San Pedro Central

Again Trump and his people feel that they live in a world where rules don't apply to them. This time it's tree planting and views. Breeze Article here.

So this morning, my roommate points out to me that all of the streetlights on my block, and then a whole bunch on the cross street closest to my house are busted. Not in a "not working" kind of way, but in a someone blew out the glass cover and the streets (and at least one of my neighbor's cars) are covered in shattered glass. Of course, I called the LAPD, and they couldn't give two shits about whether or not someone in my already sketchy neighborhood was up to no good.

Someone recently mentioned in passing that there had been a secret horseshoe pitch at Sunken City until the Department of Recreation and Parks took it out... Anyone know anything about this?

Is anyone going to check out LobsterFest?
I've never been but I do enjoy a good lobster every now and then. I'm a little unsure of whether people are willing to fork over $17 for a lobster plus $6-8 for tickets.

The Daily Breeze offers its take.

One added bonus, the Red Cars will be free the entire weekend. Enjoy what was once the country's greatest light-rail network, which has now been turned into a museum relic and toy-train. Who framed Roger Rabbit!?

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The downturn in the housing market continues to ripple through the area, with the latest ripple affecting the complex up on Western Avenue known as Seaport Homes. The complex is no longer selling its units strictly as condominiums, but is leasing them as apartments, with an option to buy. The property, which the developer incorrectly touts as being a part of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, has according to the Ponte Vista blog, only sold roughly 15 percent of its inventory. The change means the developer is freaking out about the market's downturn. Unfortunately, they are still over-priced pieces of crap. A 1-bedroom apartment is going for $1,500. Why pay $1,500 for a 1-bedroom when you can get a 3-bedroom apartment elsewhere?

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Condolences go out to the family of the 14-month-old girl that was killed the other day in Pedro. According to the Breeze, "the driver was not immediately cited" and the incident remains under investigation. Donations are being taken at a barbecue right now near the intersection where she was killed. The Breeze has more info here.

LAist reminded me of this great clip, which I came across after 9/11. It's message is as important as it was on that horrible, horrible day.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since there are a lot of riders who read this blog, I've decided to post some information about a ride tomorrow night in downtown. It was put together after Ride-Arc's September ride fell through. I cannot vouch for the route, or the people organizing it, but I'm giving it a go myself, if that makes you feel better. Here's the info:

What: 16-mile ride through downtown
When: Friday, Sept. 7 @ 9:30 p.m.
Where: Sci-Arc parking lot


route map more info

We need a `smart growth' plan

The Daily Breeze editorial "High-density plan could be disaster" (Opinion page, Aug. 29), clearly articulates a wake-up call for all of us living in Southern California. The fact that employment and housing patterns have a geographic pattern unlike that of other more concentrated urban cities is the root of the problem.

Modest density in new development seeking closer connection with jobs and housing, along with supporting transportation options in various regions of the area seems more sensible than seeking high-density development downtown and along Wilshire Boulevard. For sure, planners need to recognize unique topography and existing transportation routes in their assessments, as noted recently in a citizens review of San Pedro's proposed Ponte Vista housing project. We need to seek a carefully defined balance between environmental effects impacts on the existing community and the need to find real "smart-growth" economic development for the region.

- JERRY GAINES

San Pedro

[link]

Update: After dissing groups opposed to hyper-development, and not opposing Ponte Vista, The Breeze tries to have it both ways.

You need to get permission from the powers that be before you decide to hold an event. It appears the "organizers" of the big 12k race scheduled this weekend didn't quite do that. The group's founder, David Behar, comes off looking like a clown in Megan's story.

Apparently the story stung, because a comment by "ION Team" appeared shortly after the story went up on the DailyBreeze.com. The author states, among other things, that the "...real story has yet to be told correctly." It goes on to say, "Our team did an exemplary job dealing with the adverse situation dealt with. Stay tuned - here and in ink, because, while we are all far from perfect, we are not going to let this writer or those who don't know Dave or any of us, make untrue comments or erode our reputation and desire to deliver for the community."

Sorry guys, but if you're asking people to submit registration fees for an event, you've got to make sure the proper permits are granted ahead of time. That's event planning 101. If you guys think you'll have another shot next year, you're dreaming.

Update:
More San Pedro follows up.

From the blatant self-promotion department.

This Sunday we're opening two shows that I'm incredibly proud of at Angels Gate. The first, Five Feelings, Angels Gate International Exhibition 2007: Thailand, is the result of my curatorial expedition to Thailand earlier this year. Working with Jessada Kongsommart and the other Thai artists has been a tremendously rewarding, eye opening and exciting experience for me, and the exhibition is really tremendous. Five Feelings has a Flickr set, and you can see images of work that is in the exhibition, as well as images of Pongsak Pechmang and Jessada, two of the five exhibiting Thai artists, getting a taste of Los Angeles.

The second opening, Bridges / Decisions, will feature new works by Adrian de la Pena, a Wilmington based painter and mixed media artist. His work stems from an elaborate science fiction narrative with roots in the psyhedelic magical realism These are some really beautiful abstract works in bright colours, and dynamic in composition. It too has a Flickr set, where you can see images of some of the work taken during a studio visit with Adrian.

These two exhibitions really showcase what we do best at Angels Gate - providing San Pedro with the kind of international art experience that it deserves, and making sure that local artists have opportunities to present their work to the public in a quality venue in their city.

The Details

Join us from 2-4, this Sunday, September 2, at the Angels Gate Cultural Center

There will be a brief "Thai-style opening" for the reception at 2 PM sharp, with opening remarks and a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Jessada and Pongsak have to return to Thailand on Tuesday, so this is your chance to meet them and ask them about their work. Also on view downstairs is performance documentation from Christen Sperry-Garcia's Let's Roll in the Hay! performance done during the last opening reception at Angels Gate.

Both exhibitions run until November 4.
Our galleries are open Tuesday - Sunday 10-5.

Though Ponte Vista watchers might enjoy this Daily Breeze article about Lomita's mayor abandoning his support for Ponte Vista.