The 44th annual Palos Verdes Marathon, which takes place on Saturday, May 15, has been in the news lately. The Daily Breeze reported on Tuesday:

“San Pedro residents try to block PV Marathon over parking concerns

Fed up with the loss of street parking when the Palos Verdes Marathon comes to town, residents near Point Fermin Park in San Pedro are trying to block a permit for the May 15 event.

An estimated 2,000 people are expected to participate in the 44th running of the annual marathon, which starts and finishes at the picturesque park.

And therein lies the rub for neighbors in the area, who also must endure crowds for events like the Taste in San Pedro.

Read the full article on the Daily Breeze website. A correction was posted today in the Daily Breeze:

The full [Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood] council has taken no formal action on the race, said President June Burlingame Smith. The neighborhood council, however, has reiterated its previous position asking that entire streets not be closed for such large-scale public events held frequently at Point Fermin Park during the spring and summer months, she said.

Keep your eye on the Palisades Residents Association website for notification of possible street closures.

*** UPDATE *** Special Notice: Road Closure this Saturday – Due to the Palos Verdes Marathon, the following roads will be closed from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 15:
* Paseo del Mar from Gaffey Street to Western Ave
* Western Ave. from Paseo del Mar to 25th Street
The race director, Walt Walston, has stated that, once the number of participants have thinned out, Department of Transportation officers will assist resident vehicles in and out of the area.

WHAT: 44th Annual Palos Verdes Marathon
WHEN: Saturday, May 15, 2010, 7:00am
WHERE: Start and finish at Point Fermin Park, 807 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro
COST: $65 Marathon, $55 Half-Marathon, $35 5K Run/Walk
DETAILS: A giant expo, food and drink and ongoing musical entertainment at the finish.
CONTACT: Palos Verdes Marathon hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Rolling Hills Estates

Let us know how you feel about the Palos Verdes Marathon in the comments section below.

Related Articles:
Local Street Closures for Triathalon

WHAT: Annual Wine & Beer Tasting
WHEN: Saturday, May 8, 2010. Tasting times are set for 1:30-3pm; 3:30-5pm; and 5:30-7pm.
WHERE: Corner Store, 1118 W. 37th St., San Pedro
COST: Early Bird special for the first taste at 1:30pm is $10 per person; all other times are $15 per person. Tickets can be purchase at the Corner Store or at the lighthouse, 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro.
DETAILS: Hosted by the Pt. Fermin Lighthouse Society to help raise funds to complete the refurbishment of the antique kitchen sink and counter in this historical lighthouse, which was built in 1874. Highlighting the event will be a silent auction, opportunity drawings, and wonderful, live music. Adults only. Appetizers will be served. Art by Muriel Olquin. Music by Nova Trees…Duet. Download the flyer (pdf): lighthouse_beer_wine_2010_final
CONTACT: Pt. Fermin Lighthouse Society president, Martha McKinzie at 310-832-5234

Related Articles:
2009 Lighthouse Fundraiser

There are several local events that you can join in on to help participate in Earth Day festivities. Earth Day 2010 is officially on Thursday, April 22 but many activities occur on the following weekend.

WHAT: White Point Nature Preserve weeding and habitat restoration event
WHEN: Saturday, April 24th, 9am-12pm
WHERE: White Point Nature Preserve,
DETAILS: Closed toes shoes required. Bottled water is provided but in an effort to reduce plastic waste, we encourage you to bring your own water. Day cancelled in event of rain.
CONTACT: Visit www.pvplc.org for more information. Reservations appreciated. Please call Jill Wittman (310) 541-7613 x201

WHAT: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Beach Cleanup
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010, Cleanup from 8–10am
WHERE: Point Fermin State Marine Park and Cabrillo Beach
DETAILS: Start early with our coastal cleanup. Clear litter from Point Fermin State Marine Park and Cabrillo inner and outer beaches. Bring old tennis shoes to recycle. Learn how to compost. Parking is $1/hour.
CONTACT: For more information, call 310-548-7562 or go to www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

WHAT: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Earth Day Fair
WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10am–4pm
WHERE: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, 3720 Stephen M. White Dr.
DETAILS: The fair will include games, interactive displays and booths with information on the environment and conservation. There also will be music, food and a gift shop. Get tips on making your home eco-friendly. Admission is free; parking is $1/hour.
CONTACT: For more information, call 310-548-7562 or go to www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

WHAT: Free Shade Trees
WHEN: Now!
DETAILS: Complete an online workshop (about 20 minutes), submit your completed tree order and site plan and LADWP will deliver the trees to your home; you then plant and care for them. Available to residential, apartment owners and non-residential electric customer of LADWP only.
CONTACT: Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) will be ruling on the Coastal Permit Application by Verizon Wireless for the “installation of wireless telecommunication equipment on new 29-43 foot high (grade level) wood utility poles in five various locations. The equipment will consist of six foot double extension arms, two panel antennas, microcell, power meter mounted on the five single poles, and one 25’ x 7’ underground transmission equipment vault” at four locations in the Palisades and one in Point Fermin. Application No. 5-09-125 is item number 20a on the agenda.

