flavored Fanta, and bambus red wine mixed with Coca-Cola.   

 It was truly a delicious trip! spt

Trivia Tuesdays Take Off

On an ordinary Tuesday evening, laughter drifts out onto 7th Street from Port Town Brewing Company. 

Inside, tables are clustered with neighbors, newcomers, and even the occasional tall ship crew from the harbor—all hunched over pens and paper, debating trivia questions. A retired teacher stands at the front of the room, near a giant Post-it pad, grinning as if she has just handed out a pop quiz.

Welcome to Trivia Night, San Pedro style.

What started last August as a simple idea—a few current and retired San Pedro High School teachers looking for an affordable night out while supporting a local business—has turned into a weekly tradition of connection and good vibes. 

“We thought it would be fun to help bring people in on a Tuesday night. In the beginning, we called it ‘teachers-on-a-budget trivia,’” says Tobey Shulman, a retired SPHS teacher after 36 years of service to education and one of the event’s organizers. “And it’s grown beyond what we imagined.” 

SCHOOL SPIRIT MEETS PUB NIGHT

From the very beginning, Trivia Night has had an unmistakable teacher touch. The evening is organized like a miniature school day:

• Period 1: History & Geography

• Period 2: Math & Science

• Period 3: English

• Recess (Break)

• Period 4: Health & P.E.

• Period 5: Elective

• Period 6: Arts

It’s structured, snappy, and, best of all, done in about an hour. There are no apps or screens—just paper, pencils, and plenty of laughter. “It’s low-tech, low-stakes, and high fun,” Shulman says. Winning teams earn four drink coupons donated by brewery co-owner Jason Welke, while newcomers and high scorers sometimes get quirky stickers or merch.

A ROOM FULL OF FAMILIAR FACES (AND NEW ONES TOO)

San Pedro is a town that loves its teachers, and seeing them in a whole new role—laughing over tacos and trivia—brings out a unique sense of community. 

When my kids were in school, I always noticed how close-knit the staff was, no matter what was happening behind the scenes. They stuck together and welcomed everyone. Trivia Night feels like that—open, warm, and a fun way to learn and connect. 

That warmth has attracted a growing mix of participants. Residents who’ve just moved downtown wander in to meet their neighbors. Crews from the tall ships docked nearby have been known to stop by. And there’s almost always a taco vendor, adding to the festive, casual feel with dogs and children (you can also bring your own food—or even cake, if you’re celebrating).

A HISTORY SPACE WITH A NEW ENERGY

Port Town Brewing Company itself is worth a visit, even if you’re not a trivia fan. Housed in the historic Liberty Auditorium, built in 1918, the building first hosted dances featuring some of America’s earliest jazz musicians—all while remaining a “dry” venue. It later became an auto garage and diner before sitting empty for years, until Welke and his partner, James Brown, owner of San Pedro Brewing Company, transformed it into a craft brewery.

“Port Town was designed to offer something different for downtown—a space that honors its early Americana roots while giving the community something fresh,” Welke explains. “My vision is quality beer, a beautiful space, and something different for San Pedro.”

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whether you come for the competition, the tacos, or simply the company, Trivia Night has become more than a game—it’s a gathering point. And if trivia isn’t your thing, Port Town also hosts salsa classes, yoga-and-brews nights, and other public events.

Trivia Night is free every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Port Town Brewing Company (285 W. 7th Street). For more information, call (310) 347-8032.

Bring your friends or come alone, grab a taco, and get ready to put that random knowledge to good use—you might even walk out with a prize, or at least a few new friends. spt

Still Cruisin’

The car culture of the 1960s and ’70s shaped a generation of San Pedrans. 

If you grew up in San Pedro during that era, you couldn’t avoid it. Those were the days of clubhouses and cruising, what many view as San Pedro’s “Golden Era.” For them, American Graffiti wasn’t just a movie; it was real life.

These days, few groups reflect that spirit of San Pedro better than the Legends Vintage Car Club.

