WHEN PLAQUES WERE STOLEN FROM SAN PEDRO’S FISHING INDUSTRY MEMORIAL, KRIS URSICH-PIELAGO STEPPED FORWARD TO ENSURE THE TOWN’S FISHING FAMILIES WOULD NOT BE ERASED
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Happy Birthday, San Pedro!
On March 1, our town celebrates its 138th anniversary. It feels like yesterday that we were producing the 125th anniversary issue back in 2013 (pictured), still our biggest issue to date.
As we look ahead to 2028 and San Pedro’s milestone 140th year, it’s remarkable how much has changed since that 125th anniversary issue. Our downtown skyline and waterfront have been transformed. Another mixed-use high-rise is rising where the Green Onion once stood. West Harbor is set to open this year, and the renovated Warner Grand Theatre should soon follow.
For her—and for many San Pedro families—this work is personal.
Change is constant, and not always comfortable. But stagnation, which defined too many years before redevelopment took hold, is no longer an option.
San Pedro is on the map, for better or worse. In two years, we’ll not only celebrate 140 years—we’ll host Olympic sailing events at the Port of LA. It’s hard to imagine that happening back in 2013. Times have certainly changed.
What hasn’t changed is our shared history. As this town continues to evolve, so does our commitment to honoring the people and events that built it.
This month, we feature Kris Ursich-Pielago and her effort to restore the stolen plaques from the Fishing Industry Memorial on Harbor Boulevard at Fifth Street. The original bronze plaques were taken in late 2023 and early 2024. They’re now being replaced with granite, with an unveiling ceremony set for April 25.
Pielago has led an impressive fundraising effort to make it happen.
“When you go out in San Pedro, you carry your family name with you,” she says in this month’s story. “This town is based on families. That memorial is based on our families. You go by your name, and your pride comes by your name.”
Anyone who’s been here long enough knows that’s true.
Congratulations to Pielago and everyone involved in restoring the Fishing Industry Memorial. The names on those plaques represent many of the families who built this town. Having them back where they belong simply feels right.
If you have an hour to spare, take a walk along Harbor Boulevard and visit the memorials and monuments that line the waterfront. Grab a coffee and something sweet from Colossus, then cross at Fifth Street. It’s a good reminder of where we’ve been… and where we’re headed.
Melissa Hay, Mike Harper, Peter Hazdovac, Linda Grimes, Sanam Lamborn, Steve Marconi, Jennifer Marquez, Eddie McKenna, Aaron McKenzie, Alexis Sadler, Lee Williams
Email: ads@sanpedrotoday.com for our current media kit.
VOLUME 18 | NUMBER 2
ON THE COVER: Kris Ursich-Pielago stands at the Fishing Industry Memorial on Harbor Blvd. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
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 LLC. 20,000 copies are delivered to portions of San Pedro and 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 2009-2026, Empire22 Media LLC.
6 I SAN PEDRO TODAY I MARCH 2026 I sanpedrotoday.com
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MARCH 2026
Every Friday – SAN PEDRO FARMERS MARKET (396 W. 6th St., corner of 6th and Mesa), 10a-2p. – Pick up essential fruits and vegetables from certified, small family farms. Get a head start on weekend meals with so many delicious and fresh options. For more info, visit sanpedrochamber.com/ san-pedro-farmers-market.
Every Monday - ACTING-WRITING CLASSES at Collage Theater (731 S. Pacific Ave.), 6p. – All levels—beginners to working actors and writers— come bring your work to life! On-camera, live stage performance, TV, and film. Collaborate on scripts in development. This is the place to learn and improve, network, and follow your dreams. For more info, call (310) 8644000, email actorsjungle@gmail. com, or visit actorsjungle.com.
Every Monday, Friday, & Saturday – CAREGIVER & ME MUSIC CLASSES at The Holō Collective (285 W. 6th St., Unit 101), various times. – Join Caregiver & Me Music classes with Ladybug Music South Bay! Ongoing classes run Monday, Friday, and Saturday at The Holō Collective for babies through age 4. One-time trial classes are available if space allows. Come sing, dance, play, and bond with your little one! Sign up at ladybugmusicsouthbay.com or for more info, call (310) 753-5176.
Every Tuesday, Friday, & First Thursday Evening – OPEN GARDEN at Feed and Be Fed (429 W. 6th St.), Tuesdays 10a-12p, Fridays 10a-1p, & First Thursday evenings. – Feed and Be Fed farm, San Pedro’s own urban farm, opens its downtown garden space every Tuesday and Friday and on First Thursday evenings. Organic produce is for sale at the San Pedro Farmers Market (corner of 6th and Mesa) on Fridays 10a-2p. Come share nature’s bounty and beauty as we grow vegetables, flowers, and community. Get your hands in the dirt as a volunteer, get expert advice, or just relax. For more info, visit feedandbefed.org.
Every Tuesday & Every Saturday – BELMONT SHORE MODEL RAILROAD CLUB at Angels Gate Park (3600 S. Gaffey St., Building 824), Tuesdays 7-10p & Saturdays 12-4p. – The best kept secret in San Pedro! The Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club is the oldest and largest N scale club and offers clinics on modeling and an opportunity to explore a new hobby. Admission is FREE and open to the public. For more info, call (310) 831-6262 or visit belmontshorerr.com.
Every Friday – LAFD HARBOR
MUSEUM at Old Fire Station
36 (639 S. Harbor Blvd.), 10a3p. – The LA Fire Department Historical Society invites you to tour and experience San Pedro and Wilmington’s fire protection
and rescue history with vintage fire apparatus and displays. Come to visit or to volunteer. FREE admission. For more info, visit lafdmuseum.org/harbor.
Various dates – BRIDGE GAMES & CLASSES at South Bay Bridge Club (24100 Narbonne Ave., #105, Lomita), various times. – Have fun exercising your brain and playing bridge at South Bay Bridge Club. Adults and teenagers can take lessons and play cards almost every day. For more info, call (310) 325-7222 or visit southbaybridgeclub.com.
1 (Sun) – YOUNG SCIENTISTS
SYMPOSIUM at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3720 Stephen M. White Dr.), 12-3p. – Join us for an awesome event showcasing the work of this year’s Young Scientists! Students will present posters and make presentations reflecting the incredible research they’ve conducted over the last 10 months in our Aquatic Nursery and throughout the Cabrillo Beach Coastal park. Topics include species diversity, moon jelly development and reproduction, microbiology, swell shark behavior, impacts of climate change, marine ecosystem pollution, and so much more! FREE and open to all ages; registration is not required. For more info, visit cma.recreation.parks. lacity.gov/index.php/events/ young-scientists-symposium-0.
