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Congresswoman Janice Hahn | Fempreneurs | MOMS Club of San Pedro | Mary Star's Hope Marinkovich
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PLUS: CELEBRATING SAN PEDRO'S 'FEMPRENEURS' | MOMS CLUB OF SAN PEDRO | MARY STAR STANDOUT HOPE MARINKOVICH
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After two terms in Congress, and forgoing a reelection campaign, Janice Hahn is coming back home to San Pedro to run for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, where her
father, the late Kenneth Hahn, served for four decades.
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
OUR FEMPRENEURS
This month, in addition to featuring Congresswoman Janice Hahn on our cover, we’re also celebrating this town’s incredible slate of female entrepreneurs (or “fempreneurs,” as the kids are calling them these days). It’s amazing just how many female-owned small businesses we have in San Pedro.
Owning a small business is tough no matter what gender you are. It takes courage, perseverance, confidence, and a certain set of skills that normal 9 to 5ers just aren’t wired to do. As a serial entrepreneur myself, I know firsthand just how time consuming, frustrating – and sometimes frightening – owning your own business can be. That’s
why celebrating the ladies who keep our small business community going strong was a no brainer, especially for the month of Mother’s Day.
Of course, being a small magazine offers its own limitations, like not being able to feature ALL the fempreneurs we wanted to. There are a few notable omissions that deserve a shout out in this column though, like Carolina Brown of Rok ‘n’ Ell Baby Boutique, Mary Skinner of Curves in RPV, Rosemarie “Bitsy” Lauro of Rancho San Pedro Escrow, Rosemarie Ganoe of Captain's Treasure Chest, Peggy Lindquist of The Corner Store… I can go on and on. I could fill at least five magazines with features on all our female entrepreneurs, there are that many. It’s Getting WorseThe homeless situation in San Pedro is reaching a tipping point. The makeshift Skid Row that’s been established in Plaza Park and on the corner of 8th Street and Palos Verdes has finally drawn attention to a problem that’s been building for years. In this month’s issue, both Councilman Joe Buscaino and Harbor Commissioner Anthony Pirozzi tackle the issue of the homeless in their respective columns as this town continues to search for a sensitive and humanitarian solution to this growing burden on our community.
I still stand by my suggestion of establishing an unused piece of property as a temporary shelter camp for our homeless population. As I mentioned in the February issue, after seeing the Right 2 Dream Too (R2D2) “safe park” in Portland, Ore., I think something similar can be replicated in San Pedro. The folks from R2D2 recently helped the Tucson, Ariz.-based Right 2 Survive group establish a safe park of their own, with the help of a GoFundMe campaign and a grant.
There are a number of reasons why establishing a “safe park” in San Pedro on undeveloped property is an idea that should be explored by the powers that be. First, it gives our homeless population a central and secure location that takes them off our streets, parks and sidewalks. Second, with the addition of portable toilets and showers, it would give these folks a place to take care of business and themselves. Third, it gives homeless and medical services a central location to help serve our homeless community. Lastly, it would create a “safe harbor” giving our homeless population a safe place to sleep.
Right 2 Dream Too has successfully established this type of camp in Portland and now they’re doing it in Tucson, Ariz. Could San Pedro be next?
I urge all of you reading this to visit the Right 2 Dream Too website (www.right2dreamtoo.blogspot.com) to see the work this small group has done to help hundreds, if not thousands, of homeless people. Our homeless problem isn’t going to be solved through committees and police tactics. It’s going to take a brave and bold idea, something completely different, to really make a difference. Does San Pedro have that person (or persons) willing to be that courageous to try something different? Only time will tell.
Mother’s DayOf course, I can’t end a Mother’s Day issue without wishing a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our San Pedro Moms, including my own. Without all of you, this town wouldn’t know what to do with itself. San Pedro Moms are the backbone of this town, so thank you for being so awesome. We love you. spt Joshua Stecker is publisher/editor-in-chief of San Pedro Today. He can be reached at [email protected].
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MAY 2015
EDITOR-IN-CHIEFJoshua J. Stecker
ART DIRECTOR/PRODUCTION Joseph A. Castañeda
AT-LARGE CONTRIBUTORS Jack Baric, Councilman Joe Buscaino, Lori Garrett, Roseanney Liu, Ricky Magana, Vivian J. Malauulu, Steve Marconi, Anthony Pirozzi, Liana Whitehead, Herb Zimmer
PHOTOGRAPHERJohn Mattera Photography
CONTACT INFO:PHONE: (424) 224-9063EMAIL: [email protected] San Pedro TodayP.O. Box 1168, San Pedro, CA 90733
VOLUME 7 | NUMBER 4
ADVERTISING: General Inquiries: [email protected] Patricia Roberts - San Pedro (562) 964-8166 | [email protected]
Shana Ghekiere - San Pedro (and outer regions)(310) 753-5176 | [email protected]
Empire22 Media LLCOWNER/PUBLISHERJoshua J. Stecker
San Pedro Today publishes the last Thursday of every month and is produced monthly by Empire22 Media LLC. No portion of this publication can be reproduced without written permission by Empire22 Media. 25,000 copies are delivered to San Pedro and portions of Rancho Palos Verdes. San Pedro Today is a product of Empire22 Media LLC. Empire22 Media LLC, their subsidiaries and affiliates are released from all liability that may involve the publication of San Pedro Today. Copyright 2009-2015, Empire22 Media LLC.
ON THE COVER: Janice Hahn, photographed at her San Pedro field office (photo: John Mattera)
CORRECTIONS: In the printed edition published April 30, 2015, we misstated on the cover how many terms Congresswoman Janice Hahn has served. She has served two terms, not one. Also, in the article "Hahn Comes Home" (pg. 23), the phrase "bridge to the breakwater" should be attributed to Hahn's brother, former L.A. Mayor James Hahn, not John Papadakis. They are corrected in the digital version. We regret the errors.
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Tour the historic PT. FERMIN LIGHTHOUSE, built in 1874 to light the entrance to the Los Angeles Harbor, located in the Pt. Fermin Park (807 Paseo del Mar). Guided tours offered 1-3p Tues thru Sun. Closed Mon and major holidays. Admission is free; donations accepted.
Every Mon – PENINSULA TOASTMASTERS at Coco’s Restaurant (28300 Western Ave, RPV) 7-9p. For those seeking to master public speaking and leadership skills. For info, contact Shelly Lipanovich [email protected].
Every Wed – CHILDREN’S WRITING CLASSES at the Corner Store (1118 37th St). Seven Golden Secrets of Writing with Diana Chapman, Wed 4:30-5:45p. For info, call (310) 626-7906.
Every Wed – THE MIKE GUERRERO TRIO at Ports O' Call Restaurant (1199 Nagoya Way, Berth 76). 7-10p. Smooth, sophisticated jazz featuring vocalist, Jerry Romano.
Every Wed – OPEN MIC NIGHT at Red Men Wigwam (543 Shepard St.) 6:30-9:30p. All are welcome. Chilidogs, snacks and beverages available. Dress warmly.
Every Fri – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (6th St. between Pacific and Mesa Streets) 9a-2p.
Every Sat – LAFD HARBOR MUSEUM (639 Harbor Blvd) 10a-3p. Experience San Pedro and Wilmington's Fire Protection and Rescue service history with vintage fire apparatus and various displays. The museum is located in Old Fire Station 36 in the San Pedro City Hall. Admission is free, donations are accepted.
Every Sun – Tour the MULLER HOUSE MUSEUM (1542 Beacon St.) 1-4p. Built in 1899, the Muller House is the headquarters of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. Admission is free, but a donation of $3 is encouraged.
1-2 (Fri-Sat) – 'LEGALLY BLONDE' THE MUSICAL presented by Miraleste Booster Club at Miraleste Intermediate School (29323 Palos Verdes Drive East, RPV.) Friday 7p. Saturday 2p & 7p. Tickets $10-$15. For tickets, call (310) 344-4501 or email [email protected].
2 (Sat) – FORUM WITH NEW PALOS VERDES SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT at Palos Verdes Central Library (701 Silver Spur Rd., Rolling Hills Estates). Meet and greet Superintendent Don Austin who will discuss the District's budget and administrative restructuring for the 2015-16 school year. FREE public forum.
3 (Sun) – ‘TOPSAIL YOUTH PROGRAM: LEARNING BY DOING’ at The Muller House (1542 S. Beacon St.). 1:30p. Presented by the San Pedro Bay Historical Society as part of their First Sunday Speaker Series. Speakers: staff members from LAMI TopSail Program. FREE Admission. Limited seating. Tours of the house will be given at 3p. For more info, visit www.sanpedrobayhistoricalsociety.org or email [email protected].
3 (Sun) – BULLY PREVENTION EXTRAVAGANZA at the Warner Grand Theatre (478 W. 6th St.). 1p. Twelve-year-old singer/songwriter Just Faith & 12-year-old award-winning filmmaker, Gerry Orz, team up to bring a Bully Prevention Extravaganza. Learn about the bully mindset, hear from local artists/bands, preview Gerry's film "The Equation of Life," and treat yourself to a concert by Just FAITH. Tickets are available at the show or visit www.facebook.com/JustFaithMusic/events.
7 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY ARTWALK in Downtown San Pedro. 6-10p
9 (Sat) – FARMERS MARKET at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37th St.) 10a-12p. Open every second Saturday of the month. Grab some coffee and homegrown produce and don’t forget to bring your reusable bags!
9 (Sat) – GUIDED NATURE WALK by Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy at White Point Nature Preserve. 9-11:30a. View a premier example of our restoration of coastal sage scrub habitat and stop at a former gun emplacement to learn about the military history of the area. Don’t miss the Nature Education Center with activities for the whole family. This is a moderate walk. At southern end of Western Ave turn left onto Paseo del Mar and drive ½ mile enter gate on left and park in lot. Free and open to the public. For more info, contact (310) 541-7613 ext. 201 or visit the website at www.pvplc.org.
9 (Sat) - BEER & WINE TASTE FUNDRAISER, benefitting the Point Fermin Lighthouse, at The Corner Store (1118 W. 37 St.). Tastings at 2p and 4p. Craft beers, wine flight, appetizers, and raffle items. Tickets $25/person, cash or checks accepted. Reservations required: (310) 832-2424 or (310) 241-0612, www.pfls.org.
