Local Business Owners to Receive Tax Credits

San Pedro, Harbor Gateway Added to New Enterprise Zone

Harbor Area businesses got a boost this week with an announcement that the region has been included in a newly drawn state Enterprise Zone.

Businesses will receive up to $11,700 in tax credits in the first year for hiring local residents and those in hard-to-hire categories. The amount goes up to $35,400 for each hire over a five-year period.

But that's not all.

They also stand to benefit from sales tax credits on purchases of machinery, low-cost loans and a 35 percent electrical rate reduction from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

"These are very significant benefits," said Clifford Weiss, economic incentive zone manager for the city of Los Angeles.

"This is the holiday gift that the Harbor Area needed," Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn said in a statement.

-Donna Littlejohn (Daily Breeze Staff Writer).

Click on Daily Breeze article link to read more.

Violence in Wilmington Still Prevalent

Story excerpt from The Daily Breeze Newspaper

Man dies following Wilmington shooting

By Larry Altman Staff Writer

Posted: 12/13/2010 07:20:29 PM PST

Updated: 12/14/2010 08:28:47 AM PST

A 29-year-old old man died Monday from wounds suffered in a shooting in Wilmington, police said.

Jose Mercado was shot about 10:20 a.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of Alton Street. Police responding to a call of "shots fired" found Mercado lying on the ground. | » HOMICIDE MAP

He was shot in the head, police said.

Police had no description of any suspects and did not know a motive for the shooting.

Police asked anyone with information about the crime to call detectives at 310-726-7889.

- Larry Altman

Mariachi Christmas Concert

This Sunday, December 5th, La Fiesta Productions bring you and your families first class talent to the local Warner Grand Theater in San Pedro. A wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas Holiday season to the folkloric and traditional Mexican sounds of Mariachis!

For ticket information, please visit The Warner Grand website.

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And below is a little video of the mariachi cheer to expect this Sunday! Enjoy!

(It is unknown whether this specific band will be on the show roster).

The 48th Annual LA Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade

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U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Roger Laferriere to lead the 48th Annual Holiday Afloat Parade. Bundle up your family and friends and head to the waterfront for the 48th Annual Los Angeles Harbor Holiday Afloat Parade, starting at 6 p.m. in the Port of Los Angeles Main Channel. LA-LB Sector, USCG Captain of the Port Roger Laferriere will preside as Grand Marshal for this year's sparkling spectacular of boats decorated in holiday themes.

With the theme of "Peace on Earth," officials and community leaders will take part in the parade as judges or passengers on approximately 50 parade boats. Vessels of all shapes and sizes will participate, including powerboats, sailboats, tall ships and harbor working craft.

The parade, which is sponsored by the Port of Los Angeles, starts in the East Basin near Banning's Landing Community Center in Wilmington and takes approximately 90 minutes to cover the entire parade route up the Port's Main Channel. Spectators may view the procession from several points along the Port's Main Channel, including the Banning's Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water Street, Wilmington; the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, 600 Sampson Way, San Pedro; Ports O' Call Village, 1100 Nagoya Way, San Pedro; the Cruise Ship Promenade at Harbor Boulevard and Swinford Street in San Pedro; 22nd Street Landing, 141 W. 22nd Street, San Pedro; and Cabrillo Marina, 200 Whaler's Walk, San Pedro.

Viewers are invited to enjoy festive pre-parade events beginning at 3 p.m. at Banning's Landing Community Center and post-parade Fanfare Fountain holiday program at 8 p.m. at the entrance to the World Cruise Center in San Pedro. Trophies will be awarded in the following categories: Theme, Traditional, Humorous, Holiday Spirit, Best Animation, Commercial, Most Original, Children's Choice, Judge's Choice, and Grand Marshal's Award. Yacht Clubs will be vying for the coveted Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the club with the most entries.

The Wilmington Winter Wonderland!