Former ILWU International President David Arian who also served as Vice President of the Los Angeles Board of Harbor Commissioners was remembered one year after his passing with a ceremony that dedicated a street and bench in his honor on February 8th in San Pedro. The event was attended by rank-and-file ILWU members from all over Southern California, elected officials, friends, family and community members who were influenced by Arian’s life and work.
Speakers included ILWU International President Willie Adams, Local 13 President Ray Familathe, Los Angeles City Council members Joe Buscaino and Mike Bonin, Los Angeles Supervisor Janice Hahn, Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, Harbor Commissioner Diane Middleton, and Dave’s daughter Justine Arian-Edwards. Coast Committeemen Frank Ponce De Leon and Cam Williams also attended the ceremony.
Dave Arian Way: (L to R): Coast Committeeman Cam Williams, ILWU International President Willie Adams and Coast Committeeman Frank Ponce De Leon were on hand to celebrate the life of Dave Arian during the street naming ceremony in San Pedro.
On January 10th, the port approved the renaming of Miner Street south of E. 22nd Street, to be known as “Dave Arian Way.” Before the renaming ceremony, a plaque naming a nearby bench in Dave’s honor was also unveiled.
The bench overlooks the Angels Gate Lighthouse where ships enter and leave the port. It was one of Dave’s favorite places to sit and reflect on the many issues facing the port.
President Adams described Arian as a maverick and visionary.
“Dave’s legacy is felt worldwide,” said Adams, who noted that the ILWU received condolences from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.
“But Dave never forgot that he was a rank-and-filer. Dave represented the best of the working class and he fought for the people who couldn’t fight for themselves. He was one of the last of the ILWU giants.”
Familathe’s remarks emphasized Arian’s deep roots and history in San Pedro and his commitment to improving the port and investing in the workers who operate the docks.
“Dave was about labor and the community. He loved the ILWU but he loved this community,” said Familathe.
“Dave was about investing in human capital. And as we expand this port, we hope that human capital will continue to be invested in.”
Dave’s daughter Justine recalled how her father taught her to drive on the street that will now bear his name.
It will be a great honor to walk and bike along Dave Arian Way with my children,” she said, adding that a committee is being formed to organize an annual march or political event to honor Arian’s memory and legacy.
