The Port of Los Angeles has opened a new northbound on-ramp to Interstate 110 and a new southbound off-ramp from State Route 47 at Front Street and Harbor Boulevard, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing SR-47 Interchange Project near the Vincent Thomas Bridge.
Along with the new ramps, drivers will also notice a newly realigned Knoll Drive, providing improved access to Knoll Hill. The changes come as the project enters a new construction phase aimed at improving traffic flow and safety around one of San Pedro’s busiest transportation corridors.
Beginning Friday, January 23, and continuing through August 31, 2026, both the northbound SR-47 on-ramp and off-ramp at Harbor Boulevard will be closed. During this period, motorists are advised to follow posted detours, including alternate routes via Channel Street, Pacific Avenue, Gaffey Street, and Front Street. Truck drivers, in particular, should follow all posted signage and designated truck detours.
The following detours are in place:
DETOUR A: SB I-110 to Harbor Blvd. – Exit at Channel Street/Pacific Avenue and continue to Front Street/Harbor Blvd.
DETOUR B: Pacific Ave. to NB SR 47 – Take Pacific Avenue to Channel Street to SB I‑110 to NB SR 47
DETOUR C: Harbor Blvd. to NB SR 47 – Take Front Street/Harbor Blvd. to 1st Street to Gaffey Blvd. to NB SR 47
The SR-47 Interchange Project includes replacing the existing southbound off-ramp from the bridge, modifying on- and off-ramps connecting to I-110 and Harbor Boulevard, and improving nearby local streets. The full project is expected to be completed in December 2026.
Watch a video by the Port of Los Angeles explaining the project below:
For questions, the public may call the project hotline at (310) 732-7778. Ongoing updates are available through the Port of Los Angeles project website. spt
On a December morning in San Pedro, Elise Swanson starts her day the way she always does: coffee from Sirens, then a walk across Mesa to her Chamber of Commerce office on 7th Street.
She never knows who will call today. It could be someone asking about a broken streetlight. It could be a new business owner seeking help reviewing a lease. It could be an upset member threatening to drop their membership. Once, years ago, it was an email containing a death threat, which she turned over to the LAPD and then went back to work.
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce has existed for 116 years. Even now, most residents can’t tell you what it does. If you stop people downtown and ask them to explain the Chamber’s function, you’ll get uncertain answers. Something about helping businesses? Something about events?
Swanson has made peace with the fact that the work itself—the testimonies at City Hall, the monthly board meetings, the years-long advocacy—remains largely invisible. What matters is that it happens. Someone has to show up. Someone has to walk Pacific Avenue with business owners and imagine a brighter future. Someone has to collect the voices and deliver the message. For 11 and a half years, that someone has been her.
GETTING THINGS DONE: Swanson works in her office at the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. (photos: John Mattera Photography)
THE PENINSULA PROBLEM To understand the Chamber’s work, you need to understand San Pedro’s geography. Draw a circle with downtown at its center, and you hit water on three sides. The fourth side meets the freeway. This is both San Pedro’s protection and its problem.
When grocery chains study downtown as a potential market, they draw the same circles. They see water where they expect customers and conclude: the numbers don’t add up. For a decade, Swanson has had versions of this conversation. Trader Joe’s flirted. 7-Eleven toyed with a pilot concept. Always the same answer: sorry, no.
The absence of chains has created an unusual ecosystem. Independent businesses—the ones that couldn’t compete with Walmart or Costco in Torrance—survive here because the big operators mostly haven’t arrived. Distrito instead of Starbucks. Subterranean instead of Great Clips. JDC Records because there is no chain equivalent anymore.
“We haven’t been overrun by the big box operators,” Swanson says. But that’s also what makes it tough. The same isolation that preserves character makes growth difficult.
That geography also forces intimacy. “We’re forced to work together because we’re in this small, condensed space,” she says.
On any given day, Swanson might be testifying at City Hall about minimum wage policy or advocating for a water taxi between San Pedro and Long Beach. Or she might be on the phone with someone upset about graffiti that appeared overnight. People call the Chamber thinking it’s a city office.
Mayra Garcia, the Chamber’s membership services coordinator, fields many of these calls alongside operations coordinator Kaitlyn Estevez. “They come to us because we’re kind of the face of San Pedro,” Garcia says. “So they call us, and then we direct them to the right person.”
The Chamber is part of San Pedro’s connective tissue, helping residents navigate everything from potholes to business permits. It’s also been crucial to San Pedro’s culture, hosting events such as the Spirit of the Holidays Parade, the Women’s History Month celebration, and monthly networking breakfasts and mixers. (The Chamber was also responsible for the much-loved and missed Taste in San Pedro, last held in 2016.) It’s gratifying work, but the cumulative weight adds up.
Lauren Johnson, who handles PR and branding for West Harbor and serves on the Chamber board, has worked alongside Swanson for years. “She carries the hopes and dreams of the community on her shoulders,” Johnson says. “She takes everything to heart and really wants to do well by the community. It’s an awesome responsibility that she does not take lightly.”
ADVOCACY & ACTION The Chamber’s most surprising work might be what most people wouldn’t expect: homelessness intervention. When encampments formed around the Beacon Street post office, the Chamber didn’t look away.
Swanson served on LA City Councilmember Joe Buscaino‘s Homeless Services Advisory Task Force, pushing for solutions that made a lot of people uncomfortable.
The Chamber board partnered with Supervisor Janice Hahn and voted to support an interim shelter across from the post office. “Highly controversial at the time,” Swanson says. She faced hostile crowds at public meetings, but she knew that homeless encampments hurt everyone.
STATE OF THE DISTRICT: The Chamber’s annual State of the District is one of many community events it hosts throughout the year. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
“We literally took the folks that were right on the sidewalk, walked them across the street, and put them under a roof with food, showers, workforce training, help getting their driver’s license, medical appointments set up,” Swanson says. “It was the right thing to do.”
Why would a business organization focus on homelessness? Because Swanson believes that community health and business health are a package deal. “If your employees aren’t stable, if your employees don’t have access to health care, food, housing, they’re going to struggle during the workday,” she explains.
The Chamber’s mission statement talks about advocacy and promotion, about making San Pedro a better place to live, work, and visit. It doesn’t mention facing hostile crowds at public meetings. It doesn’t mention watching her own children move to Oklahoma and Oregon because California housing is unaffordable.
