Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Marifrances Trivelli
  • The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007.  As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.

Interviewee Sort descending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Dave Arian Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Dave Arian was born in 1946 in Los Angeles and grew up in the harbor area near Terminal Island. His father, known as "honest Lou," was a longshoreman and a significant influence on Arian's life. Arian began his career on the waterfront in 1969 and became involved in the labor movement, eventually serving as the international president of the union. He was elected president of Local 13 in 1984, a position he held for a significant period. His commitment to building future leadership marked Arian's involvement in the labor movement.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
David Freeman Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

David Freeman is recognized for his leadership role as the president of the Port Commission in Los Angeles, a position he assumed without prior knowledge of the port's operations. His tenure is marked by a proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community relations. Freeman's initiatives include spearheading a cleanup program aimed at reducing the port's ecological footprint and fostering a more harmonious relationship with the surrounding community.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Dennis McCarbery Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Oral history interview with Dennis McCarbery.   

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Don Taub Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Oral history interview with Don Taub.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Emilei Noceti Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Oral history interview with Emilei Noceti. 

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Enrico Salvo Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Enrico Salvo, an Italian native born in 1927, immigrated to the United States in 1955. His initial encounter with San Pedro came through his role as a merchant marine officer, a position that paved the way for his eventual settlement in Los Angeles. In the bustling city, Salvo carved out a career in logistics and transportation, demonstrating his acumen in the field by acquiring the company he was employed with.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Eze Burts Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Eze Burt is recognized for his influential role as the former executive director of the Port of Los Angeles, a position through which he made significant contributions to the port's development and operations. His professional journey is marked by his tenure at one of the most critical maritime facilities in the United States, where he navigated complex political and economic landscapes. Burt's background reflects a deep understanding of the port's history and the intricacies of its management, shaped by the vision of influential figures such as Mayor Tom Bradley.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Fran Giacalone Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Francesca Giacalone is a long-time resident of San Pedro, California, with a rich personal history tied to the town's development and the broader historical events of the 20th century. Born and raised in San Pedro, her life was shaped by the town's transformation during World War Two, a period that saw San Pedro become a bustling hub due to its strategic harbor and shipyard. Giacalone's early years were marked by significant local events, such as the 1933 earthquake and the Long Shore dispute, which had a profound impact on her community.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
Frank Herrara Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Oral history interview with Frank Herrara.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles
George De La Torre Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Oral history interview with George De La Torre.

Unknown Los Angeles, CA The Port of Los Angeles