The locations of the proposed installations are:
* 2531 S. Western Avenue (west side of street in the ‘S’ curve south of 25th Street)
* 820 S. Paseo Del Mar (north side of street just down the hill from the Korean Friendship Bell)
* 4101 S. Pacific Avenue (corner of Pacific Avenue and Sheppard Street in Point Fermin)
* 3627 S. Gaffey Street (west side of street on south side of entrance to the Korean Friendship Bell)
* 3135 S. Gaffey Street (west side of street just south of 30th Street by the new entrance to SRHS#15)
To see pictures of some of these locations, please click the Related Articles link at the bottom. A map can be found in Verizon’s proposal.

Download a copy of Verizon’s proposal, including maps, diagrams, and two letters of opposition, by clicking Here (downloads a 1.3MB pdf) or click on the agenda link above and look for Verizon.

The CCC meeting will start at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 11, 2010 at the City of Oceanside, City Council Chambers, 300 North Coast Hwy., Oceanside, CA 92054

If you wish to speak at the meeting, you will fill out a “Request to Speak” form and give it to a staff person at the meeting.

Letters and written comments may be submitted to the CCC no later than three working days before the hearing. In the upper right hand corner of the first page of your submittal please identify the agenda item number (W22c), application number (5-08-251) & your name. Please summarize your position in two or three pages. You may attach any exhibits you feel are necessary. Please Note: You are discouraged from submitting written materials to the Commission on the day of the hearing, unless they are visual aids. Letters can be sent to:

If you are unable to be present at the meeting you may view and listen to this meeting gavel to gavel live on the web. When in session, see:
* Just the webcast
* Webcast and the agenda in a frames page
* Just the audio

Related Posts:
Proposed Verizon Cell Towers

The Palisades neighborhood has been in the news lately but not necessarily in a good light.

“Dog Droppings Spoil the View” is Anita Mannila’s Letter to the Daily Breeze Editor this past Sunday.

“One of the most beautiful places to walk in San Pedro is along Paseo del Mar from Western Avenue to Point Fermin. A walk along this path is good for the body but not always for the “sole.” One has to be fleet-footed to dodge the landmines left by dogs whose owners don’t clean up after them. Dog walkers: Cleaning up after your pets is a matter of common sense and common courtesy.

Please don’t, don’t, leave the doo-doo.”

And then there is Diana Chapman’s article on page 17 of the August Issue of San Pedro Today where she talks about trash blowing from Point Fermin Park.

“The area becomes a piece of trash – or should I say hundreds of pieces of trash – that stream down from the park into the ocean.”

What can we do about this, neighbors? Schedule a litter pick-up volunteer day? Talk to Parks and Rec about trash cans with lids or more frequent trash pick-ups? Install dog waste bag dispensers? Let the Palisades Residents’ Association know your thoughts in the comments below.

Related Posts:
Parks Feedback
Keys Found on Weymouth
The Future of San Pedro Parks

This weekend at the Corner Store there will be a fundraiser for the Point Fermin Lighthouse Society (PFLS), a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to rehabilitate and sustain the 1874 historical landmark. There will be a silent auction and opportunity drawings and art by Muriel Olquin. Appetizers will be served.

Beer & Wine Tasting Fundraiser
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Tasting Times: 1:00–2:30, 3:00–4:30, and 5:00–6:30 pm
Corner Store
37th & Barbara Streets

Tickets may be purchased at the Point Fermin Lighthouse or the Corner Store. Tickets are $15 (or $18 at the door). For more information call the PFLS at 310-241-0684 or 832-8656.

Related Article:
Wine Tasting for Marine Mammal Care

The Legends Car Club will be holding a toy run this Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Wilder’s Annex. If you would like to help make the holiday special for a child in need (and see some cool vintage cars in the process), please bring an unwrapped toy to the park on Paseo del Mar (near Emily Street). All toys will be given to the LAPD Harbor Division to be distributed among harbor area underprivileged kids.

In case of rain, the toy run will be postponed one week to Sunday, December 14.

Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department’s new superintendent, Mark Mariscal, will be available tonight to hear residents concerns, compliments and desires for our local parks. If you have anything to share about our Palisades parks please stop by Peck Park tonight, December 3, at 6:30 pm.