For the past 25 years, this close-knit group of San Pedro car enthusiasts has been more than just a club; it has become a part of the fabric of the San Pedro community. 

Founded in 2000 by retired fisherman and longshoreman Pat Califano, along with a handful of friends, including David Lomeli and Rene Lopez, the Legends were formed not only to celebrate vintage cars but also to give back to the San Pedro community in which they grew up and love. 

Ike Medina’s 1937 Chevy. (photo: Randy Gomez / Legends Vintage Car Club)

“We’ve all been blessed by God raising our families here,” says Lou Roupoli, a retired LAFD assistant fire chief and current club president who’s been a member since 2012. “Now it’s time to give back to our town.”

What began as a few friends with a passion for classic cars has grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities across the Harbor Area. 

“We figured, if we do it ourselves, we can make sure the money goes to charity,” says Califano, who is no longer an active member but maintains an honorary status. 

What began with just half a dozen members quickly grew. By 2004, the club made Point Fermin Park the permanent home for its signature event, the Car Show by the Sea. Over the next two decades, it grew into one of the largest vintage car gatherings in Southern California.

A SUMMER STAPLE

This year’s Car Show by the Sea will be held on Sunday, August 31, and promises another full day of nostalgia, music, and family-friendly fun. More than 20,000 people are expected to pass through, with classic cars arriving from all over the western United States. 

“We’ve had cars come in from California, Arizona, Nevada, even New Mexico,” says Roupoli. “And this year, we’re expecting another great turnout.”

Legends members enjoying a past car show. (photo: Legends Vintage Car Club)

It hasn’t always been this big. The first Legends car show took place in 2000, featuring 150 cars. During its early years, it was held in different local parks before settling at Point Fermin in 2004. By 2016, the event had grown so much that nearly 800 cars filled the park in a single year. 

“We thought it was too much,” admits Roupoli. “So we agreed with the city to cap it at 400 to keep it manageable.”

Organizing a car show of this size requires a lot of effort. The Legends work with several city agencies, including the LAPD, the LAFD, the Department of Transportation, Recreation and Parks, and the Council District 15 office. 

Over the years, councilmembers Rudy Svorinich, Janice Hahn, Joe Buscaino, and now Tim McOsker have supported the event by assisting with logistics and permits.

“Councilman McOsker will be there this year to welcome the crowd and present the Councilman’s Award for best in show,” says Roupoli, who also owns Lou’s Floor and General Contracting at Weymouth Corners.

The event also features live music by The Topics (featuring club member Vince La Farga), a variety of food and merchandise vendors, and custom trophies—including the Pat Califano Award, named in honor of the club’s founder, who chooses one of his favorite cars each year.

BUILT ON NOSTALGIA, DRIVEN BY COMMUNITY

Like most enthusiasts, Califano’s love for classic cars dates back to his youth. 

“My first car was a 1948 Aero Sedan I bought for $250 when I was 16,” he recalls with a grin. “We cruised all day on Pacific.”

Pat Califano’s 1952 Chevy. (photo: Randy Gomez / Legends Vintage Car Club)

His current pride and joy is a black 1952 Chevy, which he bought in 2011 in Arizona. It sat covered for a while until Califano decided it was time to bring it back to life. That restoration took six and a half years, but the result is one exquisite automobile. 

Roupoli, who owns several classic cars, selected his burgundy 1941 Chevrolet Cabriolet for our photoshoot for this month’s feature.

“15,296 were made. Fewer than 150 remain,” he says.

“The reason I like this car, it’s the first year that Chevrolet molded the headlights into the fenders. Prior to that, the headlights sat on top of the fenders. It’s the most accessorized vehicle that Chevrolet ever made.”

For the Legends, their cars are more than machines—they’re time capsules. “When I drive my car, I feel like I’m 18 again,” says Califano. “It takes me back to when San Pedro was full of clubhouses, cruising down Pacific Avenue, and hanging out at the park playing horseshoes.”

