Hello San Pedro

Badfish

https://www.instagram.com/badfishclothing/

E28: Carolina Brown - Owner of Rok 'n' Ell Baby Boutique & More Apr 11, 2019

Show notes

In this week's episode I sit down and chat with Carolina Brown, owner of Rok 'n' Ell Baby Boutique. We discuss her small business journey and what it's like to have a small business at Weymouth Corners.

In the beginning of this episode I make a couple announcements related to our sponsor Badfish. The first is really only a reminder to use the code "HelloSP" which will get you 10% off your next Badfish purchase. It's been brought to my attention that a few people have mentioned the podcast and mentioned that they heard that Badfish was the official carrier of all Three Eyed Fish merchandise, but haven't been using the podcasts promo code - gotta use the code to get the discount! . The second is that I will be doing a Badfish giveaway on my instagram. So be sure to follow the podcast's instagram (@hellosppodcast) if you haven't already. I also talk about the cover of the April issue of the San Pedro Today magazine as it features our local icon the Three Eyed Fish, an image that Badfish owns the exclusive copyright to. This cover story features an interview with the original artist of the Three Eyed Fish and his motivation to paint it.

Carolina was born and raised in San Pedro and has been a teacher within the community for many years. After her daughter gave birth to Roko and Elliot, she decided to start a baby boutique named Rok 'n' Ell. Carolina and her husband now own the charming boutique located at beautiful Weymouth Corners. She shares how overwhelming it was at first to own a business but her and her husband quickly got the hang of it and have been consistently growing in business ever since. Carolina also shares what it was like growing up in San Pedro.

Carolina on growing up in San Pedro:

"'Oh it was wonderful. As a child I loved San Pedro. I remember traveling around town on the bus, my mother didn't drive, both my parents were from Italy, and Beacon Street at that time was pretty bad and I remember specifically telling my mother that when I grew up I was going to be the mayor of San Pedro and clean things up."

We do discuss some of her shop's biggest challenges and one of them is online shopping. She had initiated an effort to sell online and actually made it available for one year but after extremely low online sales she decided to pull back her online inventory. It's apparent that she has strong feelings about local consumer's pride in shopping at major online retailers and she compares it to leaving trash on the floor. What I took from this comparison was that she sees online shopping as a direct effort to not take care of our "home" or community. I share my concerns in this matter as well. We address these issues and talk about what it could mean for our small business community.

Carolina describing the "essence" of San Pedro :

"'It's a working class community. It's not just a bedroom community. People don't all work in LA, they live and work here, you know, because of the port and the waterfront. And that started with the fishermen and the canneries... San Pedro is unique in that, in that we live and work here, so I'm very proud of that."

Carolina shares her excitement for the changes coming to the waterfront and may even consider starting something in the downtown area.

Links:

http://roknellbaby.com/

roknellbaby@gmail.com

https://www.instagram.com/roknellbaby/

Sponsored by Badfish & Cryptospace

E27: Angela "Romee" Romero - The SP Heritage Museum, "San Pedro Built" & Townee Tours Mar 28, 2019

Show notes

In today's episode I bring back my favorite repeat guest, Angela "Romee" Romero, to celebrate her recent honor of being recognized by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce and to talk about her recent endeavors, including the San Pedro Heritage Museum, its first major project "San Pedro Built" and her small business, Townee Tours.

Romee, who has been a guest before, joins me yet again to update us on some very big news (if you aren't familiar with her yet, please refer to episode 1 and 15). She shares with us that the San Pedro Heritage Museum, a museum she's founding and laying the groundwork for, is in its beginning stages of becoming a non-profit. Even though it has not achieved this status just yet, she is not letting it stop her from continuing her important work of discovering San Pedro's history. That is why she is heading up the museum's first major project: "San Pedro Built".

