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Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

December brings with it the spirit of giving. Here are ways to give back to our local community and a few people looking to do just that.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN!
For the third year in a row, a few members of our community that love to serve San Pedro will be joining the big guy on his sleigh four nights this year. Santa’s Sleigh has been a huge success and embraced by many. There have been driveway parties, gender reveals and thousands of photos with the big guy. Show up to any of the locations below and come say hi to Santa and his helpers.

DECEMBER 4

  • Leland Elementary, 5:30 p.m- 7:30 p.m.
  • 26th and Patton, 7:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 6

  • Barton Hill Elementary, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • First Thursday at 6th and Mesa, 7:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 7

  • Weymouth Corners’ Candy Cane Lane, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

DECEMBER 11

  • Taper Avenue Elementary, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
  • Craig Place, 7:45 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Angel Gowns of South Bay will be continuing to meet on the third Saturday of the month, Dec 15. They will continue their ongoing collection of toiletries and (new) undergarments for local homeless teens.

They’re doing an extra collection in December for gift bags for homeless moms. Items needed include hair-brushes, lotion, nail polish, nail polish remover, nail clippers, slipper socks, hair accessories. Please direct any questions to KMFCreighton@Hotmail.com.

‘TIS THE SEASON WITH TOBERMAN

Breakfast with Santa – This annual event supports the community by providing toys for youth of all ages and breakfast with Santa. All activities are free. For more information, contact: (310) 832-1145, ext.106.

Adopt-A-Family – This program is an opportunity for individuals, teams, companies and organizations to reach out and lift up those in need, either through direct adoption or financial contribution. Your gift, large or small, makes a difference. For more information, contact: (310) 832-1145, ext. 162.

The MOMS Club of San Pedro is holding their annual Holiday Party Fundraiser December 9, from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. located at DanceTech (114 N. Pacific Ave.). So many activities and fun for the whole family. Karaoke, slime station, nacho bar, crafts for adults and children, photos, dancing, bake sale, sensory station, Redondo Beach therapy dog, raffle for Disneyland tickets and other prizes. Santa will also be attending, so bring the family down for a photo.

George Palaziol is the founder of Serving San Pedro. He can be contacted at servingsanpedro@gmail.com.

Five Steps to Selling Your Home for the Highest Price

Our San Pedro housing market is shifting slowly from a seller’s to a buyer’s market. Just a short time ago, there was competition for almost every property that came to market. Buyers are now taking their time and being a bit choosier. In order to get the absolute highest price for your home, following a
few simple guidelines will help.

1. Hire a Local Realtor – Before you do anything, interview a few local agents. More and more, buyers are from out of the area and have no idea about the community. San Pedro has its intricacies and an agent who grew up here, lives here, and loves it here is the best person to convey the reasons to move here. Buyers appreciate having their questions answered with honesty and from someone with an intimate knowledge of the area. Buyers tend to feel comfortable with an agent who they know they’ll run into in the grocery store.

2. Set the Stage – 90% of the work happens after you hire a realtor and before the property actually comes to market. Preparation is everything. Doing a pre-market inspection can give the opportunity to complete any repairs needed, circumventing surprise negotiations from the buyer asking for a price reduction during escrow.

Repair, de-clutter, and remove personal items. The goal is to have buyers focus on your home and not on your family photos or medicine cabinet trying to figure out who you are and where they’ve seen you.

Unless you are a designer or have a friend with the knack to make everything gorgeous, bring in a professional for help. Everyone appreciates great design, but most homes are designed for function and not aesthetics. A designer knows the best colors to paint the walls, where to move furniture, and if new furniture needs to be brought in, as well as art placement, lighting, and flow. Design dictates how buyers will feel when they explore the property. If the buyers feel comfortable, relaxed, and just a bit envious, that will translate into dollar signs when they write their offer.

Great curb appeal creates anticipation to get inside. Landscaping, including lighting, colorful healthy plants, a fountain, even holiday decorations are a plus.

3. Pricing – Listing at the right price, slightly under market value, will get the most traction. Don’t get stuck chasing the market down or thinking a higher list price will translate into a higher sale price, it’s typically just the opposite.

4. Effective Marketing – Every listing is different and demands different choices and strategic thinking. Your agent should carefully craft marketing first by figuring out who the likely buyer is, then figuring out how the property can be best be displayed for them. Most buyers start shopping online, therefore importance of well-planned and well-executed photographs cannot be over estimated. Ad/MLS copy should be concise and not excessive. Highlight special features without using long lists of what the property has. The goal is to persuade the reader to visit the property. Professional copywriters are a real plus. Video also gets more traction online than photos, and it’s best when video is used to tell a story about the home and the neighborhood.

5. Showing – When you’ve got your home in tip-top shape and it’s ready to go on the market and be shown, be sure it looks like the photos. Control the temperature, add softly scented candles, and leave quiet music on. Turn all the lights on and open any window coverings. Leave a bowl of treats as a thank you for viewing as well as unique printed material buyers can take with them. Take pets out of the home.

Most importantly, ask your agent to show the property in person. Their job is to sell the home, point out special features, sell the neighborhood, and answer questions. They also can determine who is serious about the home when they meet buyers in person.

Stay With You

“We literally have grown up together these past ten years,” says Alexa (Iacono).

Though the couple did not attend San Pedro High School at the same time, Anthony, aka Tripple, and Alexa both were involved in Pirates athletics, with Tripple playing football, and Alexa the captain of the short flags team.

The couple met and officially started dating in 2008, when Tripple attended a barbeque that Alexa was hosting. Instrumental in getting the couple together was Tripple’s late uncle Ray, who was also Alexa’s coach. “I still remember the text from Ray,” says Alexa. “It read, ‘My nephew is home from college. Is it okay if he comes to the barbeque? He is bored.’” After that initial meeting, the pair’s first year and a half of dating was somewhat long distance, with Tripple attending and playing football at the University of La Verne, and Alexa attending California State Long Beach, while coaching San Pedro High School’s shields team, The Bannerettes.

“Alexa is selfless and will always put others before herself,” gushes Tripple. “I love her smile and kindness.” In addition to being a good cook, Alexa loves Tripple’s sense of humor. “He is just like my grandpa, Richard ‘Big Head’ Iacono,” says Alexa. “If he isn’t picking on you, he doesn’t like you.”

A perk of their relationship, according to Tripple, are Alexa’s home cooked meals and baking skills. “I remember the moment I won his heart with homemade blueberry muffins I made for him and his football roommates,” Alexa recalls. “Our friend Travis said, ‘Hey man, you gotta keep her. She makes us muffins,’ and Tripple’s face lit up as he took a bite.” Looks like Tripple took that advice to heart.

On March 12, 2017, friends and family celebrated Alexa’s birthday at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach. Unbeknownst to Alexa, Tripple had previously asked her father for his blessing, and during the birthday festivities, popped the question. Tripple recalls fondly, “I wasn’t nervous at all, I was mostly excited to profess my love to my future wife.”

