June 4, 2025
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA Vol. VI, No. 6)
Longtime San Pedro leader James Brown (aka JB) tells the story of how he started San Pedro Brewing Company (SP Brew Co) the “Cheers” of San Pedro.and pals with friendly rival USC grad neighboring restaurateur John Papadaki,
James Brown was born in Concord, Massachusetts, one of six children (five girls, one boy) of Frank and Pat Brown. His (late) father was from Brookline (suburb of Boston) and attended Boston University. He was in ROTC Air Force and served in Korean war. His mother Pat haled from Brooklyn, New York. His parents at the Officers Club in Long while he was in the service and she a typist for Warner Brothers.
In 1969 the family moved to California and his dad attended graduate school at the University of Southern California (USC) film school. Mr. Brown inquired where best school system was and located the family in Palos Verdes (PV). He was well known journalist and Pat was in catering.
James attended PV schools from Silver Spur elementary to Rolling Hills High School. Growing up he was always involved in YMCA camps and programs such as Youth In Government. He continued his higher education University of Southern California (UCLA). He loves sports, is gregarious and buoyant, and enjoys beer!