On the morning of August 6, 1846, Juan and Jose Sepulveda were at the Port of San Pedro and spotted an American Warship and sent word to the local Mexican army. This ship, commanded by Commodore Robert Stockton, had been sent to San Pedro by President Polk, to seize California in the name of the United States, after hostilities had begun with Mexico on April 25, 1846. On August 11th, Stockton began to march his troops from San Pedro to the pueblo Los Angeles. The local Mexican soldiers, unprepared to defend the city, fled to Mexico, and on August 13th, Stockton rode into Los Angeles without firing a shot. Stockton, returning to Monterey, left Lt. Gillespie in charge of Los Angeles. Lt. Gillespie proved to be particularly unsuited to command the city, and after issuing a number of very d... 05/30/2011

The State Lands Agency of California, which administers Port Lands within the State of California, has recently ruled that the proposed plans for a park on the top of Knoll Hill in San Pedro are not consistent with the State Tidelands Trust which regulates the permissable land uses on State Tidelands and Port Property. A citizens committee had proposed that the land be improved with backstops that would be used part of the year by the Eastview Little League, and as general park use for the rest of the year, and would also have a children's playground. The Agency ruled that land uses must be of a Regional nature and not just serve a local use, and determined that the proposed uses were only local in nature. They have also indicated that a dog park, which is currently at the base of the h... 05/22/2009

By 1835, San Pedro had become the most important port on the Pacific Coast. Because of shallow water and mud flats, ships had to drop anchor about a mile off shore, and small boats would then transfer passengers and cargo ashore. These would often capsize, spilling both passengers and cargo into the muddy water. During this time, the Sepulvedas built a crude dock and landing at the base of cliffs near present day Fourteenth and Beacon Streets in San Pedro, which became known as Sepulveda Landing. San Pedro in 1850, Dead Man's Island in the background In 1851, 21 year old Phineas Banning arrived in San Pedro from Philadelphia. Banning, and his partner, George Alexander, soon began operating a stagecoach service from San Pedro. When August Timms bought the Sepulveda Landing, early in 1852... 04/04/2009

The Vue is now leasing at least 4 units which showed up on the MLS today.  They are 2 bedrooms listed for lease for between $2200 and $4500 a month. They also listed one unit for sale on the MLS for $554,204.  This one is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath 1045 sf unit. The MLS can be viewed through my website at www.RebeccaChambliss.com I also spoke to another attorney who explained how they organize the purchase contracts to be "iron clad."  That developments now use these contracts that are virtually impossible for the buyer to regain their deposit if they default.  The issue is always being sure to READ the contract and understand it so you know what you are getting into.  The other issue is making sure in any real estate purchase that you have excellent single sided representation, whether that b... 03/16/2009

As the calls and emails continue to come in asking for information about what is going on with the condos downtown, I am well overdue for an update. The Vue has been renegotiating contracts with buyers apparently.  Price and terms are both up for negotiation, I also hear they are working with a new lender who might be a little more flexible with buyers. There are a number of people who have said they are walking away.  There is an attorney negotiating with the Vue attorneys to settle with a group of buyers who are unable or unwilling to close.  There are other buyers who are closing and planning to move in.  I haven't seen anyone there yet but I do know they are leaving lots of lights on at night to make it appear well lived in. I haven't seen the offering plan, but I might suggest thos... 01/22/2009

There have been significant improvements made to the San Pedro Waterfront recently, with much more to come. The overall project is called "From Bridge to BreakWater", and is planned to be a 30 year build out for the complete project. The first phase of the project being implemented is the Gateway Plaza and the Cruise Ship Promenade. As stated in the San Pedro Waterfront Improvement website, "The project concept involves development of a public pedestrian promenade, an entry plaza, streetscape and pedestrian enhancements, and street intersection improvements. The purpose of this project is to make improvements to the gateway area to the Port and to meet the following objectives:~ enhance public access to the waterfront; ~ provide an attractive pedestrian-friendly corridor ; and ~ provide... 10/07/2008

Today I called the sales office for the Vue.  I identified myself and was quickly transferred to the sales manager.  I started to ask questions and she refused to answer them.  She was quite rude and with a raised voice said, "We KNOW who you are!"  Gosh, the power of a little blog. She insisted that 80% of the units were sold and that they were closing in October.  I asked how many units were still available and it was, "80% sold! 80 sold!" like a robot.  I find that odd since the ads have claimed 80% have been sold for over a year. She questioned my motivation for wanting information and refused to give me any information.  At one point she asked if I'd like to come down and look at their sales record and my reply was, "if that is an invitation, then yes."  She then told me it was non... 08/04/2008