The Harbor Area Podcast

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailStep inside one of San Pedro’s most beloved landmarks — the historic Muller House. Built in 1899 and moved not once, but twice, this Queen Anne–style home holds over a century of stories, from its shipbuilder owner William Muller’s handcrafted woodwork to its role today as the headquarters of the San Pedro Bay Historical Society.In this episode, Joel welcomes back Mona Reddick and Donna Dragich to share the fascinating history of the Muller family, the house’s unique journey across town, and the preservation efforts that keep it a vibrant community treasure. You’ll hear tales of tugboats, mules hauling houses, reclaimed shipyard wood, and a family’s deep connection to San Pedro’s maritime past.Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of old homes, or simply love a good local story, this episode will transport you straight to the heart of the harbor.Support the show

Send us Fan MailAfter a brief hiatus, we're back with a deep dive into the organization keeping San Pedro's rich history alive - the San Pedro Bay Historical Society. This episode introduces two remarkable women who serve as guardians of our harbor's heritage: Mona Dallas Reddick, the Society's president and lifelong educator, and Donna Dragich, board member and fourth-generation San Pedran.Their story begins with loss - when urban renewal threatened historic Beacon Street in the late 1960s, concerned citizens formed the Society to ensure future generations would know what came before. Today, their mission extends far beyond preserving buildings. From beautiful painted tin trays rescued from the demolished Shanghai Red's waterfront bar to century-old ledgers showing who purchased the very first lots in town, they maintain an extraordinary collection of artifacts that connect us tangibly to our past.The conversation reveals fascinating hidden histories - the African-American community established here before the 1920s, the Japanese-owned storefronts on Terminal Island they're fighting to preserve, and the Mexican Hollywood neighborhood recently commemorated with official signage. Through landmark plaques, educational programs, and partnerships with local schools and organizations, the Society works tirelessly to document San Pedro's uniquely diverse community before more stories are lost forever.As development continues transforming our harbor, their work becomes increasingly urgent. "What exists today," Mona reflects, "in forty years from now is going to be somebody else's history. The work we do now is really with a nod to the future." For newcomers and multi-generational residents alike, understanding this shared heritage creates a deeper sense of community and belonging. Ready to explore your harbor's past? Visit their archives, attend an event, or consider becoming a member to help keep these essential stories alive for generations to come.Support the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is all about the Korean Bell which sits atop Angel's Gate Park overlooking the Pacific Ocean.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I speak with two guests about the San Vicente Lighthouse and some paranormal activity that has folks in town talking about ghosts that still reside there.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I will talk about the iconic Angel's Gate Lighthouse located in San Pedro, California.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I interview Joseph Gray and we talk about the Point Fermin Lighthouse.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I interview a very special guest; my mother. When she was just five years old, she and her sister would visit the Pike. In this episode, mom recounts some of her most favorite memories of the pike.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is About Elmer J. McCurdy. Elmer was a criminal who ended up being part of one of the attractions at the Pike. Listen in to learn what attraction Elmer belonged to.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is about Charles I.D. Looff and his contributions to the Pike in Long Beach, California.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode touches lightly on the bathhouse and then transitions into more of the attractions that were available at The Pike.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I talk more about the bathhouse which is also known as The Plunge and that Dance Hall. I talk about the significance of both types of entertainment and the significance both played in the early days of The Pike.Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I talk about the City of Long Beach and brush lightly across its history as a seaside resort. Support the show

Send us Fan MailSupport the show

Send us Fan MailHey folks this is episode 8. In this fourth and final episode, Michael Sanborn, and I reflect on what Phineas Banning would think of the modern day ports. We also talk about the museum, some of its latest installations.Support the show

Send us Fan MailHey folks in part three, we're going to talk about Phineas spanning politics, how his family continued the family business. Catalina island and how the Banning's operated the island for nearly 30 decades.Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Hey folks in this next episode Michael Sanborn and I talk about Phineas Banning serving in the United States military, building the Los Angeles railroad in just under one year, his work on the Los Angeles Harbor, and about Banning also running for the California state senate.  Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I interview Michael Sanborn, the Director of the Banning Museum. We will dive into the life of Phineas Banning including his family structure, personality, and some of his early accomplishments which include the establishment of a transportation empire, including his stagecoach lines and ultimately a Railroad in Southern California. Support the show

Send us Fan MailI this episode I will talk about California in the late 1840s and 1850s - also known as the time of the gold rush.  You could consider this episode more of a tickler for episode five, where I will dive into the life of Phineas Banning the founder of Wilmington, California, his contributions to Wilmington and San Pedro, including the economy of goods movement.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is about the indigenous people of the Harbor Area and the Los Angeles region - the Tongva. In the first part of the episode, I present some very light research on the subject area. In the second part of the episode, I interview Isaac Michael Ybarra - a local artist, historian, and member of the Tongva community.Support the show

Send us Fan MailThis episode is about the historical Ports O' Call Village in San Pedro, California and its modern rival, West Harbor. In this first part, I will dig into some interesting articles, I found online related to the development of the ports of call, its culmination, as well as its deterioration, which ultimately led to its demolition.  Support the show

Send us Fan MailIn this episode I interview Ryan Blaney. He shares the role of the business improvement district, his love for San Pedro, and some of the latest projects that are underway which of course includes West Harbor.  Support the show

Send us Fan MailHey folks, Welcome to the Harbor Area Podcast. I am your host, Joel Torrez. I moved to San Pedro in 2022. I am so fascinated by the Harbor area that I decided to create a podcast about the information I learn and share it with awesome listeners like you. This podcast is all about the Harbor area in Los Angeles, California.  Stay tuned! The first episode will publish on Monday 8/19/24 at [email protected] the show