“My heart breaks for our young families,” Swanson says, and you understand she’s not speaking theoretically.
During Fleet Week, Swanson rides the trolley without identifying herself, listening to visitors complain that stores on Pacific are closed, that there are bars on windows. This information becomes action, like the Pacific Avenue JEDI Zone, which involved two years of documenting conditions and building a case for beautification. And then there’s the visitor task force launching in January in preparation for the 2028 Olympics—hotels, cruise lines, the port, tourism operators, all coming together to tackle goals both big and granular: pull the weeds, replace signage, help small businesses prepare.
We’re showing San Pedro to the world. Are we going to be ready?
Swanson is thinking about the Olympics constantly. “We’re showing San Pedro to the world. Are we going to be ready?” She likens it to hosting a party: painting the baseboards, making everything just right. Except the world is watching and San Pedro looks, well, like San Pedro—a little rough around the edges. Can they clean it up in two years? And what becomes of the town’s character if that housecleaning goes too far?
RETURN TO THE WATERFRONT Ask Swanson what she’s most proud of and she’ll walk you to the waterfront. “When I arrived in 2001 to work for then LA City Councilmember Janice Hahn, we were having conversations about redevelopment, so this has been a 25-year journey.”
West Harbor is rising now. Signed leases. Actual construction. Restaurants opening. An amphitheater people are already arguing about because, as Swanson puts it, “we San Pedrans can be a little surly.” But she’s attended enough Fleet Weeks and Lobster Festivals to know what happens when you bring people to the waterfront: The town comes alive.
The other project is Rancho San Pedro: aging public housing being rebuilt as 1,600 units of mixed-income housing. Twelve years of work. The Chamber is part of One San Pedro, supporting residents through the transition.
This is the time scale: decades. The things that anger people happen at evening meetings. The things that might help take so long that by completion, everyone’s forgotten who advocated for them.
A BALANCING ACT What is San Pedro becoming? This is the question that hangs over everything. Swanson talks about balance constantly—preserve character while enabling growth, welcome development without displacement.
The Spirit of the Holidays Parade is the Chamber’s largest annual event. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
“San Pedro would lose its soul if you saw an influx of corporate chains,” she says, then adds: “I go to Starbucks, you know, I go to Target.” Some chains are fine. Too many would destroy what makes San Pedro distinct.
Her colleague, Anthony Luna, grew up here as a Boys and Girls Club kid. Now he’s Chamber board chair and owns his own company. Someone who needed social services grew into a business owner who advocates for the community. He’s a San Pedro success story.
But Swanson’s own children don’t live in the South Bay anymore. They left for affordable housing in other states. This is also a San Pedro story.
After 11 and a half years, she’s learned you can’t make everyone happy. You can’t increase the supply of housing with an eye toward affordability without angering homeowners who want property values to rise. You can’t keep San Pedro exactly as it was while preparing it for Olympic sailing and new cruise terminals.
What you can do is show up. Take the calls. Testify. Walk Pacific Avenue. Collect the voices. Ride the trolley and listen. Keep believing that the balance—impossible, contradictory, forever shifting—can somehow be maintained.
Sometimes people boo. Sometimes they drop their memberships. Sometimes they’re grateful and you never hear about it. Sometimes you look at the waterfront rising after 25 years and think: We did it. Sometimes you look at a housing development with new units averaging $900,000 and think: We failed.
All of these things can be, and are, true at once.
And so, on this December morning in San Pedro, Elise Swanson gets her coffee from Sirens and walks to the Chamber office and waits to see who calls, what they need, what’s possible, and what isn’t. The Olympics are two years away, West Harbor is taking shape, the grocery stores still haven’t come downtown, and the water still hits three sides.
She opens her email. She takes the calls. She goes to work. spt
For more information on the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, visit sanpedrochamber.com.
The end of the year is right around the corner, so it’s time to ask: Is San Pedro ready for 2026?
I don’t think so. With “Harborgeddon”—the closure of the Vincent Thomas Bridge—coming sometime in the fall, individuals may be anxious, but I don’t think the community as a whole is aware of how much chaos is about to descend on us. Not just traffic chaos, but economic hardship. I mean, who’s going to want to come to San Pedro if you can’t get here? You can’t shift 10,000 trucks a day off the bridge and onto side streets without creating a logistical nightmare.
There simply aren’t enough alternative routes to the Port of Los Angeles to make this anything less than apocalyptic in scope. Pity poor Wilmington, which will be ground zero for this impending disaster. Its side streets can’t handle the traffic as it is, let alone after the bridge closes. What becomes of Harry Bridges Avenue, Anaheim, or PCH?
Then we get to the Harbor Freeway. The 710 (Long Beach Freeway) is already a disaster, with 18-wheelers backed up for miles, waiting to reach the harbor terminals. That’s what we’ll be seeing on the 110.
There is an irony to all of this, as millions of dollars have just been spent reworking the Harbor Freeway off-ramps to ease the current traffic jams caused by container traffic on Harbor Boulevard. Whatever is being done won’t be enough.
Finally, we have the issue of the bridge itself. It’s being redecked because it was never built to withstand the kind of traffic it’s endured for the past 40-some years. The bridge opened in 1963 to handle the burgeoning vehicular traffic carrying dockworkers to jobs on Terminal Island and Long Beach, military and civilians to the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and, of course, cannery workers. No one envisioned the Port of L.A. becoming the shipping behemoth it is today, with everything moved via container, or they would have made the VTB four lanes each way and made the deck much stronger.
Worse now, no one could have foreseen a day when container ships would be so large they couldn’t fit under the Vincent Thomas. That’s the dilemma facing POLA today: redecking an obsolete bridge. They’ve already decided it’s not feasible to raise the bridge at this time, but turning away ships that can’t reach the terminals at China, TraPac, or NYK will mean millions of dollars in lost revenue. How long will it take to recoup the billions a new bridge will cost?
Then again, where do you build a new bridge that can accommodate both the new ships and the container traffic? It can’t be done alongside the Vincent Thomas, like Long Beach was able to do when it built the new Gateway Bridge. There’s no room at either terminus on the Main Channel to do that without disrupting terminals already in place. There aren’t a lot of options available to POLA.
The best idea I’ve heard is building a tunnel under the channel. It sounds fantastic, but if they can build the Chunnel under the English Channel, anything’s possible. Otherwise, with the closure of the federal prison, maybe the port can buy up that land and create terminals for the newer, bigger ships that can’t fit under the VT.