Tripple and Alexa officially tied the knot on April 14, 2018, surrounded by 260 close friends and family.

The wedding date also holds special meaning to the couple. “That weekend would have been Tripple’s uncle Ray’s 35th birthday,” explains Alexa. “He introduced us, and there was no better way to thank him than to dedicate our wedding to him. It was his celebration, too.”

Their traditional ceremony was held at the beautiful Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates. The bride was escorted down the aisle by her father, Alex Iacono. “When Alexa was walking down the aisle, she was glowing and sparkling,” Tripple says sweetly. “I was calm for the first time in days and it was perfect.” The couple was also joined by mother of the bride Ann Iacono, parents of the groom Robert Tripple and Sharon Jones; grandmothers Sandy Iacono, Mary Lauro, and Betty Jones; maids of honor Sasha Geha and Adrienne Iacono, bridesmaids Angela Garcia, Antonette Jones, Charisma Jones, Jabrina Jones, Johana Geha DiBernardo, Mariejo Geha, and Shawntelle Philips Torres; best man Travis Arroyo; groomsmen Anthony Iacono, Adrian Torres, John Pesic, Josh Carrera, Juan Garcia, Marco Salazar, and Paul Luna; Flower girl Ariyah Jones; and ring bearer Mason Jones.

Before making their way to the reception, the bridal party made two surprising, local pit stops. First, the limo stopped for a celebratory sub at Busy Bee. “I was starving and it’s one of our favorite places to eat in San Pedro,” Alexa humorously recalls. Next, the limo visited the newlywed’s gym, All Fit. “It started out as a pose for photos, but I discovered I was strong enough to push Tripple on a sled,” explains Alexa. She adds, “The photos from both stops are pretty epic.”

Following the ceremony, guests were invited to celebrate at a reception at Dalmatian American Club in San Pedro. Cocktail hour featured a mariachi band, live piano, and plenty of fresh seafood and hors d’ouveres, with a reception afterwards in the main hall. “The room was totally transformed into the most beautiful setting ever seen,” says Tripple. The newlyweds hit the elegant white dance floor for their first dance to “Stay With You” by John Legend.

The party has many special treats for guests, including a hookah lounge, and plenty of yummy offerings, including a popcorn table and a large selection of Italian desserts. Each guest also received a lottery scratcher as a party favor. Tripple mentions, “We have yet to find out if anyone won!”

Immediately following the big day, Tripple and Alexa enjoyed a beautiful and adventurous honeymoon in Cancun.
As the couple continues to grow in their love, they also will be growing in family size. Tripple and Alexa are currently anticipating the arrival of a child, due in February. “We hope to continue to grow our family and raise our kids in San Pedro,” says Alexa. Tripple shares his hopes for their family, saying, “We are extremely blessed and want to teach our children the same morals and values we have been taught. We hope to grow old together gracefully and have a life filled with love and laughter.”

Tripple and Alexa currently reside in San Pedro. Tripple works for the Department of Public Safety at the University of Southern California. Alexa is a Lab Manager at Complete Women’s Care in Long Beach, and studying to become a Licensed Clinical Lab Scientist.

Leadership Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint

“Our problem is a lack of leaders.”

I’m hearing iterations of this sentiment frequently. Local and global organizations of every kind are asking, “How do we create a leadership pipeline?” In Tanzania, we are ready to open a campus that will be able to house over 50 girls and some of their babies who have survived sex trafficking. We think we could raise the money, buy or rent the right properties, and, unfortunately, we would have plenty of survivors who could fill the homes. So why did our expansion timeline have to be slowed way down? We struggle to identify leaders who have character and who would dare to lead.

I have compiled nine commandments (I know I need one more) of leader-ship for our elders, staff, council, and others who serve in leadership. This month, I will continue to comment
on a few of these commandments. You can read my previous columns, available at sanpedrotoday.com.

Leadership Commandment 6: We will remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

This one is stolen from God’s top ten list found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. This commandment is a struggle for me. Why do I feel guilty breaking the other nine commandments, but I feel guilty keeping this one? Because my identity is wrapped up in what I produce or accomplish. I don’t think I’m alone. How many of us are more human doing than human being? Sabbath rest is a gracious invitation to be instead of to do.

A wise mentor told me early on that leadership is a marathon and not a sprint. On the outside I nodded agreement, but on the inside, I thought I was the exception. Fifteen years of serial Sabbath commandment-break-ing almost broke me. Burn out was within reach, and yet the numbness that is symptomatic of work addiction anesthetized me from the painful flame of burnout. The tender leaders and understanding congregation at Trinity gifted me and my family with a sabbatical. I remember being worried that I wasn’t feeling anymore. My compassion was mechanical. Had I lost my affections? At the beginning of my sabbatical I worshipped at different churches. Plainclothes, I was attempting to be anonymous toward the back of the sanctuary at the LifeTeen Mass at Holy Trinity on a Sunday night, and the epistle reading was from 2 Corinthians. I heard the precious Word of God and lost it. Kind of an ugly cry, if you know what I mean. Trying to get my stuff together, I thanked God that there was still a soft heart in there somewhere. Like the Grinch, my heart grew three sizes that day.

Sabbath does that. Sabbath recalibrates you to Godspeed. God conveys identity, affection, and a calling at Godspeed. Limits are gifts. A limitless sea is a destructive flood. A limitless fire burns instead of warms. Limitless intimacy is adultery. Limitless work is the enemy of sustainable leadership. Be still and know that I am God [and that you are not] (Psalm 46.10).

Leadership Commandment 7: There is a difference between hard work and busy.

This commandment is related to the previous one. There is not an effective leader that doesn’t work hard. Certain seasons are more relentless than others. Being busy is a substitute but not a synonym for hard work. Busy is unintentional, reactive, and soil for growing resentment without regard for season. A diagnostic question related to this commandment is: When people ask you how you are, how often do you say, “busy?” Why is this answer so common? Recently deceased pastor and author, Eugene Peterson wrote in his book Subversive Spirituality, “Busyness is the enemy of spirituality.” A farmer doesn’t sustain planting season or harvest all year long. They plan, work hard, plant, and wait. They fertilize, weed, consult, harvest, and then rest. Hard work is seasonal, but not sustainable. It is impossible to work hard enough or be busy enough to gain the favor of God or others.

Thankfully, we work from favor, not for favor. From God we already have all the favor we could ever need. We are not waiting for his approval, we already have it! (Psalm 30.5).
May your celebrations of this season be filled with the light and love of God and precious connections with one another! Merry Christmas!

Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at trinitypastor.blogspot.com.

Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Season

When I first learned about essential oils, I was skeptical. I couldn’t understand how a few drops of oil from a plant could make any real difference in my health. I eventually decided to give them a try, slowly and reluctantly, and after some time experimenting, I’ve learned they can actually be quite effective. I was also happy to find that there’s scientific research to back up many of the related claims.

It turns out that essential oils can play a therapeutic role in healing, symptom relief, and immune support. So with cold and flu season upon us, it’s the perfect time to incorporate some of these natural wonders into your self-care routine:

(The following essential oils are generally safe for adult use. Please consult a pediatrician or qualified aromatherapist about which essential oils are safe for children. You can also seek out products specifically formulated for children.)

Eucalyptus Oil – Studies show that eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial effects against many bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It also has immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic benefits, making it effective in helping to treat respiratory illness, including colds, bronchitis, asthma, and sinusitis. In addition to its ability to naturally fight infection, eucalyptus oil can help offer effective relief for symptoms such as coughs, sore throats, and sinus congestion. Eucalyptus oil can be used via steam inhalation or applied topically (usually with a carrier oil). In particular, homemade vapor rubs have become a popular all-natural alternative to drugstore vapor rub products (which often contain camphor), using a combination of eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, a carrier oil, and beeswax.

Oregano Oil – Oregano oil’s antiviral properties make it one of my favorite natural cold and flu remedies. It’s been found to be particularly effective for upper respiratory tract infections (in addition to other viruses). While oregano oil can be diffused aromatically or applied topically (pre-diluted with a carrier oil), I prefer to take oregano oil orally via capsules because I find the scent and taste to be strong (I like Designs for Health Oil of Oregano capsules). It’s especially effective when taking preventatively or at the first sign of a cold. Just be sure to always take it with a full plate of food, as it can cause stomach upset otherwise.

Frankincense Oil – With its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, frankincense has been shown to be more than just a popular ancient remedy. Studies show its effectiveness in treating inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, digestive distress, and more. In addition to its therapeutic benefits promoting relaxation, oral health, and memory function, frankincense is also touted as a potent immune booster, making it a favorite when fighting colds and flu. Plus, the scent is instantly calming to me. Frankincense can be diffused aromatically or applied topically with a carrier oil.

Peppermint Oil – Among its various benefits, peppermint has potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making it beneficial for fighting winter viruses. Meanwhile, the menthol in peppermint makes it ideal for relieving congestion, coughs, sore throats, and sinus headaches. Like eucalyptus, peppermint oil can be used via steam inhalation, diffused aromatically, or applied topically (usually with a carrier oil or as part of a homemade vapor rub).

Thieves Oil – Thieves oil is a blend of essential oils with potent antimicrobial properties, typically made of a combination of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon oils. Studies show that essential oils, such as cinnamon and clove, contain antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties that can help support immunity and fight against colds and flu. Thieves oil can be applied topically (pre-diluted with a carrier oil) or diffused aromatically. Bonus: the scent is wonderful.

Some things to remember:

  • To avoid skin irritation, dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil) before applying topically.
  • Essential oils can have adverse effects, so be sure to check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
  • Do not ingest essential oils unless the label deems it is safe to do so. Certain oils are not safe for ingestion.
  • Always look for pure essential oils manufactured by trusted brands. Plant Therapy and doTerra are two reputable brands (although there are others).

For related references and studies, visit PubMed.gov.

Follow Lori Garrett’s wellness blog, www.adventuresofasickchick.com.

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Be Present

“Wash your hands.”

“What?”

“Before you train, go in the bathroom, wash your hands.” “Why?”

“Because before I begin every workout, I wash my hands of all the day’s stress, worry, and obligations I have on my mind. When I’m here, I need to be here. Not at the office, not with my kids. Not with the hundred things on my plate. I’m here. Present.”

I don’t remember where I heard that little interaction, but I never forgot it. If I can impart to you one anecdote to poor results in the gym, it’s this: Be fully present in your workouts. Be there inside every mile, set, and rep. Most people want to be gone the second they walk in gym. They check their phone, take selfies, read throw-away magazines, go to the locker room, and repeat.

We’ve all seen the person in the gym who seems to be doing everything but working out. Anything they can do to avoid the “pain cave” the workout forces us into. So we avoid it like the plague.

For many people, there is the mistaken belief that simply being at the gym is victory enough. That just because you showed up, the fitness gods will bestow a dream body because of your great attendance. A participation trophy. You should be applauded for showing up, especially if it’s scary for you. But understand, it’s only the first step. As you gain your bearings and courage, showing up is necessary, but not sufficient. You’ll have to show up in every second of every rep. Once you’re there, don’t hide from what you came for.

I’m as guilty of this as anyone. I’ve let the worries of the day totally ruin my workout. I’ve let the laziness take hold and screwed off into oblivion. It’s for this reason you need to begin every workout with intention. Have a seat, look in the mirror, settle into a meditative stretch, and get your mind right. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Leave the outside world outside and remember why you’re here.
  • Ask yourself, what exactly are you trying to accomplish and how will today’s workout get you closer to that?
  • Have structure to your time in the gym. Have a plan. Don’t wander aimlessly. Write it down if you need to.
  • Make a silent commitment to keep the workout in front of your sole focus and vow to milk every ounce of your best effort into it.
  • Eliminate all possible distraction and keep to the task at hand. The workout requires your full attention so give it nothing less.
  • Understand that all of the things weighing on you (lack of sleep, stress, worry) might affect your strength and motivation, but it will not affect your effort. You will do everything you can with what you have in you today. You might have been better yesterday or tomorrow, but none of that matters here today.
  • Track your weights, your pace, your reps. Every workout is a brick and you build your body and fitness, brick by brick. Each subsequent work-out builds from the ones you did before it. If you begin each workout without ever paying attention to what was accomplished before it, you will never get better. Notebooks are great for this.
  • And lastly, pay attention to the “dark passenger.” In the popular show Dexter, the main character talked about his “dark passenger” that made him kill. We all have a dark passenger. It wants to hold us back; to sabotage us. You need to be aware of that. It wants nothing more than for you to quit. So be patient, but don’t cut yourself too much slack. Push yourself, but don’t berate yourself, complain, or sulk because someone is stronger/fitter/skinnier. In the midst of the workout, you need to be your own cheerleader. “I got this. I can do it. No one can stop me.”

A workout is the active molding of your lesser self into a better version; and that is hard and scary thing to do. It’ll take practice but I know you can do it. Now, go wash your hands.

Heyday Elite Fitness offers a 2-minute scan that provides a full 1-page body fat analysis to help you tailor your fitness goals. For more info, email ricky@heydaytraining.com.