14 (Thurs) – SAN PEDRO CLASS OF 1945 will hold a breakfast at The Grinder (511 S. Harbor Blvd.) on Thursday, May 14 at 9:30a. RSVP to Alice Jacobson (310) 832-1807 or Grace Woodman (310) 833-8321.
14 (Thurs) – ‘IRON GIANT’ at the Grand Annex (434 W. 6th St.) 7p. Advance tickets with reservations are $5 for Adults and $2.50 for students, $7 at the door. Limited Seating – to receive advance ticket pricing, please purchase your tickets by visiting www.grandvision.org or call (310)732-0010.
16 (Sat) – IMPRESSIONS FAMILY NATURE & ART WORKSHOP at Terranea Resort. 10a-12p. Join the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy and Art to Grow On, Inc. for a family coastal hike, trail activities and children’s art workshop. $25/family. All ages welcome. RSVP to [email protected] or call (310) 541-7613. Space is limited.
17 (Sun) – THE PERFECT GENTLEMEN at San Pedro Library (931 S. Gaffey St.) 2p. Friends of San Pedro Library present award-winning barbershop quartet The Perfect Gentlemen. This is a celebration of San Pedro Library's recent update of electronic capabilities giving patrons access to numerous new sites and connections with their electronic devices. Fun, food, festivities – and a special surprise.
18 (Mon) – PENINSULA TOASTMASTERS OPEN HOUSE at Coco’s Restaurant (28300 Western Ave, RPV) 7-9p. For those seeking to master public speaking and leadership skills. All welcome. For info, contact Shelly Lipanovich [email protected], www.pv174.org.
30 (Sat) - TEA BY THE SEA at the Point Fermin Lighthouse
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by Roseanney Liu
Where there’s darkness, there’s bound to be light, and on a sunny afternoon on Saturday, April 11, San Pedro saw more light, uplifting of spirits, and positivity than ever at the site of the San Pedro Elks Lodge.
More than 250 attendees were all cheers and smiles at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Elks Lodge #966, which was originally destroyed by arson during the early morning hours of April 15 of last year. The iconic 46-year-old building went down in flames and was a devastating loss, not only to the Elks, but to all of San Pedro.
Retired longshoreman, Nick Pecarich, 80, was arrested in connection with the arson fire on April 29, 2014. He pled not guilty and is currently awaiting trial.
“A neighbor alerted me about the fire as it was happening a year ago. I woke up and watched the flames and it just broke my heart,” expressed Joe Garcia, a member of the Lodge for 30 years.
In attendance to celebrate the groundbreaking were Councilman Joe Buscaino, State Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, State Senator Isadore Hall, and Congresswoman Janice Hahn, who expressed that she could not believe the turn of events when a friend texted her about the arson afflicting the Elks Lodge a year ago, causing $3.2 million in damage.
“But I remember that the first meeting after the fire, as the members set up lawn chairs in the parking lot, there was [no denying] the sense of hope, determination… resurrected out of the ashes, that was among the Elks members to rebuild,” Congresswoman Hahn said to the assembly.
Councilman Buscaino commended the Lodge’s leadership and commitment to rebuilding the lodge at its original site after other sites were explored to house the membership. Buscaino reiterated what was expressed in the remarks by Dr. Gene DeAngelis, who served three times as exalted ruler of the San Pedro chapter, that it was an amazing day for everyone to gather back at the site to renew the determination in having a beautiful building that the Elks could call home again.
New Elks Lodge Breaks Ground
Members are enthused about the new building to come, designed by Los Angeles-based SRK Architects, with plans for the new edifice to be completed in 18 months.
“We are so excited [about the rebuilding] and cannot wait for it to be completed. Meetings have been taking place in the mobile trailers (a short flight away) but it’s been tight quarters there,” said Garcia.
The destruction of their building has not slowed down the Elks. In true community spirit that resonates throughout San Pedro, membership at the Lodge has actually increased by 50% since the fire last spring, as noted by DeAngelis. “People are [more than ever] interested in being part of the Elks Lodge… to serve our purpose in being dedicated to patriotism and to our community. Just for the charities benefitting handicapped children alone, the California chapters of the Elks have raised [about] $3.5 million [last year].” spt
For more information on the San Pedro Elks Lodge #966, visit www.sanpedroelks.com.
LEGENDS CAR CLUBsupports John Bagakis for Honorary Mayor
Thanks to everyone supporting our events benefiting:• Lions Club• Alex’s Lemonade Stand
• Little Sisters of the Poor
• Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach
• Boys & Girls Club of L.A.
• Meals on Wheels• The Beacon House• Toberman House... and numerous others!
UPCOMING EVENT
August 30 at Point Fermin Park!
w w w . t h e l e g e n d s c a r c l u b . c o m
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VOICES
Officer Knox is Gone, but His Legacy Continues
I expected to hear from Officer Knox’s “victims” when I wrote about his retirement from the Lomita sheriff’s department – and the response was huge – but I was surprised to discover that the ticket-giving terror actually had fans.
And very ardent fans, who told me in no uncertain terms how much they disliked my comments. In fact, I haven’t been attacked in writing like this in years – and I’ve never shied away from taking controversial stands. The following letters were edited for length and clarity (with comments following):
From Stephanie: The particular article you wrote about Officer Knox stirred some emotions in me, mostly anger, and after reading it, I needed to sit back a moment and marinate in my thoughts before writing you this. Why marinate you might ask? Well, had I not, I would’ve simply started off this letter comparing you to a donkey – a jackass to be exact – whose stupidity and lack of knowledge explains a lot. For saying you have respect for the police, excluding the ones that sit in their patrol cars enforcing with radar guns, is extremely unfortunate. You’ll never know what it’s like to put a uniform on daily and kiss your loved ones goodbye as they pray for their safe return. They do a job that they willingly accepted that puts them in a compromised position while approaching vehicles
by Steve Marconi
not knowing if the driver or passenger(s) of that vehicle has a loaded gun that’s ready to aim and kill them as they approach.
Steve, your life is miserable not because of the hard work Officer Knox did day in and day out keeping our streets safer, but because you probably broke the law more than once and had to pay for it. People in this world have choices, and if they choose to break the law, then it’s on them that their insurance rates go up. People like yourself who dislike him and talk about him so much only validates what many of us already know, and that is Officer Knox was passionate about his work and wanted to make sure our streets were safe.
Since Stephanie was very specific in her letter, she should know one thing: I had a family member who was a policeman who was killed in the line of duty – shot with his own gun after stopping a car late one night on a lonely country road. He left a wife and four young children. The case was never solved.
From Martin: I do not know Officer Knox nor have I been stopped by him. Mr. Marconi refers to those who were cited as victims, including himself. He did not mention how many times he received traffic citations from Officer Knox, neither does he mention whether the citations were justified or not warranted. It would be understandable if Mr. Marconi and the other victims hadn’t broken the law and were fined.
I live in close proximity to a high school, elementary school and shopping center in San Pedro. Being a senior citizen and retired, I don’t work. I am close enough to an intersection with a four-way stop to see traffic speed through the stop signs either without stopping or with a rolling stop. I have heard and seen accidents, day and night. Children are cautioned not to play in the residential streets because of drivers exceeding the speed limit to get to where they’re going a couple of minutes faster.
Mr. Marconi, the issue is not about being inconvenienced or financial loss. It’s about violating a city ordinance (the law) and paying the penalty. I’m sure the article would be different if you were a victim of a driver with a similar perspective as yourself. The other side of the argument is what would be the financial and emotional cost if you were in an accident, minor or major? Yes, Officer Knox was doing his job. If your ticket was justified, why should you be an exception to our traffic laws?
Thank you, Officer Knox, for your service and protecting our community and making our streets safer. Sleep well.
From Jim: What kind of spineless nonsense you spout! Where did you get any facts to support your inane inference that Officer Knox gives out trivial tickets? Citations for doing 40 in a 35 mph zone. What crap. Such would be thrown out by the courts and you know it. Didn't happen. Where do you get your information to validate your claim that Officer Knox has done “nothing to alleviate the problem” of our admittedly dangerous streets? A figment of your teeny little mind! What complete rot and utter nonsense. Why do you think I am keeping the RPV City Council informed that their repeated acknowledgement and continued support of Officer Knox's success is now being trashed by your reckless, cowardly, vicious and uneducated nonsense?
OK, Jim, now tell me how you really feel. I saw all those statistics you sent me, but what I want is empirical evidence showing that giving out traffic citations affects the accident rate.
To set the record straight, I have an excellent driving record (at least according to my insurer). I received only one ticket from Knox, and it was for not wearing my shoulder harness. I was, however, wearing my seat belt. I also received seven emails from readers who agreed with my viewpoint, calling Knox some things I won’t repeat and most expressing one writer’s sentiment of “good riddance to him.” spt
Steve Marconi can be reached at [email protected].
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Pedro PAC
I was recently asked to co-host an event in support of Councilman Joe Buscaino at San Pedro Brewing Company. Our goal was to invite San Pedrans that don’t typically attend events like this and start building a network of people that are passionate about making our town better. One of the folks I emailed wrote back asking if I’m starting a San Pedro political action committee (PAC). I am not, but it’s a good idea. A PAC is an organization that pools contributions and donates those funds to political candidates and/or ballot initiatives. Sometimes these groups also organize voters into a
volunteer network to support a political candidate or cause. In San Pedro, our cause should be San Pedro. How do we support political candidates that support us? In my opinion, the best way is to support candidates that live here. Here's an example to illustrate the point.
In the late 90s, a passionate group of folks that were tired of seeing San Pedro passed over banded together to support Jim Hahn in his run for Los Angeles mayor. A symbolic (and real) example of San Pedro’s inability to attract good development was an ugly lot that sat empty on Centre Street. Across the street was a great restaurant (Papadakis Taverna) and just below was a nice hotel (currently the Crowne Plaza), but this lot lay dormant for decades. After Jim Hahn was elected mayor in 2001 and oversaw the first stretch of waterfront promenade development, the Los Angeles real estate community suddenly became very interested in San Pedro. That ugly lot was quickly transformed when the Centre Street Lofts was built – and in rapid succession, The Vue and Bank Street Lofts were also built. This created a vibrancy to our downtown not seen in decades.
However, about a year ago, another property on Centre Street has been transformed into an empty lot. The courthouse building was vacated and we have reached another fork in the road moment. The property can stay empty for decades like the lot just a kitty-corner away did, or it can attract a great development that becomes a downtown anchor.