MORE SPIT-BALLIN’ While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about those water taxis being planned to carry people between San Pedro and Long Beach during the 2028 Olympics. A nice idea, but how about we think about helping local residents first? Like, why don’t we put those taxis into service once the bridge closes and find a way to get dockworkers (and others) from San Pedro to their jobs on Terminal Island and Long Beach? All that would take is some decent parking on the San Pedro waterfront and a small space for a taxi wharf because there would be plenty of room for taxis to disembark workers at terminals all along L.A. and Long Beach harbors. spt
Moving people around San Pedro has been a priority of city planners long before West Harbor started construction.
Now that it is nearing completion this summer, many are asking what is being done to make it easy for locals to enjoy our town without competing for parking.
I personally love using our complimentary San Pedro Trolleys provided by the Discover San Pedro Business Improvement District (PBID), a 501c6 public benefit corporation established in 2008, and the Downtown San Pedro Community Foundation, a 501c3, both led by CEO Ryan Blaney.
These trolleys run year-round and are a free hop-on-hop-off service with regular routes along the harbor and around downtown. Being on rubber tires instead of tracks, they are also flexible and available for rent for specific needs and large events.
Thanks to a $600,000 investment by the PBID and Community Foundation, San Pedro is set to welcome two new all-electric eJest trolleys, marking another major step toward zero-emission transportation right here in our harbor community.
These sleek, modern trolleys will soon join the existing fleet of four diesel-powered and propane-powered trolleys already serving residents and visitors. But unlike their predecessors, the new arrivals will operate with zero tailpipe emissions, helping improve air quality while quietly moving people through some of San Pedro’s most traveled and treasured routes.
“This is more than just adding vehicles,” says San Pedro local and Trolley Manager Stacy Trevizo. “It’s about investing in a cleaner, more efficient way for people to experience San Pedro.”
Each trolley will feature audio-visual stop announcements, making routes more accessible for all riders, including seniors, visitors, and those with visual or hearing impairments. Riders will hear and see upcoming stops, along with announcements highlighting local landmarks and points of interest, and will also have room for human San Pedro ambassadors. Riders will also enjoy free onboard Wi-Fi, making the trolley easier to use and connect.
Perhaps the most exciting feature is the GPS-enabled real-time tracking system. Thanks to a grant provided by the Goldhirsh Foundation and LA2050, the new TripShot software will allow riders to see exactly where the trolley is on its route and how far away it is from the next stop. No more guessing or long waits, just open your phone and know when your ride is near your stop.
The new electric trolleys will serve three strategic routes: the West Harbor Route, connecting riders visiting the waterfront, the amphitheater, and cruise ships with our historic downtown, including the shops and restaurants that will welcome the foot traffic; the Coastal Route, a scenic and practical line running between the USS Iowa, Downtown San Pedro, and all the way south to Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the DoubleTree Hotel; and the First Thursday Route, supporting local businesses, artists, and cultural events during San Pedro’s monthly art walk.
For San Pedro residents, this means easier access to shopping, dining, recreation, and events by parking once and getting around for free. For visitors, it means easy access to Downtown San Pedro businesses and the ability to figure out where to go and what to do on the fly.
By modernizing the fleet and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, San Pedro is aligning transportation planning with our long-term sustainability goals. This move may also open additional access to funding as a success story encouraging grant money to support our migration to cleaner fuels and vehicles.
As West Harbor continues to rise, downtown revitalization moves forward, the Battleship Iowa remains LA’s fourth most visited attraction, and Cabrillo Beach remains a beloved destination, these electric trolleys will quietly and efficiently tie it all together.
As I wrote last month about the water taxi Supervisor Hahn is bringing to town before the Olympics, San Pedro has always been a place of movement—ships, trains, ideas, and people. Now, that movement is getting cleaner, smarter, and a little more electric. spt
For over 25 years, local artist Jim Murray has been guiding South Bay residents on art excursions through the galleries and museums of Los Angeles and Orange County.
What began as Arts in Arts Spaces and later became the Museum and Gallery Visitation Group has evolved into a popular weekly “field trip” experience. Murray’s gallery hops take participants on a journey through diverse art spaces, from the Wilshire Strip and Santa Monica to the South Bay and Venice.
Each outing is thoughtfully planned to visit one to three venues in a single afternoon, with a lunch break at a nearby restaurant. The focus is on one neighborhood at a time, minimizing extra driving and parking. These outings offer both novice and seasoned art lovers a unique opportunity to engage with art in a more meaningful way.
Murray’s deep connection to art is evident in his approach. A conversation with him reveals an expert not only in the art world but also in the history and evolution of Los Angeles’ creative scene. Active in the LA art community since the 1970s and a former art professor at Mount St. Mary’s College, Murray brings an invaluable blend of hands-on artistic experience and extensive knowledge of the art world’s inner workings.
Every week, participants, many of whom are artists themselves, receive an email from Murray detailing the upcoming Thursday’s curated museum visits. His notes offer insights into the exhibitions, helping participants get the most out of the experience. While transportation and entrance fees are not included, most people carpool to the locations.
Murray encourages visitors to approach the art with fresh eyes, without being influenced by written descriptions. “Respond to the work first,” he says. While some galleries are upscale and sophisticated, Murray is always available to answer questions, and gallery staff are also on hand to provide additional context. Murray’s group visited more than 300 galleries and museum exhibitions in 2025.
“There’s so much more to art when you understand it,” says Murray. “With so many galleries now in Los Angeles, you could never visit them all in a year. It’s constantly changing. Southern California has become an international art destination.”
In addition to his field trips, Murray maintains a studio at Los Angeles Harbor Arts (LAHA) in Downtown San Pedro, where his Southwest Series exhibit is currently on display. The three-story LAHA building, over a century old and once used as a laundry facility for ships, exudes a distinct New York loft vibe, complete with a working freight elevator. LAHA is a collective of working artists that offers open-studio events such as First Thursdays, when the public can explore the space and interact with the artists.
Murray describes San Pedro as an art destination haven that has been around for years, one that has developed naturally over time, with a collective sense of community that is not getting attention. He credits Angels Gate Cultural Center as a key anchor in this growth, providing artist studios and exhibitions that help bridge the gap between art and the local community.
Murray also leads a free arts class at Angels Gate Cultural Center, which he’s taught for 25 years. Saturday Morning Life Painting and Drawing is more communal than a traditional class. It meets every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with participants bringing their own supplies while lighting, models, and easels are provided.
