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
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
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
Peck Park Canyon, also known as Miraflores Canyon, is a 30-acre expanse of natural beauty quietly nestled within San Pedro.
With its shaded trails, native plants, and diverse wildlife, the canyon has become a favorite destination for hikers, runners, dog walkers, and cross-country teams. The trails are named in honor of Ray Patricio, a community activist and longtime volunteer who, along with many others, helped preserve and enhance this special place.
Friends of Peck Park Canyon, a grassroots group of local volunteers, collaborates with Los Angeles Recreation and Parks to maintain the area. One of the group’s most active members is Allen Franz, a native plant expert who has played a key role in restoring the landscape. He has been essential in establishing a native plant garden and organizing volunteer workdays focused on weeding and habitat improvement.
“The Peck Park Canyon is a hidden treasure just steps away from Western Avenue,” says Franz. “It’s San Pedro’s most diverse ecosystem, with trees, a stream, birds, plants, and wildlife. Adding native plants helps provide shelter and food for the animals that live here, from birds to insects. Time spent in nature is proven to be good for your health. I encourage people to get outside.”
Another key figure in the canyon’s transformation is Diana Nave, who has been volunteering in various roles for years. While serving on the Northwest San Pedro Neighborhood Council, she helped secure Proposition O funding, which was used to restore trails and build footbridges. Working with neighbors and with support from the California Native Plant Society’s South Coast Chapter, she also contributed to creating the native garden filled with plants purchased from the Palos Verdes Land Conservancy.
The canyon’s history stretches far beyond modern community efforts. Long before it became a public park, this land was inhabited by the Tongva people, the original inhabitants of the Los Angeles Basin. Later, it served as the original water source for San Pedro, under the control of the Sepulveda family. During the Rancho days, the site was home to the Hernandez Ranch, where Albert Hernandez raised horses, goats, and cattle. He tended the land by hand for decades, pulling weeds and keeping it clean until his passing.
Much of what we now know as Peck Park comes from the legacy of George H. Peck, a wealthy real estate developer and philanthropist who played a significant role in shaping early San Pedro. Beginning in 1929, Peck started donating land that resulted in the creation of four parks in San Pedro, each named after one of his children: Leland, Reina, Alma, and Peck Park—the largest of the four. The Peck family’s influence extended beyond just land; George Peck’s estate also contributed to constructing the Peck Park gymnasium and supported the planting of unique specimen trees and plants from around the world, many of which still line the trailheads today.
“It’s a beautiful canyon that connects all the way to Bandini Canyon,” says Nave. “With natural springs and peaceful bridges, you feel like you’ve stepped into a completely different world.”
Nave leads free guided nature walks through the canyon on the third Wednesday and fourth Saturday of each month at 9 a.m., starting at the lower parking lot on the southwest corner. Volunteer workdays in the native garden, located near the entrance at Walker and Elberon, are also held regularly. The next one is scheduled for July 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.
To learn more about Friends of Peck Park Canyon, you can find them on Facebook or contact Diana Nave at diananave@gmail.com to join the email list. spt
Girl Scouts of all ages, from kindergarten to 12th grade, unleash their potential through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience—a series of engaging, challenging, and fun activities, including earning badges, going on fantastic trips, selling cookies, exploring science, getting outdoors, and performing community service projects.
As a San Pedro Girl Scout Leader for over two decades and a local community advocate, my passion has been to introduce girls to the joy of giving back to their community. In 2024, I developed the Adopt a Nonprofit program, which provides our local troops with a list of various organizations to “adopt” while teaching them how a nonprofit operates and how to utilize their leadership skills to lead service projects.
The first troop to join this program was Troop 70333, led by Briana and Ronnie Ernandes, and the results are incredible. This troop adopted the YWCA of the Harbor Area and South Bay, whose mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. You can learn more about this YWCA at ywcaharbor.org.
Here is a list of their local community projects:
• Assisted the YWCA with their “Breakfast with Santa” event last December, during which they donated over 400 toys to the attending kids.
• Assembled 100 hygiene kits for individuals experiencing homelessness, along with 20 fleece blankets, and assisted in sorting food for a Friday distribution.
• Hosted a booth at a wellness fair and their first-anniversary food distribution in Wilmington, where 100 “Birthday in a Box” kits that the girls made were distributed.
• Made a little free library on wheels for the YWCA.
• Made a playground communication board for the YWCA World Tots preschool and will be donating toys and teacher supplies to the preschool.