That era may be fading, but the Legends are doing their best to preserve it. “We’re the last generation that remembers what Pedro used to be,” says Califano. “We want to keep that spirit alive for as long as we can.”

Roupoli shares that hope. “I got my son Josh involved because I told him, ‘If you don’t learn the history of this town, it’s gone. It’s just one generation away from extinction.”

A LEGACY OF GIVING

What sets the Legends apart isn’t what they drive, but what they give. All proceeds from the car show, vendor booths, and club activities, including their annual dance and holiday toy drive, are donated directly to local charitable causes and nonprofits.

Frank Collelo’s 1956 Bel Air. (photo: Randy Gomez / Legends Vintage Car Club)

Their list of beneficiaries reads like a who’s who of community service: Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Harbor Interfaith Services, San Pedro Meals on Wheels, Rainbow Services, Toberman House, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, Wounded Warrior Project, City of Hope, Happy Hats for Kids with Cancer, the Beacon House, Boys and Girls Club, First Presbyterian Church Food Bank, Clean San Pedro, and many more.

Over the years, the club has also responded to individual needs—helping a young athlete pay for a trip to a national tournament, supporting a disabled man who lost his home in a fire, and contributing to the restoration of the Point Fermin Lighthouse. 

“We sit down as a club and divide the money among the organizations that need it most,” says Roupoli. “We don’t keep a dime.”

THE ROAD AHEAD

The Legends may be fewer in number—membership has dropped from 26 at its peak to just over a dozen today—but their spirit is strong.

Rudy Alba’s 1952 Chevy Fleetline. (photo: Randy Gomez / Legends Vintage Car Club)

Today’s officers include Roupoli as president, Josh Roupoli as vice president, Mark Tippett as treasurer, Frank Colello as secretary, and Whitey Griswold as sergeant-at-arms. Many of them have been friends for decades, and others, like Califano and Roupoli, are even family.

And while the club’s mission remains rooted in tradition, they’ve adapted to modern times. Their website (splegendscarclub.com) features car-of-the-month spotlights, photo galleries, and a store for club merchandise, all of which help raise funds year-round.

“I just think as we get older, I’m still hopeful [for the future], because San Pedro is a town of people that still love it, even if you’re the next generation coming up,” says Roupoli. “And I think that people will still give back to the town as time goes on. It may not be with the old cars, but it’ll be in another way. Because Pedro people are good people.” spt

Car Show by the Sea is Sunday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is FREE. For more information, visit splegendscarclub.com.

Cool Treats, Hot Days

The temperatures are warming up, and I don’t know about you, but there are times when I need something nice and cold to cool off on a hot day.

It’s during times like these that I am reminded that we are missing something that I’d love to have in this town: a gelato shop. 

Sure, there are some popular large-chain ice cream shops in town, like Baskin-Robbins (1013 S. Gaffey St.), Yogurtland (1000 N. Western Ave.), and Cold Stone Creamery (28154 S. Western Ave.). In addition, we will soon have a Handel’s Ice Cream (962 N. Western Ave.), although they don’t have an official opening date as of yet. 

So, where do I go for my cool-treat fix that fits my preference for small business? Well, that’s a bit challenging, but here are my suggestions. 

The Symphony Açaí Bowl from Rock’n Juice. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

Rock’n Juice (2470 S. Western Ave.) is owned by a group that operates several restaurants in the South Bay. The Pedro store is their only juice shop. The menu features a variety of juices, smoothies, and bowls. I have previously written about their juices, but on a hot summer day, an açai bowl is the perfect cold treat for me. 

I gravitate towards anything with fresh ginger; as such, my favorite bowl is the Symphony. It is made by blending açai, blueberries, raspberries, pineapple, banana, lemon, ginger, and coconut water. The creamy blend is topped with granola, banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, and a drizzle of honey and agave. On a good day, when the blend has a solid, creamy texture and isn’t slushy, it’s a pretty filling, cool treat. 