1 (Sun) – SAN PEDRO SPORTS HISTORY at the Muller House Museum (1542 S. Beacon St.), 1-4p. – In celebration of San Pedro’s 138th birthday, see historic photos and memorabilia from local club and school sports, including Coach Jerry Lovarov’s 1940s wool baseball uniform. Items come from the archives of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. Bring one of your own photos or artifacts to share. For more info, email sanpedrohistory@gmail.com.
5 (Thurs) – FIRST THURSDAY in Downtown San Pedro, 6p. – The popular First Thursday ArtWalk is back in the historic core of Downtown San Pedro. The redesigned First Thursday will feature guided ArtWalk tours, open galleries, outdoor dining, and live music on the corner of 6th and Mesa streets.
5-8 (Thurs-Sun) – 23rd ANNUAL LA HARBOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL at various locations, various times. – This year’s LA Harbor International Film Festival will take place at various venues. The program includes the annual “Read the Book, See the Movie” screening at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (3720 Stephen M. White Dr.), Opening Night at the Dalmatian-American Club (1639 S. Palos Verdes St.), Hollywood Nostalgia Tribute at the Battleship Iowa (250 S. Harbor Blvd.), and “DocSunday” at YWCA Harbor Area—Julia Mor-
EVENTS MARCH 2026
gan Auditorium (437 W. 9th St.). For the full schedule and reservations, visit laharborfilmfest.com.
7 (Sat) – L.A.VATION—THE MUSIC OF U2 at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium/John Olguin Auditorium (3720 Stephen M. White Dr.), 8p; – L.A.vation astonishes with hit after hit from each of U2’s blockbuster albums. Dance along to songs like “New Year’s Day,” “With Or Without You,” “Beautiful Day,” “One,” and “Vertigo.” Frontman Patrick Boudreaux perfectly captures the spirit and essence of Bono, taking this spot-on U2 experience around the world. If you “Still Haven’t Found What You’re Looking For,” you won’t want to miss this legendary tribute! Tickets $41.91 - $95.83. For VIP ticket holders, there will be a VIP reception at 6p and a meet & greet at 6:30p. VIP admission includes light appetizers, desserts, one complimentary drink, and access to a private no-host bar. For tickets and more info, visit grandvision.org/event/la-vation-the-music-of-u2.
14 (Sat) – MONTHLY GARDEN MAINTENANCE GATHERING at 25th Street Mosaic Mural (1322 W. 25th St.), 8-11a. – Volunteers are needed to help maintain the garden space in front of the mural. Monthly volunteer gardening days are now held on the second Saturday of each month, any time between 8a
and 11a. For more info, contact lynndee.conley@yahoo.com.
14 (Sat) - SECOND SATURDAY CRAFTERS at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1648 W. 9th St., church social hall), 10a-12p. – Calling all knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, needle pointers, cross-stitchers, weavers, quilters, scrapbookers, rubber stampers, paper crafters, jewelry makers, and any other crafty folks! Bring your current project and come enjoy crafting with other like-minded people in a FREE, welcoming, and relaxed atmosphere. We meet every second Saturday of the month and provide time for crafters to give and get help from others, as well as share resources to enhance our crafting experience. For more info, text (424) 350-1543 (text only, please).
18 & 28 (Wed & Sat) – PECK PARK CANYON HIKES at Peck Park (560 N. Western Ave.), 9a. – Exercise walks are led on the third Wednesday of each month at 9a and last 1 to 1½ hours. Nature walks are family-friendly and led on the fourth Saturday of each month at 9a. All walks leave from the trailhead in the lower parking lot at Peck Park, just behind the Community Center. For more info, email diananave@gmail.com.
21 (Sat) – CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 1st ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT at Los Verdes Golf Course (7000 Los Verdes Dr., RPV), 10:30a. –Join us for golf, views, and good vibes—all for a great cause! Best ball format: Each player hits their own ball, and the team plays the best shot on each hole. Teamwork makes the dream work! Enjoy 18 holes, carts included, bucket of driving range balls, breathtaking ocean views, plus entry into “Longest Drive” and “Closest to the Pin” contests. Includes lunch ticket to our after-play reception at Port Town Brewing Company (open to family and friends) for awards, food, drinks, and good company. No experience needed—perfect for beginners, social golfers, and seasoned pros! For more info, email events@ christrpv.com and to register, visit christrpv.com/event/ golf-tournament-fundraiser.
21 (Sat) – SPRING AWAKENING SAIL at West Harbor Promenade (boarding at W. 6th St. and Harbor Blvd.), 5p. – Join the Los Angeles Maritime Institute (LAMI) to enjoy the sunset and views of the harbor from the deck of a tall ship on their monthly sunset sail. You can sit back and relax or become part of the crew—your choice! You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to enjoy too (no glass other than bottles please). Tickets $60 for adults, $30 for children (12 and
under). For tickets and more info, visit lamitopsail.org/events.
26 (Thurs) – WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION at Dalmatian-American Club (1639 S. Palos Verdes St.), 5:30p. – March is National Women’s History Month, and the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce will be honoring women who have made significant contributions to our community in the areas of business, government, the arts, health, and community. $75 for members; $85 for non-members. Event sponsorship table: $1,250; sponsorship includes 8 dinner tickets, preferred seating, and program recognition. Tickets include buffet dinner and beverage. No-host bar available. For more info, call (310) 832-7272, email eswanson@sanpedrochamber.com, or visit sanpedrochamber.com. spt
Visit sanpedrotoday.com/ events to place an event listing for a nominal fee. For more info, email events@sanpedrotoday.com.
To be included in the print edition of San Pedro Today, event submissions must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication.
TOUGH START TO THE NEW YEAR
BELOVED BUSINESSES CLOSE, A HISTORIC BUILDING BURNS, AND A PIRATE GREAT PASSES
BY STEVE MARCONI
Iwroteat the end of December that San Pedrans should prepare for a rough 2026, and here we are, in March, and we’ve already lost four institutions.
The first was The Bike Palace, in the 1600 block of Pacific Avenue, consumed by fire on December 23. Opened in 1973 by San Pedro luminary Matty Domancich, The Bike Palace, along with the nearby King’s Bicycle Store, was the go-to place for all things bicycle-oriented.