She begins to describe "San Pedro Built" and why she has chosen this as the museum's first project. Rome tells us the encounters she has while at the archives that she has with people in the community wanting to learn more about their family home, and seeking more information from the local archives. Unfortunately, not every residential home or commercial property has been documented over the years so this project is to do just that, document the changes of San Pedro's homes and buildings over the decades. This will take the entire community's help and will continue to be an ongoing project for years to come. She announces upcoming events at which she will be available to scan photos from the photo albums of local families in the area who want to contribute their memories to the San Pedro Heritage Museum.

Romee on finding SP's history :

"'The cool thing is that a lot of Pedro people are still around, they have pictures from their grandparents, and we can crowdsource that stuff."

In the second half of the episode Romee switches gears and shares with us her upcoming events for her business Townee Tours, a tour business she started in 2011. She shares about why she started Townee Tours, and the encouragement she received from her mother who passed away a few months earlier. Romee tells us about her rough start to the business and how it took a really long time for it to catch on and be known in the community as the "tour lady". In 2017 she decided to start her tours back up with a different tour every month. Now she is offering 4-5 different tours on a weekly basis at the request of the SP Chamber of Commerce.

Romee wants to make sure that as she pursues both these endeavors (the museum and her tour business) that she draws a clear distinction between the two.

LINKS:

San Pedro Built event:

History Behind SP Street Names / Photo scanning event

San Pedro Library / April 7th 2pm

Romee's email

SPbuilt@sanpedroheritage.org

angela@sanpedroheritage.org

San Pedro Heritage Museum Website

https://mailchi.mp/e46a91684788/sanpedroheritagemuseum

Townee Tours

contact@thatssopedro.com

SPONOSRS:

https://wfgconnects.com/christianlopez

https://www.badfishclothing.com/

E26: Let's Talk About Money with Christian Lopez Mar 21, 2019

Show notes

On today's episode, I invite a friend and personal finance professional, Christian Lopez, to join me in discussing the topic of money. With the threat of automation on the port and with the middle class getting smaller and smaller everyday, we thought it was time for a serious discussion about money.

Christian Lopez is a local financial professional, business owner and landlord here in San Pedro. At the age of 24 he bought his first home and now him and his wife own a few rental properties and have achieved impressive goals in their personal finance. You might have heard his wife, Stephanie Trevizo-Lopez, in episode 17, in which her and I had discussed the Tiny House movement and real estate investing. Christian and his team have a mission to reduce the local poverty level by 10%. In Christian's episode we focus more on money and the financial strategies that can help the families of the community get ahead. This episode is a general conversation about money but I believe it will be the first of many money related discussions on the podcast.

Christian shares his background in the landscaping business where he really developed his work ethic. He remembers not enjoying his Saturdays like his friends because he had to go to work with his family. After high school he went to a trade school instead of the traditional college route which led him on a path to becoming a Jaguar Technician and eventually a Master Jaguar Technician. When the economy slowed down in 2008 he describes living paycheck to paycheck and watching his paychecks getting smaller. At this point he chose to go back to school and get his Bachelors degree in Project Management.

Christian on achieving financial freedom :

"'If you really want true financial freedom there's three things you got to have and that's some type of real estate (which is income property or things like that), paper assets, and you want to have a business." - Christian Lopez

With the threat of automation on our Ports, with the redevelopment in the area driving up home prices, and with homelessness on the rise, it's kind of a scary time for San Pedrans. Christian and I discuss how to prepare for the worst and make sure our families are taken care of in this time of uncertainty.

Website

Christian's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/lopezchristianc/

Christian's contact info

christianclopez1@gmail.com

(818) 573-7323

SPONSORS

Cryptospace

Badfish

https://www.instagram.com/badfishclothing/

E25: Ryan Blaney - SP's Growing Tech Hub w/ Local Technology Lawyer Mar 14, 2019

Show notes

This week's guest is Ryan Blaney, a local technology lawyer who has started his firm Bolinimi International here in San Pedro and is dedicated to growing San Pedro's local tech hub. He is passionate about helping local entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground and is also a candidate for SP Honorary Mayor.

Ryan Blaney has been practicing law since 2005 when he gained an LLM in International Intellectual Property Law at the prestigious ESADE School of Law in Barcelona Spain. After working for a large IP firm in Barcelona he relocated to the United States to work for Southern California Edison. In 2018 he left corporate America to start Bolimini International a local law firm that he owns and operates here in San Pedro.