Related Posts:
The Future of San Pedro Parks

The Fourth of July will be on a Friday this year so expect many events to be happening. Here are a few options for you in the Palisades area:

—
First Thursday
Thursday, July 3, 6–9 p.m.
If you get to sleep in Friday morning why not spend Thursday evening checking out the local art scene? With more than 30 galleries to visit there will be art to suit everyone’s styles, wine & cheese, live music, shops open late and restaurant specials.

—
Ringing of the Historic Korean Bell
Friday, July 4, 10:30 a.m.
Councilwoman Janice Hahn will be the keynote speaker at San Pedro’s annual community Independence Day Celebration. The ceremony will begin with presentations by local and Korean community leaders. Representing the community bridge between our two cultures, will be the Honorable Consul General, Kim, Jae-Woo, from the Los Angeles Consulate of the Republic of Korea.

Following the presentations, the South Bay Young Marines will perform a flag folding ceremony. To conclude the ceremonial portion of the day, John Olguin - Director Emeritus of the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and San Pedro’s “Citizen of the Millennium” will lead the audience in reciting the names of the 13 original American states.

Also expected to join in the observance, will be representatives from the Space and Missile Systems Center, Air Force Space Command on the Los Angeles Air Force Base; President Dr. Cha, Jong Whan and representatives of the Advisory Council on Democratic and Peaceful Unification of Korea – L.A. Chapter; the Honorary Mayor of San Pedro - Joe Donato; the Reverend Oliver Bouie - Warren Chapel; vocalists Nicole La Blanc and Temple Beth El Cantor Ilan Davison; John Ek - San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman and Camilla Townsend, President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce. The Master of Ceremonies will be Steven B. Cho – CW2R California State Military Reserve.

Attendees are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and plan a daylong Independence Day celebration at this scenic hillside park overlooking the ocean.

—
Golden State Pops Concert
Friday, July 4, 7:00 p.m.
San Pedro’s Annual Fourth of July activities will conclude with a free outdoor concert on Cabrillo Beach by the Golden State Pops Orchestra, conducted by Steven Allen Fox, and fireworks presented by the Cabrillo Beach Boosters in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

—
Native Garden Workday/Beach Cleanup
Saturday, July 5, 8–10 a.m.
Join the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium education staff and volunteers in maintaining the Cabrillo Coastal Native Plant Garden with weeding and planting while you learn more about coastal sage scrub and its plant and animal inhabitants. Meet by the marine lab/classroom. Registration is required, please contact volunteer coordinator, Randi Abrams-Gonzalez at 310/548-8398, email: randi.abrams-gonzalez@lacity.org. The beach cleanup starts with a tidepool walk and then cleaning the beach. These are free activities for all ages and your assistance is appreciated!

—
Antony & Cleopatra
Saturday, July 5, 8 p.m.
A free performance of Antony & Cleopatra by the Shakespeare by the Sea cast. Bring a picnic and a sweater with you to Point Fermin Park, snuggle with your loved ones and watch the dramatic tragedy of love and betrayal.

—
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)
Saturday, July 5, 8 p.m. or Sunday, July 6, 7 p.m.
If tragedy is not your style then the Little Fish Theatre Company offers you a comedy; a condensed 97 minute ride through Shakespeare’s 37 plays and 154 sonnets performed by three actors parodying the Bard’s timeless tales. Tickets are $25 (includes admission and beverage ticket. All proceeds benefit the Shakespeare By The Sea free festival)

—
Check out the Palisades Residents Association Calendar of Events for more events.

Terry Miller relays questions from the audience to the annual meeting speakers.

This year’s Palisades Residents Association annual meeting had a record attendance. Topics such as the proposed South Region High School #15 at Angels Gate and the Clearwater Program were a big draw.

LAUSD’s Rod Hamilton answers questions about proposed SRHS#15.

Many thanks go out to the the community representatives that came out to the meeting to talk with the residents and address their concerns: Janice Hahn, Councilwoman, 15th District; Brian Dietrich, Sr. Engineer, Cleanwater Program; Chuck Boehmke, Section Head, Cleanwater Program; David Kooper, Chief of Staff, Board District 7, LAUSD; Rod Hamilton, South Region Development Director, LAUSD; Linda Del Cueto, Superintendent, Local District 8, LAUSD.

Linda Del Cueto, Superintendent, Local District 8 and LAUSD
representatives listen to residents concerns.

Chuck Boehmke of the Clearwater Program presented a slideshow showing proposed construction areas where a new wastewater tunnel may be located. The chosen 4–8 acre site will have between 50 to 100 truck trips per day for seven (7) years to bring in equipment and remove dirt. The Palisades locations being considered are White Point Nature Preserve, Royal Palms Beach and Angels Gate Park.

Click photo to enlarge

Elections were held at the meeting and the following people have been elected to serve on the PRA board of directors: