A Lifestyle Guide for San Pedro, California
Originally published Saturday, September 29, 2007
By Andrea Adleman
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
The Shops at the Eighth Street Lofts, a continuation of a $4 million project that began last December with
the opening of Caffé Port Town, will pass another milestone next weekend when the retail row
celebrates its grand opening.
The retail complex, which is being done in phases, includes clothing boutiques for children, teens and
women, a hair salon, a Sicilian-style pizzeria and a gelato counter serving Italian ice cream.
Several retailers opened for business in the spring and more new shops and eateries have been settling
in since then. The formal grand opening was scheduled for fall to give the shops and food counters time
to get situated and clear the dust before their official opening celebration.
"This is really a welcome addition to downtown San Pedro," said Adrienne Fedrick, an engineer for the
Port of Los Angeles who has contributed reviews to Yelp.com, a Web site that reviews neighborhood
restaurants and businesses. "It's great that downtown businesspeople can now walk to lunch and shop
for fashionable clothes right here in town. It's making San Pedro more classy and changing downtown
for the better."
Built to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian plaza, the Shops at the Eighth Street Lofts are a far cry from
the gritty swap meet that operated in the building before Ralph Galante bought and transformed it.
His European coffeehouse, Caffé Port Town, is the centerpiece of the Eighth Street Lofts lifestyle complex
at the corner of Eighth Street and
Pacific Avenue and was the first piece of the retail, dining, cultural and residential hub.
Galante designed the complex in tribute to San Pedro's Italian and Croatian heritage.
"I wanted to build a place to welcome the whole community," said Galante, a lifelong San Pedran of
Italian and Croatian ancestry. "It's for current and future generations to enjoy. At the same time, it's an
expression of respect for our past, our cultural history and the immigrants and laborers who built the
town."
And some clearly like what they have seen so far. "If this is the new San Pedro, bring it on!" Kim Stevens
writes on Yelp.com.
Stevens, a resident of the Palisades area of San Pedro, gave Caffé Port Town a five-star review.
So did reviewer Fedrick, writing, "I found the best food in San Pedro, accompanied by the best loft
space, the coolest hang-out spot, and the friendliest owner ever!"
Here is a look at some of the shops celebrating their grand opening Sept. 29:
Maral’s Designer Fashions
Maral’s Designer Fashions is a women’s discount clothing boutique with styles for all ages and tastes,
from contemporary to classic. Brands include Flax, Citron, Nooshin, Michael Stars and other popular
designers sold in department stores.
The shop also features hand-painted shirts by San Pedro artist Ivanka Sebez, plus jewelry, handbags and
accessories.
“My shop carries both coordinates and individual pieces to enhance any woman’s wardrobe,” said
owner Maral Malikyar. “I’ve always dreamed of working in fashion. I love clothes and I love the
opportunity to be my customers’ personal stylist.
“It’s so inspiring to be part of the glamorous changes happening at the 8th Street Lofts and all over
downtown San Pedro,” said Malikyar, who previously managed a cosmetics counter at the former I.
Magnin in Rolling Hills Estates.
Laura Denise Salon
Laura Denise Salon is a full-service hair salon owned by San Pedro resident Laura Barbato.
A local stylist for three decades, Barbato began her career in the late 1970s at the legendary Heads Up
Hair Design, which she describes as the “first happening salon in San Pedro.”
She co-owned Metro Hair Studio for 20 years until this spring, when she opened in the 8th Street Lofts.
Barbato’s expertise is color and corrective color. She honed her colorist’s skills while working on an
exclusive four-year project for the Nexxus hair care brand in the mid-1990s. The project involved
intensive, hands-on lessons and cross-country travel to fashion shows to fix flawed color treatments.
San Pedro stylist Yvette Ballard works with Barbato at the salon.
“I’m thrilled to be downtown,” said Barbato. “I’ve admired the Whale & Ale, the Grand Emporium, the
San Pedro Brewing Company and the other longtime businesses that have stuck it out. I wanted to join
the entrepreneurs down here and contribute to a fun, eclectic, urban scene.”
Barbato, whose maiden name is Ramaker, attended Taper Avenue Elementary School and Dodson
Middle School and graduated from San Pedro High School in 1976.
Coming attractions
At least two more stores will open for business in the 8th Street Lofts retail row: a flower shop and possibly
a shoe store. A concierge desk will be set up in the coming weeks to provide information about local
dining, attractions and real estate.
An upscale restaurant and bar called the Armory will open in late October. It will serve Mediterranean
fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner, with live jazz and blues music on Fridays and Saturdays.
The two-story Armory will host banquets for up to 150 people and accommodate smaller parties in
private alcoves. The bar and lounge will initially serve beer and wine, expanding to a full bar early next
year.
SPECIAL TO MORE SAN PEDRO
The Shops at the Eighth Street Lofts, a continuation of a $4 million project that began last December with
the opening of Caffé Port Town, will pass another milestone next weekend when the retail row
celebrates its grand opening.
The retail complex, which is being done in phases, includes clothing boutiques for children, teens and
women, a hair salon, a Sicilian-style pizzeria and a gelato counter serving Italian ice cream.