Ja Sam Romee (I Am Romee)

I was a very odd child. I went through so many phases growing up. My favorite was the Halloween I dressed up as a “beatnik” and wore a striped shirt and black beret. But most of the phases centered around different cultures and languages. In junior high, I’d watch Japanese TV (not the fun stuff, just whatever was on Channel 18). I swore I was destined to marry an Irishman, but then I discovered Jewish boys and Yiddish in high school. I especially had four different language phrase books on my shelf at any given time. I even tried to teach myself Latin from a 1930s textbook I found at a yard sale. I loved them all, but I never got serious with any one language or culture, especially not my own.

I’m still that weird, little kid with the same interests, but the cool part is that now, learning is a big part of my job. Ever since I decided to devote myself to San Pedro history and culture, I’ve dreamed of learning Spanish, Italian, and Croatian. Not only because it can come in handy, but because it’s the best way to really immerse yourself in a culture. That’s why I jumped at the chance to learn Croatian at the Dalmatian-American Club.

Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., my fellow classmates and I meet in the bar of the Dalmatian-American Club. Our instructor is Nada Matulich, a native of Croatia who moved here 13 years ago. The class is a great mix of people, from middle school-aged kids, to young professionals, to retirees, and even one ornery octogenarian. I’d say most students are Croatian and have some kind of familiarity with the language. Before this class, my Croatian vocabulary consisted of only a few words. But I didn’t feel so bad when we all learned the harsh reality that most Croatians in San Pedro do not speak proper Croatian, they speak a dialect native to their island, which has a strong Italian influence. I think someone once used the analogy that the dialect spoken here is equivalent to that of a country bumpkin in the States.

On the first day of class, we learned the Croatian alphabet, which contains four more characters than its English counterpart. My favorite letters in the alphabet are the ones that have accent marks that look like little angry eyebrows floating above them; Č pronounced with a hard “-ch,” Dž pronounced like a hard “j,” Š pronounced like “–sh,” and Ž pronounced like the “z” in Zsa Zsa Gabor.

What I appreciate the most about the Croatian alphabet is: 1.) It’s not Cyrillic, and 2.) All the letters never change the way they sound. Because of this fact, each letter is like a roadmap on how to pronounce the words. I have a great sense of direction and with a little added effort, I’m actually pretty good (for a novice) at pronunciation. I even wowed the class with my ability to say djevojčica on the first try. Despite my early successes, I still feel a little bit like Eliza Doolittle with the marbles in her mouth when it comes to the new combinations of sounds. For example, let’s take the word Monday. In Croatian, it’s Ponedjeljak. Phonetically, you’d say it like “po-ned-yell-yak.” Before one class, I sat in the car and said ponedjeljak over and over until it felt less foreign in my mouth.

When we have to read dialogue exercises, my friend Stacy laughs at me because she’s the Croatian and is having more trouble than I am. I try to remind her that I might sound great, but I have no clue what I’m saying. Because Croatian isn’t based in Latin, like Spanish, English, and Italian, it’s hard to wrap your mind around the language. We all keep trying to make connections or apply English type rules to Croatian and failing miserably. Let’s take colors, for example. Orange in Croatian is narančasta and purple is ljubičasta. We asked Nada if -časta meant anything on its own, kind of like a colorful suffix. Nada answered simply, “No.” That was frustrating, but it was followed by an a-ha moment that was my equivalent of Eliza Doolittle’s “The Rain in Spain.” Green in Croatian is zelena. I used to watch this TV show called Once Upon a Time, based very loosely on fairy tales. The Wicked Witch of the West was a character who had green skin and her name was Zelena. I squealed with delight knowing her name reflected her skin tone!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my Croatian classes. Besides the language, Nada tells us about life in Croatia, like the fact that they eat a lot of soup, or fun trivia like neckties are a Croatian invention. If you’re interested in learning Croatian, contact the Dalmatian-American Club to sign up for their next session in early 2019. Vidimo se!

Champs!

The 2018 San Pedro High School Girls Volleyball team weathered every storm that was cast upon them, and would counter by bringing about a storm of their own.

Before the season even began, the Pirates lost four players to grade cuts for the first ten weeks of the season. All four All-Marine League players from the previous 2017 season were also gone due to either graduation or transfer.

Promising junior outside hitter, Alexis Avitia, would miss the first two weeks of the season due to a ham-string injury suffered over the summer. During one week, another key player, senior outside hitter Sara Peterson, suffered a pinky injury, which kept her out of the first day of the Venice Tournament on September 7.

And yes, the Pirates were left off the CIF-Los Angeles City Section preseason coaches’ top ten poll for Division 1 a year after reaching the Open Division playoffs. After a strong regular season, the Pirates just missed the Open Division for this season but got rewarded anyway as the top seed of Division 1.

In spite of all those trials and tribulations, the hard work and perseverance of the Pirates would lead to their greatest reward on Saturday, November 3, in the form of a 25-16, 25-20, 15-25, 25-19 victory over El Camino Real of Woodland Hills in the Division 1 championship match at Birmingham High of Lake Balboa.

“I am so proud of my team,” said San Pedro sophomore setter Gabriella Ed-wards, who had 29 assists. “I honestly can’t believe we made it [here]. Winning this is like, the best feeling.”

El Camino Real was shorthanded on players due to three being out to injury, but the second-seeded Conquistadors were not short on heart, guts, and desire as they made San Pedro (26-5 overall) earn every point. Even so, the Pirates were not short on confidence that they would find a way to bring home the program’s first championship since 2005. “There were definitely some nerves there, but no doubts,” said San Pedro senior middle blocker, Lauren Sutrin. “I was very confident that we had what it took to finish them off, we just had to dig our feet in and play our game.”

San Pedro seemingly had a firm grip on the title with a 5-0 lead in the third set, but when El Camino Real stormed back to take a 16-10 lead, San Pedro would never recover from it and the Conquistadors (15-16) were right back in it. “Our mindset after that third set was extremely focused,” said San Pedro junior outside hitter, Isabella Emerson. “We immediately addressed what we had done wrong and the steps needed to fix our game. We saw this fourth set as a fresh start to finish the most important match of the year.”

Sure enough, the experienced Pi-rates would chip away at the youthful Conquistadors with every rally, taking a 19-17 lead after they called their final timeout. San Pedro would set up match point with two huge aces from senior libero Hanna Gurrola, a pivotal block from Sutrin, and two straight El Camino Real attack errors, but the Conquistadors would answer with a kill and service ace to make it 24-19, which prematurely delayed San Pedro’s celebration.

The final rally of the match itself proved San Pedro’s resourcefulness that they showed the entire season was legit, and there was little doubt that the Pirates would look to Sutrin to put on the finishing touches. El Camino Real denied Sutrin on two straight attempts, but when El Camino Real couldn’t get a clear attempt to spike one down and had to bump it over, Sutrin would finally seal the championship with the last, and greatest of her 11 kills off a dig attempt.

“That final point felt like forever! It was such a long rally,” Gurrola said with glee. “However, I knew Lauren had gone up for that final swing, that she would get that point and win (the title) for us. She hit it in the opposite way she was facing and I knew the title was ours.”