The second institution was El Taco, the fast-food eatery that’s been on the corner of Ninth and Pacific since 1958, which closed its doors for good at the end of the year. I can’t personally vouch for the food (my high school hangout was the Taco Bell at Crestwood and Western). Still, El Taco was a mainstay for generations of San Pedrans craving something quick and spicy or just satisfying a case of the munchies.
The third loss was Danny Bondon, an institution in San Pedro’s sports history. Bondon, a classmate of mine at Dodson and San Pedro High’s class of W‘69, died in December at the age of 75. Bondon was one of the Pirates’ all-time stars in football and baseball; the San Francisco Giants took him 17th in the first round of the 1969 draft. His catch of a pass from Dave Garasic to beat Carson in a 1968 game at El Camino Stadium is a part of San Pedro High gridiron lore.
And January ended with another devastating fire, this time consuming the long-abandoned Union Baptist Missionary Church building at First and Harbor Boulevard. One of San Pedro’s oldest structures, probably built more than a century ago, it was once the home of San Pedro pioneer William S. Savage (1840-1930). A Civil War veteran, the
Irish-born Savage became an attorney and served in the California Assembly and Senate. Enough with the bad news. There are still many good things to read about San Pedro as I continue my exhaustive list of literature about our town, its people, and its history.
SPORTS
The Upset by Leonard “Pokey” Olguin. Story of San Pedro High’s 1962 football game against rival Banning.
Once a Pirate Always a Pirate: Legends of the San Pedro Rats by Lefty Olguin. A sports memoir by one of San Pedro’s best-known athletes (and Pokey’s cousin).
The Boys of `62: The Inspiring Story of the San Pedro Little League Champions by Tim Ursich.
Football in the South Bay by Don Lechman. Every school, every team.
Hit the Line: 100 Years of San Pedro High Football by Sam Domancich. Matty’s younger brother, an educator and columnist, published this in 2006.
A Diamond Dynasty: Four Decades of History of the 17-Time CIF-Los Angeles City Section Champion San Pedro High School Softball Program by Jamaal K. Street
Mexican American Baseball in the South Bay, edited by Fermin Lasuen grad Ron Gonzales and Richard A. Santillan
Baseball’s Unlikely: A Constant, Game 1 by Scott Parker. A second volume, Game 2, is now available on Amazon.
Thin Ice on the Gridiron by Nick Trani Famed coach writes about the “miraculous” 1960 Mary Star High football team.
Thru the Tunnel by former USC quarterback Paul McDonald and San Pedro filmmaker Jack Baric
Turning of the Tide: How One Game Changed the South by Don Yaeger, with Sam
Cunningham and John Papadakis. The epic story of USC’s 1970 victory over Alabama.
NOVELS
A New Day Yesterday by Peter Adum. San Pedro High graduate’s “American Graffiti” story set during the last week of old Beacon Street in 1973.
All Involved by Ryan Gattis. San Pedrans live and die during 1992’s Los Angeles riots.
Theresa’s Blessings by David G. Freligh. Historical drama based on family stories of the San Pedro High graduate.
Harbor Nocturne by Joseph Wambaugh. Best-selling author sets crime story in the underbelly of San Pedro.
They Call It the City of Angels by Joshua A. Triliegi. First novel by San Pedro resident, founder of Bureau of Arts and Culture Magazine
The Breaking: Book One of the Abram Trilogy by Peter Churness. San Pedro-born minister envisions life before biblical patriarch became Abraham.
A Poppy in Remembrance by Michelle Ule. WWI-era romance by prolific San Pedro High grad.
The Property by Cynthia Engh McCoy. Rancho Palos Verdes resident’s first novel is a mystery-romance set in the 1940s.
Terminal Island: A Jack Liffey Mystery by John Shannon. Famous fictional private eye reaches the Harbor Area.
Still to come: History, Biography, and Anthology. spt
Steve Marconi is a San Pedro native and former columnist and editor for the News-Pilot and Daily Breeze. He is a retired longshoreman. He can be reached at spmarconi@yahoo. com.
GOOD READS: The Boys of `62: The Inspiring Story of the San Pedro Little League Champions by Tim Ursich, Harbor Nocturne by Joseph Wambaugh, and Mexican American Baseball in the South Bay, edited by Ron Gonzales and Richard A. Santillan, are just a few of the many books that spotlight San Pedro’s rich history and culture.
FROM BLIGHT TO BRIGHT
VOLUNTEER-LED CLEANUPS IN CENTRAL SAN PEDRO REMOVE TONS OF TRASH WHILE STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY CONNECTION
BY JENNIFER MARQUEZ
Barbara St. John, Central San Pedro Neighborhood Council’s outreach chair, has been organizing alley cleanups and beautification efforts in Central San Pedro since January 2023.
She began her first volunteer project, One Alley at a Time, within a four-block radius of the Anderson Memorial Senior Citizen Center, where council meetings are held. She recruited volunteers, secured donations of supplies, and created a positive activity for community members.
In the last three years, St. John’s alley events have collected and disposed of over 100,000 pounds of trash, filling 12 dumpsters. Volunteers pick up trash and paint over tagging. Most recently, they began planting native and succulent plants at the bases of trees in parkways, which have historically been common places for litter and dog waste to accumulate. While the focus is on alleys, volunteers also beautify other areas within the project radius.
“It’s all about community, neighbors help-
ing neighbors,” says St. John.
St. John canvasses each selected area, which usually includes a few blocks and four to eight alleys. She contacts 311 in advance to arrange for bulky items to be removed and graffiti to be cleaned. She also submits requests for pothole repairs in the alleys. On one occasion, this resulted in the complete repaving of an alley. Today, the City is not filling potholes with asphalt due to budget cuts. Even with the help of 311, there is still plenty of work for volunteers. St. John encourages residents to use 311 to help keep the community clean.
Flyers are distributed to neighbors in each selected cleanup area, explaining the project and inviting them to participate. One neighbor joined a cleanup and later provided 80 tacos and bottles of water for volunteers.
Through Mayor Bass’s office, the group connected with the Department of Sanitation and the Office of Community Beautification. This led to the donation of supplies such as masks and trash bags. Sanitation loans rakes and other equipment, while Athens Services has donated dumpsters, demonstrating the collaboration that makes these events successful.