The property is on County of Los Angeles land and fortunately, Jim Hahn’s sister, Congresswoman Janice Hahn, is running for County Supervisor. Having a San Pedran in this incredibly powerful position can greatly help many of the issues affecting our town. Having a staff dedicated to attracting a great developer to the courthouse lot is a great start. There are many more examples that would bode well for us if we had two local leaders on the County Board of Supervisors and City Council, but I’ll just focus on two – the homeless and jobs. The issue of San Pedro’s numerous homeless facilities must be tackled. Like Councilman Buscaino, Congresswoman Hahn is a big-hearted person who advocates for the value of all human beings and I don’t believe either of them would or should ever turn their backs on the most needy. But I do think that they can study the number of homeless facilities in our community compared to others, and if we are carrying an unfair burden, find other communities to transfer some of our housing.
On the subject of jobs – it’s no secret that Hahn and Buscaino have consistently been very strong supporters of the ILWU and keeping waterfront jobs in our community. However, there is another waterfront jobs opportunity that they have championed that isn’t as well known. While on city council, Janice played a great role in getting the initial funding to launch PortTech L.A., a business incubator dedicated to helping start logistics, security and environmental technology companies for the maritime industry. When Buscaino was elected, he continued to help get PortTech L.A. the funds they need to do their important work. The county and the city are no strangers to creating incubators to stimulate the local economy. The city launched CleanTech L.A. to encourage environmental business start-ups and the county started the Business Technology Center in the vicinity of Caltech and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to leverage the high tech opportunities that association with those two institutions could provide.
In our town, the port has the potential to play a similar role as Caltech and JPL in creating potential technology driven economic opportunities. PortTech L.A. was specifically established to take advantage of those opportunities and having local leaders such as Buscaino in city council and Hahn on the county board is incredibly important to ensure their success. Although, the Councilman and Congresswoman should not be the only local leaders that can help a Pedro PAC to succeed, they do provide a powerful one-two punch and are a great place to start. spt
Jack Baric can be reached at [email protected].
by Jack Baric
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The Bug Lady Joins PortTech L.A.
PortTech L.A., San Pedro’s technology business incubator, recently welcomed Pilar Ortega as its newest client. Pilar is founder and president of International Technologies and Services, Inc. (ITS), and holds patents, EPA and AQMD certificates on several chemical processes using microorganisms – what she calls “bugs” – that break down and render toxic hydrocarbons environmentally harmless.
Having spent 25 years working as a sales representative who sold solvents and other chemicals to oil refineries, pipelines and other heavy industries (not a job that attracts many women), Pilar became
very familiar with both the environmental and financial costs of petrochemical cleanup and remediation. She also became concerned with the health effects that many processes used to clean tanks and pipes, or deal with petrochemical spills, had on the workers who were engaged in those activities. She began to develop her own process, using microorganisms that love to “eat” hydrocarbons, as a replacement for the toxic chemicals and huge amounts of water that were being used. She now has a full product line for cleaning hydrocarbons from surfaces, water and air, which complies with all existing environmental and health requirements and supports California’s Green Chemistry Initiative. Among the many friends she has made during her years in the petrochemical industry, she has become known as “The Bug Lady” or, more affectionately, “Ladybug.”
I asked Pilar about her background and education, and how it led her to become an entrepreneur. She told me that she moved to the United States from her native Colombia with her family and settled in the South Bay when she was a senior in high school. Though she could hardly speak English, she graduated from high school in Torrance. She did one year of college, but had to drop out to go to work. She married, and when she was
by Herb Zimmer
25, her husband interviewed for a possible job with a company that sold solvents and other chemicals to the oil industry. It turned out that he wasn’t interested in the job, but told the interviewer that his wife might be interested. She interviewed, was hired, and so began her path toward becoming “The Bug Lady.”
Asked what advice she would give to young women who were thinking about becoming business owners themselves, she listed three things. First, find something about which you are passionate. It will take every bit of effort, of which you are capable, to start a business. If you don’t have a passion for your service or product, it will be very difficult to sustain that effort. Second, always be honest. Don’t make claims or promises that you can’t keep. It is impossible to establish long-term relationships if you start by being less than honest. And third, provide the best customer service you can. Operate from your customer’s point of view. If you make him or her look good, it’s likely they will help make you look good.
Like most entrepreneurs, when starting a business with limited funds, Pilar has been trying to do most everything herself: sales, marketing, customer relations, finance, business planning, hiring, administration, regulatory compliance, etc. Realizing she needed help growing her company, she came to PortTech L.A. The staff at PortTech will help Pilar develop a sustainable business model, make contacts with potential customers in the port complex and Harbor Area, connect with legal, financial and marketing service providers and find the right personnel to hire.
As Pilar’s company grows, it will not only fulfill her goals, but also those of PortTech: to create new local jobs while making our port cleaner, more efficient, safer and environmentally sustainable. spt
Herb Zimmer owns PriorityOne Printing in downtown San Pedro
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VOICES
San Pedro’s Complicated Burden
A former colleague of mine, Michael Kelly, recently wrote an op-ed in C-Suite Quarterly (www.csq.com) titled, “Would Howard Hughes Invest in Los Angeles Today?” About five years ago, I shared with Kelly the waterfront development plan for San Pedro and Wilmington. In particular, we discussed PortTech L.A., a local incubator for green technology start-ups and the vision of former POLA Executive Director Geraldine Knatz to convert City Dock #1 into a research and development hub, now known as AltaSea. The op-ed piece is worth reading as it spotlights our continued efforts to
diversify our waterfront and bring forward high tech industry with good paying jobs to San Pedro.
After reading the article and trying to answer the question about Howard Hughes for myself, I couldn’t help but think about the growing homeless population in San Pedro. Ironically, this op-ed piece was published shortly after the April issue of San Pedro Today was published, which included my column titled “Harbor Blvd. West.” The column discussed the need to focus on issues that plague the area west of Harbor Boulevard to Gaffey Street. The same week SPT was released; local news articles were spotlighting crime reduction efforts, the potential of converting the second floor of the Anderson Senior Center on 8th Street and Mesa into a shared homeless shower and shelter facility, and the perceptions of safety in areas west of Harbor Boulevard. Also making the headlines was potential state legislation designed to expand protections for the homeless in California, which could open the way for overnight camping in public parks.
The issue of the homeless is very visible all across town. For example, homeless encampments continue to reside on the recently remodeled $5 million Plaza Park across from the Beacon Street post office overlooking Ports O’ Call, in front of the former Ante’s Restaurant, across the street from the Harbor Free Clinic, under the freeway at the Channel Street off ramp and behind Big Nick’s Pizza along the railroad tracks. Pan-handling at In-N-Out Burger, McDonald’s, 7-Eleven, Albertsons, and just about every freeway on/off ramp is a daily occurrence.
This issue is complicated. If you talk to locals across town there is a belief that the growing homeless population is being transported here from other communities. This is not far from the truth as we have read the headlines over the years of buses dropping off the homeless at the San Pedro Library on 9th and Gaffey Street. Most recently, locals have seen this occurring at the Channel Street Skate Park parking lot.
The situation is real, so what should we do about it? Before we start establishing designated homeless camps or transitioning traditional facilities like the Anderson Senior Center into homeless shelters, we must assess where all of the homeless are coming from, while connecting them to the services they need.
We have great advocates to help the homeless in our Councilman Joe Buscaino and our Congresswoman Janice Hahn, a soon to be candidate for Los Angeles County Supervisor, but without the block-by-block neighborhood policing and constructive feedback to our local officials and agencies, how can they tackle it alone? I am a true believer that government can’t do it all. Neighborhood advocates and the private sector partnering with governmental agencies working together is the best way to address quality of life issues such as the homeless.
I believe we must be compassionate to the homeless that are here, connect them to the services they need, and at the same time we cannot be exploited by other local cities that transport them to San Pedro but rather work together to address it. Communities that do so are showing no compassion or social responsibility for the homeless, while compassionate cities such as San Pedro are bearing a huge burden just to keep up.
The question, “Would Howard Hughes Invest in Los Angeles Today?” remains a valid one regarding potential investors in our waterfront. I would respond to the question with a resounding yes. We still have much more work to do to address our local social issues, and we must approach the current homeless population with focus, compassion and the same conviction that we demonstrate publically for waterfront development. spt
Anthony Pirozzi is a Los Angeles Harbor Commissioner. He can be contacted at [email protected].
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Homelessness: We Must Do Betterby Councilman Joe Buscaino
All of us have seen the escalation in homeless individuals living on the streets of San Pedro in the past few months. A “skid row” has materialized along Palos Verdes St. in front of the building that previously housed Ante’s Restaurant.
It is not just San Pedro that is affected by the rise of homelessness, but many other communities in Los Angeles. New homeless encampments have mushroomed around City Hall in downtown, Venice Beach, South L.A., Harbor City and many, many
other neighborhoods. According to the 2013 homeless count, approximately 23,000 homeless individuals
may be found in the City of Los Angeles at any given time. The homeless face serious challenges, including the availability of shelter, access to mental health and medical care, exposure to violence and diseases, lack of security for personal property, frequent interaction with law enforcement, and other many other critical matters. The homeless do not live in isolation and therefore, many of their issues impact businesses, residents and visitors to Los Angeles.
This issue is not being overlooked by City Hall. Over the last year, elected representatives in the City have pressed for more thoughtful and tangible responses to homelessness, including finding solutions to the issue of unregulated camping in residential neighborhoods by those living in their cars, how the Coordinated Entry System (CES) may be incorporated into the City’s work with the homeless, recommendations for the appointment of a homeless coordinator for the City and an effort to end veteran
VOICES homelessness in Los Angeles by the end of this year.Locally, I have hired an Emergency Response Team from the Los Angeles Homeless
Services Authority (LAHSA) and coupled them with a new dedicated LAPD Quality of Life patrol team. I am also working with Supervisor Don Knabe to add a mental health component to these two teams.
However, I do understand that we must do more.According to City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana, 15 departments and
agencies interact with the homeless regularly with an estimated cost exceeding $100 million annually. This means our total spending is $362 per month for each and every homeless individual in the city. Our problem is that there is no consistent process across departments in interactions with homeless individuals, homeless encampments, or other issues related to homelessness, and no systematic efforts to connect the homeless with assessment and case management.