• Created memory care blankets for the Silverado Rolling Hills Memory Care Community.
• Made 24 cat and 24 dog pet-care kits donated to Pedro Pet Pals for pet adoption events.
• Additionally, they donated Halloween costumes to the YWCA thrift shop, assisted at the YWCA Julia Morgan Open House, and participated in projects with other nonprofits, including Maria’s Closet, Meals on Wheels, and Roots and Shoots at the Jane Goodall Day of Peace event.
Are you as impressed as I am with the volume of community service projects by this troop?
ADULT LEADERS NEEDED
More girls want to join Girl Scouts, but there is a massive shortage of adult leaders. I can personally attest that being a troop leader has been both inspiring and fulfilling, and I genuinely believe I get more from the girls than they do from me. What an amazing journey this has been.
As a volunteer, you will introduce the next generation of girl leaders to new experiences as they explore their communities, solve problems, and work towards goals. They will make the world a better place and feel proud of what makes them unique, all the while creating a community of forever friends. You will be their guide in helping them develop essential life skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.
But this cannot happen without more leaders. You don’t have to have a child of your own to get involved—you simply must care. The Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles can help. Contact Mirlet Victorio at mvictorio@girlscoutsla.org to learn more. spt
For generations, the Cabrillo Beach Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular, an event founded by the legendary John Olguin, has illuminated the skies high above Cabrillo Beach.
Now nearing its 75th anniversary, this iconic event has long symbolized tradition, community, and the sheer joy of watching the night sky burst with color over the San Pedro Bay.
Last year, the Cabrillo Beach Boosters took a bold step into the future by introducing a drone light show instead of traditional fireworks. It may not have been their first choice, but it took courage to organize the entire event in just 45 days after the fireworks vendor fell through. While there were clear benefits, it also provided valuable insights into where improvements are necessary.
Thanks to nearly 400 survey responses from attendees and local residents, we now have a detailed understanding of how the community reacted to this change and what they hope to see in the future.
WHAT THE COMMUNITY SAID
• 61% of respondents had never seen a drone show before, which made the experience novel and exciting for most.
• Two-thirds of attendees found the show to be somewhat to extremely unique, but only one-third rated it “good” or better.
• 93% of everyone—myself included—felt that the show was too short, which clearly indicated that the performance lacked the pacing and emotional buildup of traditional fireworks.
• 60% appreciated the organization of the event, and 57% said parking was easy—logistics we can feel good about.
• Interestingly, more than half watched the show from home, rooftops, or nearby lookout spots, highlighting how the visual scale and brightness extended over a large area of San Pedro.
• Only one in five people listened to the musical simulcast, which was a missed opportunity for deeper entertainment and storytelling.
• 70% thought the venue was good, and two-thirds felt they had sufficient information beforehand, indicating that the foundation for community engagement is strong.
• Still, 70% of survey respondents indicated a preference for fireworks, while only 43% expressed interest in attending another drone show in 2025.
While the drone show was a promising test of early-generation technology, it hasn’t quite matched the grandeur of the fireworks that have defined this event for decades. With 70% of our community calling for the return of fireworks, the message is clear: Bring back fireworks this year.
From a practical standpoint, cost is also a key factor. The drone show, while environmentally forward-thinking, costs twice as much as traditional fireworks. That’s a heavy lift for any budget, especially when the technology hasn’t fully caught up with the audience’s expectations.
Fireworks are a complicated issue. They affect the environment, our pets, veterans, and neighbors who are sensitive to sound. The political turmoil of today may make many of us feel somewhat less celebratory this year. However, with the show taking place on July 5, there will be increased police and fire resources deployed on the streets of San Pedro to address illegal fireworks on the 4th, which we can all agree is out of control.
This isn’t about turning our backs on innovation; it’s about listening to the community while planning a future that blends tradition with technology. The goal should be to develop a hybrid drone and fireworks show that honors the past while thoughtfully moving into the future. With continued testing, community input, and budget-friendly strategies, drone shows will have their day.
I am eager to see what we can do to replace fireworks with an eco-friendly alternative that matches the scale and duration our community expects. But this year, the 75th anniversary includes the return of a full fireworks spectacular, a blazing tribute to John Olguin’s vision and the generations of families who’ve watched the night sky explode in celebration.