Beacon House has provided volunteers from its programs at every event. People of all ages and backgrounds have participated, including Scouts, San Pedro Boys and Girls Club members, GAP, LAPD cadets, families, seniors, couples,
and groups such as San Pedro CPR, another local organization focused on beautification. Other areas that have been cleaned include neighborhoods around Daniels Field and Dana Middle School, and outside the San Pedro Regional Branch Library.
As a member of the Friends of the Library, St. John worked with library staff who purchased locally sourced succulents from White Point Nature Center. More than 60 succulants were planted around the library to support bees, birds, and other pollinators.
St. John hopes her efforts in Central San Pedro will inspire other neighborhood councils to create similar programs in other areas of San Pedro, and she is willing to help them get started. Looking ahead, the group hopes to expand neighbor-to-neighbor support by identifying seniors and residents who may be struggling to maintain their yards and organizing volunteer cleanups and revitalization efforts. She also encourages community members to adopt storm drains to keep them clear and functioning.
One Alley at a Time is a volunteer effort started by one person that shows anyone can make a positive difference in San Pedro. Many people are looking for ways to be part of the community. In addition to beautifying neighborhoods, efforts like this bring people out of their homes, introduce neighbors to one another, and strengthen community ties.
To learn more, visit centralsanpedro.org or contact barbarastjo@gmail.com. spt
Jennifer Marquez can be reached at jennifertmarquez@yahoo.com and @jenntmqz on X and Instagram.
One Alley at a Time volunteers with LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker (center, in green). (photo: courtesy One Alley at a Time)
617 S. Centre St. (310) 241-0917
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GATEWAY TO THE WORLD
A MODERN CRUISE TERMINAL AIMS TO BOOST THE LOCAL ECONOMY WHILE STRENGTHENING THE LA WATERFRONT’S IDENTITY AS A GLOBAL GATEWAY
BY LEE WILLIAMS
It’sestimated that every cruise ship visit to the Port of Los Angeles drops an average of $1.3 million into the local economy within a five-mile radius.
In 2025, POLA saw 241 cruise calls with a record 1.6 million passengers injecting over $303 million into the local economy. San Pedro is working hard to capture an even greater share.
America’s Port has always been a critical connection between the US and the rest of the world. A working waterfront that supports families, builds industries, and firmly powers Southern California’s economy. We’re used to containers stacked like Lego bricks and massive container ships moving in and out of San Pedro Bay, carrying 40 percent of the goods that keep our country running.
But now, new attention and focus are being directed to the end of the port’s 7,500 acres along our shoreline.
The Port of LA has selected Pacific Cruise Terminals to renovate our existing cruise terminal at Berths 92 and 93 and build an additional facility at Berth 46, aka, the Outer Harbor. PCT is a partnership between Carrix, North America’s leading cruise terminal operator, and JLC, which is led by LA’s own Magic Johnson. Together, they are moving forward with plans for a new, modernized cruise ship terminal designed to elevate the passenger experience while reinforcing our identity as a global gateway. And whether you’re a born-and-raised San Pedran or a transplant who just bought their first home here, this moment matters.
The Los Angeles World Cruise Center has long been one of the West Coast’s primary cruise hubs for Princess, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity Cruises. But the cruise industry has evolved. Ships are larger. Travelers expect more. Ports compete for
routes and itineraries. If San Pedro wants to stay in that conversation as an industry leader, we have to grow with it.
The proposed upgrades include modernized terminals, improved traffic flow, expanded passenger amenities, and infrastructure designed to handle next-generation cruise vessels. In practical terms, that means smoother embarkation days, less congestion, and a far more welcoming first impression for the millions of visitors who pass through our harbor each year.
And make no mistake, first impressions matter.
Cruise passengers don’t just board ships. They eat in our restaurants. They book hotel rooms. They shop in our stores. They will soon wander through West Harbor. They visit the Battleship USS Iowa Museum. They post photos of our coastline and tell friends about the place they discovered at the edge of Los Angeles.
A modern cruise terminal strengthens that ecosystem.
More sailings mean more foot traffic. More foot traffic means more opportunity for small businesses. More opportunity translates into jobs in hospitality, transportation, maintenance, and event programming.
For a community that has long balanced heavy industry with neighborhood charm, this is the kind of growth that promotes our “live, work, play” mission.
San Pedro is in the middle of one of the most significant waterfront transformations in its history. From new dining concepts to expanded public spaces, the harbor is slowly becoming more accessible, more experiential, and more connected to the community.
The cruise terminal project fits squarely into that broader picture. It’s not just about moving passengers. It’s about positioning San Pedro as a destination.
Growth can make people nervous, and
that’s understandable. San Pedro isn’t trying to become something it’s not. We are not a polished resort town. We are a working harbor with grit, history, and soul.
The challenge and the opportunity require thoughtful development and infrastructure that serves both visitors and residents. Projects that enhance quality of life rather than overwhelm it. That’s why considerations for the final design include waterside observation decks that can be used for watching sailing competitions, as well as exploring flexible spaces that may allow for gatherings and convention-type activities when ships aren’t currently at berth. This announcement may encourage additional investment in hotels, both downtown and along the waterfront.
The cruise terminal expansion, if executed well, can strike that balance. Cleaner technology, smarter traffic design, and community engagement will be critical pieces of the puzzle.
Our parents and grandparents worked these docks. Generations have watched ships come and go from these bluffs. The harbor is part of our identity, not just our skyline.
The new cruise ship terminal isn’t just about tourism. It’s about momentum. It’s about San Pedro stepping confidently into its next era while honoring the one that built it.
Ships will continue to sail in and out of this port. The difference is that now, more of the world will step off those gangways and see what we’ve always known: San Pedro isn’t just a place you pass through. It’s a place worth spending time. spt
Lee Williams is a local real estate expert, community advocate, and harbor commissioner at the Port of LA. He believes in smart growth and investing in community, culture, art, and history. He can be reached at lee@lamove.com.
Artist rendering of the future Outer Harbor cruise terminal at the Port of L.A. (photo: Carrix, Inc.)
THE NAMES THAT BUILT A TOWN
WHEN PLAQUES WERE STOLEN FROM SAN PEDRO’S FISHING INDUSTRY MEMORIAL, KRIS URSICH-PIELAGO STEPPED FORWARD TO ENSURE THE TOWN’S FISHING FAMILIES WOULD NOT BE ERASED
BY AARON Mc KENZIE
KrisUrsich-Pielago keeps photographs of the plaques on her phone.