In addition to the ongoing efforts to deal with homelessness, the City must create a more coordinated approach towards addressing homelessness. This approach should leverage the efforts currently underway across the County with the CES to create a system within the City that connects the homeless systematically with services and monitors progress with data.
We must do better to improve our current conditions for both our homeless population and for our neighborhoods and residents affected by the homeless population. We must develop a policy that is committed to end, rather than manage, homelessness.
I am supportive of Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s approach. Kuehl is committed to addressing homelessness by increasing the supply of affordable and supportive housing in Los Angeles County. The supervisor led the successful effort to commit $10 million in February to the County’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. She recognizes that housing costs have dramatically increased while incomes have remained stagnant, causing Los Angeles to become one of the most unaffordable cities in the nation. Addressing the housing crisis while supporting innovative efforts like Home for Good, the Coordinated Entry System, and the Homeless Families Solutions System will allow Los Angeles to begin turning back the dial on homelessness.
The homeless issue is a delicate balance between individual rights and public safety and I believe that we can arrive at a model that achieves our goal. spt
1190 Nagoya Way, San Pedro, CA 90731 | (310) 832-4251 | www.SanPedroFish.com
DID YOU KNOW...?In over a half century since we started, here’s a short list of the accomplishments we are proud to share with our hometown:
• We are the largest fish market/restaurant in Southern California and of one of the largest in the entire country with seating for nearly 3,000 and more than ONE MIL-LION served in the last 12 months.
• We draw seafood lovers from all over the country, from every walk of life and every demographic. We have fans in at least 38 states!
• We co-host the World’s Largest Lobster Festival drawing tens of thousands of visi-tors to San Pedro every year since 1999 AND we’ve been awarded four Guinness World Records for our work on the Lobster Festival.
• We employ over 100 local residents with starting pay well above minimum wage while also offering healthcare, 401k and paid vacations.
• For hundreds of local kids, San Pedro Fish Market was their first job. Many have come back to thank us for the invaluable lessons of hard work and responsibility that carried them into successful careers as doctors, teachers, nurses, attorneys, accountants, longshoremen, police officers, POLA workers and even as an L.A. City Councilman.
• We support many local organizations in San Pedro, including the YWCA, Boys and Girls Club, Mary Star, Holy Trinity, San Pedro High School, POLA High School and dozens of other non-profits.
• We are moving to make San Pedro nationally synonymous with fine seafood by launching our World Famous Shrimp Trays into retail stores. San Pedro Fish can be found in more than 800 grocery stores across six states and we’re growing! These include Safeway, Food4Less, Sam’s Club as well as others.
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by Roseanney Liu
Wearing an engaging warm smile, Mary Star of the Sea High School’s graduating senior, Hope Marinkovich, stands out in the crowd of students in Catholic school uniforms as school lets out on a Wednesday afternoon. With six college acceptances for her fall 2015 enrollment, this 4.0-GPA student bound for St. Mary’s College (Indiana) in the fall gives new meaning to high achieving.
Four AP courses, yearbook editor-in-chief, a youth leader for the underclassmen with campus ministry, a player on the women’s volleyball team and running several events on the track team barely touch upon her involvement outside of academics. Marinkovich is also a Squire Rose, doing community service like beach cleanup in San Pedro and surrounding communities, writing holiday greeting cards for seniors in nursing homes, and a volunteer with the parish helping with monthly basket deliveries to needy families.
Anna Andrie, director of student activities, says Marinkovich leads by example and that “her values, attitude and disposition are a positive influence on her peers. As ASB President, she posses qualities that every leader should have: hard worker, diligent, a good listener, task oriented and overall a genuine concern for all she comes in contact with.”
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What motivates you to achieve the accomplishments that you have?Hope Marinkovich: My family keeps me motivated. My 12-year-old brother, for example, is always happy and smiling, even though he is autistic. My 15-year-old brother has Asperger syndrome, and although that was intimidating for us at first because he’s not “normal” like most other kids, my family and I have learned to do our best by and with him. We have good days and bad days, like any other family, and seeing how my brothers do not express themselves as easily as I do keeps me motivated to do my best because I don’t want to take what I have for granted.
What has been your greatest challenge thus far?Marinkovich: I was terribly shy as a kid. Starting in middle school, I started to come out of my shell more and I pushed myself to run for student body president during my 8th grade year. Winning that election made me realize that I can be more outgoing, I do have something positive to offer and that I need to get out and do so.
You mentioned your college major/career aspiration is print journalism. Why is that?Marinkovich: Being on the yearbook staff for four years, it’s really become like a child of mine. I love writing and designing for the yearbook so much that it’s become something I feel passionate about. Writing is my way of expressing my point of view, it’s my way of respecting my intelligence that I want to share this love of mine with the world.
Who has served as your role model? How have they motivated you to becoming the person you are today?Marinkovich: My family. I have five younger siblings [between the age of 4 and 15].
My three brothers are on the autism spectrum and our family has learned to support one another with unconditional love, patience and kindness. My family dynamic has made me see that there are people from all walks of life, just as there are here on campus, and that we should be more accepting and kind to everyone, no matter what their background is.
What has attending Mary Star of the Sea High School meant for you? How has it fostered your high school career?Marinkovich: Mary Star has strengthened what I want to do in terms of being of service to others. Here I have learned to help the underclassmen when they ask me for advice and guidance on what classes to take and how to stay on top of their goals. In many ways, my helping others here has helped me grow as a person. One day, I hope to do service work in third world countries and inspire more people to do the same as well.
Any advice for the students that remain at Mary Star of the Sea High School as they continue their journey and you start a new one this fall?Marinkovich: I would suggest that they challenge themselves with the academics here. The teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful here and it feels like a close-knit community. If the students challenge themselves instead of just going through the motions, if they make the goals and do whatever it takes to achieve them, they will have success here and beyond.
MSHS women’s volleyball coach, Tyler Jaynes, says that the younger players really look up to Marinkovich and her leadership in helping others improve their game and to aid them in feeling included and valued. “When I think of Hope, I think of how much joy she brings to the room, or gym, that she is in,” says Jaynes. “She is such a dedicated worker who, at the same time, is goofy and light-hearted. But more importantly, she helped build a very tight-knit group that was accepting of everyone. She is one of the reasons why our team was so close.” spt
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The first thing Congresswoman Janice Hahn thinks about when she wakes up in the morning is, “Where am I?” This is because her time is equally spent between her home in San Pedro and her apartment in Washington D.C. It takes her a few seconds to determine where she is, but once she has her bearings, she hits the ground running.
If she’s on the East Coast it’s because Congress is in session. That means that she is due in the United States Capitol – usually on the House floor – deliberating and deciding upon national matters. If she is on the West Coast, her days will include meetings with constituents and staffers at one of her four field offices, perhaps lunch in one of the cities she represents with community activists and leaders, and then a walk around her South Shores neighborhood where she will frequently stop to chat with neighbors to end the day.
“San Pedro is the place where I recharge,” says Hahn. “This is where I stay connected to real people. I love celebrating the Fourth of July at Cabrillo Beach. San Pedro has become the glasses that I look through and judge everything else by.”
Hahn, 63, readily admits that the 23 years she has lived in San Pedro is still considered her “probationary period.” Having grown up in South Central Los Angeles where her branch of the Hahn family lived, and in spite of splitting her time equally between San Pedro and D.C., this port town is where she proudly calls home. Hahn decided to relocate to this unincorporated area of Los Angeles following her brother’s footsteps when he moved his family here in the 1980s. Together, they chose to move their mom, Ramona, to the area upon the passing of their father, legendary Los Angeles County Board Supervisor and Councilman, Kenneth Hahn, in 1997.
“My family has a lot of history in San Pedro,” says Hahn. “We used to come down here all the time when I was a kid because it was such a neat, small town in a big city.” Her father was a port pilot when he was in the Navy during World War II and his job was to bring the ships in to harbor. She remembers paying a nickel to ride the ferry across to Terminal Island, having dinner at Olsen’s, and making great memories in what she refers to as her childhood stomping grounds. She added that she loves being called a “Pedro girl.”
All of these experiences came into play regularly during the ten years Hahn served on the Los Angeles City Council representing the 15th district, which includes San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles. Prior to that, she served on various city-wide commissions. Hahn was one of the pioneers of the waterfront redevelopment efforts. As councilwoman from 2001-2011, Hahn focused her efforts primarily on the waterfront redevelopment.
“That was a huge part of my run for city council,” recalls Hahn. “When I was walking door-to-door during my campaign, I found that overwhelmingly everyone has a memory of Ports O’ Call, and they were all frustrated that it had fallen on hard times.” During her ten-year journey on the City Council, she frequently echoed the phrase “from the bridge to the breakwater,” a phrase her brother used often as mayor, to reference the strip of land from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to the edge of the harbor, while lobbying for improvements in the area. Hahn laments that for a few years there appeared to be a loss of momentum for the cause, but she is pleased to see that the passion is returning.
“I am very happy that Councilman Joe Buscaino is really making this a focus of his administration,” Hahn says of her successor. “People are envisioning a vibrant downtown and Joe is doing a great job ensuring that it happens.”
Hahn has spent the last four years representing California in Congress as a member of the House of Representatives (D-CA) where she continued to advocate for the Los Angeles Harbor Area. She was elected to serve the 36th district in a special election held in July of 2011 when former Congresswoman Jane Harman stepped down from office, and then elected two years later in the regular November 2012 election to the newly redistricted 44th district – which had previously been mostly the 37th district – defeating Laura Richardson.
Redistricting happens often in Congress, which is comprised of 535 officials elected to serve both the Senate and the House of Representatives. There are always 100 senators in the Senate component of Congress; two from each state. There are 435 representatives in the House with the number of representatives varying from each state, based on census data. Every few years, areas are subject to redistricting due to changes in the population. Currently, California holds 53 seats in the House, of which Hahn occupies the one representing the state’s 44th congressional district. As of 2012, the 44th district encompasses Carson, Compton, parts of North Long Beach, Lynwood, San Pedro, Southgate, Walnut Park, Watts, and Wilmington.
While in Congress, Hahn has served on numerous committees – most of which deal with transportation issues. Her most significant contribution to Congress is the bipartisan Ports Caucus that she co-founded with Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas), which is committed to securing and strengthening America’s ports. The ports have become her primary focus in Congress
by Vivian J. Malauulu, M.A.
