President’s Corner 01.20.26

Greetings Neighbors:

Happy New Year!

The page has turned on 2025 and we have 2026 going forward.  Hopefully, the happiness, camaraderie, friendships new and old, that were shared during the Holiday Season will continue into the new year and grow exponentially.  As I’ve often said “…we are in this together…” so let us work together, enjoy each other’s company, respect each other, agree to disagree, but not hate someone for disagreeing.  A person’s character is not defined by his skin color, religion, ancestry, political affiliation, but rather by what he or she does.  That’s is the America I know and love.      

HOLIDAY LIGHTS:

This year’s participation was tremendous making the selection process difficult.  However, the winners were:

1. Jamie & Angela Disalvo, 1^st 
2. John & Maria Mattera, 2^nd 
3. Scot Coffen 3^rd

The overwhelming participation, has opened up the discussion to further expand the contest into possible sub-divisions and categories.  Stand by!  

YOUR SSCA AT WORK: 

The Ocean View Plaza, is approaching “work in progress” stage.  Weather permitting, work scheduled to begin 02/02/2026.  

What was a overgrown, blighted grass divider on Paseo del Mar should now be a pristine, clean beautiful corridor.  BIG “THANK YOU” goes out to Councilman Tim McOsker for making this happen.  Once the Councilman’s office was aware of the contractor having been fired (for noncompliance) quick and decisive action was planned and implemented and completed 01/25/2026.

Sociables, continue their mission, next meeting 02/22. Likewise, so too the Sidewalk Brigade continued watering and clean up at Cumbre & Mantis.

CRIME & PUNISHMENT:

Not quite sure of “cause & effect” relationship, but it does appear the hiring of Secure America Protection Services has had a slowdown effect on South Shores crime.  However, several properties adjacent to South Shores continue to be targeted.  For information purposes Secure America Protection Services, can be reached at 833-483-9567, or secureamericaprotection@gmail.comI. I encourage ALL South Shores residents; members and non-members alike to visit the SSCA website for very informative YouTube videos prepared by our board member Mike Naylor. 

Video #1

Video #2  

The above are strong indications that South Shore residents will not be terrorized, bullied or intimidated into submission by criminals.

Safety, comments, or recommendations can be sent to:

bob@cyberwatch22.org,  president@southshoresca.org,  www.southshoresca.org

Unfortunately, the e-bike task force has not had much success in curtailing the e-bike nuisance and imminent danger to South Shore residents. 

25^th & WESTERN:

Other than the appearance of a new “Lease” sign there is nothing tangibly new to report.  Other than the present owner trying to make lemonade out of a lemon.     

STREET VENDORS:

Not sure if their gone for good, or taking a hiatus, but nonetheless their absence has not been missed.  This battle too, will continue.   

ILLEGAL DRIVEWAY BUSINESS:

Again, this issue seems to have subsided.  However, it’s anticipated to resurface due to the 10 individual days allowable in one year.  The particular location in question has gone on record “…stating the item offerings are the result of excess goods, not a business…”   

TUNNEL TO NOWHERE:

Drilling continues on Western Ave, exploring the breech experienced some 390 feet below.  Dig they must.  

LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR:

Wow, is this a tough subject to explain and write about.  At this time, we know very little about this situation, except to say that it’s critical and time sensitive.  Some residents may already know that discussions are underway about the future of Little Sisters of the Poor property on Western Ave.

The organization now running this facility, (on an interim basis) will be leaving.  The reason for leaving is that various inspections revealed several violations which prohibit their continuance.  

Fred Brown Recovery Services, Inc. (FBRS) runs several homes in San Pedro that house “justice-involved, unhoused residents.”  None of these homes house more than 6-12 residents.  To the best of our knowledge and understanding FBRS has expressed interest in purchasing the property, pending Round 2 funding from the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) grant.   FBRS recently submitted an application to Sacramento for public bond money, apparently to purchase and run a new huge facility on the Little Sisters property.  

In its final stage, this facility may accommodate hundreds of residents on its 5.2 acres footprint.    

As of today, Fred Brown Recovery Services, Inc. has submitted an application to purchase and run this facility.  This is the same FBRS who now run 31 smaller; 6 or 12 residents, throughout San Pedro.  This facility, as is, can accommodate a minimum of 100 residents.  This in and of itself rases several concerns and questions.

1. Can FBRS safely, securely handle such a huge, perhaps 12 times larger facility – a giant “complete recovery and integration” facility located within South Shores Community?
2. Based on a foot print of 5.2 acres, can this facility be expanded to 500, or 700?
3. Where is the money coming from, and who profits?
4. What security can be guaranteed for the neighborhood?
5. What security can be guaranteed for the residents?
6. How will we handle the huge impact on neighborhood Fire, Police, Paramedics, Public Utilities, Traffic, Sewage, Hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care facilities and other infrastructure considerations?  
7. Has there been public outreach to discuss these and other questions? 
8. What better alternatives exist, if any? 

These are but a few of the questions that need to be answered.  The real problem, as the writer sees it: will or can these and other questions be answered to the satisfaction of South Shore and San Pedro residents? 

One only needs to remember all the inaccurate rumors, hot opinions, ideas, finger pointing and upset neighbors during the B of A, Starbucks Drive thru issue.  

The South Shores Community Association supports compassionate care for individuals in recovery and those experiencing mental health challenges.  At this stage, our focus is on transparency, public process regarding FBRS Serenity Recovery Campus and understanding of ALL potential risks and community impacts.  Community input is an essential component for any future proposal. 

The FBRS proposal and any future proposals should involve multiple reviewing agencies and public processes, during which community input is an essential component.  A project of this size and impact warrants careful review, unemotional and open dialogue.  

My GOAL in this month’s Presidents Corner, is to make everyone aware, nothing else.   We take no position at this time.  We are informing and seeking facts.  

Be assured, there will be more to come.  We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.  We will not let this issue die, or fester.  Additional updates will be forthcoming.                      

WANTED: (repeat) 

The 2026 Membership campaign is off and running.  We are seeking volunteers to serve as “block captains” to solicit participation and membership.  This campaign, is being spearheaded by our “young Turks” Mike Naylor, Brian Ward, Erin Sato and Gordon Thomas.  SO PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, HELP.  ROLE UP YOUR SLEEVES AND MAKE THE SSCA WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE!  

LEGACY:

If you are a long-time resident of South Shores, have memories you’d like to share, important and interesting information regarding South Shores, please reach out to the SSCA and be part of creating this legacy.  Your SSCA secretary, Jerry Gaines secretary@sothshoresca.org (55-year SSCA member). 

DATES TO REMEMBER

1. Socialbles meet 02.22.26
2. Annual Business Meeting, Tuesday March 10^th at the Elks Lodge.   

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.   

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.  

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.