Not the new granite ones going up now at the Fishing Industry Memorial on the San Pedro waterfront at Fifth and Harbor, but the old bronze ones—the ones stolen in late 2023, pried off in the dark, sold for scrap. When someone emails asking if their grandfather’s name was there, she zooms in on those photos, squinting at names engraved 27 years ago, and tells them yes or no. Sometimes she recognizes a name before she finds it. “Oh yeah, I know that name,” she says. In San Pedro, everybody knows the names.
The memorial, begun in 1992 by the Fisherman’s Fiesta committee, was completed in 1999 by a new committee that included Pielago’s mother, father, uncle, and two aunts, all now deceased. Designed by artist Robert Pena with lead sculptor Henry Alvarez, it featured a bronze fisherman holding a tuna and a hand-painted tiled wall where plaques bore the names of the immigrants who made San Pedro the largest fishing port in the country.
At its height, the industry supported tens of thousands of jobs, from cannery lines and fishing boats to shipyards, ice plants, and other businesses that kept the harbor working.
Eighteen canneries lined Terminal Island. StarKist and Chicken of the Sea started here. If you lived in San Pedro mid-century, you either fished or worked the docks or packed tuna. When the Fisherman’s Fiesta rolled around, the Catholic Archbishop of Los Angeles would bless the fleet before it went out.
The last cannery closed in 2001. The fleet dwindled to a handful. By the time the memorial went up, it was already an elegy.
Pielago didn’t ask for the job of maintaining it. Her mother handed her boxes of documents and asked if she’d take care of things. “Sure,” Pielago said. She thought it meant keeping the site tidy.
In early 2023, the Port of Los Angeles called: The lighting was broken. Over 20 fixtures had to be replaced, concrete torn up and redone. A worker noticed the mural— originally a creation of artist Petra Lefeber separating from the wall. Pielago brought in a craftsman, Frank Scotti, who took it down tile by tile, cleaned each one, and remounted it. By the time the work finished, the memorial looked better than it had in years.
Then, driving past a month later, she saw four plaques missing. She pulled over and photographed everything still there. Within two months, 23 of the 27 plaques were gone.
“I kick myself,” Pielago says. “Did I just draw attention to it [with the improvements]?” But the theft wasn’t personal. Coming out of COVID, metal prices had spiked. Cemeteries across Southern California were being hit.
The Merchant Marine memorial down Harbor Boulevard lost plaques too, though no one noticed until Pielago pointed it out. Arrests were made eventually. The thieves probably got a few dollars per pound. The plaques reading “Fishermen Lost at Sea” ended up in a smelter somewhere.
Pielago never considered not rebuilding. The question was how. Bronze was out—too expensive, too stealable. She studied memorials: the 9/11 site, the National Mall. Everything was engraved stone. Granite couldn’t be pried off and sold. It cost an eighth of what bronze would. When the first six went up, “they just popped,” she says. “This is what’s meant to be.”
The Port granted funds to replace 19 plaques, the number stolen when Pielago applied in early 2024. By the time the grant came through a year later, four more had been taken. She started fundraising through the Dalmatian-American Club, the Croatian Hall, the Sons of Ischia, among others—
Kris Ursich-Pielago stands at the Fishing Industry Memorial on Harbor Blvd. The rededication ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026. (photo: John Mattera Photography)
groups whose members were descendants of fishermen. She created a patron plaque for donors giving between $2,500 and $10,000. Eleven families have signed on to date, many dedicating their lines “in honor of” family members who fished.
The work is unending. There’s a 501(c)(3) to maintain, tax returns to file, grant applications to complete. Her husband’s a CPA; he helps. Eight plaques are in production now, though five came back wrong and had to be redone. Pielago, who has a day job in her husband’s accounting office, checks every letter against her photographs. The original memorial records are a fragmented puzzle, forcing Pielago to squint at her phone’s digital archive, cross-referencing 27 plaques of names, one by one, to ensure a relative’s legacy isn’t lost to a typo.
She gets emotional talking about it. Her mother Marie, her aunts Eva and Jean, her grandfather who started fishing out of Bellingham before coming to San Pedro in the 1920s—their names were on those walls. Her brother fished commercially; he’s on the memorial. Her brother-in-law, many of her
father’s uncles and cousins—all there. “Those people worked countless hours,” she says. “Their sacrifice produced our town.”
She remembers driving out with her sister to a point at the end of the docks where you could see boats coming through the breakwater. The wives and families would wait. The men had been gone for weeks, sometimes months, down beyond Mexico with no way to call home. They didn’t come back until the hold was full.
Babies were born while fathers were at sea. Graduations were missed, First Communions. The boats would radio each other— “I got a full load, I’m coming in,” and somehow, word would reach shore. Families would drive down and wait. When the boat docked, they’d hold their men and hear the stories.
Some boats never came back.
The rededication ceremony is scheduled for April 25, 2026—27 years to the day after the original dedication. Pielago expects 250 people, though her gut says more. Families are coming from out of state. She’s starting at 9:30 a.m. so there’s time to gather, to reminisce, before the program begins at 11 a.m.
Time for coffee and a light breakfast. A priest will bless the memorial. Surviving members of the original committee will sit in the front row. She’s working on photo boards showing the memorial’s construction in the 1990s, the empty wall after the theft, the new granite going up.
“It’s going to be a ‘family’ reunion,” she says. After the ceremony, she wants people to walk up the street to the restaurants in a downtown that exists, in large part, because of the fishing industry.
By then, 19 plaques should be up. The goal is to have all the stolen ones replaced by the end of 2026. People are still adding names— commercial fishermen who weren’t on the original memorial, and cannery workers. Two full plaques were dedicated to cannery workers. That’s been the biggest category of additions.
When it’s done, she plans to document everything: cross-references of every name, every plaque, every line. She’s thinking of giving it all to a local museum so there’s a permanent record. Her kids know the history, but institutions last longer than people.
Photos from early 1999 during the installation of the Fishing Industry Memorial. The memorial, with a statue designed by artist Robert Pena with lead sculptor Henry Alvarez, features a bronze fisherman holding a tuna and a hand-painted tiled wall where plaques bore the names of the immigrants who made San Pedro the largest fishing port in the country. (photos: courtesy Kris Pielago)
Does she ever think about walking away? “Every day I feel like it’s overwhelming,” she says. “And then I’m reminded that how I feel doesn’t matter, that quitting’s not an option.”
Why doesn’t it matter?
