Advocacy
"Yes, the San Pedro Youth Coalition has been active in our community. You can find our “footprints” at Bogdanovich Rec Center, Peck Park, Daniels Field, Field of Dreams, 22nd Street Park, Fromhold Field, San Pedro High School gym, San Pedro High School Pirate Stadium, new Tee-Ball field at Bogdanovich, etc, etc, etc, etc."
- Mel Bobich, Co-Founder San Pedro Youth Coalition
22nd Street Park
Beginning in the early 1990’s the San Pedro Youth Coalition advocated for opening the old 20-acre tank farm at 22nd and Miner to the public. In 2003 and 2004, SPYC pressed for inclusion of a Sports Complex at the site as part of the waterfront redevelopment. Petition drives, press conferences and letter writing campaigns ensued. Ultimately, SPYC failed to achieve its vision of a Sports Complex at 22nd Street. Rather than disengage from the planning process because it did not get its way, SPYC stayed involved and worked side-by-side with other community leaders and organizations to open the land to the public. In 2008, the Port broke ground on construction of a 20 acre park at the site. SPYC is proud to have influenced the scope of the park to include over four acres of unobstructed flat grass for play. SPYC was invited by the Port to speak at the groundbreaking. SPYC continues to thank the Port for making this land available. SPYC will continue to advocate to preserve and expand sports facilities at other locations.
Knoll Hill - Eastview Little League
Knoll Hill - The San Pedro Youth Coalition is proud to have worked along side the Eastview Little League, the Port of Los Angeles, and Councilwoman Janice Hahn to bring little league baseball to Knoll Hill. With these facilities, children living nearest the waterfront have an opportunity to play Little League Baseball close to home. We must continue to work to provide and protect youth facilities so that they exist in close proximity to all of San Pedro’s children.
Mel Bobich Gymnasium
The gymnasium at Peck Park in San Pedro is dedicated to the memory of San Pedro native Mel Bobich, who championed opportunities for the youth of San Pedro. Bobich was instrumental in the development of youth sports facilities throughout San Pedro, including this gymnasium, gyms at Bogdanovich Park and San Pedro High School, and playing fields at Bogdanovich Park, Gaffey Street Field of Dreams, and 22nd Street Park. Bobich was a co-founder of the San Pedro Youth Coalition, developed to recognize San Pedro students’ academic and leadership achievements. As a humble volunteer, husband, and father of seven children, Bobich made it his life’s work to give back to his hometown community and foster the development of its next generation of leaders. In honoring Mel Bobich, this gym also honors all those volunteers who advocate for and support the youth of San Pedro.
Field of Dreams
After many years of letter writing, meetings, and red tape, the youth of San Pedro finally has a place to play soccer. The field at the corner of Westmont and Gaffey Streets is now the home to hundreds of young athletes on a Saturday morning.