The Museum and Gallery Visitation Group meets casually every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a fee of $20, plus parking and gallery entrance fees. For more information or to join one of these weekly art excursions, contact Murray at jwmur@aol.com or visit his website at jwmurrayarts.com.
LAHA is located at 401 S. Mesa in San Pedro, and Murray’s studio is on the second floor, overlooking the harbor. spt
Since the pandemic, podcasting has become a prevalent, effective, and profitable communications platform for organizations and thought leaders across the country.
Joining the fray is a diverse slate of podcasts from LA Times Studios featuring San Pedro’s own Glenn Gritzner, called Making Los Angeles (available wherever you get your podcasts), showcasing narrative journalism on everything from unique leaders to cultural trends shaping LA.
Glenn Gritzner. (photo: Facebook)
Glenn brings two decades of experience with local governments throughout Southern California to his work in political outreach, policy analysis, communication and media strategy, education, and urban planning and development.
Previously, he founded the Los Angeles office of a major public affairs firm, where he oversaw external advocacy and outreach for billions of dollars in development projects, including the largest development in Hollywood’s history.
Glenn has run successful ballot initiatives for the four largest local school bonds in U.S. history, resulting in over $20 billion in funding for new school construction. He has provided crisis communications support and media training for a wide range of corporate and nonprofit clients.
He received his bachelor’s degree in communications from UCLA, where he graduated magna cum laude, and earned his master’s degree in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Here are my favorite Glenn interviews with folks who have visited San Pedro:
• Father Gregory Boyle is an American Catholic priest of the Jesuit order. He is the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang intervention and rehabilitation program.
• Fritz Coleman is a five-time Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian and former NBC weathercaster. He was the main weathercaster for NBC Los Angeles for 40 years, until he retired in 2020.
• Larry Mantle is a radio talk show host and journalist on the Southern California NPR station, LAist (formerly KPCC). He hosts AirTalk with Larry Mantle, the longest-running daily talk radio show in LA. Mantle also hosts the movie review program FilmWeek.
I asked Glenn some of the same questions he asks his guests:
What is the origin story and background of your LA Times podcast?
Glenn Gritzner: I was listening to an NPR podcast called How I Built This, where the host interviews founders and others who have built successful companies. And I had this mini epiphany—I should do this for Los Angeles, interview the founders and builders who help make Los Angeles. I started out focusing on Downtown and put together a DIY podcast called Enthusiastically Los Angeles (which you can still find), where I interviewed the people who had really helped create the modern Downtown LA.
Later, I pitched the LA Times on “adopting” my podcast and broadening it out. Which—very, very long story short—they did, and is how Making Los Angeles was born.
Can you give us a sneak preview of what’s in store for Making Los Angeles in 2026?
Gritzner: We have a great group of guests, and I try to interview a wide swath of people—politicians, entertainers, restaurateurs, etc. I think we will be launching our first video episode with Cheech Marin of Cheech & Chong fame.
When did you first discover San Pedro?
Gritzner: I used to go to Ports O’ Call with my parents as a kid, so I “discovered” San Pedro a long time ago. I truly rediscovered it when I met and fell in love with San Pedro Today columnist and Pedro luminary Amber Sheikh! And the fact that I inherited two amazing kids, Allegra and Zayd, helped too!
Where do you take first-time visitors in San Pedro?
Gritzner: So many choices! I love showing people the Korean Bell and the leftover military installations around Point Fermin. Cabrillo Beach and the Aquarium are always great stops, which sort of surprises people. The view from the Elks Lodge is tough to beat (and free popcorn for the kids). And, while it’s not technically San Pedro, I love taking people to the Chowder Barge.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Gritzner: Amber would tell you it’s a tie between The Great British Baking Show and American Idol.
What advice would you give to 10-year-old Glenn?
Gritzner: Lean in. You never know unless you try. Say “yes” to life. And always be grateful. spt
Food trucks and street vendors can be a controversial topic. But hear me out. Sometimes they fill a lacking presence and can become part of the community.
The majority of restaurants in town close by 9 p.m. Imagine being hungry after catching an evening show at the Grand Annex or The Sardine. Maybe, like me, you end up taking your mother-in-law unexpectedly to the ER; by the time you leave the hospital, it’s 10 p.m. and you are starving. Perhaps you work the night shift, and your “lunch” break is past 9 p.m.
I discovered the El Habanero MX food truck around 10 years ago. You can find them daily in the late afternoon in Ray Deeter’s Tire lot (1024 S. Pacific Ave.). They immediately stood out to me because they have some menu items I hadn’t seen at other Mexican restaurants in town, and their food is tasty.
El Habanero MX’s nachos. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)
For example, I had never had huarache, an oblong fried tortilla topped with beans, meat of your choice, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crema, and cheese. Another is mulita, which is two corn tortillas filled with your choice of meat and cheese, then heated on the griddle until the cheese melts. While nachos are a staple, El Habanero MX includes shredded lettuce, which adds an unexpected layer of freshness and crunch. They offer a wide selection of self-serve salsas, diced onions, fresh cilantro, sliced cucumbers, and radishes to accompany your food. This is where I became obsessed with pickled red onions with fresh habanero. Cash is preferable, as there is an extra charge for card payments.
Another good option for late-night food is Tacos El Chivo. They usually set up on Gaffey Street between 5th and 6th streets by the former Big 5 Sporting Goods in the late afternoon. My go-to order is their al pastor tacos, because the tortillas are handmade to order and the meat is not only well-flavored but freshly cut from a spit (trompo). Then a slice of pineapple is added to the taco. The standard topping of diced onions, cilantro, and three types of salsas can be ordered to top them off. There are also grilled onions and jalapeños, sliced cucumbers, radishes, and pickled onions available as sides.
Desi Boys Indian Cuisine’s chatpata wings. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)
I recently discovered the Desi Boys Indian Cuisine food truck located inside the Guest Harbor Inn’s (411 S. Pacific Ave.) parking lot. This is a welcome addition to our town since, to the best of my knowledge, we have never had Indian food here before.
The owner, Swaroop Rasman Prem, took my order, taking care to ask me how spicy I like my food. Rasman Prem’s food reflects his South Indian heritage, cooking experience, and careful focus on spices. His food delivers a modern twist on classics while staying true to regionality and incorporating the most important spice: love.