“It’s my mom, my aunts, my town, my family. Everybody’s family. When you go out in San Pedro, you carry your family name with you. This town is based on families. That memorial is based on our families. You go by your name, and your pride comes by your name. That’s what’s on that memorial—our family names. That’s what has to be rebuilt.”
When she hits a roadblock, she looks up. “I need help,” she says out loud, and something shifts. Finding the original graphic artist from 1997 happened through Councilman Tim McOsker’s office—someone at a meeting mentioned the memorial, and Heather Lawson of Blue Engravers, who’d created the original plaques, walked up and offered to help with the granite versions. An attorney helped Pielago set up the new nonprofit. Every time she throws her hands up, something comes together. “Divine intervention,” she says. “I know my family’s watching me. I know they’re proud.”
The most rewarding part is the emails. Someone writes: Is my grandfather up there?
And she can write back: That plaque just got replaced. Your family’s name is coming back. A name on granite doesn’t seem like much. But Pielago has taken her kids down there and pointed to her grandfather’s name and shown them pictures of the fishing boat. “That was his boat,” she tells them. “He built that boat.” When the plaques were stolen, people wrote to Pielago: We took our grandson there to show him his great-grandfather’s name, and it was ripped off the wall. It was their pride being ripped off.
On Saturday, April 25, the names go back up. Not all of them—some will take longer—but enough. Enough for the families to gather, enough to bless, enough to start again. The granite won’t weather the way bronze did. It won’t get stolen. It will outlast everyone at the ceremony, outlast Pielago, outlast her kids. The fishermen it honors are nearly all gone now, and the industry with them, but the names remain. And in San Pedro, names matter. spt
The rededication ceremony for the Fishing Industry Memorial is Saturday, April 25, starting at 9:30 a.m. (program at 11 a.m.) at the memorial site on Harbor Blvd. (at 5th Street). For more info or to donate, contact Kris Pielago at kpielago@cox.net.
The original committee was led by Dr. Lou Mascola, Wayne Bettis, and Gary Bettis. The new committee (pictured above) included (from l to r): Libby DiBernardo, Irene Mendoza, Jim Frlekin, Eva Frlekin, Cyril Welle, Jean Welle, Eleanor Rodriguez, Marie Ursich, (unidentified), Francis Gargas, Kruno Ursich, Steve Frlekin, and (unidentified). Board Members not in photo: Barbara Mancusi, Mike Mavar, and Karen Horner Anderson. (photos and info: courtesy Kris Pielago)
22ND ST. LANDING SEAFOOD GRILL & BAR
IN PRAISE OF UPPITY WOMEN
SAN PEDRO CELEBRATES THE BOLD, DRIVEN, AND COMMUNITY-SHAPING LEADERS HONORED AT THIS YEAR’S WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH EVENT
BY LINDA GRIMES
InFebruary 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8, 1980, as National Women’s History Week.
For decades, the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce has hosted an annual Women’s History Month event each March to honor local women who make significant contributions to the community in business, the arts, health, and government. The tradition highlights diverse local leaders, with a 2026 celebration planned for March 26 at the Dalmatian-American Club.
The event serves as a key community networking opportunity to spotlight women leaders in the Harbor Area, and the following incredible, exceptional women will be honored at the March celebration:
The Legacy Award goes to Diana Nave, a community volunteer with over 25 years of service. Diana has left an indelible mark on her community of San Pedro. She’s a past president of the NWSPNC and was instrumental in the formation of the Neighborhood Council Joint Planning and Land Use Committee. Diana is one of the driving forces behind Friends of Peck Park Canyon, a grassroots volunteer group collaborating with Los Angeles Recreation and Parks to maintain the canyon’s 30-acre natural area.
Diana has also championed recreational opportunities for San Pedro’s youth, including backing the construction of an $800,000 skate plaza at Peck Park. Whether she is testifying before city commissions, leading a morning hike through the canyon, or organizing a volunteer weeding day in the native garden, Diana Nave exemplifies the power of sustained grassroots engagement. Her decades of service have helped shape a stronger, greener, and more connected Northwest San Pedro.
The Rising Star Award goes to Lindsay Sochar, who started from the entrepreneurial side, understanding firsthand the challenges, risks, and dedication it takes to build something from the ground up. As a manager at CRAFTED, she remains a strong leader and advocates for the creative community. She creates opportunities, supports growth, and helps connect people to resources they need to thrive. Moreover, Lindsay is also a talented painter. Her creativity and passion for art reflect who she is—thoughtful, driven, and expressive.
Donna Littlejohn is a reporter for the Daily Breeze, a modest, soft-voiced, news-focused community member who has been covering hard news, significant milestones, and human-interest stories for more than three decades. It’s her job to be a fair and honest reporter and to cover the news where and when it happens. A neighbor who cares deeply about San Pedro, she is always approachable in person and picks up her phone to hear your news story suggestion, your side of the story, or your related concerns. News reporting is a tough, selfless job. But Donna does it instinctively, fairly, and objectively, showing her dedication, year after year, to engage with our local stakeholders and to chronicle the history of our community as it unfolds.
Donna received a bachelor’s degree (double major) in journalism and political science from California State University, Long Beach, and began her career in daily journalism with the San Pedro News-Pilot, transferring to the Daily Breeze staff in 1998 after the San Pedro publication closed.
Lucrecia Jacobson is a local San Pedran and long-time volunteer with Grand Vision Foundation. Lucrecia has graciously opened the beautiful home she shares with her husband, John, to countless nonprofits, hosting
dinners, whiskey tastings, and artist talks.
In 1963, at the age of three, Lucrecia moved here from Argentina. She later attended Mary Star and got her college degree at Cal State Long Beach. She was an ultra-marathoner, running 50-mile races in Boston, LA, Paris, and the Jungfrau Marathon in Switzerland. In her 40s and 50s, she competed in a marathon every month. She started swimming in 2010, was a Polar Bear Queen in 2016, and swims every day the weather will allow.
Since the early 1990s, she has been a substitute teacher, primarily at South Shores Elementary School, and retired after 25 years last year.
Olga Chavez is the Corporate Social Responsibility and Public Relations Lead for Marathon Petroleum Corporation in Southern California, including the Los Angeles Refinery. For the past 12 years, Olga has been responsible for overseeing a multi-million-dollar philanthropy budget to support local nonprofits and the communities they serve. Olga works with the Marathon Leadership Team to develop and implement priorities and strategies to achieve balanced public policy and a consistent approach that ensures impactful community investment, outreach, and employee volunteerism. She firmly believes in giving back to the community, and Marathon supports her efforts.