In this episode he talks about his upbringing in both Barcelona and the U.S. and eventually what brought him to San Pedro. His mom fell in love with the town during a visit and built her home here when Ryan was older. He spent time living with her during a period of unemployment in his twenties. After he married, he and his husband lived in Long Beach but when it came time to purchase a home near the beach they found the home prices were unaffordable. His mom encouraged him to search in San Pedro and he has been in love ever since.

In addition to being on the Board of Directors for the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce he is also a candidate for Honorary Mayor. His campaign directly supports the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Golden State Pops Orchestra, Bridge City Alliance and H.E.L.P., a local organization that helps animals.

Ryan on moving to San Pedro :

"'Two bridges away, it's a whole different world. Legit - the sky is bluer here... I thinks its magical."

We go on to discuss what it's like to work in the greater Los Angeles area and experience the stigma of living in San Pedro, as if its not relevant. We have both experienced it and would love to see that change but ultimately Ryan says it's not his responsibility to educate the world on San Pedro and we both agree that San Pedro will speak for itself one day.

Ryan on starting his entrepreneurial life in San Pedro :

"On January first I woke up, sent an emailed my boss and said 'I'm done. I'm not coming in', went to Cabrillo, did the Polar Bear plunge to rid myself of all the negative... my life was starting over again."

I was incredibly inspired by Ryan's personal story of what it was like for him to leave his corporate job that he felt was killing his creativity, and begin a new life as a entrepreneur in San Pedro. He loves that he no longer commutes to a day job in the greater Los Angeles area but instead bikes to work down the street from his home everyday. He shares his concerns for the growth of the San Pedro community, hoping that as we expand we don't lose our small town charm and history, but is excited for what the future brings for what will be known as San Pedro's tech hub.

LINKS:

Apple iWatch Commercial

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ms4yxJcvW3s

Ryan for Honorary Mayor site

https://www.bolimini.us/honorary-mayor

Bolimini International

https://www.bolimini.us/

Sponsors

http://www.gpforspmayor.com/

E24: Pam Costa - Local Charity Fundraising Champion Mar 07, 2019

Show notes

This week's guest is Pam Costa and experienced and successful fundraiser in the San Pedro community, a Leadership Director at POLAHS and wife of current Honorary Mayor title holder, Domenic Costa. Today's episode is the ultimate female inspired episode in honor of women's history month.

In the intro of this episode I take the time to acknowledge a few women that were on the cover of the San Pedro Today magazine in honor of Women's History Month. Though twenty women were highlighted in the feature article, I specifically wanted to shout out the women who have been guests on the podcast. This amazing group of women include Angela Romero (episode 1 & 15), Cindy Bradley (episode 8), Stacy Jackson (episode 19), Julie Bender (episode 4) and last but not least, Mandy Barton (episode 20). I am honored to have these women on the podcast and proud that of the work they are doing in the community.

I also take a moment to speak about the progress women have made in society, but share an incident that happened to me personally in the the local San Pedro facebook group that exemplifies why we still have a long way to go. In the process I shout out a couple of amazing guys, Joshua Stecker, Editor of the San Pedro Magazine, for highlighting these amazing women in the community on the cover of the magazine , and Steve Casares, admin of the SP facebook group, who stepped in and supported me in my experience on the group page.

In this episode I interview the only female candidate in this year's race for Honorary Mayor. Pam grew up in San Pedro, attending Mary Star elementary and high school. Her first experience fundraising in San Pedro was during her run for Mary Star Fiesta Queen when she was in high school. Since then she has continued to raise money for local events and charities within our community.

Pam on raising money locally :

"'It's hard. It's hard work. But people coming out of every corner just wanting to help has been overwhelming to me... its incredible." - Pam Costa

This is the third Honorary Mayor campaign that she's been a part of and her first time as a candidate herself. For her husband's campaign two years ago she was instrumental in raising over $50,000, which was the most that had been raised until that point. She's hoping to beat her previous record.