So far, one of my favorites is the golden and flavorful chicken curry. The curry leaves in the stew, freshly picked from the trees on the Inn’s property, make it even more vibrant. The tandoori chicken is tender, and the sauce that it’s topped with adds a mouthwatering layer of flavor. Rasman Prem sent me home with some chatpata wings; honestly, they were some of the best I have ever had. The meat was perfectly moist, and the thick sauce they were tossed in was incredibly tasty. A pro tip is to order naan, which is made in the on-site oven, to scoop up any remainder of the sauce, because it’s that good! The shrimp masala is also good.
Adjacent to the truck is a small enclosed courtyard with a few tables and chairs for customers who wish to eat on site. Service times can be found on their Instagram: @desiboys_la. spt
As we always do this time of year, reflecting on the past year is essential for understanding where our market is heading, and this annual review is one of the highlights of our calendar.
We enjoy analyzing the final stats to uncover the real story behind the sales trends in San Pedro, Rancho Palos Verdes, and the South Bay. It is time to look past the headlines and focus on the data. So, how did 2025 stack up? Let’s dig in.
As reported last year, 2024 was defined by mortgage rates hovering between 6.5% and 7%, which kept sales volume relatively restrained. Going into 2025, predictions called for a “loosening” of monetary policy and a decline in rates to the high 5% range.
In reality, 2025 proved to be a year of stabilization rather than dramatic shifts. While rates moderated slightly—averaging near 6.6% for much of the year—the market found a new rhythm. Buyers returned with cautious optimism, and inventory levels improved, offering more choices to those buyers entering the market.
So how did our local market perform in 2025? According to MLS statistics (2025 vs. 2024) through December 15, the South Bay remained stable with steady gains in both activity and value.
In San Pedro, 271 SFRs were sold, a slight increase (+0.7%) from the 269 sold in 2024. The median sales price was $1,000,000, which increased (+5.2%) from $950,000 the previous year. Average days on market (DOM) ticked up to 38 days from 33 in 2024, reflecting a more balanced pace as buyers took their time to choose the right home.
In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, the market remained steady. There were 300 homes sold, up (+6.4%) from 282 homes sold in 2024. The median sales price of $1,872,000 remained flat and was virtually identical to 2024. Notably, the average DOM increased to 50 days compared to 34 in 2024, further signaling that while demand is strong, buyers are becoming more selective.
Overall, in the Greater South Bay, 3,143 SFRs were sold, a healthy increase (+4.1%) from 3,018 in 2024. The median sales price for the region climbed (+7%) to $1,285,000, up from $1,200,000 in 2024. The average DOM for the region increased from 32 days to 37 days in 2025.
The data tells us that our local market remained stable, with 2025 displaying modest increases from 2024 in both volume and price, despite rates not dropping as low as initially forecast. The local market showed resilience, outpacing many statewide trends.
What can we expect in 2026? The California Association of Realtors® (C.A.R.) projects a continued gradual rebound. They forecast existing single-family home sales to rise (+2.0%) to 274,400 units next year. The statewide median home price is expected to reach a new record of $905,000, an increase of 3.6%. Crucial to affordability, C.A.R. expects the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate to finally dip further, hovering in the 6.0% range in 2026.
With inventory levels slowly normalizing and rates trending downward, we anticipate 2026 will offer even more opportunities for both buyers and sellers to make their move. Wishing you all a happy New Year! spt
My parents came home from a long trip, and I hadn’t seen my mom in quite a while.
When she walked into the kitchen, I actually froze for a second. “Wow, Ma… people are going to think you’re on Ozempic! You look amazing.” She blinked, completely innocent, and replied, “What’s that?” She’s not, by the way—she did it the old-fashioned way.
My mom made a promise to my sister years ago that she’d live to be 100. My sister was born when my mom was 45, and she always wanted my mom to be at her wedding and to meet her kids. So that was the deal: 100 or bust.
My parents are 73 and 67 now, and they both regularly attend classes at our gym. I love having them there. There’s something truly special about working out with your family—watching the people who raised you try to raise their own standard.
Back to my mom looking incredible. She lost over 40 pounds in five months. My dad dropped over 35. Discipline did the heavy lifting, and they did it together. They originally started this plan to reduce inflammation, identify food sensitivities, and reset their metabolism. But they ended up learning so much more: portion control, what their bodies actually need, and how good it feels to be intentional. I watched them weigh and measure food after it was cooked. As the kids say, they were locked in.
I’ve never seen my parents this committed to a “diet.” They’ve tried plenty over the years. So I sat down with my mom and asked her what made this one different. She said she finally reached the point where she was sick of feeling the way she did. She was ready. She’d reached her tipping point. And having my dad fully on board made all the difference.
Now that they’ve completed their challenge with the company they worked with, my mom is at a weight she hasn’t seen since high school. She looks incredible—but more importantly, she feels good. With her rheumatoid arthritis, finding foods that lower inflammation has drastically reduced flare-ups. My dad is no longer prediabetic and has cut his cholesterol meds in half.
They are settling back into a new normal of healthy eating. What is healthy? Not overindulging. There is a balance to everything. I saw my mom eat a single scoop of ice cream with a little corner of cake the other night. In the past, it would have been three scoops.
It’s never too late. Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 47 years ago; the second-best time is today. Young or old, you can still make impactful changes in your life; you just have to make up your mind and make it happen.
The only downside? They basically had to replace their entire wardrobe—a small price to pay for a second shot at feeling young.
I’m just a proud son watching two people decide they weren’t done improving. And I think that’s worth sharing. spt
West Harbor’s vision to transform the San Pedro waterfront into a world-class destination took another major step forward last month with the announcement of six new dining and beverage concepts set to open as part of the $500 million redevelopment.
Slated to debut ahead of the project’s 2026 opening, the latest additions further expand West Harbor’s culinary reach, bringing together first-in-market restaurants, Michelin-recognized flavors, and local favorites across more than 10,000 square feet of newly leased space.
Headlining the announcement is Mike Hess Brewing, which will make its Los Angeles debut at West Harbor with an expanded seaside concept that also introduces Mike Hess Distilling. The San Diego-based brewery will anchor a large beer garden overlooking the harbor, offering curated flights of handcrafted beers, signature cocktails, and packaged spirits, all designed for on-site or at-home enjoyment.