Several retailers opened for business in the spring and more new shops and eateries have been settling
in since then. The formal grand opening was scheduled for fall to give the shops and food counters time
to get situated and clear the dust before their official opening celebration.
"This is really a welcome addition to downtown San Pedro," said Adrienne Fedrick, an engineer for the
Port of Los Angeles who has contributed reviews to Yelp.com, a Web site that reviews neighborhood
restaurants and businesses. "It's great that downtown businesspeople can now walk to lunch and shop
for fashionable clothes right here in town. It's making San Pedro more classy and changing downtown
for the better."
Built to evoke the atmosphere of an Italian plaza, the Shops at the Eighth Street Lofts are a far cry from
the gritty swap meet that operated in the building before Ralph Galante bought and transformed it.
His European coffeehouse, Caffé Port Town, is the centerpiece of the Eighth Street Lofts lifestyle complex
at the corner of Eighth Street and
Pacific Avenue and was the first piece of the retail, dining, cultural and residential hub.
Galante designed the complex in tribute to San Pedro's Italian and Croatian heritage.
"I wanted to build a place to welcome the whole community," said Galante, a lifelong San Pedran of
Italian and Croatian ancestry. "It's for current and future generations to enjoy. At the same time, it's an
expression of respect for our past, our cultural history and the immigrants and laborers who built the
town."
And some clearly like what they have seen so far. "If this is the new San Pedro, bring it on!" Kim Stevens
writes on Yelp.com.
Stevens, a resident of the Palisades area of San Pedro, gave Caffé Port Town a five-star review.
So did reviewer Fedrick, writing, "I found the best food in San Pedro, accompanied by the best loft
space, the coolest hang-out spot, and the friendliest owner ever!"
Here is a look at some of the shops celebrating their grand opening Sept. 29:
Maral’s Designer Fashions
Maral’s Designer Fashions is a women’s discount clothing boutique with styles for all ages and tastes,
from contemporary to classic. Brands include Flax, Citron, Nooshin, Michael Stars and other popular
designers sold in department stores.
The shop also features hand-painted shirts by San Pedro artist Ivanka Sebez, plus jewelry, handbags and
accessories.
“My shop carries both coordinates and individual pieces to enhance any woman’s wardrobe,” said
owner Maral Malikyar. “I’ve always dreamed of working in fashion. I love clothes and I love the
opportunity to be my customers’ personal stylist.
“It’s so inspiring to be part of the glamorous changes happening at the 8th Street Lofts and all over
downtown San Pedro,” said Malikyar, who previously managed a cosmetics counter at the former I.
Magnin in Rolling Hills Estates.
Laura Denise Salon
Laura Denise Salon is a full-service hair salon owned by San Pedro resident Laura Barbato.
A local stylist for three decades, Barbato began her career in the late 1970s at the legendary Heads Up
Hair Design, which she describes as the “first happening salon in San Pedro.”
She co-owned Metro Hair Studio for 20 years until this spring, when she opened in the 8th Street Lofts.
Barbato’s expertise is color and corrective color. She honed her colorist’s skills while working on an
exclusive four-year project for the Nexxus hair care brand in the mid-1990s. The project involved
intensive, hands-on lessons and cross-country travel to fashion shows to fix flawed color treatments.
San Pedro stylist Yvette Ballard works with Barbato at the salon.
“I’m thrilled to be downtown,” said Barbato. “I’ve admired the Whale & Ale, the Grand Emporium, the
San Pedro Brewing Company and the other longtime businesses that have stuck it out. I wanted to join
the entrepreneurs down here and contribute to a fun, eclectic, urban scene.”
Barbato, whose maiden name is Ramaker, attended Taper Avenue Elementary School and Dodson
Middle School and graduated from San Pedro High School in 1976.
Coming attractions
At least two more stores will open for business in the 8th Street Lofts retail row: a flower shop and possibly
a shoe store. A concierge desk will be set up in the coming weeks to provide information about local
dining, attractions and real estate.
An upscale restaurant and bar called the Armory will open in late October. It will serve Mediterranean
fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner, with live jazz and blues music on Fridays and Saturdays.
The two-story Armory will host banquets for up to 150 people and accommodate smaller parties in
private alcoves. The bar and lounge will initially serve beer and wine, expanding to a full bar early next
year.
THE DOWNTOWN
VIBE COMES ALIVE
VIBE COMES ALIVE
Shops at the Eighth Street Lofts speak to a
new San Pedro with an Old World accent
new San Pedro with an Old World accent
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FROM CHEAP TO CHIC
Mother-daughter team sells fashions for the young and trendy
on the same site where Mom once sold swap-meet clothing
on the same site where Mom once sold swap-meet clothing
In 2000, Young Ja Zin needed a job and found one in the swap meet at 8th Street and Pacific Avenue.
She was hired to sell children’s clothes in a decidedly no-frills environment.
Bargain shoppers braved disorderly stacks of economy-grade t-shirts and a bundles of basic socks. It
was a feast for the thrifty, if not the fashionable.
Within a year, Zin, 64, had saved enough money to buy the store. She later expanded to juniors
clothing, continuing to stock simple, everyday items.