Pam on her fundraising passion:

" I've always wanted to give back and embrace certain charities that have been important to me." -Pam Costa

She talks about other women that have inspired her and the charities that motivated her in her decision to run for Honorary Mayor. She is speaks highly of the San Pedro community and hopes to see more activities and entertainment venues to come in the downtown area. We aspiringly speak about what it'd be like to have a major venue in San Pedro that could potentially attract huge talents.

Pam Costa is raising money for Maria's Closet, Pedro Pet Pals and Port of Los Angeles High School.

LINKS:

Pam Costa's campaign facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Pam-Mama-Bear-Costa-for-San-Pedro-Honorary-Mayor-1155389651276732/

Pam for Honorary Mayor on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/costa4spmayor/

Maria's Closet https://www.mariasclosets.org/

Pedro Pet Pals https://pedropetpals.com/contact/

POLAHS https://www.polahs.net/

E23: George Palaziol - Serving San Pedro Feb 28, 2019

Show notes

This week's guest is George Palaziol, a born and raised San Pedran, an active community member and creator of local Facebook group "Serving San Pedro".

George Palaziol was born and raised in San Pedro. He tells us about what it was like growing up in San Pedro and going through the local private schools as opposed to the public schools, attending Holy Trinity for his primary schooling and Mary Star High School. His family has both strong Italian and Mexican roots so both cultures were proudly represented in his environment. Having grown up here his whole life, he tells us about the small town feel of this community and how everyone knows everyone, characteristics of San Pedro that still hold up today.

George went into the Coast Guard after high school and soon after became a locomotive mechanic, work that he did for over ten years. Now he works with many local business owners and non-profits as a graphic designer, which has become something he truly enjoys.

George on San Pedro's working community :

"'San Pedro is definitely a blue collared town. You can tell when you're here that it is a blue collared town - in a good way. People fight for the local community."

In the second half of the episode I ask him about being on the cover of the local magazine, San Pedro Today, a few years ago. He was honored for starting a local facebook group that has since become controversial, ("Saving San Pedro"). George tells us that he embraces this part of his past and shares that the original reason for starting this group was to address the homelessness crisis that sparked here in San Pedro, specifically, in opposition of tiny homes for the homeless. He has since left the group and distanced himself from it but started another facebook group "Serving San Pedro". This new group, unlike the previous, really focuses on positive things in the community and highlighting organizations that are doing good.

George on staying positive:

" I'm trying not to be a finger pointer now... You gotta be proactive and not just reactive. The constant focus on negativity - it wears on you."

He tells us about the importance of focusing on the positive things in the community. George shares his excitement for the new San Pedro Public Market, which he also admits he will probably continue to call Ports O' Call. He points out that there is so much to look forward to in the coming months and years.

George Paloziol is a candidate for San Pedro Honorary Mayor and is raising money for San Pedro Packages for Patriots, Battleship IOWA Los Angeles, The Moms Club of San Pedro, and The American Legion - Post 61. The first of his events is a "Breakfast for Dinner" event at The Omelette & Waffle Shop that took place this past Tuesday, February 26th. March 16th will be the next major event called "Battleship at the Battleship", details of which will be announced on his website.

LINKS:

George Palaziol's campaign website

George's business website

https://www.gpgraphicsandmarketing.com/

George's campaign facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/GPFORSPMAYOR/

SPONSORS

https://www.manny4pedro.com/

E22: Manuel Jimenez - Owner of Black Knight Patrol Feb 21, 2019

Show notes

This week's guest is Manuel Jimenez, the young owner of Black Knight Patrol, a local private security company. At 25 he has accomplished a lot and now he's running for Honorary Mayor.

This episode starts off with me reading two great reviews that the podcast has received this year. I also encourage everyone who hasn't rated the podcast on iTunes to do so and leave a review. This really helps out the show in the long term.

