Longtime executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor Area provides the history of the San Pedro club and the transition from being the Boys Club to a more inclusive Boys & Girls Club.
July 14, 2022
SOLAHA Vol. III, No. 9, Mike Lansing director Boys & Girls Club reveals history of founding of San Pedro Boys Club in 1937…….
Executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Los Angeles Harbor (B&GC) provides the history of the San Pedro club founded in 1937 by Civitans Club and business men, and the transition to include girls c. 1995
Many will remember the Boys Club that in 1950s had moved into the former San Pedro High School property 12th & Cabrillo Streets) that was a “haven” for preteen and teen aged boys who particularly enjoyed sports in the old gymnasium with basketball hoops, and playing “caroms.” I recall my older brother going there for that uniquely fun game, and playing little league in the adjacent field that’s now Vons market behind the club.
Mike Lansing assumed leadership in c. 1994 and around that time it was determined that there were many girls participating so the mission changed to include girls and rename the organization. Today membership is @51% girls.
Mike’s personal history as a teacher, athletic coach and former member of the Los Angeles Unified School District board of education prepared him well to be at the helm of the B&GC serves nearly thousands of young people (in locations from SP to Wilmington, Harbor Gateway and more) and has many outstanding athletic, aesthetic and academic programs including “College Bound.” For more see the website: www.bgclaharbor.org/