Former San Pedro Chamber of Commerce CEO Camilla Townsend tells the story of how she first became deeply involved in the community when she ran for Honorary Mayor of San Pedro. The contest winner is decided by the candidate who raises the most money for local charities. Although raising funds for non-profits was the biggest reason Camilla decided to run, she admits that being viewed as a “Real San Pedran” also motivated her.
November 3, 2022
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area – For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
SOLAHA Vol. III, No. 19 Camilla Townsend Campaigns for SP Honorary Mayor
Near national election day Nov. 8 here’s a timely tale, about running for SP Honorary Mayor, from Camilla Townsend former principal of SP Adult Learning Center, POLA harbor commissioner, executive director/CEO SP Chamber of Commerce, describing how she first became involved in the community and champion for teens.
Born and raised in Los Angeles Camilla has resided in San Pedro for nearly four decades. An educator for more than 40 years, she has taught at the high school, adult school and college levels. She was an assistant professor of education in the graduate schools of California State University, Los Angeles; California Lutheran College; Loyola Marymount University and UCLA Extension School, Now retired, she worked for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 38 years; serving as a teacher, Administrator of Public and Private Partnership Programs to the Deputy Superintendent of Schools, and as former principal of Harbor Community Adult School.
Her extensive community involvement has resulted in the creation of the annual San Pedro Teen Conference, the Harbor area’s Parent Education and Family Literacy Programs, and the establishment of the new Port of Los Angeles Charter High School (specializing in academics, international trade, and maritime studies); and founding board chair emerita Altasea.
Ever energetic, she currently maintains relationships as founding President Emerita Port of Los Angeles Charter High School Board of Trustees, Executive Director of the Maxwell H. Gluck Foundation (retired), among other commitments.