Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA Vol. VI) Pat Califano – Recalls Music, Cars & Cruising in San Pedro American Graffiti Scene
Founder of San Pedro’s Legends Car Club Pat Califano tells stories of growing up in San Pedro during an era when kids could hitchhike to Cabrillo Beach, teenagers had clubhouses in downtown, and cruising on Pacific Avenue in old classic cars as immortalized in the movie American Graffiti.
Pat is former fisherman ,tugboat operator, longshoreman, who previously has revealed with robust candor about his father arriving in San Pedro from isle of Ischia, Italy, and “boarding” at the home of his future mother-in-law and all about his mother one of seven sisters.
He attended Mary Star of the Sea from kindergarten through ninth grade then attended San Pedro High School (SPHS). He left SPHS before graduating to work with his dad, who was a fisherman, then went on to work for Crowley as tug boat operator. After that as longshoreman.
Pat is happily married to Irene (over 64 years!). They have two daughters Roxanne and Rosary (after his mother), three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.