President’s Corner 11.18.25

Greetings Neighbors:

The Holiday Season is definitely upon us.  Halloween is taking on a life of its own, figurines taller than many houses, lights and noises that make one quiver all added to the enthusiasm of the Holiday Season. 

VETERANS DAY: 

On November 11^th we honored our Military Veterans.  And both the United States Marine Corp and United States Navy celebrated their respective 250^th birthdays.  I can hardly wait for the 250^th birthday of our Nation July 4^th. 

YOUR SSCA AT WORK – NEIGHBORHOOD BEAUTY: 

Your Sidewalk Brigade has done an outstanding job on the corner of Mantis and Cumbre.  With the perseverance and donations by Mary Howard, and the leadership of Gordon Thomas, they turned this  somewhat blighted corner into a place of pride. Gordon along with other volunteers, cleaned up trash, put down ground covering, planted succulent’s and turned this corner into a spectacular spot overlooking San Pedro and the City of Los Angeles.  

CRIME & PUNISHMENT: 

The current unprecedented crime spree in South Shores is the worst in decades.   Organized, well-trained gangs are continuously robbing our homes.  They have technology to disable cameras and other security systems, stifling whatever protection we as homeowners have in place. 

The crime resurgence, has resurrected the idea of having a private security Patrol.  Although we are at the early stages of our investigation, there seems to be a need and appetite for such a service.  

Your SSCA formed an “ad-hoc-committee” to provide accurate and unemotional analysis.  You must be concerned that you and yours may be next for these thugs.  Please reach out to me personally via president@southshoresca.org. or www.southshoresca.org  or to other Board members.  We have a plan that is very affordable. 

In addition to the security patrol “Flock Safety” a derivative of LPR (license plate reader) is another option. As a community, South Shores should not, and will not be terrorized by a criminal element and enterprise to take or defile what we have worked and labored for.  

We are a community to be proud of together, not sit on the sidelines, we adapt and overcome any and all circumstances that stand in our way of enjoying the fruits of our labor.  For convenience, your SSCA is providing the contact information for you to immediately sign up with the security company.  The SSCA does not have any relationship, liability, or indemnification of the security patrol.  

NO STARBUCKS OR COFFEE HOUSE:

The Paragon Group decided to discontinue development of the B of A property.  They will be selling-divesting itself of both parcels of land that are adjacent to Smart & Final.   Rising cost, delays and loss of time are not friends to developers.  We as a community must be concerned about what a new buyer will bring.  Sometimes the problems we know is better than the problem we don’t.   

STREET VENDORS – YOUR SSCA WINS

Speaking of Smart & Final, the “vendors” are back in the area.  Void of any overhead expense, food safety laws and constrictions, proper insurance, wage and hour laws, rent, these businesses take money out of those businesses that border their illegal activity.

Your SSCA together with CyberWatcher’s are in close contact with LAPD and other authorities.  As a direct result of our/your efforts, the police recently moved the vendors.  This is your SSCA working for you.  

ILLEGAL DRIVEWAY BUSINESS:

Yet another disappointing occurrence is the existence of a weekend business on Cumbre, whereby a resident is selling goods purchased from abandoned storage lockers and selling them under the guise of a “yard sale”, this is a business not a yard sale.  It will stop.    

TUNNEL TO NOWHERE:

The Clearwater project still on HOLD.

The Ocean View Plaza, is coming soon now that the inclement weather has taken a break.

The SSCA is still open the formation of a Sunshine Committee (to assist neighbors in their grieving, or wellness process), needs more volunteer.  Please consider this meaningful outreach.     

DATES TO REMEMBER

1. Al D’Amico Toys for Tots 12.04, Keller Williams Realty Palos Verdes.
2. Harper & Hazdovac Toys & Canned Food Drive 12.06 at South Shores Elementary School (see flyer).
3. Cocoa in the Cul de Sac, Friday December 12, 1944 W. 26^th street
4. Holiday Lights Contest.  Judging by 12.14. Announcement 12.21, awards issued 01.09.26
5. Socialbles meet 01.18.26
6. Annual Business Meeting, Tuesday March 10^th 2026 at the Elks Lodge.   

The 2026 Membership campaign is off and running.  Our newest board member; Mike Naylor together with Brian Ward will be implementing several new concepts i.e. videos, block captain and of course the old neighborhood walk around.  

As always, new ideas and volunteers are needed to implement and support existing activities.  We constantly seek new members who possess energy, new ideas and willingness to roll up their sleeves and participate or lead.  

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL:

Remember, South Shores is where you chose to reside and make it home.  Together, lets continue to make it the safest and most enjoyable and friendly community in Los Angeles.                   

I urge you to visit the SSCA website at www.southshoresca.org or www.southshoresca.org/membership/join. for information pertaining to these and other timely events.