(photo: John Mattera)
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and she has used her experience and influence to achieve many gains for every port in the country.
“The ports are really my life’s work in Congress,” says Hahn. She is satisfied with the work she has accomplished on port-related issues. Recently, the American Association of Port Authorities named her their Person of the Year for her advocacy of the nation’s ports. California’s 44th congressional district includes the Port of Los Angeles by default, but Hahn’s efforts have included the Port of Long Beach by proximity. Port issues and labor issues go hand in hand to Hahn, with an emphasis of both at the local level.
Hahn was one of the first and most outspoken elected officials to criticize the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) during its recent contract negotiations with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). Her continuing efforts to make sure that dock workers are given a fair contract parallel the work she did for other Angelenos in other industries. A longtime ally of labor, Janice has also fought to secure health benefits, higher wages, and to protect the working conditions of Los Angeles International Airport and hotel workers. In addition to port and labor issues, another cause that Hahn has championed for years is the effort to curb gang violence in the local communities where she has served.
Hahn is the recipient of numerous accolades for her notable service. One of the most impressive awards she has received is a lifetime enshrinement in the prestigious Promenade of Prominence in Watts. She is the second Hahn to receive this honor; her father was one of the original “community heroes” honored at what is now a Los Angeles County historic landmark.
The Hahn family is an established political dynasty in Los Angeles unlike any other. Hahn’s uncle, Gordon Hahn, was the sixth of seven sons born to Canadian immigrants who settled in Inglewood in the 1920s. Gordon was an elected official in the 1940s-1960s serving on the L.A. City Council and on the California State Assembly. As a councilman, he cast the deciding vote that brought the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles and he was crucial to the appointment of the first African-American to serve on the City Council, Gilbert Lindsay. Another uncle, John, was also Assistant County Clerk. Her brother, James Hahn, is the only person to have ever been elected to three of the city’s most important offices: City Controller, City Attorney, and Mayor. He is currently a Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge in Santa Monica, following the footsteps of his and Janice’s cousin,
Dale, who held the same post in San Mateo County. Hahn’s grandparents on her mother’s side were both Christian missionaries to Japan.
However, Janice’s most distinguished relative was her late father, Kenneth Hahn, whose legacy in the city earned him political immortality throughout Los Angeles. Kenneth was the youngest of the seven brothers who all grew up during a tumultuous time in America’s history. He was a bold supporter of civil rights as proven by his decision – against much opposition – to be the only elected official, black or white, to greet Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at LAX when he visited the city in 1962. His alliance with Dr. King was as publicly controversial as it was privately consistent with his widely known personal and professional convictions. The elder Hahn was highly regarded by the African-American community of Los Angeles and he frequently quoted Biblical scripture. After serving three terms on the City Council, Kenneth was elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, occupying the city’s second district seat on the board. He held that office from 1952-1992. It was during the 40 years that Kenneth Hahn sat on the board that his daughter’s political career was unknowingly established. In fact, on the very day that Hahn arrived home from the hospital as a newborn infant, her dad got to work planning his campaign with church and college friends who met in the family’s living room.
“My dad loved this city and he loved this county and it showed,” remembers Hahn. “That’s why voters kept electing him.” Hahn remembers her dad carrying a small notepad with him everywhere he went and writing things down: people’s names, addresses, phone numbers, opinions, problems, and needs. Then, he would take their concerns and share them with his colleagues on the board.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was established by the California State Legislature in 1852 and is comprised of five members – known as supervisors - who are elected to four-year terms. The Board has collective executive, legislative, and even some judicial power over the five separate districts that each supervisor represents. The Board is the governing body of the County of Los Angeles. Supervisors are elected by voters in their respective districts and are limited to three four-year terms because of a three-year term limit approved by voters in favor of Measure B in 2002. That is why the 40-year legacy that Kenneth Hahn served as a Los Angeles County Supervisor will never come close to being matched in terms of longevity. However, the legacy he created as a community hero could possibly be continued by his own daughter, who has decided not to seek reelection to Congress in 2016, but instead to pursue a seat on the same board which her father served.
“The Board of Supervisors is all I ever knew growing up,” recalls Hahn, becoming wistful as she lists several objectives – big and small – that were accomplished during her father’s tenure. “I had a front row seat to everything the county did for 40 years; from the installation of freeway call boxes to starting the paramedic program. I was there because my dad was there.” She recalls that when she was a child, constituents would often knock on their door on Saturday mornings asking to see her father. Even now, not a day goes by when someone doesn’t pull her to the side to share a story about something her dad did or said. “The board is a part of who I am, it’s in my DNA.”
Janice is confident that every job she has ever had – including being a stay-at-home mom for ten years – has prepared her to serve on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Her diverse work history includes positions in education, public and private sectors, and of course, politics. Hahn asserts that these experiences will strengthen her credibility as a county supervisor when dealing with the issues Angelenos face every day.
“It is time, the time is right,” Hahn says. “I have always wanted to be a county supervisor just like my dad but I was not ready, I had to start small and I had to gain
(l to r) Hahn greets President Barack Obama during the 2014 State of the Union Address; Hahn with Vice President Joe Biden; Hahn with Port of L.A. Executive Director Gene Seroka (left) and Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) (photos: Facebook)
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experience.” Her early career as a secondary teacher of physical education and speech
communications will come into play when the board oversees education issues facing teachers, parents, and students throughout the county. She will surely draw upon her years working for Southern California Edison and Western Waste Management when issues about the city’s energy and resources are presented to the board. Other professions in banking, finance, and marketing will also guide her in the decisions she will have to make for the constituents in L.A.’s 4th supervisory district, which will be an open seat due to incumbent Supervisor Don Knabe being termed out. If elected to the board, her lengthy public service career as a commissioner, councilwoman, and congresswoman will have the most influence on her responsibilities as a county supervisor.
“Being in Congress made me realize that I can get more done for the people of Los Angeles by serving them right here at home,” she says. Hahn shares her frustration dealing with the federal government because it is so big and there are so many people involved. “My political skills are better suited for local government, especially because I’ve already been to the Capitol and that will definitely be an advantage to the county.” The board supervises 10 million people and has an annual budget of $26 million, which is more than some states.
Hahn vows that if she is elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, she will continue advocating for labor and port issues. The twin ports complex of Los Angeles and Long Beach are within the boundaries of the 4th district seat she is seeking. If chosen by voters, she will represent the interests of both ports equally as well as the two million men, women, and children living on and off the waterfront in the 4th district.
“I am excited about some of the issues the county supervisors are considering and I would like to be a part of them,” says Hahn. “I want to fight to raise the minimum wage in the city.” She hates “the working poor” stigma because she thinks that no one who works hard should live in poverty and that workers should have access to solid living wages to support their families.
Hahn knows all about this. She divorced when her three children – who are now adults in their 30s - were all under the age of 10. Immediately, she returned to the workforce and joined the ranks of working single mothers in order to support herself and her children. Today, her only daughter, Katie, lives in Colorado with her husband John and their three children. Her oldest son, Mark, lives in Oregon with his wife Jaclyn and their two children. Her youngest son, Danny, recently moved back home while he builds up his work hours on the docks. Hahn is enjoying the unique experience of having an adult child return home, which thousands of other parents can relate to.
“We are getting used to cohabiting,” she says with a smile. “It’s been fun having him back.” Hahn cherishes any time spent with her family because so much of her time is occupied traveling back and forth between the two coasts. She tries to plan trips to see her grandchildren around her work schedule and she makes it a point to send out an annual Christmas card with a picture of her with them. “Holidays are my favorite because we all get together, either here or in Colorado or Oregon.” Each November, Hahn hosts a potluck on the Saturday before Thanksgiving with about 30-40 of her friends.
An admitted homebody, Hahn says that her absolute favorite place to be is sitting on her patio, which she does every chance she gets. “I love watching ships come in and out of the harbor,” she says. “I get up at 5:30 a.m. just to watch the sunrise, I love watching the moon, and I love watching the cruise ships sail out at night lit up with all of their twinkling lights.” Her patio is where she “charges her battery” daily.
The one perk that Hahn will enjoy most if elected to the County Board of Supervisors is that she will no longer have to routinely fly across the country as part of her job. She will just have to drive north on the 110 Freeway to the Civic Center area of downtown Los Angeles. The board meets in a building once known as the Los Angeles County Hall of Administration, but was renamed the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in 1992 as a tribute to her father’s 40-year career as a county supervisor which began in 1952, the year Hahn was born. spt
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by Roseanney Liu
MONA SUTTON & LESLIE JONESOMELETTE & WAFFLE SHOP
Mr. Bill comes in everyday and orders round Polish sausage for breakfast, whole wheat blueberry pancakes around midday, and an off-menu neopolitan ice cream Sundae in the afternoon. Every single day. He does this at no other place than Omelette & Waffle Shop on Gaffey and 11th St., where Mona Sutton and Leslie Jones have run the helm for the past 20 years. Mr. Bill is one of the many regulars that frequent this friendly staple serving up more than 100 kinds of omelettes and 15 different waffles, as well as delicious sandwiches and salads.
“We treat our customers like family, whether they are locals, regulars, first time visitors or out-of-towners. And our staff genuinely cares about providing great service,” shares Jones when asked about what people like about dining here. The level of service and high-quality food have always been Jones’ and Sutton’s priority since they took over what was a small coffee shop 20 years ago. A general manager for Sizzler at the time, Sutton saw the potential for what the little shop could become when it was up for sale. She and Jones nurtured the place, growing it from a 36-seat original to the 125-seat establishment it is today.
“Nobody but a small business owner knows how hard it is to give consistency in quality of food and service, day in and day out. Fortunately, we have such great staff among us, they are trained to handle high volume,” says Sutton. “People give their hard-earned money for solid, good food and we want to provide that for them. If they wanted [subpar] food to be thrown at them, well, they would go to a drive-thru.”
