Odds and Ends 144

While nothing seemingly is moving forward with any speed regarding Ponte Vista at San Pedro, today's Daily Breeze has and article penned by Nick Green concerning a plan to construct a 460-unit Senior Condominium Project in Torrance.

This fourth plan for an area along Carson Street may go before the Torrance Planning Commission in January, just about one year after its initial plans were brought forward.

It is true that this new plan is the fourth for that particular site and the other three have foundered, but perhaps the economic times are changing enough to allow for construction to move along.

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A great but short advertisement was published in the latest issue of San Pedro Today with the information from the Amalfitano family that after nine years of having Ramona's being closed, the new Amalfitano's Bakery will reportedly be opening in January.

I like the idea of new businesses opening up especially when they are being opened by old friends of OUR community.

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Odds and Ends 143

Well, it is surely late in the day to finally be posting this.

There's really nothing new that I can report to you concerning Ponte Vista at San Pedro.

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There is just over one month left until winter begins.

The comments by the Outreach Team earlier this year about bringing out the new plans and illustrations for Ponte Vista in the 'fall' seem to have slipped.

This is not unexpected by some of us. Perhaps something MAY come out by early spring.

Please do not hold your breath, though.

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On a personal note, I have taken on the chores and responsibility of being the Stage Manager for the Relevant Stage Theatre Company's production of "The Christmas Carol".

This production is different than Dicken's "A Christmas Carol" and features caroling during and between scenes of the classic story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and Bob and Maggie Cratchit.

Please visit www.therelevantstage.com for information about this wonderful show.

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Odds and Ends 143

The biggest news this week along Western Avenue is that work continues on Amalfitanos' Bakery.

The other smaller news is that it looks like P'Sketti has finally ended the experiment of having a drive thru Italian Restaurant in a community full of Italian Restaurants.

Having sampled dishes from so many restaurants in the area that serve Italian dishes, I think we can all agree that P'Sketti's food was nothing to write to Italy about.
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This blog dealt a few weeks about about a supporter of Bob Bisno's who went on to get elected to the city council of Rancho Palos Verdes.

I hope he serves the residents and businesses in that city well.

There are two other former supporters of Bob who are wonderful patrons of the art and deserve special mention for their thoughtfulness to OUR community.

Herb and Arlene Zimmer did not agree with those of us on our side of the issues surrounding Ponte Vista at San Pedro.

Herb and Arlene actually live in Rancho Palos Verdes.

The couple can be found attending concerts and theatre all over San Pedro and they have been gracious enough to donate to the arts in OUR community.

Herb and Arlene own a local print shop and if you need printing work done, you probably can't find friendlier folks to provide you printing needs.

Arlene and I served on Janice Hahn's Community Advisory Committee for the Ponte Vista at San Pedro Project.
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Ms. Angela Romero has a marvelous Web site dealing with her walks through the San Pedro community.

Her blog is San Pedro Block by Block and you can find it at: http://www.sanpedrobxb.com/.

She has already placed her feet on every street in northwest San Pedro, including S. John Montgomery, inside the fences of Ponte Vista.

You can read the archives of her blog to read about her adventures in northwest San Pedro.
She is currently strolling the area closer to Mary Star of the Sea as she heads ultimately to the coast.
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Odds and Ends 142

Let's start with some good news for many of us.

The lights are on and progress is happening at the site of the new Amalfitano's Bakery on Western Avenue.

Perhaps by the time the development team of Ponte Vista and their Outreach Team are ready to bring out the new plans for the project, they will be able to use great goods from the bakery to offer folks visiting the offices on the site.

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The least experienced candidate dealing with Rancho Palos Verdes matters and government received the most number of votes for two seats on that city's council.

That same individual was also helped by supporters who do not live in Rancho Palos Verdes to produce the costliest campaign of the seven candidates who ran for the two available seats.

This same person and several of his supporters worked for and with Bob Bisno.

Mr. Anthony Misetich will take one of two seats on the council in December.

I know that there will be plenty of eyes and ears open to the actions and words of Mr. Misetich as he serves on the city council.

The other newly elected member of the council is Mr. Brian Campbell.

He is an honest gentleman who will be a good addition to the council and he will serve Rancho Palos Verdes' residents and businesses well.

Mr. Campbell has experience as a developer and has a great deal of knowledge concerning Real Estate matters.

He and I have already talked about some issues relating to life on the east side of Rancho Palos Verdes and neighboring San Pedro.

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The lights have been out at P'Skettie for several days now, but the place still has tables and chairs visible through the windows.

The signs stating that the site is available remain up.

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During the Director's Report at the November 12 or November 19 meeting of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, there may be an update concerning Ponte Vista at San Pedro.

There is nothing else on the agenda of the November 12 meeting that involves Ponte Vista.

I think the "yada-yada" and "bla-bla-bla" will be reported on, which means that the plans are going along with the development team continuing to work with the Planning Department staff towards someday coming out with more information about the project.

My thoughts are turning to the idea that something may finally be revealed in the first quarter of 2010.

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If anyone believes that the interest in or the steering committee of R Neighborhoods Are 1 has disappeared, please understand that the sleeping giant rests and can be awakened at any time.

The organization's steering committee is made up of a group of people who remain in contact on a variety of matters and can spring into action on just about one moment's notice.

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This post ends on a sad note.

Mr. John McTaggart, one of the seven candidates running in our city's election, passed away one day following the election.

He placed third in the vote count.

Mr. McTaggart served our city for 20 years on the council and was our Mayor four times.

Mr. McTaggart was continuing his service to all of us on three different committees.

The Daily Breeze has an article on his passing and more importantly, his life of service to communities and residents.

Rest in Peace John McTaggart....you done good.