This championship win wasn’t the first title San Pedro would celebrate in 2018, considering they won their very own San Pedro Invitational Tournament back on September 15, also against El Camino Real, 25-13 in a one-set championship final, however this championship feels so much greater and sweeter for the Pirates.

“We definitely had the heart and talent in that final set to give us the championship we’ve been working all season for,” said Avitia, who finished with six kills, two aces, and 11 digs for San Pedro, who also got four kills and two blocks from Emerson, along with 22 digs and three aces from Gurrola.

Back-to-back clutch kills from Avitia would stake San Pedro to the opening set victory, while an ace from Edwards ended the second set which gave the Pirates the commanding two-game lead before the Conquistadors showed their toughness and made San Pedro work harder.

“Winning those first two sets was very crucial for us,” said Peterson, who had 10 kills and seven digs. “Because it pushed us to finish when we needed to for the win.”

On the road to the championship, the Pirates earned a bye in the first round before defeating Verdugo Hills of Tujunga three straight in the quarter-finals, and outlasting Bell in a four-set semifinal triumph.

Gifts That Give Back

This holiday season, we’re highlighting three local gift shops that are hidden gems in the community. Whether you’re looking for that perfect present, a special token of appreciation, something for the kids, or just want a little retail therapy, discover what these unique shops have to offer, and how your purchase goes towards a good cause.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Gift Shop 3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
Hours: Tues – Sun, 10:30a – 5:15p (310) 548-8394 Instagram: @shopcabrillo

The term ‘gift shop’ doesn’t quite adequately describe this shopping destination. Adjacent to San Pedro’s beloved Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, this boutique is full of unique items for everyone on your Christmas list.

The CMA Gift Shop’s inventory is meticulously cultivated by a staff of dedicated employees, led by gift shop manager, Susan McKenna. McKenna truly has a keen eye for interesting and specialty items that you can’t find anywhere else. The newly refurbished shop’s overall feel is inviting and on the pulse of what’s trending and eye catching.

One seasonal portion of the shop worth highlighting is their massive selection of ornaments. In fact, an entire wall is dedicated to these elegant items. Each one gorgeous, eye catching, inspired by sea life, and reasonably priced, ranging from $2.50 to $30.
Going to a holiday party and in need of a hostess gift? The CMA Gift Shop has plenty of fun finds, from pretty tea cloths and hand towels, to aquatic look-ing bar tools. Another special item is the shop’s selection of paper goods. The shop also stocks greeting cards from around the world, as well as stationary.

The shop also has a large selection of interesting books, with subjects ranging from nature photography, information on local landscapes, and an awesome selection of books for kids. Also, for young minds, the shop carries activity sets, puzzles, and other educational toys. A gift card or the gift of a CMA membership also makes a great stocking stuffer. Members save 15% on all Gift Shop purchases.

All proceeds from the shop go directly to programs funded by the Friends of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, including educational programs, field trip transportation, and assistance to the CMA staff and scientists.
“Along with finding beautiful mementos and things that will remind you of our precious oceans and sea life, your purchases contribute to and support CMA programs,” says McKenna.

L.A. Maritime Museum Gift Shop Berth 84
Hours: Tues – Sun, 10a – 4:30p (310) 548-7618

Stepping into the Los Angeles Maritime Museum Gift Shop, aka “The Old Sea Chest,” is definitely a treasure trove! Carrying a variety of nautically themed items, this gift shop certainly has plenty of unique items on deck. “People enjoy shopping here because it’s fun to discover gifts that you don’t find in every store,” says Marifrances Trivelli, Museum Director.

Serving as an extension of the museum, many of the items featured in store are intended for shoppers to learn something or reinforce something interesting that you can find within one of the existing exhibits. An example of a unique item available in-store are brass compasses. Trivelli describes her personal favorite item, saying, “They are functional, beautiful, traditional, and do not take up much space. They remind people that sailors years ago did not have a GPS, you relied on things like compasses to find your way.”

Another eye-catching find, perfect for holiday gifting is the shop’s selection of abalone jewelry. Conscious and ethically made, these stunning pieces come in a variety of styles, includes necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

The shop also features many different home items that both San Pedrans and visitors to our port town would enjoy, including wind chimes made from re-cycled materials, led lanterns, beautiful glass floats, clocks, and barware.

Do you have a history buff on your gift list? Check out the shop’s selection of nautical books, featuring the works of local writers and historians. They even have an additional selection of used books for great prices!

In addition to adorable plush toys, pick up something for the kids, including replica historical documents and currency, monkey fist knot necklaces handmade by a local sailor, and an official Los Angles Maritime Museum harmonica, which comes complete with seven songs of the sea (only $10!).

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, and members save 10% on all purchases.

“Shopping here means you are doing two great things at once,” explains Trivelli. “First, you are finding a memorable gift for someone special in your life. And also, all of the proceeds from the shop directly support the museum in areas like new exhibits, caring for the artifacts, and programming.” She adds, “When you shop here, it is a true community benefit.”

Assistance League of San Pedro 1441 W. 8th St.
Hours: M–F, 10a – 5p; Sat, 11a – 3p (310) 832-8355

If you’re not already in the holiday spirit, then you definitely should place a visit to our local Assistance League. The volunteers are friendly and helpful, and their Annual Holiday Boutique is really something special.

This annual event is highly popular for both Assistance League volunteers, as well as the local community, and preparations begin well before the holiday season. “We start buying for this event in January,” says Joy Reed, gift shop commissioner. Needless to say, this is a big deal.

Going on now through December 31, the boutique offers everything Christmas. Their selection of décor is stunning and eye-catching, from large reindeer, to beautiful ornaments for your tree. “Our selection of holiday decor is always unique, and includes items you don’t see in other boutiques,” Reed says proudly.

There’re also mainstays of the gift shop that are always popular with shoppers, including a wide selection of greeting cards, clothing and accessories, consignment items, and even See’s Candy!

Led by Judy Hildebrand, president of the Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay, this dedicated non-profit is the oldest chapter (almost 83 years), as well as has the only volunteer-run post office in the country. Proceeds from all sales go to support the League’s many philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell, which helps young students in need shop for clothing and items needed for school, and the Francis J. Johnson Dental Center, which is located above the gift shop.

“The Gift Shop and Holiday Boutique is shopping for a cause,” says Reed.

“You support our philanthropic programs, and we try to thank our customers for their support.”

Two New Authors Take Readers on a Trip Into San Pedro’s Past

This year’s literary offerings for Christmas stocking-stuffers present a unique challenge, especially for an old copy editor like me.

Both books, available at Amazon.com, are in crying need of a good editor. That being said, San Pedrans will still enjoy two very different, but very personal, looks at growing up in a San Pedro that no longer exists.