One day, Zin had a conversation with local businessman Ralph Galante, who was preparing to
redevelop the property into the 8th Street Lofts lifestyle complex.
Zin told Galante about her daughter, a successful fashion designer of teen girls’ clothes. Galante
thought the concept was a good fit for the Shops at the 8th Street Lofts.
In came daughter Jennifer, who opened Rebecca’s Closet with her mother this Spring.
Jennifer, 36, is the designer behind the Star Vixen label, sold in Nordstrom, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe,
Limited Too and other mall specialty stores. The line features fluid, drapey dresses and sleek, trendy tops
for the young and young at heart.
“The 8th Street Lofts are a very positive transition for the community,” said Jennifer. “My customers
really appreciate the higher quality shopping. They’re hungry for it.
“We appreciate [Galante’s] efforts to change San Pedro. I’m happy that my mom is not in the swap
meet any more. I’m happy that we could give San Pedro more style.”
Rebecca’s Closet carries fashion-forward clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers and teens. In
addition to Star Vixen selections, shoppers can find casual and party looks for juniors, plus jewelry, belts
and other finishing touches, all priced below retail.
Jennifer and her business partner launched Star Vixen in the summer of 2006. The company is
headquartered in downtown Los Angeles.
A graduate of California Design College, Jennifer had worked for other designers for 12 years before
starting her own line.
“I came to realize that my passion and forte was dresses, so that’s what became my focus,” said
Jennifer. “The most rewarding part of designing is to see people in my clothes. I’ve seen them in hip
Hollywood restaurants and in Las Vegas.”
She was hired to sell children’s clothes in a decidedly no-frills environment.
Bargain shoppers braved disorderly stacks of economy-grade t-shirts and a bundles of basic socks. It
was a feast for the thrifty, if not the fashionable.
Within a year, Zin, 64, had saved enough money to buy the store. She later expanded to juniors
clothing, continuing to stock simple, everyday items.
One day, Zin had a conversation with local businessman Ralph Galante, who was preparing to
redevelop the property into the 8th Street Lofts lifestyle complex.
Zin told Galante about her daughter, a successful fashion designer of teen girls’ clothes. Galante
thought the concept was a good fit for the Shops at the 8th Street Lofts.
In came daughter Jennifer, who opened Rebecca’s Closet with her mother this Spring.
Jennifer, 36, is the designer behind the Star Vixen label, sold in Nordstrom, Macy’s, Charlotte Russe,
Limited Too and other mall specialty stores. The line features fluid, drapey dresses and sleek, trendy tops
for the young and young at heart.
“The 8th Street Lofts are a very positive transition for the community,” said Jennifer. “My customers
really appreciate the higher quality shopping. They’re hungry for it.
“We appreciate [Galante’s] efforts to change San Pedro. I’m happy that my mom is not in the swap
meet any more. I’m happy that we could give San Pedro more style.”
Rebecca’s Closet carries fashion-forward clothing and accessories for babies, toddlers and teens. In
addition to Star Vixen selections, shoppers can find casual and party looks for juniors, plus jewelry, belts
and other finishing touches, all priced below retail.
Jennifer and her business partner launched Star Vixen in the summer of 2006. The company is
headquartered in downtown Los Angeles.
A graduate of California Design College, Jennifer had worked for other designers for 12 years before
starting her own line.
“I came to realize that my passion and forte was dresses, so that’s what became my focus,” said
Jennifer. “The most rewarding part of designing is to see people in my clothes. I’ve seen them in hip
Hollywood restaurants and in Las Vegas.”
A GLANCE AT
THE SHOPS
Laura Denise Salon
(310) 519-3436
Hours: Tuesday, 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; Wednesday,
2 to 7 p.m.; Thursday 11
a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
Maral’s Designer
Fashions
(310) 418-0109 or (310)
521-8661
Hours: Tuesday to
Saturday, 12:30 to 5:30
p.m. or by appointment
Rebecca’s Closet
(310) 547-5071
Hours: Monday to
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7
p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8
p.m., Sunday, 1 to 6
p.m.
Caffé Port Town
Casual Dining
(310) 547-0849
Pizza, panini, crepes,
salads and gelato
Hours: Tuesday to
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11
p.m.; Sunday and
Monday, 11 a.m. to 10
p.m.
THE SHOPS
Laura Denise Salon
(310) 519-3436
Hours: Tuesday, 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; Wednesday,
2 to 7 p.m.; Thursday 11
a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 8
a.m. to 5 p.m.;
Saturday 9 a.m. to 3
p.m.
Maral’s Designer
Fashions
(310) 418-0109 or (310)
521-8661
Hours: Tuesday to
Saturday, 12:30 to 5:30
p.m. or by appointment
Rebecca’s Closet
(310) 547-5071
Hours: Monday to
Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7
p.m.; Friday and
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8
p.m., Sunday, 1 to 6
p.m.
Caffé Port Town
Casual Dining
(310) 547-0849
Pizza, panini, crepes,
salads and gelato
Hours: Tuesday to
Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11
p.m.; Sunday and
Monday, 11 a.m. to 10
p.m.