Aside from feeding San Pedro with great food and family-oriented vibes, the owners have also been very involved in the community. Collaborating with local law enforcement to raise the quality of life for residents is just one of the endeavors in which Sutton and Jones have been participating. “Serving on the police advisory board allows us to help law enforcement as their eyes and ears for what’s happening in the neighborhoods and we build goodwill. We only want to provide what’s best for San Pedro, for the town and for our people,” says Sutton. Omelette & Waffle Shop, 1103 S. Gaffey Street, (310) 831-3277
LINDA JACKSON & MELISSA KLUGJACKSON’S PLACE
With more than half a dozen bars and pubs in the downtown San Pedro area alone, one has to ask the owners of Jackson’s Place, Linda Jackson and daughter Melissa Klug, why open yet another bar?
“We are different. This is where people can go in pairs or in a group after work, grab a drink, some bites, and socialize,” explains Jackson. “Many bars are rowdy and dark. We
San Pedro’s Fempreneurs
wanted to provide a place that’s clean and airy where people can actually sit and hear each other.”
Offering crafted beers from local breweries like Stone and Monkish, boutique and off-beat wines, its own appetizers and menus from several local dining establishments, which Jackson’s Place allows for deliveries to be made for patrons at the bar, Jackson and Klug are appealing to a different crowd that enjoys the low-key and friendly vibe throughout this former gallery space on 7th Street. “I think people enjoy being here in that it’s open, it’s relaxing, it’s made for socializing among friends. People come in for the atmosphere. We are also centrally located to many condos [and businesses] that are within walking distance, so it’s nice that people can just walk home after having drinks,” says Jackson.
Hard to believe that a woman whose background has consisted of 30 years of property management would be opening a bar with her daughter who’s a civil engineer. As the manager of the building for years, there was no doubt in Jackson’s mind what she would do with the space when it became vacant.
The lighting over the bar, the ocean blue wall, the dark wood and concrete offer a cool feeling. Local artwork hangs on the walls as classic rock plays in the background. Aesthetically, Jackson’s Place is the opposite of most bars in downtown. As they navigate the infancy of a new business, Jackson is grateful to have the support of so many. She adds, “We want to take everyone’s suggestions and advice into consideration while steering a course that’s true to what we’d like to provide, which, at the end of day, is good wines, good beers and good vibes.” Jackson’s Place, 335 W. 7th Street, (310) 833-3359, www.jacksonsplacesp.com
DANA MARTIN & TRACEY SMITHSENIORS HELPING SENIORS
After caring for their aging mothers for some time, owners Dana Martin and Tracey Smith knew two things: There’s tremendous need for able-bodied, caring people who can relate to seniors to aid them in their daily tasks, and that Martin and Smith themselves feel more excited about providing this service than working their corporate jobs. “I’ve been caring for my mother for the past 18 years and Tracey has for hers who’s wheelchair-bound as well, and we realized how hard it is to find great caregivers who are compatible with one’s parents,” says Martin.
Last February while traveling, Smith saw an ad in an in-flight magazine for Seniors Helping Seniors, which has more than 250 franchise locations throughout North America and Europe, and a light bulb went off. The two friends knew that they should go into business together doing what they already do best in providing a community service that’s much needed. Last September saw the birth of the San Pedro franchise grow out of a residential office on Carolina Street and it has been matching care providers to homebound seniors here and in surrounding communities with anything from meal preparation, light housekeeping, transport to doctor’s appointments, to personal grooming/dressing and overnight stays to relieve the family caregivers.
“We hire active seniors, most of them retired, who really care about helping other seniors. They wanted to do something valuable in their communities based on their available schedules,” shares Martin. Offering varying levels of services based on how little or how much help families need for their aging parents, Seniors Helping Seniors works carefully in matching those in need with care providers that they will be comfortable with. Martin and Smith also provide training to their staff on caring for those afflicted with
San Pedro may have been built on the backs of fishermen, but it’s maintained a strong small business community due in no small part to the hard work of the women of our Port Town. From traditional female-centric businesses like hair salons and clothing boutiques, to more male-dominated industries like restaurants and bars, our San Pedro “fempreneurs” (female entrepreneurs) have kept our town’s economy going strong for generations. Here is just a snapshot of some of our great women who are proud to be San Pedro small business owners.
Mona Sutton & Leslie Jones
Melissa Klug & Linda Jackson
Dana Martin & Tracey Smith
(photos: John Mattera)
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Fleur de Lys
Happy Mother’s Day!
Artistry in Flowers720 South Weymouth Ave. San Pedro | 310-833-4300located in Weymouth corners
Alzheimer’s and dementia, and give talks in the community on specific aspects of caring for older parents.
Martin notes, “Everyday I wake up so animated and happy that we provide a much needed homecare service that enables the folks to stay in their homes [instead of living in a nursing home] and have a loving caregiver that becomes a friend helping with some of their day-to-day tasks.” Seniors Helping Seniors, (310) 521-9275, www.seniorcaresanpedro.com
MONA KHALBOURJIMANDYZ BOUTIQUE
Hip, trendy clothing and accessories for every age group at affordable prices, Mandyz is where people go to pick up a beautiful new dress for an occasion or a gift item that is one of a kind. “We have dresses, scarves, purses, bath/spa items, jewelry…,” owner Mona Khalbourji rattles off the inventory. “If you want a unique gift item, you will find it here and we get new stuff in every two weeks.” A gorgeous forest green handbag is just a couple of steps away from a bath fizz that looks like a cupcake in disguise and smells just as delicious as lavender bubbles.
Named after her 16-year-old daughter Mandy, the storefront came into Khalbourji’s possession when it was up for sale five years ago by the previous proprietor. Since then, Mandyz has been satisfying local and out-of-town customers with trendy, fashionable items at reasonable prices. Weymouth Corners affords the store a terrific location for local shoppers, and the store’s online presence enables it to reach customers in Kansas, Florida and New York, to name a few.
“We offer wonderful customer service as well as gift wrapping and gift cards. We’ll continue adding new items to the inventory and to continue to grow the business [so as to offer our customers more selection],” shares Khalbourji. Mandyz Boutique, 1442 W. 8th Street (Weymouth Corners), (310) 521-8400, www.MandyzBoutique.com
NOVA FREELSFLEUR DE LYS ARTISTRY IN FLOWERS
At 2 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, you can find Fleur de Lys owner Nova Freels shopping at the Downtown L.A. Flower Mart for the best and freshest inventory with which to stock her beautiful corner store. “We want to give our customers the best. Many florists may not show up until later, but I want to get the best of the pick,” says Freels.
Specializing in gorgeous custom-made bouquets with European influence as well as tropical arrangements, the shop, in its sixth year in operation, has a loyal following in the South Bay. Both Freels’ and lead sales associate Lee Burcher’s warm approach and attention to customer service are just one of the reasons why people return to Fleur de Lys occasion after occasion for beautiful floral arrangements for special occasions and
for funeral services. Freels shares that she and all her staff truly love flowers and the customers that come in. Her team strives to provide the best product that is fresh and perfect upon arrival at the customer’s or recipient’s home.
“What I love is the diversity across four generations of the customers that come in and the interconnectedness among our customers,” says Freels, who hopes that in 2015 the shop’s website will be up and running and that they could help corporate businesses with floral needs as much as they have helped individual residents. Fleur de Lys Artistry in Flowers, 720 S. Weymouth Ave. (Weymouth Corners), (310) 833-4300
DONA LAFAURIEWILD ORCHID HAIR & MAKE-UP SALON
Smiles abound as customers leave Wild Orchid, their satisfaction with the new haircut or style is apparent. In its 12th year under Dona Lafaurie’s ownership, she and all the hair stylists pride themselves in really getting to know their customers and their personalities in order to find a cut and color that suits them perfectly. “We want people to leave here happy. If a cut or color probably won’t work for them, I’ll tell them so and maybe show them a wig [with the color/style they want] to prove my point,” shares Lafaurie. She will also inform her customer’s new color palette in clothing and makeup that would complement the new hairstyle better.
As current president of the local non-profit Weddings and Special Events Association (WSEA) that consists of more than 40 local vendors, Lafaurie has 30 years of experience doing what she loves in helping people look and feel better. Her and the staff’s expertise are why between April and October, every weekend the salon is jam packed with bridal parties getting primped for the big day. “This weekend, for example, we have a 14-member bridal party coming in having their up-do’s and airbrushed make-up done,” says Lafaurie.
Wild Orchid also specializes in custom hair replacement systems and hair extensions that work in conjunction with customers’ goals and lifestyles. The salon will participate in the next WSEA show in the South Bay on July 29 at the Palos Verdes Country Club. Wild Orchid Hair & Make-up Salon, 1432 W. 25th Street, (310) 519-8828, www.wohair.com
Mona Khalbourji
Nova Freels
Dona Lafaurie
(photos: John Mattera)
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Downtown617 S. Centre StreetSan Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 241-0917www.happydinersp.com
North Gaffey1931 N. Gaffey St., Ste. J
San Pedro, CA 90731(310) 935-2933
www.happydinersanpedro.com
FAMILY-OWNED • HOME COOKING!BREAKFAST • LUNCH • DINNER
Chicken Fruit Salad Chicken Cranberry Almond Salad
“Remembering All Moms”Treat yours to something special...
she’ll thank you.Regular Menu on Mother’s Day
383 W. 5 th S t ree t , San Pedro310 .548 .3495 • www.ne i l spas ta . com
Banquet s & Ca ter ing Ava i l ab le
Neil’sp a s t a & s e a f o o d G r i l l
s i n c e 1 9 9 8
Any order $25 or more!
*Cannot be combined with any other offers, promotions or specials.
Exp. 5/31/15
A San Pedro Landmark for more than 30 years!
#11 Chile Rojo Entrée
The Original Las Brisas Mexican Food Since 1982
We’ve remodeled! Check out our two new HDTVs and new fountain machine!
**FREE LOCAL DELIVERY**
1110 N. Gaffey Ste. D. • San Pedro CA 90731 • 310 833-4395 • 7 days a week 10am to 11pm
$8OFF
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310.519.8828
$10 off Prom Hairstyles (Reserve appointment early. Deposit required.)
1432 W. 25th St. | San Pedro | Von’s center @ 25th & Western
PROM SPECIAL!Wild Orchid Hair Studio
1438 W. 8th St. San Pedro at Weymouth Corners310•832•4145Children’s Clothing •Toys & Books Women’s Accessories Gifts for the Home
Happy Mother’s Day from Rok“n”Ell
KIM DILEVAC’E LA LUNA SALON
Twenty years in the business, salon owner Kim DiLeva and her staff of beauty experts offer customers to indulge in a hair cut, styling, coloring, extensions, nail care, facials, chiropractic and massages, and an onsite accessories boutique. The salon stays busy throughout the week with Friday mornings kicked up a notch with coffee and donuts for all the patrons who could hardly get to the back [of the salon] in time for their appointments as they enjoy chatting among friends over the morning sugar and joe.