A New Day Yesterday by Peter Adum (325 pp., Ward Street Press, 2018, $16.95, paperback). Adum’s first novel was frustrating because I had such high expectations going in after reading the interview with the author that ran in this magazine two months ago. I kept wondering, what is this? A semi-historical novel? A thinly disguised memoir? A young adult romance? A political manifesto? An homage to ‘70s movies and music? It’s all of these and more. All taking place in San Pedro during Easter break 1973, which just adds to the confusion.

Like a lot of San Pedrans, Adum is obviously upset that old Beacon Street was razed to make way for redevelopment that has left a lot to be desired. Because he has a lot to say on the subject, he’s moved the Beacon Street demolition, which took place in 1971, ahead two years.

It’s against this backdrop that we follow the protagonist, San Pedro High School senior Niko, whose research for an overdue English paper helps him learn about his Croatian roots and San Pedro’s class struggles in the 1920s and ‘30s. He also finds plenty of time for girls, work, cruising, drinking, partying, sandlot football, and even fishing for tuna. As if the comparison isn’t obvious enough, Niko even goes to a premiere showing of American Graffiti.

A 1973 San Pedro High School graduate and Jethro Tull fan (thus the book’s title), Adum packs his book full of names and places familiar to all San Pedrans. It’s also annoyingly full of fictitious names and places that San

Pedrans will have no trouble figuring out, and the Vietnam veterans, Mexican cholos, Italians, and even Cousin Vlatko all seem to come right out of central casting. Pseudonyms are used for the main cast of characters, and considering some of the storylines, understandable, but you find yourself wondering: Is this character based on a real person? Did this event really happen?

For example, the demolition of Beacon Street did happen, but in this version, the developer behind it is a cartoon figure (think Mr. Burns in The Simpsons) used mainly for Adum to pontificate on the “evils” of big business. Cameos by Sterling Hayden and Gary Gabelich serve only for more political commentary and seem totally out of place.

With all of the ‘70s references and inferences, however, most San Pedrans, especially Adum’s classmates and any-one who had an 8-track tape player, will overlook the book’s flaws and take this joyride into the past.

From East Garrison to the Ranch House by Peter James Gravett (498 pp., 2018, $29.95, paperback). The autobiography of Gravett, one of San Pedro’s most distinguished citizens, fills in a glaring gap in San Pedro’s historical narrative, the black experience. Gravett’s parents were sharecroppers in the Jim Crow South.

When WWII brought opportunities for work in California, the Gravetts left Arkansas with eight children, including Peter, to join relatives already here. The family eventually grew to 11 children, and all eight boys served in the military. None, of course, had the career of Gravett, who retired from the Army as a major general.

By far, the best parts of the book are Gravett’s memories of growing up in San Pedro in the 1940s and ‘50s. The family moved into a newChannel Chan-nel Heights housing project in 1943; Dad ended up serving stateside with the famous Tuskegee Airmen. In 1954, they moved into the new Rancho San Pedro housing. Gravett recalls selling papers in old Beacon Street, mingling as a kid with the notorious cast of characters that populated that area. The family eventually bought a house on Oliver Street that was the focal point for neighborhood youth activities.

Gravett grew up in a home where the values of faith, hard work and education were inculcated into all of the children. All graduated from San Pedro High School (Peter in W‘59), and all were involved in sports. The family was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2015.

While the children, particularly when living in the low-income projects, got along with their multicultural neighbors, leaving Arkansas for California did not mean the end of discrimination. It was more institutional than overt here, however, in the military, law enforcement, education, and housing.

Gravett experienced racism in all of these areas, but drawing on his strong family background, he didn’t let it deter his resolve to succeed. And succeed he did, as the second half of the book describes, in great detail, his career in the Los Angeles Police Department, concurrent rise through the ranks in the National Guard and Army Reserve, and eventual appointment in retirement to state secretary of the Department of Veteran Affairs.

You’ll have to read the book to understand the title, but it exemplifies Gravett’s journey and a story about San Pedro that needed to be told.

Steve Marconi can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo.com.

Canvas of Possibilities

Internationally-renowned artist, Violet Parkhurst, combined her creativity and talent to produce some of the most beautiful oil paintings. Inspired by the beauty of nature, seascapes, and the human form, Parkhurst transformed blank canvases into masterpieces, receiving praise from the likes of former Presidents, international dignitaries, and even Clark Gable.

Founded in 1947, Parkhurst Galleries, located in the heart of Downtown San Pedro, showcases the masterful works of Parkhurst, as well as many other notable artists, known both internationally and locally. In addition to services offered, including appraisal, framing, and restoration, Parkhurst Galleries nurtures inspiration and advocates artistic expression with their popular “Painting with the Masters” oil painting classes.

“The Parkhurst Oil Painting Class combines the 70-year history of the Gallery, expert instruction from today’s Master Artists, and a sense of warmth and community to create an ideal creative learning environment,” says Warren Hsiao, president of Parkhurst Galleries.

The classes began eight years ago, in the middle of the recession. Finding an outlet for expressing emotions during that time, the class was formed. Hsiao explains, “It began as a thank you to our clients, and was almost like paint therapy. The classes gave students an escape.” The group ended up enjoying it so much that the Gallery made it a regular occurrence. “We had such a great experience, we just decided, ‘Hey, let’s do this again next week!’”

Held weekly, classes are taught by highly trained and professional artists who help instruct students on the best skills needed to make their vision come to life. “We are extremely fortunate to have such talented instructors like Lisa Mozzini-McDill,” says Hsiao. “Not only is she a highly distinguished professional artist, but she has a true gift with being able to transfer that knowledge.”

Open to any skill level, from beginner to expert, the classes are inclusive to any adult who is willing to learn, with 80-90 percent of students having never touched a paintbrush. Students are suggested to print a photo of what they would like to paint, and their own brushes, oil paints, and canvas (which are also available for purchase in the Gallery). An added perk is lunch and refreshments are always served.

Barbara Ramsey-Duke, who has been attending the classes for only three months, describes why she appreciates them, saying fondly, “I love it. It relaxes me.” She continues, “One thing about art is you forget about other things and worries when you’re doing it.”

Hsiao takes pride in the Gallery’s special offering, which he shares is continuing to grow in size, with sometimes as many as 15 students in attendance. “It’s like a social club, it’s a tight-knit group of people,” he describes. “There’s conversation and camaraderie.”

In addition to learning a skill and having fun doing it, Parkhurst Galleries also periodically displays the finished works created by students with special exhibits. “We treat them like renowned artists,” says Hsiao. In workshops, students also gain expertise in how to accurately price and sell their artwork, and useful tools to discuss their particular pieces, market themselves, and promote sales.

This holiday season, give the gift of art. Oil painting classes make a wonderful gift for someone special on your list. Parkhurst Galleries is also currently having a winter promotion: four classes for $195. Gift certificates are also available for purchase.

