The Ports!

laserviceacademy.org News

LASA gathered on the edge of the Port of Long Beach to consider the San Pedro Port Complex.


Settling under some trees, students learned about containerization and then broke up into groups to conduct their own research on environmental justice work in the surrounding communities, automation and labor, and the history of the port.


After sharing what they discovered, we welcomed Al Peacock, a maritime law partner with Peacock Piper Tong + Voss LLP to discuss his work and to answer LASA’s additional questions about the space.

Together, we took a harbor cruise that provided information on the oil islands and the container traffic. Al helped us understand more about the vessels we passed and showed us an app on his phone that tracks vessels as they enter the port complex.


As we start to think about the year together, Anna considered the history of Terminal Island and that of the Japanese American families who lived there before they were forcibly removed during World War II and noted that “today, at the San Pedro port I recognized how much this
program has opened me up to Los Angeles.”

ALSO… One of our very own LASA students Ana Sarabia took part in the Clockshop’s Bowtie Storytellers program

Bowtie Storytellers is a two-part nature interpretation program for LA-area youth. Produced by Clockshop, Bowtie Storytellers aims to develop a new generation of park advocates and stewards who will help shape the future of LA’s urban parks.

You can check out their story here!