Frozen yogurt from Granny’s Yogurt. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

If I’m in the mood for frozen yogurt, I head to Granny’s Yogurt (316 N. Western Ave.). The owners have another store in La Verne in addition to the one in town. The shop also offers smoothies and boba drinks. I like to head to the frozen yogurt machines and pick a couple of flavors that complement each other, depending on what’s available. However, my favorite aspect here is the variety of toppings that can be added to one’s frozen yogurt. These include fresh fruit, nuts, cereal, crumbled cookies, and candy. Given my love for gummy bears, they are always my number one choice. 

Guava and tamarind paleta from La Michoacana. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)

Then there is La Michoacana (683 W. 9th St.). Small business? No. In fact, you will find various companies with variations of the popular words “La Michoacana” all over Southern California. They all make paletas, which are frozen blended fruits or ice cream on a stick that have been very popular in Mexico and have now found their footing across the border. 

The menu on the wall features a variety of colorful options, including ice cream, juices, and several popular Mexican snacks. Personally, I love their extensive selection of paletas. There is something for everyone’s taste, ranging from single-flavor frozen fruit options to traditional ice cream on a stick flavors. 

I love tropical fruit; as such, selections such as mango and pineapple appeal to me. I recently discovered their guava flavor. It’s excellent, but be aware that it includes guava seeds, which are not soft, so you’ll need to get past their hard texture. Since anything with chili and chamoy is very popular now, there are also several combinations made with pineapple, cucumber, and/or mango. 

The good news is that these are individually wrapped, so you can buy as many as you would like to keep in your fridge for when the need arises. It’s the perfect cold treat, and depending on the choice, it’s kind of guilt-free. spt

2025 Mid-Year Market Review

As real estate professionals and regular contributors to San Pedro Today, we take pride in staying in tune with the local housing market—especially here along the coast in San Pedro and Rancho Palos Verdes. 

We aim to provide insights that reflect both the numbers and the unique lifestyle that makes our corner of the Greater South Bay so desirable. 

In our 2024 “Year in Review,” we noted that sales volume in San Pedro had increased modestly by +11.2% (+27 SFRs sold) from 2023, while the median home price increased by +2.7% to $950,000 during the same period. 

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, the number of homes sold increased slightly (+1.8%), with an average median home price of $1.867 million, a 2.8% increase from the previous year.    

Entering 2025, the California Association of Realtors® projected an increase in existing SFR home sales to total 304,400 units, up +10.5% from 2024’s revised projection of 275,400. The California median home price was forecast to climb +4.6% to $909,400 in 2025, following a projected +6.8% increase to $869,500 in 2024 from 2023’s $814,000. 

The average 30-year, fixed mortgage interest rate was projected to decline from 6.6% in 2024 to 5.9% in 2025.  

Through the first half of 2025, interest rates have hovered in the high 6% range, mainly due to stubborn inflation. While the Federal Reserve has hinted at more possible rate cuts later this year, our coastal market has continued to show resilience in the face of elevated borrowing costs.

So, how has our coastal market performed in 2025?

In San Pedro, 123 SFRs sold between January and mid-June—down -4.65% from 129 during the same time in 2024. The median sales price climbed 6.27%, from $988,000 to $1,050,000. Days on Market (DOM) remained flat at 18 days, a sign that serious buyers remain active.

In Rancho Palos Verdes, the market told a slightly different story. 132 SFR homes sold, up +6.45% from 124 sales a year ago. The median sales price remained flat to slightly down, from $1,854M to $1,850M. Homes were also taking longer to sell, with the DOM increasing from 13 to 29 days compared to the same period a year prior.

Across the Greater South Bay, overall sales volume increased by 5.79%, with 1,442 homes sold in the first half of 2025, compared to 1,363 sold during the same period last year. The median SFR price increased by 8.40%, from $1.190M to $1.290M. The average DOM increased from 12 to 15 days, showing steady buyer interest despite rate pressure.