“I’m really proud of what we’ve created in the eight years of doing this class,” Hsiao says. “We’ve helped some amazing artists get their start, and we’ve made some lifelong friends.”

Parkhurst Galleries is located at 439 W. 6th St. For more information, call (310) 547-3158 or visit parkhurstgalleries.com.

Leadership That Serves

“As we witness the erosion of the moral authority of our governmental, religious, and media leadership, it might be worthwhile to reflect on what we really need in leaders. Over the last 13 years, I have pastored (very imperfectly) at Trinity Lutheran. I have compiled nine commandments (I know I need one more) of leadership for our elders, staff, council, and others who serve in leadership. This month, I will continue to comment on a few of these commandments. You can find my previous column in last month’s issue, available at sanpedrotoday.com.

Leadership Commandment 2: Leaders are servants.

I tell the other leaders at Trinity, “We don’t always vacuum, set up tables, and take out the trash, but we do sometimes.” When I was in college, the school was facing financial challenges. At that time, I had undiagnosed FOMO (aka Fear of Missing Out). One of the symptoms of FOMO is minor insomnia, brought on by the thought of a small group of people who might go to Denny’s without you. This fear kept me up, sometimes late. One night, I caught the new college president down in the wood shop. The president didn’t know I was watching him. Before that night, I didn’t know he smoked a pipe. But,

I also discovered something else. He emptied the trashcans from the whole lower level of the building. He even looked both ways to make sure no one was watching before humbly hauling all the rubbish out to the dumpster. I was sold on President Bergquist that night. I would follow him because I saw his heart in his actions. He was a certain kind of leader. He was a servant leader. The gracious way he served in public matched the way he served in private.

Tao Te Ching, a Taoist writing possibly from as far back as the 6th century BC, offers an early hint at the significance of servant leadership:

“The highest type of ruler is one of whose existence the people are barely aware. Next comes one whom they love and praise. Next comes one whom they fear. Next comes one whom they despise and defy.”

The Prophet Isaiah wrote at about the same time in Israel’s southern kingdom, Judah. I’ve been preaching through passages from the Prophet Isaiah recently, and the four “servant songs” embedded in this book (Isaiah 42, 49, 50, 52-53) have given me pause more than once. The political and religious mood of Isaiah’s time included lots of bragging and bickering from the kings and priests of Judah. Toxic acts of self-promotion, and attitudes of entitlement arced their national life toward slavery instead of freedom. Leaders need to gain or maintain power, which usually makes them forget what power is for in the first place. God instructs Isaiah to tell those leaders that he will send his people a real leader who won’t come to take, but will come to give. This servant leader won’t come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10.45).

The nation doesn’t exist for the king. The school doesn’t exist for the principal. The church doesn’t exist for the pastor. The customer doesn’t exist for the business owner. Children don’t exist for parents. On every level, leaders exist for those they serve. The greater distance between the leader and those they lead typically creates an erosion of servanthood. A newly elected representative often feels like “one of us,” but the farther they go, the more they turn into just another politician trying to keep their job.

Servant leadership is sustained through simple proximity. When you walk way out in front of people, they lose sight of you and you of them.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed in close proximity; he marched and served time together with those who followed him. Mother Teresa through washing wounds. Jesus through washing feet. President Bergquist through taking out the trash. And they changed the world. Not in spite of their servanthood, but through it.

This all makes a difference in how we identify, elect, or equip our future leaders. But it is also a call to you, dear reader. Leadership is scalable, and at some level, you have been called to lead. Brené Brown’s new book posits a helpful and scalable definition of leadership that serves: “I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential” (Brené Brown, Dare to Lead. Random House, 2018. Page 4).

Nathan Hoff is the Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Pedro. Follow his blog at trinitypastor.blogspot.com.

‘I Workout All the Time, but My Body Doesn’t Change’

This summer, I turned 32. It marks 16 years since I started work-ing out. Half my life. Weird.

I actually remember my first day in a fitness club. It was sensory overload: humming treadmills, bright fluorescent lights, aerobic classes, and lots of sweaty people. I found myself in the weight room with the free weights. I was a deer in headlights trying not to look like an amateur. Gym intimidation is definitely real and I had it. If it wasn’t for tons of reading, copy-catting, and asking questions from the trainers and gym veterans, I may never have found my way.

As I look back on all the years of sweat and clanging metal, there was a point, about two years after I started, where I had a strange epiphany. In every gym I went to, only a small percent-age of people continually got stronger, leaner, and continued to improve. But a much larger majority who populated the health club everyday didn’t seem to change at all, people who worked out hard and often. And yet, despite all their efforts, they hardly looked like they exercised.

Why is that? How can someone work so hard, show up so consistently, and yet, achieve almost nothing in terms of progress? Well, in the 16 years of training, I’ve found that this is usu-ally due to something I had when I first started: A flawed perception of what exercise is.

For a long time in my initial workout days, I thought the whole point of going the gym was to burn calories. I figured, I’m supposed to “burn off” all the food I eat, right? So, with about 40 pounds to lose, I’d do lots of calorie scorching activities. I would run, bike, elliptical, and hit any machine I could. I’d watch the monitor tell me how many miles and calories I burned with satisfaction.

It was effective, at first. But after a few months, I hit a plateau. No more weight loss. And the problem was, how do you bust through a plateau when you’re already giving 110%?

Nevertheless, I’d tried to cut more calories and do even more cardio. I’d wear a sweatshirt, sit in the sauna, get hopped up on pre-workout caffeine cocktails. I tried it all. I soon reached a point where I just couldn’t run any more than I was. And regarding my diet, I was already as “low carb” as you can get. Having done everything I could, I was stuck with nowhere to go.

My frustration led me to keep study-ing the literature on training and one day I came across a novel concept that I almost overlooked: Muscle is expensive. When your body builds muscle, that lean tissue has a cost, it burns calories to maintain. So as a person adds muscle, they increase the calories they burn throughout the day. The more muscle they have, the more calories they burn. If I increase my muscle, over time my metabolism would increase and in turn, burn calories in and out of the gym. This was a game changer.

I realized most of the exercise people do does the exact opposite. People, in the pursuit of more calorie burning, often end up overtraining with cardio and high volume, couple that with poor eating and it makes it hard to build lean muscle and causes whatever muscle they do have to get burned for fuel.

With my previous routine, the harder I worked, the harder it made it to keep my results because it worked against lean muscle growth. I discovered that if I wanted to transform my body, training in the gym should stimulate strength and preserve/build muscle. That’s it. Cardio should be used sparingly as a supplement to resistance training, not be the foundation.

After discovering this, by approaching exercise in a way that aligned with how my physiology was designed to change, I achieved more in three months than the previous two years (and with significantly less effort and time).

I know not everyone is in the gym to transform their body, I’m not talking to them. But if you are spending hours training not getting anywhere, this might be why. Change how you see exercise and what you see from exercise will change.

Heyday Elite Fitness offers a 2-minute scan that provides a full 1-page body fat analysis to help you tailor your fitness goals. For more info, email ricky@heydaytraining.com.

Savoring San Pedro

I recently finished and highly recommend San Pedro alum and childhood friend Peter Adum’s novel, A New Day Yesterday, which is set in our town back in the early ‘70s. Main character Niko narrates us through the ebb and flow of his senior year at San Pedro High School, the elimination of cruising Pacific Avenue, great restaurants of yesteryear such as Cigo’s, hanging out at Averill Park under the cover of darkness, movies at the Strand Theatre, neighborhood versus neighborhood football games on the weekends, and the inevitable angst of young adult relationships. Adum also reminds us of the questionable demolition of historic Beacon Street rather than thoughtful renovation, and the end of the Vietnam draft, which luckily changed/possibly saved the lives of myself and most of my friends.

Like Peter and his character Niko, I am a lucky person to have grown up here in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. We had the San Pedro Boys Club, Cabrillo Beach, Peck Park and Gaffey Street pools, organized sports with just as good competition in the streets and open spaces, great restaurants such as Cigo’s, Peppy’s, Trani’s, Chin’s Garden, Papadakis Taverna, La Conga, La Paloma, Ryps Café, the Hamburger Hut, and many more. We all came from immigrant families – and that was okay! Our parents worked hard, and we had some families who truly prospered. Too many families who were the working poor and/or lived in public housing, and the rest of us that fit somewhere in between.

The reason I am “savoring” San Pedro is that I see how our community has so much to offer, while we address a number of issues all communities are facing. I see how generous individuals, companies, and others support non-profits who serve “those who need us most” including my Boys & Girls Clubs, Harbor Interfaith, Rainbow Services, Beacon House, and many others. I see the success of Clean San Pedro, the planned renovation of Rancho San Pedro, the hopefully soon to be initiated San Pedro Public Market, the successful early stages of AltaSea, the Downtown San Pedro Arts District, and other business improvements. We now have four high schools and the fabulous John Olguin campus, the great expansion of recreational facilities by the San Pedro Youth Coalition and others, an amazing Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and many savory restaurants including three Thinks, Pina’s, Taxco, Sushiya, Tashiro, Sorrento’s, Pacific Diner, Omelette & Waffle Shop, and an even better J. Trani’s, to name just a few.

Today, the homeless situation continues to monopolize the conversations of many, and Councilman Buscaino is chastised for not solving an unsolvable problem while he diligently tries to overcome our NIMBYs and bring forward a temporary/partial solution to those few who are living on our streets. I say few because the real housing problem is our working poor neighbors facing housing costs that relegate a much larger portion of our community to living in cars, 10 to a small apartment, or in converted garages. These number in the hundreds, if not thousands in our community, and are only a missed paycheck away from joining the relatively few relegated to the streets. So, if we really want to “save” San Pedro, we need to concentrate on improving the housing limitations of the growing number of our working poor neighbors and families. For those relative few, visible homeless, are not the real problem. The real problem is the many more homeless that we don’t see, or who will soon be without true public and private sacrifice.

Even with our limitations, I continue to savor San Pedro. I believe we can address our challenges realistically, while at the same time savoring what is great about our community. We are not perfect, but we never were. We need to keep working to make us better – but that takes effort, collaboration and investment. Wishing you and yours and those who need us most, a most happy and savory Thanksgiving holiday! God bless.

Mike Lansing is the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor.

The Giving Room at Dana Middle School

“What people do not realize is there are a lot of homeless families with children in San Pedro. At Richard Henry Dana Middle School, we have had ten new homeless families in the last month,” states Yolanda Aranda, Dana’s Healthy Start Navigator.

When Aranda learned one of the students at Dana was living on a bench in front of the local library with her mother, she jumped into action and started connecting them with services. Her job is to work with families at the school who are struggling financially. She provides connections to housing, counseling, food and donations. The student living on the bench was embarrassed by her dirty clothes and did not want to come to school. Aranda was able to give the student clothing, hygiene products, and shelter. After that, the girl was more comfortable attending school.

With over 70% of the students classified as low-income, Dana responded to the needs of their students by creating The Giving Room. It is an unmarked room at the school stocked with donations for the whole family. It includes: new socks and underwear, gently used clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, backpacks, and athletic shoes. Aranda ensures that donations are distributed in private, so nobody knows who is homeless or struggling to protect the privacy and dignity of the family. Contributions are provided by community members and non-profit groups.

“When students come to school, they do not want people to know that they are homeless or that their dad drinks too much. They want to fit in,” states Steve Gebhart, Principal at Dana Middle School. “We are expected to provide an education, but when a student is worried about not having food or a place to live, these needs have to be addressed as well,” continues Gebhart.

Students know where to go if they do not have a jacket, deodorant, or school supplies. “The Attendance Office also lets me know when a family is in crisis,” states Aranda. “The parents are often surprised and grateful to be able to have a few pairs of new socks, school clothes for the kids, and canned goods. Often she hears that families share socks or wear the same pair for days because they can not do laundry,” she states.

Aranda recalls a meaningful experience, saying, “I recently had a mom come in with her daughters, and they had no clothes for school. I gave them a gift card to Target that was donated, and the mom started to cry. She was so relieved that her children could now pick out clothes to wear to school.”

Dana shares surplus donations with San Pedro High School, Bandini, and Barton Hill, as often times siblings of Dana students also attend these schools. Other schools in the community send families to Dana in an effort to help get them what they need. Many of the families at the schools have not received any services up until this point and are unaware of where to go for help. Aranda not only provides donations, but she also works with the parents to teach them how to obtain services and housing on their own.

Donations are always appreciated and needed. Priority items include new and gently used clothing for the entire family, new or gently used athletic shoes for students, hygiene items, bath towels, canned goods, school supplies, new underwear, and backpacks. Gift cards to restaurants, grocery, and clothing stores are also useful. Aranda arranges an adopt-a-family every year for the holidays. She will be connecting families with donors by the end of November. For Thanksgiving, she hopes to create care packages for moms with financial constraints, offering them hygiene products like brushes, toothpaste, soap, and bath towels. With the focus on the children all the times, she feels like mothers deserve positive attention as well.

Donations can be dropped off at the Dana Counseling Office or at the Parent Center. For more information, contact Yolanda Aranda at yaranda@lausd.net or (310) 241-1117.

Dana is also looking for volunteers to assist in beautifying the campus. The PTO is grateful for any help with murals, stenciling, painting, gardening, and cleaning. Volunteers are also needed to pick-up and wash PE uniforms once a week for students who do not have access to laundry machines. If interested, please contact danams.pto@gmail. com or call Glori Sestich at the Parent Center at (310) 241-1100.

Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com or @iroamjen on Instagram.

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