Manuel Jimenez was born and raised in San Pedro. He is a proud alumnus of 15th Street Elementary School, Dana Middle School, and San Pedro High School Police Academy Magnet, where he was elected Senior Class President. Manuel enrolled in the LAPD Harbor Division Cadet program, at the age of 14 and continued the program until the age of 18. He enlisted into the US Marine Corps and was an active member o the reserve component. He is currently the owner of Black Knight Patrol, a local private security company based in San Pedro.

Manuel shares with us that after he graduated from high school he went on to continue his schooling at LA Harbor College where he graduated with his AA degree. He then decided that college wasn't for him. He joined the United States Marine Corps instead and reflects on his time with them positively. But soon after, he pursued his dream of becoming a police officer and joined the police academy. When the time came to take the test he failed twice and had to meet with high ranking officers who were the decision makers for his fate in the police force. Unfortunately, this conversation did not go well.

Manny on his reaction to being sent home from the Police Academy :

"At twenty-one, first of all, getting fired for the first time, and hearing that from an executive at a law enforcement agency, it destroyed me.... I just thought, 'You know what, I'm just going to take that for face value. Everything happens for a reason.' ''

Though he was initially devastated, that didn't stop him from pursuing his dream. He shares about his time working various security jobs which inspired him to start Black Knight Patrol. He credits his amazing employees to Black Knight Patrol's success thus far.

Manuel on the early years of Black Knight Patrol:

" I was working a lot. So I was working my normal job and I was going out on patrol at night... But I think it's totally worth it."

He actively hires diverse employees and veterans. He is currently graduating from the police academy this week and will continued to work toward his goal of becoming a law enforcement officer. He is running for honorary mayor and his campaign is raising money fro LAPD Harbor Division Cadet Program, Clean San Pedro, and Sharefest.

LINKS:

Manny's website

Manuel's Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/manny4mayor/

Msnny's 's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/manny4mayor/

Manny's Twitter

https://twitter.com/manny_4_mayor

SPONSORS

Cryptospace

Badfish

https://www.rudycaseres.com/rudy4mayor.html

E21: Rudy Caseres - Local Mental Health Advocate Feb 14, 2019

Show notes

Today's guest is Rudy Caseres, an award winning mental health advocate born and raised in San Pedro. He shares his own mental health journey and gives advice to those struggling with mental health, depression and or suicidal thoughts.

In the beginning of the episode, because it also happens to be Valentines day (!!!), I go over some suggestions made by listeners on instagram for the best date spots in San Pedro as well as the most romantic things to do locally.

Rudy Caseres is a San Pedro local who has dedicated his life to helping those who suffer from mental illnesses, depression or suicidal thoughts by sharing his own journey to mental health. In addition to all this he is also running for honorary mayor, raising money for San Pedro Meals On Wheels, Feed & Be Fed and Animals Rule Rescue.

Rudy tells us about his upbringing as a child and some of the thing that made him different than others since he was young. He talks about being bullied and feeling like he was always the odd man out. He shares his experience in the army and how it affected his mental health. Rudy's time in the army only lasted eight months and was not a pleasant experience. He describes the aftermath that would eventually follow and the path that took him on in his mental health journey.

Rudy about the beginning of his own mental health journey :

"I always had a rough childhood and it was very hard for me to find meaning in my life. I always felt like I was a loser, I would get bullied and get called all these names. I had body image issues ... and healthy adulthood, that did not make.''

Rudy found purpose in sharing his story and soon became a traveling public speaker encouraging others who have struggled with their own mental health issues to reach out to a supportive community. He works closely with the Garden Church in downtown San Pedro to reach those in need which is why he puts on story telling events for the community.

Rudy's advice to people struggling with depression:

" If your friends or your family are not getting it, or are hostile toward you; there's a lot of emotional abuse that goes on just because there's so much ignorance - there are people out there who do get it ... You have this wide world online that you can connect with. There is hope beyond San Pedro."

LINKS:

Rudy's website

https://www.rudycaseres.com/no-restraints

Rudy on Facebook

Facebook.com/RudyCaseres

Rudy's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rudycaseres/

Rudy's Twitter

https://twitter.com/RudyCaseres

SPONSORS

Cryptospace

Badfish