Testimonials & Other Stories
What People are Saying
Testimonials
“It reminded me of my childhood”
April 11, 2022
To SOLAHA oral history project Producers Jack Baric & Stephanie Mardesich, I loved Jack Baric’s story (Vol. II, No. 53) about growing up in San Pedro.
It reminded me of my childhood, when we had so much more freedom to explore and play outside than today’s children experience.
Thank you for making this story available
“Her memory is good but sketchy. She really lit up watching Anita..”
To Stephanie Mardesich & Jack Baric,
My mother and I watched several of the SOLAHA interviews this afternoon (Nov. 30, 2021), including Anita (Fistonich) Mardesich. Mother definitely remembers Anita, but not sure where they may have worked together. My Mom worked at Regan Company, Cal Ship, and the Chamber of Commerce. She came to San Pedro during the war, right after she was out of high school. Her maiden name was Polsley, then married my Dad, Al Johns.
Mom will be 96 in two weeks. Her memory is good but sketchy. She really lit up watching Anita and the others relative to her time in San Pedro. Thank you for doing these interviews – they are wonderful!
Best always,
“A wonderful way to preserve the amazing history”
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (SOLAHA) oral history project is a wonderful way to preserve the amazing history of the fascinating community I grew up in. As a native San Pedran, now residing in the State of Washington, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the collection of stories.
My parents – Nick and Lubie Lovrich – came to San Pedro as immigrants from Crikvenica (Croatia). Dad was a founder ( in 1926) and both were active in the Dalmatian American Club. He was in ILWU Local 33 (fishermen’s union), and both were avid supporters of American Legion and San Pedro High School baseball (my sport). After graduating from SPHS in 1962 I went on to play baseball at Stanford University, then earned a PhD in Political Science at U.C.L.A.
My doctoral thesis: Political Culture and Civic Involvement: A Comparative Analysis of Immigrant Ethnic Communities in San Pedro (1971) speaks to the valued and immense Croatian and Italian heritage of the locale.
Thanks to Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, District 4, for supporting this important project and her excellent opening “welcome” remarks. I hope there will be a Volume III to which I and others can contribute for the preservation of the history of a very special place in the world.
“A lovely piece”
Watched Perri Veganes story about kayaking and the shark at Catalina Island. It’s a lovely piece; well shot, nice sound & very watchable.
From Lodi, California
January 3, 2021
Dear Jack and Stephanie,
I was pleasantly surprised to find Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow online yesterday. I lived in San Pedro from 1959 through 1970 and attended Point Fermin Elementary, Dana Jr. High and graduated from San Pedro High School in S1970. For what it’s worth I was student body president at SPHS in those somewhat unsettled days. I have not lived in the Los Angeles area for a long time, but I cannot tell you how important San Pedro is in my personal history. I have always wanted to document some of what formed me so when I retired last year I wrote the attached as a first attempt.
I was so pleased to see your work and listen to some of the stories you have documented. It brought back even more memories to see these familiar faces and hear them speak. I have lots more anecdotes to share and I hope the time to put them on paper as well.
Please let me know if you are planning to continue with the project so I can follow along.
Great work, thank you sincerely!
“These oral histories ….. are PRECIOUS.”
“These oral histories of the LA Harbor Area are PRECIOUS. I would like you to know how much they are appreciated. ….. In the meantime, please know that your work is touching souls.”
“I was smiling the entire time”
“Such special moments”
“Thank you for providing an opportunity to share such special moments with the Wilmington and San Pedro communities. I enjoyed hearing the stories and meeting participants.”
“I found it very interesting”
“I checked out the stories website, and I found it very interesting. Your story is very interesting also.
I know a couple of Pedro guys that were also raised here. One is a real good story teller. I’ll give them the cards that you gave me.”
“So Very Interesting”
” Each time I see a glimpse into the pride and loyalty, and rich history felt by the diverse community that is San Pedro, I am impressed.”
“A terrific project”
“It was a wonderful night and what a terrific project!”
“Fascinating Stories”
“I just wanted to drop you a quick note on how much I enjoyed last night. The SPBC food was good, the beer tasty and the stories fascinating and a great mix of topics!”
“That’s A Good Story”
That’s good story. She is quite a spirit of the city. Thanks for sharing this project with us.
[Regarding the Irene Mendoza piece]
“Congratulations SOLAHA!”
I just watched a few of your stories (videos) and just love it. I think it’s important that we preserve and learn from our past. I was listening to Rudy’s story about the ship parades and how the whole community came together, and wonder if that’s what we need again to bring us all back together. …I look forward to watching more videos
In Response
Responding to Tim McOsker, Vol. II, No. 15 – How he purchased his home
Oh my gosh! I love Tim McOsker’s story! It makes me think of my mother’s Joyce (Metzger Samsel) house story.
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.