Categories: Briefs

Rebuilding the SP Elks Lodge Begins

By Ivan Adame, Editorial Intern

Almost a year after an arsonist burned down the Elks Lodge in San Pedro, community leaders hosted a groundbreaking ceremony, April 11. However, the costs and timing of rebuilding the lodge remain undetermined.

A former Elks member Nick Pecarich, a 79-year-old retired longshoreman, was arrested and charged with burning the original building down.

The original 34,000 square-foot lodge was built in 1968 at a cost of $1.5 million. Rebuilding the lodge nowadays will cost “far in excess of that,” said former exalted ruler Eugene DeAngelis.

Tentative plans for the new building designed by the architectural firm SRK were on display.

“One of the things we realized is that the Elks Lodge is not the building, it’s the people,” said Rep. Janice Hahn. “It’s every single one of you who holds the value of the Elk’s and the community in your heart and it’s very heartwarming today to see people walking here.”

During the ceremony, the city Fire Department Station #101 was commended for their efforts in fighting the blaze.

In commemoration of the groundbreaking, city leaders presented the Elks Lodge with certificates of special recognition.

 

[portfolio_slideshow]

Reporters Desk

Recent Posts

County to Protect Medi-Cal and CalFresh Access for 1.7 Million Residents Amid New Federal Work Requirements

The motion also calls for the expansion of workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments…

21 hours ago

Governors Briefs: CalRx® Insulin, $11 a Pen, Will Soon be Available and Appointment Announced

This launch marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to lower prescription drug…

21 hours ago

Purdue Student Paper Shows Solidarity With Rival

  After the Indiana University Media School fired its director of student media and banned…

22 hours ago

POLA Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year by LA Business Journal

  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Business Journal has given a top legal honor…

22 hours ago

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

1 day ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

2 days ago