Support the Cabrillo Beach Boosters, enjoy live music and BBQ, and get front-row VIP access to view the fireworks from the Cabrillo Beach Youth Waterfront Sports Center. Purchase tickets at The Den, located next to The Corner Store at 1126 W. 37th Street. Free viewing spots are available at the Cabrillo Marina, Cabrillo Beach and Pier, and the Lookout on Gaffey. I hope to see you there, celebrating liberty and justice for all. spt
As a parent of two kids, ages 14 and 11, I understand the daily juggling act of balancing work, family, and the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
One of the most significant challenges many parents face is maintaining healthy eating habits amidst the chaos of family life. It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming our kids for poor dietary choices, but the reality is that we, as parents, hold the reins.
Let’s face it: life can be hectic. Between school runs, extracurricular activities, and family obligations, it’s tempting to reach for convenience foods. Fast food and processed snacks often seem like the easiest options, especially when the kids are hungry and time is short. However, this convenience comes at a cost. While it might save a few minutes in the kitchen, it can lead to unhealthy eating patterns that affect the entire family.
As parents, we are the gatekeepers of our family’s nutrition. We have the power to set the tone for healthy eating in our households. Instead of using our kids as an excuse to indulge in unhealthy eating habits, we can take proactive steps to create an environment where nutritious choices are the norm.
Start by involving your children in the meal-planning process. Ask for their input on healthy recipes they want to try. This not only empowers them but also teaches them valuable skills about nutrition and cooking. What a skill it is for your kids to know how to meal prep and cook dinner for more than just themselves. That’s a life skill every kid needs to learn.
It’s crucial to lead by example. If we want our children to make healthier choices, we must model those behaviors ourselves. This doesn’t mean we have to give up all indulgences; rather, it’s about finding a balance. Consider establishing family meals that prioritize whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Involve your kids in preparing these meals, turning it into a fun family activity.
Remember, it’s natural for kids to crave sweets and snacks, but it’s our responsibility to provide healthier alternatives. Instead of chips, keep a variety of fruits and nuts available for when cravings hit. When they see you enjoying these snacks, they’re more likely to follow your example.
One of the most significant hurdles is the “busy parent” mentality, where we convince ourselves that we don’t have time to eat healthily. The truth is, healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Meal prepping on weekends can save you time during the week. Prepare large batches of quinoa, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken that can be used in a variety of meals.
Additionally, consider involving your kids in this process. Teaching them about meal prep not only eases your burden but also fosters healthy habits that will benefit them in the long run.
The struggle for healthy eating as a parent is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to adapt. Instead of viewing your kids as obstacles to healthy eating, see them as partners in the process. By taking control and making conscious choices, you can create a healthier lifestyle for your family—one meal at a time.
Ultimately, we are the architects of our family’s nutrition. Let’s build a foundation that promotes health and wellness, ensuring our kids grow up with the knowledge and habits to make informed choices for themselves. spt
The three members of Mirrored Vision sit side by side on an old sofa at Lockout Music Studios in San Pedro when the band’s lead singer, Mitchel Wilson, notices the huge photo of Black Flag high on the wall above them.
He asks the other two if they’ve ever heard that story about the time in 1981 when the student council at San Pedro High School booked the legendary Hermosa Beach band—fronted by its new lead singer, Henry Rollins—to play the school, without bothering to inform the administration what was coming.
“Yeah,” says Wilson, laughing, “the principal pulled that plug pretty quickly.”
Mirrored Vision (l to r): John Alanouf, Mateo Toro, and Mitchel Wilson. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
Such stories are more than mere trivia for this trio: Wilson and his bandmates John Alanouf and Mateo Toro are fully aware of their place in the musical tradition of Los Angeles’ South Bay. Stories like that of a young Black Flag playing the home of the Pirates, says Wilson, “just make me proud of being from San Pedro. We have that lineage.”
It’s a lineage that runs deep through the industrial landscape of this harbor town. Wilson arrived here at the age of 15, leaving both home and school in Redondo Beach in 1991 to move into a studio apartment at 10th and Meyler with a death rock band called Dark Enthrallment.
“Even then, I knew we were descended from the Minutemen and that whole early San Pedro punk scene,” he says. The town continues to influence his musical sensibilities: “Old ghosts all the way back—sailors and the port and pirates and satanic bunkers.”
For Toro, the drummer who came from Colombia via the San Fernando Valley, San Pedro felt like a journey back in time. “I was living in the Glendale area, and it all felt very plastic to me coming from Colombia, where everything’s very raw. Then I came down to San Pedro and found this skate park under the bridge of a highway, and I was like, ‘What the hell? That still exists?’”
