From Loss to Legacy: How the Community Is Reviving San Pedro’s Fishermen’s Memorial
In Spring of 2023 the Fishermen’s Memorial received some well needed maintenance. All of the lighting had been broken or wasn’t working due to 24 years of wear and tear and the hand painted large tile mural in front was beginning to separate from the wall. The concrete needed to be dug up and all the lighting replaced with new fixtures because there were no longer parts to repair the old fixtures. At that time, was a reserve fund set up for this from the original donations made from 1995-1999, and we were able to make the repairs. The tile mural was carefully taken down, tile by tile, cleaned and remounted with newer materials that will preserve it for many years to come. We caught it before the tiles fell and broke. A wonderful San Pedran named Frank Scotti immediately attended to the falling mural and did an outstanding job.
In late 2023-2024 most of the bronze plaques at the memorial were stolen. The memorial was stripped of the memories that the San Pedro community had of the Industry and left the community feeling sad and violated. Since that time, Kris Pielago( whose mother was part of the original memorial committee) has been working diligently with Councilmember Tim McOsker’s Office, The Port of Los Angeles, The Chamber of Commerce, Port Police, Blue Engravers (the original graphic artists from 1997-99) and Carra & Frankos the granite fabricators, to recreate the plaques in their original formation but in granite vs. bronze and metal.
By remaking the plaques in granite, they will withstand the test of time as so many memorials have used engraved granite for this reason. The beginning stages of replacing the plaques exactly how they were written is in the works and the new material will to ward off theft. This will create a beautiful memorial for the San Pedro community and for all to enjoy for many years to come. To date, six of the original plaques have been replaced and more are going into production.
The Port of Los Angeles has financially supported the replacement of 19 of the stolen plaques. When the grant was originally applied for in 2024, 19 of the 27 plaques had been stolen. Then, 4 more were stolen in subsequent months leaving only 4 originals.
The goal is to replace the 23 stolen plaques and then replace the 4 existing metal ones in the same granite to make the memorial uniform and beautiful once again. Additional names may be added at this time. Any additional plaques in the future will also be made in granite for continuity and beauty of the memorial.
Pielago is seeking donations to replace the additional plaques that were stolen and the existing four that are still there. Funds are needed to maintain the memorial for the future. Any donation is welcome and is a gift to San Pedro’s fishing history. Gifts are tax-deductible.
The Memorial was originally dedicated to the Town of San Pedro on April 25, 1999 and there is planned Re-Dedication ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for all to come see the Memorial in all its restored beauty. The goal is to have the majority of the stolen plaques replaced by then, if not, all of them.
If you or someone you know would like to be added to the existing plaques or create a new one, please contact Kris Pielago to start the process. All new names or any new plaques will be installed after all the existing plaques are replaced.
This has been an almost three-year project, and I am so happy to announce the progress and status of the replacement plaques
If you would like to add a name to the plaques, there are two options:
Single name: $150
This may have a nickname, legal name or however you would like this person to be honored. Please note if this is a Fisherman or a Cannery Worker. (no more than 24 letters including spaces)
Block: $300
This is a 2” x 3” space that may hold up to 3 lines. Often people put the boat name and the person(s) names to be honored. (top line no more than 17 letters including spaces, 2nd & 3rd lines can be up to 24 letters including spaces)
Please contact Kris Pielago by email, kpielago @ cox.net.