“We are very family-oriented among the girls that work here and with our customers, and that’s what San Pedro is all about,” says DiLeva. “I want to continue training our stylists. We truly believe in the saying, ‘You build the people up and the people will build the business up together.’ ”
With extraordinary help from her staff and her husband, Anthony, who handles operations and finances of the salon, C’e La Luna has become an elegant, chic space that’s a drastic contrast from the original drab industrial suite inside this unassuming business park on North Gaffey St. Beautiful dark wood cabinets flank 11 styling stations with bright natural skylights and chandeliers throughout; three massage/chiropractic rooms and two additional rooms for esthetics services with more subdued lighting and one nail care station occupy the other side of the space.
“We constantly evolve and become more educated on beauty care. Mastering this craft and artistry is important [to us] and we want to make our customers happy,” explains DiLeva. Helping her do so are high quality hair and skincare products from L’Oreal, Pureology, Wella, and Moroccanoil, which is commonly carried at Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. C’e La Luna Salon, 1861 N. Gaffey Street, Suite G & H, (310) 514-9425
DIANE ACOSTAPOLLY ANN BAKERY
Started by her grandfather who hailed from Germany in 1938 as a master baker, Diane Acosta and her husband Robert, as third generation owners of Polly Ann Bakery, know the secret recipe to running a great neighborhood staple. From creating a 32-tiered wedding cake to providing delectable bear claws, sweet rolls and coffee customers enjoy in the mornings, Acosta knows that it’s more than just about the sugar. “We are, and our customers are, multi-generational. The people of San Pedro and surrounding areas have come to rely on
us [and our products] to be part of their daily life and special occasions.”The nostalgia and love of old school baking ways permeate the operations as products
are made by hand from beginning to end. “Our Danishes are shaped and filled by hand. All the cutting and slicing are done by hand,” explains Acosta about the bakers’ work, which starts at 3 a.m. “Our staff not only enjoy working with one another but they have a lot of pride in what they do. They want everything to come out looking nice and tasting great.” Acosta notes that their top sellers are decorated party cakes, Danishes, bear claws, wedding cakes, and donuts.
Besides weddings, birthdays and cakes for special holidays, Polly Ann also provides for Green Hills’ sunrise service. With sadness, the bakery notes the March passing of Acosta’s father, Joseph Voss, who was the second generation master baker.
The bakery provides healthier items such as sugar-free apple turnovers and low-sugar cookies to cater to the health-conscious customers. “There’s definitely a push on healthier eating so we want to provide some things that cater to customers having this mindset,” says Acosta. Polly Ann Bakery, 1440 W. 8th Street (Weymouth Corners), (310) 519-0966, www.PollyAnnsBakery.com
ANNMARIE MIRAMONTESLAVENDER PAPERIE
Laid off as a teacher from LAUSD in 2009 and with a newborn baby and a mortgage to help support, AnnMarie Miramontes had to come up with income that she could generate from home. “I was thinking, what could I do [that would fill a gap] year around? And it was like, aha! Weddings! I then realized I could handle the bridal couple’s stationery as a home-based business,” beams Miramontes about her eureka moment. Six years later and now with a four-person operations team, Lavender Paperie, named after Miramontes’ fond memories of the lavender plant in her parents’ native Croatia, continues to flourish.
The high season of weddings June through August means Miramontes and her team stay busy January through June. What really sets her shop apart from your run-of-the-mill PaperSource and Minted is the lace and ribbon embellishments that Lavender Paperie offers. “We have a pretty niche market that especially caters to vintage-themed or rustic/outdoorsy weddings,” Miramontes notes. Basic double-layered lace and ribbon invitations run $5 each to something highly custom, like the $20 per invite that consists of a lady’s face cameo in bronze resin in ribbon setting threaded through the cardstock, placed in a silk box and then in the mailing box. Now when you get that kind of invitation, you definitely RSVP Yes to attending that wedding.
For a business having transactions and communication done mostly online, brides’ reviews are nothing less than stellar. “Glitter-based invitations are really the trend of late,” says Miramontes. “But our team is constantly looking for ways to improve ourselves, to innovate so that we can stay ahead of the competition.” Lavender Paperie, (310) 872-2961, www.LavenderPaperie.com
Kim DiLeva
Diane Acosta
AnnMarie Miramontes
(photos: John Mattera)
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JOIN US FOR MORE FUN EVENTS THROUGHOUT MAY!
May 3rd, begins at 12noon “Sunday Funday at Junes Bar” w/ Live Bands in the Parking Lot $10.00 per person
May 11th, 6:15pm “Passion Party”
May 11th, 11:00am-9:30pm “Eat, Drink and be Mayoree” Margarita Monday @ The Green Onion (must present flyer)
May 14th “Fish Market Dinner/Dance” $45/pp (with Raffle Prizes)
May 16th “Pachanga Bus Trip” $25.00 per person
May 21st “Ports O’ Call Restaurant” (Drinks and food in bar at percentage donated back)
May 31th “Wine Tasting at Off the Vine” $20.00 per person
Community Discount Cards (Available Now @ $20 per card)
For more information on these upcoming events please contact Diana Chavez-‐Feipel at 310-‐753-‐7547 or [email protected]
1118 37th St. San Pedro 310 832-2424• Built in 1947• Largest selection of
glass bottle sodas in the South Bay
• Great breakfast & lunch menu
• Fresh baked patries• Melissa & Doug Toys
T H E C O R N E R S T O R E
Join us the weekendMother’s
Dayfor Wine tasting in sup-port of the Point Fermin
Lighthouse Society on May 9th
of
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Serving Our Community for 40 Years!
864 West 9th Street San Pedro, CA 90731 ∙ (310) 548-1263www.ranchosp-escrow.com
• Commercial & Residential Real Estate• For Sale By Owner (FSBO)• Short Sales• FHA & Conventional Refinance• Income/Investment Properties• Hard Money Loans
Rosemarie “Bitsy” Lauro Owner/Escrow Officer
Independently Owned & Operated
Happy Mother’s Day!
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* Enrollment fee required. Offer expires 5/31/15 and requires joining same day as first visit for a minimum 12-month recurring billing contract. Enrollment fee and monthly fees vary by location. Valid for new Curves members only. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Valid at participating locations only. No cash value.
† Classes and Jillian Michaels workouts scheduled by location and only offered at participating locations. © 2015 Curves International, Inc. (1503)
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CHANGING LIVES TOGETHER 30th Annual YMCA Golf Classic SAN PEDRO & PENINSULA YMCA AND WILMINGTON YMCA Honorary Chairman LA City Councilman Joe Buscaino, 15th District
Monday, August 24, 2015 Noon Shotgun Start Trump National Golf Club, Rancho Palos Verdes
For more Information contact Philip Di Nova at (818) 430-3276 or [email protected]
Beginning May 1st register online at www.ymcala.org/sppygolf
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KELLEY HARTKELLEY HART CUSTOM COOKIES
Following her Grandma Wetter’s recipe, Kelley Hart has been baking what many call the “best sugar cookies ever” since she was a child. What started out as Christmas cookies for just family and friends soon spiraled into a business providing custom-made special occasion and holiday cookies. Made with “no preservatives or artificial anything,” Hart’s cookies are as unique in designs as they are delicious. “We get tons of special orders for events such as communions to bridal and birthday parties. This is on top of the holiday cookies,” says Hart.
Grateful for the loyal following and word of mouth referrals from San Pedro locals, Hart’s business has been staying busy since it started in 2010. “It’s been really exciting and I’m happy for the community support allowing me to run a home-based business,” she says.
From whimsical designs like seashells and starfish-shaped cookies to Fiesta cookies consisting of Mexican sombreros, burros and cactus-shaped treats, one can find many custom designs on Hart’s website. Hart is currently looking for a commercial bakery or kitchen with which to expand her business, which will include cupcakes and gourmet cookie lines. On occasions, she also offers weekend cookie decorating classes. For three-hours and $50 per course fee, anyone can learn to add cookie icing and decorating skills to their repertoire, with all supplies and ingredients provided. Now that’s a pretty sweet deal. Kelley Hart Custom Cookies, 1367 W. 10th St., (310) 521-9171, www.KelleyHart.com
“Where Friends Come to Meet!” CELEBRATING 20TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR
Recognized as the Top Breakfast and Lunch spot in San Pedro, where delicious food and great service keeps hungry customers coming back for more. Top rated in Yelp with over 400 reviews. Wake up to a healthy, hearty breakfast. A San Pedro Tradition for 20 years!
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ALI SHAW-KOTHOFF THE VINE WINES
Romantic jaunts up the Central Coast wineries in the late 1990s led Ali Shaw-Koth and husband Michael Koth to finding a new passion. “We were so touched by the wine industry, everyone was willing to help out and promote one another. We fell in love with how each bottle, in different years and different climates, taste differently,” says Shaw-Koth, who, with Michael, have been managing Off the Vine Wines since it opened in 2007. Catering to wine lovers, Off the Vine has had countless converts as well. “We get a lot of younger customers wherein the girlfriend (or wife) loves wines and the boyfriend (or husband) is loyal to beers, but they (the boyfriends/husbands) come around and end up finding something they really like,” she explains.
Off the Vine aims at having more events for its club members, such as having winery reps come to host tastings. At only $38 per month, club members may choose between Unique Wines for Everyday Life or Central Coast Wines and get three bottles shipped to their homes. For those with more discriminating tastes and want to savor or collect special wines, the Premier Club membership is available at $75-$100 per shipment occurring every other month.
For eclectic wines from all over the world poured by down to earth owners, terrific happy hour deals on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays 3-9:30 p.m., and live music on the third Thursday of each month, stop by Off the Vine and enjoy a few sips. Off the Vine Wines, 491 W. 6th St., Suite 103, Downtown San Pedro, (310) 831-1551, www.OfftheVineWines.com spt
Kelley Hart Ali Shaw-Koth
(photos: John Mattera)
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San Pedro’sReal Estate Expert.