Wilson. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
Bassist Alanouf drives from Costa Mesa for rehearsals, a journey that’s as much psychological as it is physical. “You get shaken up a little bit. You almost die around the big rigs in your little car, and you get over the bridge and arrive at this old building.” That building, Lockout Studios, with its thin insulation where every DIY band bleeds through the walls, enhances the immersion. “I’m from a place where it’s all businesses and strip malls, and then I find myself here, in this punk rock place.”
San Pedro exists in geographical limbo, “almost like a Bermuda Triangle,” Alanouf says, as he turns toward Wilson and Toro, asking, “Does your mail even say San Pedro on it, or does it say Los Angeles? It’s not LA, it’s not Long Beach. It’s not anything like Orange County. It definitely is just Pedro.” Like other cities known for their musical culture—Nashville, New Orleans, Austin—“There’s music here, but it feels like it’s a dirtier harbor version.”
Mirrored Vision emerged from pandemic boredom in 2020 when a former bandmate approached Wilson about writing songs online. Wilson, a self-taught musician who hadn’t performed live in over a decade, agreed on one condition: “I’d only be interested if the songs are great, if we push and complete an album.”
Toro. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
Alanouf, meanwhile, was using the COVID lockdowns to teach himself bass on a cheap pawnshop instrument, posting videos of his progress on social media. Wilson, noting that Alanouf was “fresh from a divorce,” suggested the band might help him get back into the social scene if those lockdowns ever ended. Despite initial reluctance about the commute from Costa Mesa, Alanouf was hooked once he heard the demos.
That first incarnation fizzled. Then Wilson started frequenting Distrito, a cafe in Downtown San Pedro, which Toro co-owns, where Wilson would hear the band’s debut album Unprecedented on the shop’s turntable.
“We had a throne available for a beat king like Mateo,” says Wilson. “I pushed him to audition, and he came in with a furious thunder, and there was instantly a connection between the three of us.”
The band’s new EP Vera Volantis—meaning “true will”—releases July 18, the day before their record release show at The Sardine. The six-song set represents their first truly collaborative effort. “It really is the first release because it’s the three of us and the real incarnation of the band,” says Wilson.
Alanouf. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres)
Their influences sprawl across the musical landscape. Toro, a self-described “’ 90s-punk kid,” points to Travis Barker and the Transplants, along with the Misfits and even Dave Matthews Band. Alanouf balances the raw aggression with ’80s New Wave—Joy Division, The Cure, and Sisters of Mercy. “I’m the least punk of the guys,” he says. “I like the attitude and energy of punk rock, but I don’t find myself listening to it a lot.” He’s always trying to find “some rhythmic thing that makes you want to dance instead of just punching your neighbor.”
Wilson’s vinyl collection runs deepest—5,000 records, if not more. His influences include The Chameleons, Gang of Four, David Bowie, and jazz pianist Bill Evans. “He plays a somber piano that could bring me to tears,” says Wilson. “His wife committed suicide, there was heroin addiction—it’s as punk rock as any punk rock story.”
What sets Mirrored Vision apart from rock ‘n’ roll’s time-honored recklessness is their professionalism. “We hope that’s an asset because, in music, there’s a lot of erratic behavior, a lot of unprofessionalism,” Wilson says. “We honor the music by not pissing all over it. We don’t get lit before we rehearse.”
Wilson’s attitude might have seemed outlandish to the original punk movement, but perhaps this evolution was inevitable. When an art form achieves sufficient cultural authority—complete with academic courses and museum exhibitions—its practitioners begin to treat it as a craft requiring professional standards rather than a weapon against them.
At recording sessions, established musicians are often surprised at the band’s efficiency. “They’re like, ‘you guys are doing that, in like, one take?’” says Wilson. “Well, that’s because we put in the work.”
Their approach mirrors their day jobs. Just down the street from Toro’s Distrito is Wilson’s Subterranean salon, while Alanouf is a self-employed hairstylist in Costa Mesa. “We all have day jobs and families and life,” Wilson says. “But I feel the music is really what we were born to do, so when it comes to Mirrored Vision, we’re serious about it.”
Live at The Sardine in San Pedro earlier this year. (photo: Carlos C. Caceres/Instagram: @carlitos.fx)
This controlled approach appears in their sound. “We want to bring chaos, but we also keep it tamed down a little bit,” says Toro. “You can hear it in the music.”
