On a warm April evening in San Pedro, an auditorium filled with ocean lovers, conservationists, and curious locals gathered for a night of film and inspiration. The occasion? A special installment of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour, hosted by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. But beyond the global stories on screen, a bold, local message was taking center stage: Respect the Locals.
The phrase, now immortalized on a vivid poster, anchors a new awareness campaign led by Alida Post. The design—featuring a brilliantly rendered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly—isn’t just art for art’s sake. It’s part of Alida’s mission to spark deeper connections between people and the fragile ecosystems they live among.
“People kept assuming it was John’s project,” she laughed, referring to her husband, famed artist John Van Hamersveld. “I had to keep correcting them—this is my project! He’s just the guy with the pencil.” That “guy with the pencil” happens to be one of the most celebrated visual artists of his era, and his signed, limited-edition posters are now helping raise funds for habitat restoration and conservation work across the Peninsula.
The butterfly featured on the poster isn’t a random choice. It’s an endangered species native to the area—small, brilliant, and increasingly rare. Proceeds from the poster sales go toward protecting this butterfly and its habitat, as well as supporting the nonprofits and wildlife care centers that make up a tight-knit conservation community in San Pedro and beyond.
One of those partners is the Marine Mammal Care Center, a crucial facility offering around-the-clock care to injured and sick marine animals. Just minutes away are two other critical organizations: the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and the International Bird Rescue Center. Alida hopes Respect the Locals will be a unifying effort that brings more visibility—and more funding—to all of them.
“There are so many people doing incredible work in this small pocket of the South Bay,” she said. “Why not connect those efforts through something visual and powerful that sparks conversation?”
The campaign launched during a highly successful weekend of film screenings, with over 700 attendees across two venues. Along with the films, the events featured engaging guest speakers, including wildlife advocates, educators, and local leaders. John Van Hamersveld attended in person to sign posters, while Alida introduced the project and its purpose to a captivated audience.
The early buzz has been promising. Posters are currently available at partner locations, and those who can’t purchase in person can request one by emailing Alida directly. Each print is $50, signed, and helps fund real conservation efforts—from trail work to invasive plant removal to wildlife rehabilitation.
With strong community response and a clear purpose, Respect the Locals is shaping up to be more than a one-time art drop. Alida envisions a growing series of artwork that highlights different species, centers, and challenges facing the local environment. The common thread? A call to respect the creatures and habitats we share our coastline with.
“This is just the beginning,” Alida says. “If we want to protect what’s special about where we live, we have to start by paying attention. That’s what this project is about—seeing, appreciating, and respecting the locals.”
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