PORT OF LOS ANGELES ENCOURAGES VISITORS TO ENJOY EVENTS, VISIT LOCAL BUSINESSES

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — July 28, 2011 — The Port of Los Angeles is encouraging residents, visitors and military guests to visit the surrounding restaurants, shops and businesses throughout San Pedro during the remainder of Navy Week and other upcoming summer events.

“The Port is in the midst of its busiest summer ever with respect to community activities,” said Harbor Commission Vice President Dave Arian. “As a long-time resident,  I want everyone to enjoy these waterfront activities and to also know that they can visit our shopping and business districts feeling safe and secure.” 

“The Los Angeles Police Department and Port Police are working together to ensure the public has a safe and enjoyable experience in San Pedro,” said Capt. William Hayes, Commanding Officer of LAPD’s Harbor Division. “We are encouraging residents and visitors to visit our local businesses knowing that public safety is our primary concern.” 

“Port Police and LAPD are working together to keep the Port and surrounding communites safe, including using additional resources when necessary,” added Port Police Chief Ronald Boyd. 

There’s plenty of activities still on tap this summer after Navy Week comes to a close on Sunday.

• Thursday Evening Concerts at the Fountain – (Ongoing through September 8, 7–9 pm). The Port’s first summer outdoor concert series will takes place at Gateway Plaza Fanfare Fountain, California’s largest and most spectacular waterworks, located at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street just south of the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro. Have dinner and shop local businesses, then join us for an evening of entertainment. The free series will feature a different band and genre of music each week. Note: Concerts will not be held on San Pedro First Thursdays (August 4, September 1). 
• Taste in San Pedro at the Port of L.A. – (Friday, August 5, 6-10pm; Saturday, August 6, noon–9pm; Sunday, August 7, noon–7pm.)  For the first time, “Taste in San Pedro” will be held on the LA Waterfront at South Harbor Boulevard and West 1st Street.  This popular San Pedro event presented by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce will feature food and fun from 30 local restaurants, wineries, breweries and merchants, as well as live music, craft booths and children’s activities. 
• Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival – (Friday, September 16, 5–11pm; Saturday, September 17, 11am–11pm; Sunday, September 18, 11am–7pm.)  The world’s largest lobster festival – with a Guinness World Record to prove it – takes place at Ports O’ Call Village in San Pedro.  With fresh Maine lobster meals flown in daily, “Lobsterfest” has been a South Bay tradition since 1999. The event includes live music, games, rides, and all kinds of food and fun for the entire family.  Look for more details at www.lobsterfest.com.

The Port of Los Angeles is America’s premier port and has a strong commitment to developing innovative strategic and sustainable operations that benefit the economy as well as the quality of life for the region and the nation it serves.  As the leading seaport in North America in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates more than 830,000 regional jobs and $35 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  The Port of Los Angeles – A cleaner port.  A brighter future.