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Ko’s Wellness1931 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro(310) 832-1424www.koswellness.com
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by Liana Whitehead
With Mother’s Day quickly approaching on May 10 (this is your official reminder, dads and kids), members of San Pedro’s Moms Offering Moms Support (MOMS) Club share their experiences as part of an organization that provides support, understanding and friendship through hosting play groups, community outings and helping local mothers and charities in need.
The international MOMS Club organization – a California-grown, nonprofit club started in 1983 – was designed by moms as a support group for moms; support that only fellow mothers can provide. Today, the club has more than 1,500 U.S. chapters and more than 100,000 members in the U.S. alone. San Pedro is home to one of these chapters.
“All of the women in our club have impacted my life in more ways than I can begin to tell you,” says Monica Weston, San Pedro resident and president of the local MOMS chapter. “I have developed friendships with these women that I never expected and wouldn’t trade for the world. They have opened my eyes to an entirely different world in San Pedro, and, because of them, I am a better person.”
Weston, now a stay-at-home mom of three daughters, and her husband have called San Pedro home for 10 years. She joined MOMS in 2010 so that her one-year-old could socialize, which is “something every new mom always worries about,” Weston says. “I made it a priority, and my life has changed in so many ways since then.”
Last year, MOMS made itself available to Weston as she experienced post-birth complications. Club members not only delivered meals to the family, but took turns watching the children and taking Weston for slow walks as she healed.
“They are such an amazing group of women,” Weston adds.The supportive and understanding nature of MOMS Club has touched other local
mothers, like San Pedro-grown Marisela Mardesich, wife and mother of two, who discovered the club online.
“My kids and I have made great friendships,” Mardesich says. “We have learned to give back to the community with the charities we give to, and the play dates we have are so much fun.”
MOMS Club mothers and kids hit the beach, explore museums, whiz around on scooters and bikes and take trips to farmers’ markets and aquariums. When the group isn’t
off discovering, it is working within the community and offering support to others.The club goes beyond intergroup care by raising money for community charities,
delivering groceries and diapers to Rainbow Services and supporting moms who have experienced spousal abuse and financial hardships.
“My hope for MOMS Club is that the community know about our club and that we continue to support other moms in San Pedro,” Mardesich adds. “I think a club like ours really can bring a community together.”
Member Dana Ellis, who has mastered the term “mother” – mother, stepmother and grandmother – is proud to support the San Pedro MOMS Club and feels that the group’s contributions to her life are enumerable.
“I am very passionate about the MOMS Club of San Pedro,” says Ellis. “Once I started attending events, I quickly met other moms and forged new friendships. I hope the club continues to grow and do great things in our community.”
San Pedro’s MOMS caters to mothers from all walks of life, says Weston, and with various backgrounds and talents (writers, business owners, nurses, educators, military, etc.), they still share one common goal:
“We are all mothers who want the best for our children and want our neighborhood to thrive as a safe environment,” says Weston. “My hopes are simple – I want the club to continue to be a thriving support network for MOMS in our area for many years. The members of this club mean so much to me and are such inspiring, amazing women who I couldn’t imagine my life without.” spt
To get involved, contact Membership Vice President Jenna Campbell at [email protected] or attend a general meeting at Peck Park’s craft room, 10 a.m. on the second Wednesday of every month.
San Pedro MOMS Supporting Moms
San Pedro MOMS Club
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HealthCare Partners San Pedro Medical Office 1360 W. 6th Street, Suite 315, San Pedro, CA 90732
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Gluten-Free in San Pedro (Part 2)
So last month, we talked about what being “gluten-free” really means, as well as the importance of understanding the reality of food intolerance. But what about when many of us with food intolerances attempt to eat out at some of our local food establishments?
With the social stigma attached to being gluten-free (or having any food intolerances, for that matter), eating out can be a rather stressful experience. San Pedro is a town filled with some of the most authentic and delicious culinary conventions, based in
tradition and ethnic history. I’m often worried that I will be judged for questioning some of that tradition, having to inquire about which menu items are gluten-free or making special requests to adjust my order accordingly. The last thing I want is to insult the chef, be viewed as a “difficult” customer, or simply, not be taken seriously (and this last part can be very dangerous for those with true food sensitivities or allergies).
But I’ve found that most of these concerns have been rather unfounded, as many establishments in San Pedro have been more than happy to accommodate my special requests. This is always a huge relief for me, because instead of me feeling like an outcast, it makes me feel like I still “fit in” with my hometown community.
I admit, because of my food sensitivities, I don’t eat out at too many places these days. But when I have, I’ve been lucky to discover some great options.
`Thai food often seems to be a safe place to start (authentic Thai dishes and sauces are less likely to contain gluten additives, especially when compared to other types of Asian foods, which are normally gluten heavy). Fortunately, we have some fantastic Thai restaurants here in town. Both Baramee (downtown) and Sirinat (South Shores) have been wonderful in terms of identifying or even modifying some of their dishes so I know they are safe for me to eat. Other local favorites, like the San Pedro Brewing Company (downtown), have also been accommodating. You might not expect a pub to break outside of tradition, but upon request, they’ve very happily adjusted my order accordingly.
You might think that Italian establishments would be the last place to find gluten-free options, but places like Neil’s Seafood and Pasta (downtown) have gone above and beyond to accommodate my requests. Although I have to skip the bread and pasta courses (and trust me, that takes all of my willpower), I’ve been able to enjoy everything from specially-prepared gluten-free cioppino to grilled steak with seasonal vegetables. Pirozzi’s Italian Deli (Weymouth Corners) has provided authentic, family-inspired Italian food ever since their original store opened several decades ago. Although they still maintain that tradition, they also now acknowledge those with special food needs, offering several gluten-free pasta options in their market section, as well as identifying gluten-free meats in their deli section.
While I usually stick to clean proteins and veggies (the safest and healthiest way to address my nutrition needs), I still occasionally want to splurge on a “treat” meal every now and then. Enter: Fat Tomato Pizza (Park Plaza), whose gluten-free pizza has become my guilty pleasure. The crust is made from relatively clean ingredients (which is not often the case in other gluten-free crusts), and they also boast using “organic, local produce” in their sauces and toppings. I order my gluten-free pizza with lots of veggies piled on top (this is how I justify my splurge…*wink-wink*), and having this option makes me feel like I still can enjoy an occasional treat with the rest of the world. (As a side note: Fat Tomato also offers gluten-free pasta dishes, although I haven’t actually had them myself, and also vegan cheese options for those looking for dairy-free alternatives.)
These are just a few examples of some of the places I’ve encountered, but I’m sure there are plenty more. Have you had positive experiences with other San Pedro eateries who have accommodated your special dietary needs? Please contact me via my website (below) and share! spt
You can follow Lori Garrett on her healthy lifestyle blog: www.adventuresofasickchick.com.
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It was another sunny, summer day in March and the crowd was buzzing. If you looked around, you’d be hard pressed to find two people who even remotely resembled one another and yet they were all there for the same reason. They had just completed the latest run of the Heyday Transformation Challenge.
Six-weeks prior, they measured their body fat, took pictures, and committed to track everything they ate. Each participant was told exactly how much of each food to eat according to their target fat-loss goals. They were given a complete framework on how to shop,
prepare, and track food. They were given workout goals to complete and even had to track their sleep. It wasn’t easy. And on this hot Sunday morning before Easter, they were here to find out just how much the effort they put in had paid off.
The oldest of the participants was a 69-year-old woman. In 40 days, according to her hydrostatic body fat reading, she lost 9.2 pounds of fat and added 5.6 pounds of lean muscle. Her body fat started at 34% and ended at 27.9%. The youngest, a 26-year-old former marine, lost 9.3 pounds of fat and gained 4.5 pounds of lean mass, losing a total 4% body-fat that ended at a svelte 9%. There were several other cases just like this from that morning. Physicians, mothers, students, busy people, retirees, you name it. People astounded at how much their bodies had changed despite many being told to eat more food. No foods were vilified. If you wanted desserts, or wine with dinner, it was factored in to the plan. There were no miracle supplements or severe calorie-cutting.
As the challenge ended, I asked the participants to tell me their “secrets” to success. I wanted to know how they were able to be successful following and finishing the weight-loss plan. I asked each person to give me what they thought was most important to their results. Here’s what they said:
“Plan your meals. Always have a healthy snack just in case. Use the MyFitnessPal app. Read what others [on the plan] are doing and eating for encouragement, variety, and support. If you fall off the wagon, no worries, just get right back on.” – Eveline, grandmother, 12-lbs. & 10.5-inches lost.
“The biggest piece of advice I have is that preparation & planning are keys to being successful. Every night I measured my food for the next day and packed it in Ziploc bags, Tupperware and brought it to work in a cooler. I packed my gym clothes and planned my workouts ahead of time. If I ate out, I’d look at the menu online to make sure there were healthy options” – Clem, father, 16-lbs., 7.75-inches, 3.6% body fat lost.
“I have never been a breakfast person. At the beginning of each week, I made seven breakfasts to have ready to go each day. I stuck to foods I liked which made it easy. Quest protein bars are great. I always have them on hand along with an apple.” – Sandra, mother, 11-lbs., 6.25-inches and 3% body fat lost.
“Never go through the week unprepared. Even have a back-up plan. Spend some time figuring out what to eat. Isopure [protein powder] is the best thing on the planet.” – Natalie, student, 5.5-inches lost.
“Keep Quest bars at work and in your car. Getting rid of soda really helped. Focus on higher protein snacks.” – Kashyep, general physician, 7-lbs fat and 3% body-fat lost.
There is a lot more helpful advice that I just couldn’t fit in this column, but if you’re as smart as I think you are, you’ve noticed a pattern. None of these people have similar schedules. They have vastly different careers, home lives, and obligations and yet, when it really comes down to it, they’ve arrived at similar conclusions in terms of what works.
Weight-loss secrets aren’t secrets at all; being prepared, having a back-up plan, and sticking to healthy foods you enjoy will always produce results. If you can follow those principles, you will end your frustrations.
So take it from them, go shopping, prepare, and get to work. spt
P.S. If you’d like the complete list of “Fat-loss Tips My Clients Swear By,” visit www.FrustratedDieter.com.
HEALTH & FITNESS
by Ricky Magana
A Doctor, a Mother, and a Marine’s ‘Secrets’ to Weight-Loss
Robert BobichFamily Services Counselor
27501 S. Western Avenue Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
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