Becoming Honorary Mayor – John Bagakis
Big Nick’s General Manager John Bagakis talks about his successful run for San Pedro Honorary Mayor, a fundraising contest for charity, which is sponsored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce.
The Importance Of Education & Work Ethic — General Peter Gravett
US Army National Guard Major General Peter Gravett tells the story of how important education was to his family. His parents grew up in the segregated south and moved to the LA Harbor Area to give their children a better life. Gravett is one of twelve children and he and eleven of of his siblings attended college (one passed away). Gravett grew up in two housing projects in San Pedro and rose from those humble beginnings to getting a post-grad degrees from USC and Harvard — and to the rank of major general in the Army National Guard. He was the first African-American in the 225 year history of the guard to become a division commander. Quite and inspirational gentleman!
How Big Nick’s Fed 2,000 Hungry Cruise Ship Passengers – John Bagakis
John Bagakis tells the story of getting to celebrate two consecutive major soccer championships, first with the unlikely victory by Greece at the 2004 European Cup and then two years later the 2006 World Cup championship won by Italy — a victory that meant so much to him that he gave away free pizzas at Big Nick’s, the restaurant he manages.
Tony Pirozzi Passed Away August 13, 2020
It’s a very sad day in San Pedro. One of the all-time greats of the Italian American community has passed away. Tony Pirozzi was a kind man who loved his family, his heritage, and the game of soccer.
The Peck Park Giants — Anthony Pirozzi
LA Harbor Commissioner talks about his dad immigrating from Italy on the Andrea Doria and the many ways he promoted Italian heritage in Los Angeles after he arrived, including starting a soccer club, co-hosting an Italian radio show, and promoting concerts that featured entertainers from Italy.