Olga was born and raised in Cuba. She and her family immigrated to the United States 40 years ago. She comes from humble beginnings—her father was a chef and her mother a caregiver. Her beloved brother passed away not long after they arrived in the United States. spt
Linda Grimes is the executive director of the San Pedro Waterfront Arts District and can be reached at 55lindagrimes@gmail.com.
WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH 2026 HONOREES (top l to r): Olga Chavez, Lucrecia Jacobson, Diana Nave (Legacy Award); (bottom l to r): Donna Littlejohn, and Lindsay Sochar (Rising Star Award). (photos: courtesy San Pedro Chamber of Commerce)
Once in a blue moon, I receive invitations from local restaurants to visit their establishments.
Last fall, I received an email from the marketing team at Catalina Express (Berth 95 at Swinford and Harbor Boulevard) inviting me to try their Express Grill graband-go. I reviewed the menu they sent me, and, truth be told, I went in with low expectations.
Boy, was I wrong.
I had not been to the Catalina Express terminal in San Pedro in about a decade, since my last visit to Avalon. As soon as you walk into the terminal, at the foot of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, you feel excited about hopping on a ferry to either Avalon or Two Harbors. Until the pandemic, there was a bistro where passengers could buy food or have drinks at the bar before boarding or after their return.
For those of us who live in San Pedro, though, I think this is a hidden food gem.
The bistro is not back yet; however, Express Grill offers good takeout. Upon arrival, I was introduced to Vincent Daluisio, the landbased food and beverage manager. Vince’s easy, inviting manner left me comfortable enough to let him choose what he wanted me to try from the menu. I chuckled when one of his choices was the one thing that I would have never ordered for myself. Once again, a pleasant surprise awaited me.
The moment I bit into the Hamburgerrito, I knew I had misjudged it. After the second bite, I knew I had to write about it.
Let me break it down for you as Daluisio explained it to me: “a burger, but not in a bun, with everything you need in it.” The Hambugeritto is served in a warm tortilla filled with a third of a pound of Angus patty, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, red onion, French fries, and a special sauce that reminds me of McDonald’s famous sauce, also similar to In-N-Out’s spread. Honestly, everything about this wrap is satisfying. The combination of a good-sized patty, the crunch from the crisp lettuce, pickles, onion, and fries is just delightful. Then there is the perfect creaminess and layer of flavor that the special sauce adds to each bite. I have gone back for it since my first visit, because I
like it so much!
Another item that I highly recommend is the Spicy Turkey Wrap. It’s practically impossible for a turkey sandwich not to be good when paired with crispy bacon, creamy avocado slices, pepper jack cheese, and jalapeño ranch dressing. Despite its name, I don’t find this wrap too spicy—it has just enough flavor to add a welcome spice to the mix.
If you stop by in the morning, I can’t say enough good things about the breakfast sandwich; I like mine with added sausage. It is made with a La Brea roll, fluffy folded eggs, cheddar cheese, and a delicious sundried tomato aioli that elevates this sandwich. It’s truly satisfying, and it’ll keep you full for a while.
Another really good option is the breakfast burrito, which is made with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and cheddar cheese. Protein of choice can be added at an extra cost. Attention, tater tot lovers, this burrito is for you! This is yet another hearty breakfast option.
Obviously, you don’t have to be a passenger to stop by for food at Express Grill. I love taking a walk along the Waterfront Promenade and stopping by for a bite to eat.
There are plenty of tables and chairs outside for people to sit and hang out. You can also purchase beer, wine, and/or champagne to enjoy with your food.
Depending on the time of the year, operating times vary. Please check their website for their most up-to-date schedule: catalinaexpress.com/express-grill. spt
Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page @eatinsanpedro.
EXPRESS BITES: The Hamburgerrito (left), and their breakfast sandwich with sausage.
(photos: Sanam Lamborn)
HOW TWO WOMEN ARE GROWING A SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
BORN FROM A PANDEMIC FRIENDSHIP, SMALL BUSINESS SHOP TALK IS CREATING SPACE FOR HARBOR AREA ENTREPRENEURS TO CONNECT, COLLABORATE, AND GROW
BY ALEXIS SADLER & MELISSA HAY
During COVID, the stars aligned, and two spirited Sagittarian small business owners crossed paths.
Like many people during that time, we were craving connection. In a moment that would have confused anyone who knew us preCOVID, we both joined the same gardening group on Facebook. It wasn’t about gardening. It was about human connection, however we could get it.
From there, the universe kept nudging us together. Over the next year or so, we kept running into each other at random birthday parties, community events, and even dinners out. It felt intentional, like we were meant to stay connected. And we did—not just as business collaborators, but as friends.
We are Melissa Hay and Alexis Sadler Melissa runs a candle business, Homemade by the Hays at CRAFTED, and Alexis runs a bookkeeping firm called Accounting Therapy. On paper, our businesses couldn’t be
more different. But beneath the surface, we quickly realized we shared the same struggles, questions, and experiences that come with running a small business.
What started as casual conversations over coffee or evenings with friends slowly turned into something more meaningful. We found ourselves talking about hiring challenges, pricing decisions, marketing frustrations, customer boundaries, and the emotional weight of being responsible for everything. Those conversations became something we both relied on.
One night, while talking through yet another set of business challenges, we realized: We can’t be the only ones dealing with this. We knew there had to be other small business owners who wanted a space to talk openly about their struggles, without feeling judged, sold to, or talked down to. Not everyone has someone they can bounce ideas off of, and we had found real value in doing that together.
That night, sitting in Melissa’s living room over dinner, Small Business Shop Talk (SBST) was born.
We launched our first meeting in January 2024 with a simple goal: Create a supportive, honest space where small business owners could learn from each other. Each meeting has a planned topic, but the conversation always goes where it needs to go. That flexibility is part of what makes SBST work.
Since then, we’ve covered everything from hiring and partnerships to marketing strategies, social media (a frequent topic because, yes, the struggle is real), technology decisions, customer boundaries, and getting new businesses off the ground. No topic is off-limits, and no one is expected to have all the answers.
What makes SBST unique is that the attendees run it. There are no “talking heads.” No one positions themselves as the smartest person in the room or tries to sell something. The collective experience in the room is the value. Everyone contributes, and everyone benefits.
Patrick, owner of Through the Porthole, says, “What I love most about SBST meetings is the opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners and openly talk through challenges.
