PORT OF LOS ANGELES HOLDS CENTENNIAL QUILT CHALLENGE

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 14, 2007 – The Port of Los Angeles is celebrating its centennial anniversary with a call to Southern Californian quilters to replicate scenes from Port history through a Centennial Quilt Challenge.

The Centennial Quilt Challenge is being co-sponsored by the Friends of Banning’s Landing Community Center in Wilmington.  Entries will consist of original three-layered, hand- and machine-crafted quilts honoring L.A.’s rich maritime history.  All quilts will be on display at Banning’s Landing Community Center, where they will be judged on June 2 by visitors taking part in the Port’s “Steppin Back in Time” historical tour.

“We looked for unique ways to celebrate the history of the Port of Los Angeles during our year-long celebration,” said Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D., executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.  “A quilt brings together many diverse elements into a single fabric, very much like the Port itself.  We look forward to seeing these talented quilters’ designs.”

For more information on how to participate in the Centennial Quilt Challenge, visit the Port’s website at www.portoflosangeles.org or call the Friends of Banning’s Landing Community Center at (310) 847-7704.

Celebrating its Centennial in 2007, the Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port.  As the leading seaport in the nation in terms of shipping container volume and cargo value, the Port generates 259,000 regional jobs and $8.4 billion in annual wages and tax revenues.  A proprietary department of the City of Los Angeles, the Port is self-supporting and does not receive taxpayer dollars.  At the Port of Los Angeles, high priority is placed on responsible and sustainable growth initiatives, combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach.  For its industry leading environmental initiatives, the Port received two Environmental Protection Agency awards in 2006.  The Port of Los Angeles — A cleaner port.  A brighter future.