From Wilmington I followed the Harbor down to San Pedro. I was just driving along a small part of it and it is enormous. Mind boggling what comes in and out of this port.
I have been to San Pedro, to the USS Iowa, to the kitschy tourist area of Ports O’ Call. Now it was time for a visit downtown. San Pedro will never be like the communities next door on the Palos Verde peninsula, but it is an improvement over Wilmington.
Also started as an independent city, it actually predates Los Angeles by 20 years. But like it’s neighbor, it was annexed in 1909. Unlike Wilmington, San Pedro had a much more diverse population, from Europe and Asia and to this day is a very diverse city.
The Croation Cultural center representing the largest Croation community in Southern California. Their building is a mixture of styles, classic columns with Art Deco Friezes.
I went looking for the old downtown, it is actually enjoying something of a revival. First of all, it had fancier buildings to begin with. Today, on first Thursdays they have a local Art Walk. Although Wilmington had a Jeweler on Avalon Blvd, Rons’ in San Pedro looks more upscale.
The tiles, the metal work, more money was invested here. Maybe because the only coast Wilmington has it the actual Port, whereas San Pedro has beach areas away from big Industry.
Design elements on the buildings are upscale.
San Pedro got an incredible Art Deco Movie Palace in the late 1920s. That automatically lets you know this was the place to be.
Today it no longer shows movies, but the venue is available for events and it is being used.
Even if the box office stands empty with netting to keep the birds away.
Look up! Always look up. The ceiling in the Foyer is worth craning your next for. And yes, I’m seeing a quilt pattern.
The roof line and the realization that the way I took this picture just leave me with WAR.
Not all buildings are trying to deal with the pigeon population.
This lovely mosaic was installed by the Rainbow Services, a social service center for battered women.
Which explains the mother and child, with the mother reaching her hand out for help. Other business share the building, like a fishing company. What used to be mainstay here – the fishing industry is simply part of a more diverse business base now.
I wonder if the Art Deco mural has been here all along or if it’s new. The font certainly looks like it’s from the 1930s. Love the name.
The buildings just have a certain charm.
I drove the long way home, the very very long way home. I detoured through the Palos Verde Peninsula – from moderate working class to some of the most expensive real estate around.
Of course I had to stop and take in the view. The California coast is gorgeous.
Leah
You didn’t mention it, but the Warner Grand’s marquis welcoming Misty Copeland is really cool–historic, even. She is the very first Black prima ballerina (principal dancer) of a major U.S. ballet company. She’s with the American Ballet Theatre. Ms. Copeland grew up here in the Southland and came back recently to teach a Master Class and be recognized for her achievements. She also presided over the renaming of an intersection in the area that’s now called “Misty Copeland Square.”