Weekly News Roundup – June 9, 2014

Port to Fund $1.3 M Sampson Way Realignment

The Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners voted last week to fund the $1.3 million realignment of Samspon Way, a critical part of the Ports O’ Call Village redevelopment plans. The decision comes weeks after negotiations between the port and developer the L.A. Waterfront Alliance were extended another time, casting doubt that the long-awaited project would see a lease agreement. The move is seen as a major step forward in negotiations.

PBID Talks Downtown Red Car Expansion

At its monthly board meeting last week, leaders of the Historic Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District (or PBID) discussed proposing an expansion of San Pedro’s replica Red Car line into downtown. The idea has been explored by the Port of Los Angeles in years past, but there was not enough funding to move forward with the project. PBID, which argues the expansion will ensure downtown San Pedro is connected to waterfront attractions, will present plans for a formal proposal at its next meeting on July 2.

WWII Vets Honored at S.S. Lane Victory D-Day Commemoration

Nine World War II veterans received French Legion of Honor medals at a commemoration ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of D-Day held aboard the S.S. Lane Victory on Saturday. Among them was Stanley Walsh, a resident of Rancho Palos Verdes.

San Pedro Born Civil Rights Activist Dies

Yuri Kochiyama, a civil rights activist who was born and raised in San Pedro, died on June 1 at the age of 93. Kochiyama, who spent two years living in an internment camp in Arkansas during World War II, famously held civil rights leader Malcom X in her arms as he died.

Big Weekend at Crafted

Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles hosted two big art events over the weekend. On Friday night, both creators and fans of all things handmade converged for the marketplace’s third annual Etsy Craft Party, which featured live demonstrations and giveaways. On Sunday, the San Pedro Art Association recognized local youth at its popular Student Art Competition.