The project’s Food Collective—West Harbor’s modern food hall showcasing diverse culinary talent—will welcome four new global-inspired concepts:
Tacos El Franc, a celebrated Tijuana taqueria recognized by The Michelin Guide and featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, will make its Los Angeles debut, serving handmade tortillas and traditional fillings such as adobada, suadero, and lengua.
Glass Box brings a high-concept Asian dining experience to LA for the first time, pairing a dramatic glass-enclosed space with an open kitchen and a menu featuring sushi, sashimi, Taiwanese beef noodle soup, and steak fried rice.
Rounding out the Food Collective are Paraná Empanadas, known for its family-recipe Argentine empanadas, and LoZio Pizza, a spinoff of LoZio Osteria led by local pizzaiolo Marco Aromatario, featuring both traditional and modern Italian pies made with locally sourced ingredients.
In Central Park, West Harbor’s outdoor gathering space, Freska Bar will add a splash of color with fruit-forward agua frescas—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—alongside michelaguas and comfort-food favorites.
“These additions reflect our commitment to curating authentic and diverse experiences,” says Eric Johnson, senior project executive for West Harbor, in a statement. He notes that each concept brings its own story and sense of place to the evolving destination.
The six new tenants join a growing lineup that already includes the iconic San Pedro Fish Market, a satellite location of Yamashiro, the immersive art experience Hopscotch, and the dessert favorite The Baked Bear.
Spanning 42 acres with a mile of waterfront access, West Harbor will also feature a 6,200-seat amphitheater developed with Nederlander Concerts, a boutique amusement park with California’s tallest observation wheel, recreational courts, and year-round programming. When it opens later this year—just ahead of the LA 2028 Summer Olympics—West Harbor is poised to become a new cultural and culinary anchor for San Pedro and the greater Los Angeles region. spt
Green Onion Mexican Restaurant holds a special place in the hearts of many native and long-time San Pedro residents.
When news of its closure was first publicized, it created a massive reaction in town because, undeniably, it’s a Pedro institution. It’s safe to say that the strong response reflects the inner turmoil we all feel about Downtown San Pedro’s changing landscape.
Admittedly, the scope for new development is a much-needed revitalization where foot traffic has steadily diminished, and there are still many empty storefronts. However, losing the Green Onion to a new residential complex has been met with a lot of sorrow and resentment.
The writer with longtime owner Bob Sanjabi in November 2025. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)
The Green Onion has been a beloved cantina for people to gather for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, family meals, and of course, lots of margaritas.
The framed photographs with smiley patrons that adorn the walls are a testament to how deeply ingrained this restaurant has been in the community. Some of the frames are autographed pictures of generals from the nearby military base who frequently came in and were seated in the banquet hall, instead of the regular dinning area, to allow for privacy.
The comfortable and homey atmosphere that many enjoy at the Green Onion is not by chance; it has been fostered by its beating heart, owner Bahman “Bob” Sanjabi.
How an Iranian ended up owning such a popular and successful Mexican restaurant is a good story. Sanjabi immigrated to the U.S. in the 1950s. He has never been terribly enamored with Persian food; however, he immediately developed an affinity for Mexican cuisine when he was introduced to it. His newfound culinary discovery sparked a desire to own a Mexican restaurant.
His involvement with the Original Red Onion Restaurant in Palos Verdes, and close friendship he shared with its owner Bart Earle, provided the perfect training ground to learn how to run a food establishment.
In 1983, when his partnership dissolved, Sanjabi found a vacant restaurant location on Gaffey and 17th Street. Thus, the Green Onion was established and Sanjabi’s dream of owning his own Mexican restaurant realized. A few years later, he was presented with the opportunity to take over an ideal location on 6th Street in Downtown San Pedro, left vacant by Majestic Café’s closing.
One of Green Onion’s famous margaritas. (photo: Sanam Lamborn)
Sanjabi is now a few months shy of turning 91 years old, however, he is still very involved in the restaurant, whether in his office adjacent to the kitchen or just by walking around and socializing with diners. He takes pride in the food that his restaurant serves. He doesn’t have a favorite dish because he confidently says, “Everything on the menu is good and tasty because it is made fresh.”
Sanjabi is soft spoken with a witty sense of humor that makes people feel comfortable and at ease. It is no wonder that he is so beloved by the patrons. When I mentioned my love for the double Cadillac margarita and inquired if I could purchase the iconic glass that it comes in, Sanjabi, without hesitation, gifted me one to cherish and remember the many good times had in his establishment.
Closing the restaurant was not part of the plan, however, the development has forced Sanjabi to call it quits. In the few weeks leading to its closure, the decorative items and the glass cabinets that housed them were emptied and sold. Some of the memorabilia that feature the name of the restaurant are being held on to in case any of the employees choose to carry on the Green Onion legacy at a different location in town, fingers crossed.
In the meantime, many long-time patrons flocked to the restaurant to squeeze in as many visits as they could. In fact, the restaurant was packed most days. In the final days, the walls started looking patchy, as many of the framed photographs were taken. Copies of the menus started disappearing as well.
In a very telling change of time, instead of memorializing their good times in physical photographs, patrons started sharing their pictures taken at the restaurant on the Friends of Green Onion San Pedro Facebook page.
When the Majestic Café closed, a new chapter began for the Green Onion where it solidified itself in the fabric of this community. We can only hope that whichever food establishment moves into the newly built commercial space can establish itself as a comfortable place of gathering for both longstanding and new San Pedro residents. spt
Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page @eatinsanpedro.
Driving around San Pedro recently, it suddenly dawned on me: For someone born and raised here, going down Pacific Avenue and Sixth Street downtown, passing one empty storefront after another, was depressing (see below).
Exiting the freeway at Gaffey and passing the closed Rite Aid and soon-to-be-closed Big 5, the overall sense of decay was distressing.
Trying to get anywhere on Western Avenue during lane closures and looking at all the “Space for Rent” signs is discouraging (Urbane Café may be the only bit of good news on that benighted street in years). You get home after that, and the thought occurs that you may never leave the house again.
Then I load faithful companion Jack in the back seat, and we’re off for a walk at one of San Pedro’s special places: the primordial quiet of Peck Park Canyon; lush Averill Park, an open-air aviary with its quaint waterfall and turtle-filled ponds; and Bogdanovich/Deane Dana parks, where you can find solitude on its maze of trails over the same ground trod by the Gabrielenos hundreds of years ago, while gazing down at the L.A. Basin and the glistening Pacific.
