Joan Milke Flores

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

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.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

Joan Milke Flores was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Joan Milke Flores is a prominent political figure and long-time resident of Los Angele. She began her political journey by connecting with individuals and various community groups andn introduced the "Day in the District" initiative, allowing her to interact closely with constituents and understand their needs better. In the interview, Flores reflects on her upbringing in a politically active family, with her father involved in union activities. She discusses her initial reluctance to enter politics and how her work with the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce led her to run for the City Council. Flores recounts her early challenges as a woman in politics, facing gender-based restrictions in social clubs and needing to establish her credibility in a male-dominated environment. Flores highlights significant changes and developments in the Port of Los Angeles during her tenure. She emphasizes the transformation of the port to be more resident-friendly, with the creation of public spaces, museums, and the development of the promenade. Flores also initiated efforts to improve the local infrastructure, including the development of libraries in Wilmington and San Pedro and the establishment of the Cabrillo Marina. Flores shares her vision for the future of San Pedro and Wilmington, expressing mixed feelings about the rapid development and its impact on the community's unique character. She hopes new residents will respect the history and traditions of the area. Flores concludes with a personal anecdote about achieving her dream of living with a view of the port, describing it as "movable art.'


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