Joe Radisich
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
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.
National Capital Contracting
Joe Radisich was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Joe Radisich, born and raised in San Pedro, California, comes from a family deeply rooted in the maritime industry. His father was a longshoreman, his paternal grandfather was a fisherman, and his maternal grandfather was a merchant marine. The interview explores Radisich’s childhood memories of growing up in San Pedro, highlighting the close-knit, blue-collar nature of the community, and the port’s central role in the town’s identity. Radisich describes San Pedro as a town where most residents were either directly employed by the port or had connections to it through small businesses. He remembers the vibrancy of places like Ports O'Call and Cabrillo Beach, emphasizing the changes over time that have shifted the economic focus from fishing to longshoring. Radisich also discusses the cultural diversity of San Pedro, noting the significant presence of second and third-generation immigrant families, including Italians, Croatians, Hispanics, and others. He reflects on his own upbringing within this multicultural environment and the influence of his Croatian and Mexican heritage. The interview covers Radisich’s involvement with the port both as a worker and as a member of the Harbor Commission. He shares his perspectives on the port's economic importance, the environmental challenges it faces, and the evolving relationship between the port and the surrounding community. Radisich also addresses the historical significance of San Pedro in the American labor movement, particularly its role in the longshore industry. The interview concludes with Radisich's thoughts on the future of the port and its potential as a unique attraction in the Los Angeles area.
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