Brittany, owner of Prop House Plants, also loves connecting with other local small businesses to share ideas and learn from them. She has found it valuable for talking through mental roadblocks, where all she needed was the perspective of someone who had been there before.
SBST exists to remind business owners that this work is hard and that they don’t have to do it alone. Running a business can feel isolating, and it’s easy to believe you should already have the answers. We’re here to challenge that idea and to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and supported.
Small Business Shop Talk meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. at The Corner Store, 1118 W. 37th Street. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram at @SmallBusinessShopTalk. If there’s a topic you’d like to discuss, send us a DM, and we will add it to our topic list. spt
(photo: Eva Bronzini/Pexels.com)
GAME ON: BUT WHERE WILL EVERYONE STAY?
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS BRING ECONOMIC PROMISE AND RENEWED INTEREST IN SHORTTERM RENTALS THROUGHOUT SAN PEDRO
BY MIKE HARPER & PETER HAZDOVAC
Withthe World Cup upon us this summer and the LA Olympics just two years away, the issue of housing and living accommodations has become a major topic of discussion.
With travelers flocking from around the world, we see people searching for hotels, apartments, and homes to rent in many of our major cities throughout Los Angeles and the South Bay. It was no coincidence that in June 2025, Airbnb and FIFA announced a multi-tournament partnership moving into the future. It is reported that over 380,000 guests are expected to use Airbnb for their housing needs during the World Cup 2026, generating an estimated impact of $3.6 billion for the local economies of host cities.
To examine how this will impact local housing, we will touch on what we are hearing and seeing in our own communities. To add some background, our own Peter Hazdovac has been named the committee chairman for Croatia House in San Pedro for
LA28. This group, selected by LA City Councilmember Tim McOsker, is composed of individuals ranging from local government, the Port of LA, Chamber of Commerce, and other community advocates.
A country’s “House” is not a place where they actually sleep, but more a location for each country to share their culture, traditions, gastronomy, etc., with the Olympic spirit in mind. In our coastal town, this will feel more like a pavilion on our waterfront, with viewing screens and a place for the public to come together to celebrate athletes competing, while also hosting various community events.
San Pedro was the first city in LA to be named a “House” for a select country for LA28, and, with the large Croatian community, it is a perfect fit. As you can imagine, this will also attract people from around the world, boost our community’s economy, and offer a golden opportunity to share our fantastic town with many. But where will everyone sleep?
Eighteen months into our planning for LA28, we have come to realize that our options for short-term housing are extremely limited. We can also connect this on a broader economic scale, which exposes our lack of housing inventory and availability of new housing. This has been an ongoing theme in our past articles and is one of the primary reasons why our local housing prices remain stable.
To add to our
need for local housing solutions, San Pedro’s outer harbor was named the sailing venue for LA28, which will attract another group of worldwide travelers coming to train, prepare, and eventually compete. These sailing teams do not just come for the actual Olympics; they begin traveling to the competition locations months and years in advance to acclimate to the conditions they will face in a real competition. With hotels in our area hovering at a 3-star level and prices rising due to high demand, travelers are looking for alternatives, especially those staying for longer periods. So how can you possibly get involved, support, or even monetize these events coming to our area? Some home and condo owners are looking at this as an opportunity to jump into short-term rentals. Although you must meet certain criteria to rent a furnished property, the rents an owner can fetch for these events can sometimes be two to four times higher than the normal rents for long-term tenant rentals.
With ever-changing landlord-tenant laws in Los Angeles, we are hearing of more owners turning away from traditional rental models and considering the unique opportunities this presents. Have an Airbnb or furnished rental you would like to share with our local Olympic planning committee? Please email us at info@hhcoastal.com, and we can add it to our internal list of potential available housing. spt
Mike Harper and Peter Hazdovac are co-owners of HH Coastal Real Estate, an independent local brokerage. For more info, visit hhcoastal. com.
(photo: courtesy HH Coastal Real Estate)
BY EDDIE Mc KENNA
If you haven’t seen the show Landman, I highly recommend it.
The series revolves around the oil industry, has interesting family dynamics, and is packed with great life lessons. After watching a recent episode, I felt inspired to write this month’s column.
One of the main characters takes it upon herself to care for a group of retirees that everyone else has written off. Her promise to them is simple: They still have a lot of life left to live. Throughout the series, she proves it.
On their most recent outing, she takes them to a casino. They’re playing roulette when two older gentlemen lose all their money. Angela walks up, notices their disappointment, and asks what’s wrong. After they explain, she says, “With roulette, most people lose because they’re scared to let it ride.”
The dealer scoffs. Angela responds by putting $1,000 on black. The wheel spins. Red 24. She doubles down, $2,000 on black. Red 11. She doubles down again, $4,000 on black. Red 29.
The dealer asks, “Ma’am, are you sure you want to keep going?” Angela places $6,000 on black. The wheel spins. Black 10. She doubles down again, $12,000 on black. The dealer asks again, “Ma’am, are you sure?”
Angela smiles and says, “Spin it, Jr.” Black 22.
The crowd goes wild. Angela doubles down once more.
At this point, I’m nervous watching it. Then the scene cuts to her at home, where her husband asks how much she lost at the casino. She calmly tells him she didn’t lose anything—she won $319,000.
Now, the lesson here isn’t to go out and bet it all on black.
To me, this situation is a perfect analogy for starting a fitness journey. It takes courage just to begin, and even more courage to stay consistent. Life, much like the house in Vegas, doesn’t care about your plans. More often than not, you’re betting black, and red pops up.
You’re setting your alarm for 4:30 a.m., crushing workouts for two solid weeks, and then your friend Kevin has birthday drinks on a Sunday and derails your entire week.
So now you have to ask yourself: What would Angela do?
You can bet (see what I did there) she’d double down—after a two-day recovery, of course—and get right back to work.
Getting in shape is not linear. Progress doesn’t move in a straight, predictable upward line, even when you’re doing the right things. You won’t get stronger, leaner, or faster every single week without setbacks. Progress looks like ups, downs, and plateaus, especially the longer you’re in it.
So take the roulette lesson for what it’s worth: Let it ride. Don’t be deterred by the shortcomings along the way.
We’re only a few months into the new year. If this is the year you decided to start betting on yourself, buckle up—and let it ride, baby. spt
Eddie McKenna is co-owner of Heyday Elite Fitness. For more info, visit heydaytraining.com.
(photo: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels.com)
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