This mindset also reflects the realities of contemporary artistic ambition. Unlike the original San Pedro punks, who could survive on part-time work when rent was cheap, today’s musicians require steady day jobs to maintain the very studios and venues where they pursue their art. The members’ businesses are not obstacles to their creativity—they are the economic foundation that enables creativity.
That entrepreneurial mindset extends to how the trio approaches the band—and the music itself. “I just love the start-up energy,” says Alanouf. “Whether it’s a business or a band, I love bringing things together and into existence, and I love that we’re committed to doing that together and moving this music forward.” spt
I sometimes wonder if I’m truly making an impact on people. Is what I’m doing really making a difference?
Then my client Sally came in the other week after a 10-day trip to Japan with her 22-year-old daughter. She walked into the gym with an energy I thought was from being back in the gym—but it wasn’t. Her excitement wasn’t about barbells or burpees; it was about something bigger. She finally realized why she comes to the gym.
I asked her how her trip was, and she practically shouted, “I had an Eddie moment!” I couldn’t help but laugh. “What does that mean?” I asked curiously. That’s when she told me that there were actually a few “Eddie moments.”
The first one happened when Sally and her daughter biked around Mount Fuji. She explained how easy it felt for her—let me tell you, that ride is no walk in the park. It’s about 10-12 miles, roughly an hour of continuous pedaling (for any non-bikers reading). Her daughter, on the other hand, found it a serious challenge. Sally recounted this with just a little too much delight.
For once, the roles were reversed—her daughter was on the struggle bus, and Sally was coasting along. She was genuinely proud of herself, and I was proud of her, too. At 50 years old, Sally could enjoy a challenging bike ride with her daughter and not worry about keeping up. That’s fitness paying off in the real world.
The second “Eddie moment” came during the remaining days, when they hiked several 10-12 mile trails. Again, Sally grinned as she shared how she had to slow down for her daughter quite a few times. This wasn’t a smug smile; it was a proud one. She wasn’t happy that her daughter struggled—she was happy that she could do all those things and share those moments.
The third moment? Sally admitted she’s far from the perfect gym-goer. In fact, I usually have to call and remind her to get her butt to the gym. She comes reluctantly, but she comes. For the last 10 years, she’s put in the work: week after week, one or two (sometimes three) workouts, missing a stretch here and there, but always coming back.
She realized—with some amusement—that I was right: Working out really is like a savings account. Little deposits, made consistently, add up over time. That’s what let her enjoy every bit of her trip without worrying about being fit enough.
I’ve probably written about this before, but it’s worth repeating: Sometimes, you need to hear things a few times before it sinks in. One day, it hits you—I need to start taking care of myself.
If you’ve been putting it off, remember: The best time to start investing in yourself was seven years ago. The second-best time is today. Start putting those pennies in the bank. Aspire to be like Sally, and who knows—maybe you’ll surprise yourself and kick your 22-year-old kid’s butt, too. spt
When I first met Peter Scherrer, he impressed me as someone who is not afraid of taking bold, non-traditional actions to achieve substantial results, challenge the status quo, and make a lasting difference.
Independent and unconventional, Peter recently moved his gallery solo. into Downtown San Pedro at 366 W. 7th Street, the space once occupied by Meduina Schneider Art Gallery.
The idea behind solo. is simple. Peter has been staging solo shows by artists whose work he respects. He wants to treat artists as he, an artist himself, would like to be treated by a gallery. This means, amongst other things, well-curated shows, proper support materials, and a fair commission structure.
What landed you in San Pedro, and when?
Peter Scherrer: I moved to San Pedro at the tail end of the pandemic, pretty much four years ago now. I was visiting a friend in his studio and visited a studio space before heading back up to the Westside. So, I decided to give it a try.
Why did you take over the Menduina Schneider Art Gallery space?
Scherrer: I always thought the space would make for a great proper gallery, so when it became available, I took it. I was already familiar with the owner of the property, Robin Hinchcliffe, and I knew she’d like the idea of the space staying a gallery.
What is the vision and purpose for solo.?
Scherrer: The name says it. I plan to stage solo shows every couple of months. I intend to focus mainly on local artists. There is so much art talent in the neighborhood, but it’s a bit sleepy here for my taste, and I think the art scene here could use some exposure. San Pedro might be known as a neighborhood of artists, but it is not a neighborhood where art collectors come to visit. Maybe that can change.
Who are some of your featured artists?
Scherrer:Nancy Crawford – Known for her cinematic spaces evoking anticipation and longing, her work invites viewers into a world of seas, skies, and dream-like figures.