What stands out in our coastal markets is that lifestyle continues to drive demand. Whether it’s the historic charm, LA Harbor and Catalina Island views, walkable coastline access in San Pedro, or the coastal canyons and panoramic ocean views in RPV, buyers are still willing to compete for the right home in the right location. A strong local economy and persistently lower inventory continue to buffer price softening—even with rates remaining higher than expected.

As we move into the second half of 2025, we’ll be watching mortgage rates, inventory levels, and how buyers respond to the Fed’s late-year decisions. Regardless of how the broader market evolves, our coastal communities remain uniquely positioned, thanks to their blend of natural beauty, location, and community investment. 

We look forward to bringing you our “Year in Review” in January and continuing to track trends along the coastline we call home. spt

Crosswalks with a Story

Some projects take years to coalesce, and for years, I’ve been fascinated by creative ways to make streets safer and more pedestrian-friendly. 

Released in March 2022, the Asphalt Art Safety Study found that city streets with asphalt art became significantly safer for pedestrians after incorporating art into roadway redesigns.

Painted crosswalks have become commonplace as a pedestrian safety measure across the United States and around the world. The instantly recognizable white stripes guide pedestrians and alert drivers to pay extra attention. 

A growing trend involves cities replacing traditional uniform white crosswalks with colorful, eye-catching alternatives that serve both as art and enhanced safety tools. Cities often install creative crosswalks as an artistic community enhancement or even a municipal branding effort, and they can also offer safety benefits. Drivers tend to notice patterns and bright colors more than the familiar white paint on asphalt.  

To this end, the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District was awarded a Port of Los Angeles Community Grant last year and is using the funds to install a wayfinding demonstration site for an artist-designed crosswalk at 6th and Harbor. Additionally, Arts United San Pedro funded a second crosswalk at the bottom of 6th Street, parallel to Harbor. Both crosswalks are set to be installed by late June or early July. 

We have been collaborating with Creative Paving Solutions, the vendor responsible for supplying the materials and performing the necessary labor for the completion of the project. 

We conducted an extensive Call for Qualifications to solicit artist ideas for these crosswalks, received over 27 submissions, and created a social media program to engage the community in the final choice of artists. You might have seen the designs by three of the semi-finalists—Daisuke Okamoto, Rachel Berkowitz, and Lua Kobayashi—on Instagram.

Based on your feedback, we hired Lua Kobayashi for her design of bluefin tuna swimming across the street.

Lua explains, “I am thrilled to have designed this crosswalk to honor my heritage. The piece, titled Furusato (Home Sweet Home), honors the Japanese American fishing community of Terminal Island, once affectionately known by this name. Drawing inspiration from traditional Gyotaku—the Japanese art of fish printing used to commemorate the catch of the day—Pacific bluefin tuna appear across the crosswalk in rich blue hues, evoking the spirit of koinobori streamers flown on Children’s Day. This design pays tribute to the fishermen whose traditions and innovations helped shape the identity and legacy of San Pedro. Inspired by archival photos and the movement of Miyazaki films, the work invites pedestrians into a living memory of the sea and those who worked it. I feel a real connection to this area as my great-grandfather transported fish from Terminal Island to greater Los Angeles, when my family was first trying to become established in this country.”

Kobayashi is a California-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice spans photography, video, and installation. A 2019 graduate of UCLA with a BA in Art, her work is motivated by a desire to uncover the hidden stories embedded in everyday objects, places, and people. Her curiosity stems from her upbringing in suburban California and her family’s experience with the Japanese American incarceration camps—histories that continue to inform and shape her artistic practice. Her work has been showcased in juried exhibitions across the U.S., culminating in a debut solo exhibition, “Where a Forest Once Grew”—co-sponsored by Aratani and the UCLA Asian American Studies Department in 2023. 

Stay tuned for information about the unveiling of this crosswalk during the Art District Guided ArtWalk Tour. spt

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