San Pedro, California
Population (2000): 58,622
Location: 33.732368 N, 118.289053 W
Harbor town just south of
Los Angeles, on the edge of the
Palos Verdes Peninsula and one of the busiest ports on the
Pacific Ocean. Shipping and commerce dating back to 1542 has led to an incredibly diverse culture. Working class until recently, now in danger of becoming a
gentrified bedroom community.
Locals call the town just Pedro, pronounced "PEEdro," not "PAYdro."
Most famous residents: the late novelist and poet
Charles Bukowski, b.1923, d.1994, and
punk rock bass player and songwriter
Mike Watt, b.12/20/1957.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, City of San Pedro.