Ellwood T. Risk – We are, all of us, targets in one way or another. Even before we are old enough to understand them in any meaningful way or the role they will play in our lives, we are targeted by social norms, religions, various forms of print and electronic media, corporations, advertisers, and governments.
“Woody” is a self-taught artist who has been living and working in Los Angeles since 1992. To say his aesthetic is strong would be a gross understatement. Suggesting that it is safe would be wildly misguided. The artist has perfected a visual fashion infusing iconography, graphic content, and a strong artistic statement. That is to say, when you see an Ellwood Risk piece, you know it.
Yong Sin – Working primarily from the organizational grid and employing geometric austerity and deceptive plainness, Sin works in collage, painting, and mixed media. The meditative repetitiveness of the grid is often interrupted by quiet noise, but noise nonetheless, as the matrix flickers with near-kinetic energy.
Scherrer’s solo. is located at 366 W. 7th Street and is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., during the First Thursday ArtWalk, or by appointment. Follow them on Instagram @solosanpedro. spt
I know several people, including many friends, who have gone to college, gotten their degrees, started careers—many becoming teachers—and then turned to longshoring.
Ed Storti, a native San Pedran, is one of those rare individuals who had one of those highly coveted ILWU books and gave it all up to complete a college education, earn a master’s degree, and enter a white-collar profession.
Of course, after you’ve read his memoir, The Uninvited Guest: From the Docks to the Doorsteps, you realize he made the right decision, although it wasn’t immediately apparent as he struggled with anxiety and addiction. His journey to sobriety and learning how to help others as the developer of motivational intervention form the basis of his story.
The Uninvited Guest by Ed Storti
When Storti, now 83, was still a child, his longshoreman father moved the family to Lomita. Although raised in a stable, stereotypical Italian-American household, Storti was traumatized early on by a dog bite that left him fearful and insecure.
He joined the National Guard soon after graduating from Narbonne High (1961) and then joined his father on the waterfront, all the while descending into alcoholism. It took another traumatic event—a nearly fatal accident on the docks—that led him to reconsider the path he was on and that what he really wanted to do with his life was make a difference.
Along the way, he connects with a number of people who, in his words, become wingmen or wingwomen, helping him through the various stages of life that lead him to success in both his family life and career. The book is filled with names San Pedrans will be familiar with, including several old friends of mine.
At Narbonne, he got some helpful advice from teacher Sam Domancich. He got some equally good advice from another teacher while at Harbor College, Gordon Wells. Later, working at Toberman Settlement House and coaching youth football, he got to know Rene Monroy. Later in life, after establishing his own private consulting business, he hired Mary Margaret Lorenzi as his office manager. And, of course, there are his longshore buddies, too numerous to mention here.
Supporting him through thick and thin is his wife, JoAnn (nee Car), a San Pedro High grad (W`62) he met in 1965 at a dance hall; they will celebrate 57 years of marriage later this year. Their children, daughter, Kari, and son, Kris, have successful careers in medicine and law, respectively.
In the early 1970s, Storti was still working full-time as a longshoreman and still drinking, but had completed his AA degree at Harbor with the goal of coaching or pursuing a career in law enforcement. He had just started classes at Cal State Dominguez Hills when, while working at a steel job in Long Beach, a one-ton beam came loose and rolled onto his leg. After several surgeries and months of long and painful rehabilitation, he recovered but never considered returning to the docks.
Ed Storti. (photo: thestortimodel.com)
While at Dominguez Hills in 1975, Storti, suffering from blackouts and becoming more desperate to end his addiction to alcohol, started attending AA meetings and then entered a treatment program at Long Beach Memorial. Finally sober, he ended up working at the fledgling addiction treatment center at what was then San Pedro Peninsula Hospital, where, under the mentorship of Dr. Bill Rader, he began what became a nationally known career leading interventions.
The book contains inspiring stories of how his unique approach helped change and, in many cases, save the lives of people with an addiction. It explains the book’s title: It’s the family and friends of a loved one who seeks out his help, never the addict. In fact, the addict is often openly hostile to the interventionist, who, as the title suggests, appears uninvited at their doorstep.
Storti has written two previous books—Crisis Intervention and Heart to Heart: The Honorable Approach to Motivational Intervention—but The Uninvited Guest reveals the man behind the method that has made a difference in countless lives.
All of his books are available at Amazon or his website, thestortimodel.com. spt
