Letters to the Editor

The End of Crafted?

I’ve been hearing alarming rumors about Crafted at the Port of Los Angeles.  I love Crafted and the Brewery, but from what people are saying their days are numbered.  I prefer not to be involved as Pedro is a small town and I don’t want to be shot as the messenger.

Having said that, these are the rumors I’m hearing, and too many people are grumbling for this to be idle speculation.  

I believe the group that operates warehouses 9 and 10 have a very long lease, but there seems to have been a significant management shake up recently.  Some are blaming Mike at the Port for threatening to jack up the property lease payments by more than 200%.  I recall this rent increase was attempted by the port a few years ago and a good number of Crafted supporters contacted wrote to the LA Harbor Board of Commissioners.  That seemed to quash it for a time.  I don’t know if that eventually led to the recent management shake up or not.  I have heard that many of the Crafters are very unhappy.  The new management has threatened to increase space costs despite existing leases.  I don’t know how they could but that’s what I’ve heard.  It’s also been said the people there are being charged for storage space for anything not physically in their booths.  In the past they never were, if space was available they were allowed to use it judiciously.

It seems odd to suddenly, after surviving the pandemic, squeeze the artisans to the point they can’t continue in business.  While things apparently ran smoothly for years, now the vibe there is chaotic.  

Here’s where it gets really strange.  People have said they want to replace the craft market with an outlet mall or a Mexican market.  I’ve also heard they plan to shut down the brewery.  I can’t imagine that.  Why would they do that?? 

Well anyway, I really don’t know that I can personally do anything.  I truly hope I’m just catching malicious gossip.  But my gut tells me there is something to all this.  I figured if anyone could successfully get to the heart of the matter it would be Random Lengths!

Greg Peccary

San Pedro

RLN spoke to Debbie Stinson of the San Pedro Art Association or SPAA at Crafted. SPAA has had a space at Crafted for 11 years, with no rate hike.

Stinson added the SPAA’s lease was up 2021. Stinson does expect to receive the anticipated rental increase that occurs with leasing but she’s fine with that because, she said, “We can’t rent any place in downtown San Pedro for the rent that we’re paying.”

Stinson went on to say that SPAA has no plans to leave Crafted and that booths at Crafted are being rented and have waiting lists.

Democracy or Trump

That’s on the ballot in 2024. Listen and hear what Trump is saying.

On Fox News at a town hall meeting, Sean Hannity asked Trump if he would be a dictator.

Trump said on his first day as President he would be a dictator and get rid of all the immigrants.

If you think that Trump is not dangerous, listen and hear what Trump will do as a dictator like his Russian buddy Putin.

Not in any particular order, Trump said:

1. Terminate the Constitution of the U.S. of America. This has been the law of the land and protected democracy for over 200 years.
2. Discontinue Social Security and Medicare for the elderly and disabled, which the American people paid into their entire working lives.
3. Get rid of Obamacare healthcare for 40 million Americans.
4. Overrule the Insurrection Act and control the military at his discretion.
5. Pack the White house with men and women loyal to Trump. Loyalty is Trump’s mantra.
6. Control the media. Trump wants people to see and hear only what he decides is the truth.
7. Dispose of all his political rivals. Remember Trump said, “I can shoot someone on Fifth Ave. and get away with it.” Emulating Hitler, his hero.

Trump means what he says and says what he means — there is no in between!

Sounds like fiction — Sad to say

It’s True!!!

Maya Angelou said, “When someone shows you who they are, believe them!”

Vote For Democracy!

Pray for Peace!

Sarah Maketansky

New Jersey.