Weekly News Roundup – Sept. 30, 2013

H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival Marks Fourth Year in San Pedro
Fans of the weird and macabre gathered at the Warner Grand Theater over the weekend for the fourth annual H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival. The festival, which celebrates the famed early twentieth century sci-fi and horror writer, featured screenings of In the Mouth of Madness, The Unnameable, and Dagon in addition to short films, trivia and panel discussions. The festival is also held in Portland, Ore., each year.

Peck Park Trails Named After Ray Patricio
San Pedro’s Peck Park canyon trails were officially named after the late Ray Patricio last week. A new sign was unveiled on Sept. 26 naming trails that opened in the park two years ago after the longtime community activist, who fought to preserve the canyon area. Patricio had explored the rural ravine in his youth and saw it cleaned up and transformed before his death in 2012.

Pirozzi is Newest Addition to Board of Harbor Commissioners
Former San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Chairman Anthony Pirozzi has been appointed to the L.A. Board of Harbor Commissioners by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Pirozzi will be confirmed to the Port’s governing body on Oct. 8, replacing President Cindy Micsikowski, who has resigned, according to the Port.

Pirozzi joins Patricia Castellanos, deputy director of the nonprofit Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, who was confirmed to the board last week, replacing outgoing Commissioner Robin Kramer.

The Port is unaware of any additional board appointments at this time.

Port Shares Highlights, Updates on Waterfront Redevelopment
Residents of San Pedro and Wilmington gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel last week for the Port of Los Angeles’ annual L.A. Waterfront public meeting. On Sept 24, Port Executive Director Dr. Geraldine Knatz shared updates from the waterfront redevelopment, including the half-million visitors who came last year to see new attractions like the USS Iowa and Crafted, which is looking to turn Warehouse Nine into a restaurant or brewery space.

Highlights included talk of the future state-of-the-art marine research center AltaSea, the redevelopment of Ports O’ Call Village, and the construction of a water cut and town plaza off of Harbor Boulevard, which should be completed by next summer and be able to hold 10,000 people. The next public meeting on Ports O’ Call Village will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 at the Warner Grand Theater.