Next, you head for Point Fermin and the dog park on Paseo Del Mar. We walk over the Fort MacArthur Museum grounds, where giant concrete casements take you back in time, cross over to Angels Gate Park and the picturesque Korean Bell with breathtaking views of the harbor, rocky coastline, and Catalina. There’s a stop at Point Fermin Park and its majestic trees, historic lighthouse, fearless and plump squirrels that Jack likes to stalk, and barking seals basking on the wave-battered rocks far below.
Finally, with “‘60s Gold” bumping on my Sirius radio, I take a round-about cruise down Paseo to everyone’s favorite old-school haunt, Royal Palms, and I say to myself, “This is why I live in San Pedro.”
If only you could get home without driving down Pacific, Gaffey, or Western, life here would be wonderful.
ADIOS, GREEN ONION
The restaurant business is brutal, and they come and go, but losing a beloved eating spot is always upsetting.
The closure of the Green Onion is particularly sad because for many San Pedrans like me, it marks the end of an era.
It’s happened before. If you’re of a certain age, you remember when it was breakfast at Hobby Nobby, lunch at the Hamburger Hut or Tony’s, and dinner at Peppy’s, La Conga, Cigo’s, Luigi’s, La Paloma, Chin’s Garden, The Majestic, or Ante’s.
Green Onion, photographed November 11, 2025. (photo: Joshua Stecker)
Then there was the Rum Runner, Canetti’s, Walker’s Café, the Princess Louise, Papadakis Taverna, Olsen’s, Tasman Sea, Shin Shin, Reuben’s Plankhouse, La Chispa, and Crest Café. We had the Little Fisherman, Acapulco, Sizzler, Nizetich’s, the venerable Ports O’ Call Restaurant, Yankee Whaler, and Utro’s. Not to mention Neil’s and the old standbys, The Grinder, Coco’s, Carrows, and IHOP.
Gone, all gone.
The Green Onion really was a generational institution, a hangout for multitudes of San Pedrans. My parents were regulars at the original Bart Earle’s Red Onion on the Hill and got to know Bob Sanjabi. So when Bob opened the Green Onion more than 40 years ago, my parents followed him, and like hundreds of others, they had their photo hanging on his wall of patrons. I can’t tell you how many meals I’ve had there, how many milestones were celebrated with margarita pitchers, or how many bowls of chips and salsa I’ve consumed over the years. No one made a margarita like Fernando, a mainstay behind the bar for decades.
My wife’s last meal out was there.
There are still a lot of good places to eat in San Pedro, but the family restaurant is becoming a thing of the past. Most of the restaurants mentioned above were all popular and didn’t close for lack of business; it’s just that the bottom line made continuing untenable.
The Green Onion replaced The Majestic. A great restaurant location is being replaced by a high-rise. What we mourn when a place like the Green Onion shuts its doors is not just the loss of a good meal; it’s the closing of a chapter of our lives, saying goodbye to a place where memories were made.
We’re not just losing a great salsa, we’re losing our history, and that’s never a good thing. spt
If you’ve lived in San Pedro long enough, you know this town has a soft spot the size of San Pedro Bay when it comes to helping our own.
We rally for our schools, our small businesses, our nonprofits, our waterfront dream projects, and yes, our pets. And right now, two of our most important local lifelines need us more than ever: San Pedro Pet Pals and the Harbor Animal Shelter.
Every week, I hear the stories. A sweet senior dog that suddenly needs rehoming because its owner passed away. A family forced to move into an apartment that doesn’t allow pets despite perfectly loving, well-behaved animals who’ve done nothing wrong. Cats who’ve lived their whole lives indoors until illness, aging parents, or economic hardship made it impossible for their humans to keep them. These pets aren’t “strays.” They’re family members who lost their families.
Walk into San Pedro Pet Pals on 7th Street or the Harbor Shelter on Gaffey and you’ll immediately feel it. That warm, hopeful energy of volunteers who genuinely love what they do. They know every dog and cat by name, personality, backstory, and favorite treat. One might wiggle up to greet you like you’re their long-lost best friend. Another might peer shyly from behind a blanket fort. One (or possibly all of them) will steal your heart.
I’ve seen tough longshoremen melt like butter when a rescue pup climbs into their lap. I’ve watched kids beg their parents to bring home the cat that “picked them.” I’ve talked with seniors who say adopting a shelter pet made them feel young again. These shelters aren’t just places where animals wait, they’re places where new families begin.
When you adopt from our local shelters, you’re doing more than giving a pet a second chance, you’re supporting San Pedro’s own support system. Our shelters run on limited resources and limitless hearts. Every adoption frees up space for the next animal in crisis. Every donation buys food, medicine, blankets, and time.
And let’s talk about temperament for a moment. Many of these animals come from loving homes. They’re already house-trained, people-friendly, and eager to bond again. They know routines. They know affection. They know what it means to belong. All they need now is someone willing to open their home and say, “Let’s start again.”
THE APARTMENT CRISIS
Here’s the part many people don’t see. Perfectly good pets are losing their homes because life events affect families and they can’t find a pet-friendly place to live. That’s it. Nothing more dramatic than a lease agreement. They are surrendered at the Harbor Animal Shelter and many end up euthanized. Absolutely heartbreaking.
Imagine having to choose between your home and your animal. Imagine having to box up your life and leave your furry companion behind, knowing you did nothing wrong and neither did they. It’s a tragedy we hear about far too often, but it’s one we can help solve.
We can’t change every landlord’s mind (trust me, I’ve tried), but we can make sure displaced pets get a fresh start right here in the town they grew up in.
There may be hope for you if you have a pet and are going through it. There are resources available that can help families avoid surrendering their pet, including food pantries, temporary rehousing, and other options can be found at laanimalservices.com/harbor.
Ask anyone who’s adopted—it’s never “just a pet.” It’s the morning tail wag that makes you smile before coffee. It’s the cat curled on your chest reminding you to slow down. It’s laughter, the companionship, the pure, uncomplicated joy that fills a home.
If you can adopt, have a suitable home, and the time to love an animal as it transitions back to normal life, visit @PedroPetPals on Instagram for their next adoption event. If you can’t adopt, then foster for two weeks. Happy pets are easier to adopt. If you can’t foster, donate. Your dollars help keep the program alive, and deliver spay, neutering, and vaccine access to low-income communities. Also, share this article with others to encourage landlords to consider pet-friendly policies.
Somewhere in San Pedro right now, a dog is watching the door for someone who isn’t coming back. A cat is curled in a donated blanket wondering what tomorrow holds. Their lives are measured in hope. Let’s give them what they’re hoping for. If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe someday I’ll adopt,” let this be someday. Our shelters are 45 percent over capacity, and animals are being euthanized daily.
Just remember, the life you save may be your own. spt
On a rainy Monday morning at the Ann and Steve Hinchliffe San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA, two groups are playing pickleball on the basketball court, as the local outdoor courts are too wet.
Seniors and others are coming and going from the swimming pool and sauna, while the main gym is busy with most treadmills occupied. Executive Director Josh Chan walks out of an exercise class and engages with members. Known for being hands-on and open to new ideas, Chan fosters a community-centered approach alongside the YMCA’s core offerings.
The YMCA has long served the San Pedro community, and in recent years, its impact has grown. After the Palisades-Malibu YMCA was destroyed in the January wildfires, local Ys became distribution points for supplies and services for fire victims. Donations of food and goods have continued, and the YMCA partnered with FeedLA to distribute free food weekly in November when SNAP benefits were threatened. This year, the San Pedro YMCA is also providing 75 Thanksgiving baskets to families in need.
YMCA volunteers organizing donations. (photo: courtesy San Pedro & Peninsula YMCA)
Under Chan’s leadership, the San Pedro YMCA has become a hub for community engagement. In addition to traditional offerings like swimming, basketball, youth camps, and fitness programs, Chan created “Wellness Wednesday” to encourage members to socialize after workouts. The lobby now features ping pong, a pool table, and a 100-year-old piano, with new social groups like mahjong and board games for members to enjoy. A music room is being developed with donated instruments, and a tech room is also in the works.
This community-focused approach is part of a broader initiative by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to ensure a positive Y experience for all Angelenos. With over 10,000 members and 90 staff at the San Pedro YMCA, Chan’s goal is to create a safe, supportive space for everyone to lead a healthy life.
“There’s a real community spirit here, and I love hearing new ideas about what people want,” says Chan. “I plan to partner with other nonprofits monthly to support their missions and collaborate on events. We have the space to host informational booths, classes, and donation drives.”
The YMCA has partnered with Harbor Terrace and the Palos Verdes Art Center to offer art classes at the Y and on-site at Harbor Terrace. Chan is also working to provide exercise classes off-site and outdoors. Additionally, certain classes, such as Pilates Reformer, are available to non-members for a fee. Some medical insurance plans cover membership costs, and discounted memberships are available for those who qualify. During the summer, teens are free, providing a safe place for youth to stay active and healthy.
The YMCA has deep roots in San Pedro, with its original site on a boat called “Shipyard YMCA,” followed by a hut on Harbor Boulevard, and then a five-story historic building on Beacon Street, where it served Army Navy servicemen. It eventually settled on Bandini Street. Though the current building is old and the plumbing pipes can be temperamental, it’s part of its charm. While some may grumble about the sauna being closed or the pool being a degree cooler or the parking lot being closed when the camp bus is loading or being closed on Sundays since COVID, it’s all part of the San Pedro Y experience.
To volunteer, suggest a class, or learn more, contact the YMCA at (310) 832-4211 or visit ymcala.org. spt
For the third year in a row, we are producing a staged reading of Sir Patrick Stewart’s script adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
As with most great literature, these words still have meaning and impact. As you may already know, Dickens wrote this novella (originally titled A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas) in 1843. This popular story came to prominence at a time when English people were reevaluating Christmas traditions. In 1849, Dickens began public readings of the story, and it was so successful that he undertook 127 further performances until 1870, the year of his death.
Early in the first act, Scrooge’s nephew Fred lets in two portly gentlemen who are asking for donations—“At this festive season of the year, it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who greatly suffer at this present time.”
Scrooge asks them if prisons, union workhouses, and other establishments are still in operation. His answer resonates with me often, as a callous view about the current interruption in food assistance programs—“I can’t afford to make idle people merry… If they would die, they had better do it and decrease the surplus population.”
The first spectral visitor, the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a journey to his past, and they visit a warehouse where he served as an apprentice. They encounter a corpulent old gentleman in a Welsh wig named Fezziwig. After a joyous, festive celebration, the ghost remarks, “A small matter to make these silly folks so full of gratitude. He has spent but a few pounds of your mortal money.” This is a gentle reminder that we have the wherewithal to help our friends, neighbors, and community in small, meaningful ways.
At the end of the novella/play, Scrooge encounters the portly gentlemen and, in the moment, he demonstrates his first act of redemption by pledging a generous donation to their causes. At its conclusion, his story becomes a tale of redemption, second chances, and forgiveness.
We invite you to join us for A Christmas Carol, in one performance, on Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m., at the Grand Annex Music Hall. We present this classic tale on behalf of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District.
This staged reading of this holiday tradition will again feature local luminaries such as Councilman Tim McOsker of the One-Five, Harbor Commissioner Lee Williams, and former Whale & Ale owner Andrew Silber, with actors from Little Fish/Shakespeare by the Sea, Encore South Bay Group, and House of Bards Theatre Company.
The production will be directed by Renee O’Connor-Sura (House of Bards Theatre Company) and Jacob Nye (Encore South Bay Group). Our gracious venue host is the Grand Vision Foundation, and we are grateful to our title sponsor, APM Terminals.
In the true spirit of the season, we are asking you to help restock the Toberman Food Pantry. Food is more than a basic necessity—it’s a powerful act of care, stability, and hope. The Toberman Food Pantry serves as a lifeline for thousands of families facing food insecurity throughout the Harbor Area, including San Pedro, Wilmington, Harbor Gateway, and Harbor City.
Please consider assisting the food pantry by bringing donations of the following items to the event:
shelf-stable milk, almond milk, soy milk, cup of noodles, cereal and granola bars, tuna, jerky, cooking oil, soup/chili, fruit cups, canned vegetables, rice and beans, peanut butter
fresh vegetables and fruits
bread or bread mix, pasta, and pasta sauce
hygiene products
baby food, diapers, formula
paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent
hygiene kits (lotion/face wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, and hand sanitizer)
We will also be raffling stocking stuffers and small gifts to help you get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping, and, as a special treat, Santa Claus will conduct a live auction for a deluxe resort vacation.
