WELCOME!
EXPLORE the Peninsula | WINTER+SPRING | 2025
As spring awakens across the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the hills turn a brilliant green, wildflowers begin to bloom, and the ocean sparkles under the longer days of sunshine. With this edition of EXPLORE the Peninsula, we invite you to embrace the season and immerse yourself in the beauty, history, and hidden treasures of this remarkable region.
In these pages, you’ll find stories that highlight the breathtaking vistas, the preserved open spaces that make our Peninsula so unique, and the rich history that continues to shape our community. Whether you’re rediscovering a favorite trail, visiting a local landmark, or uncovering a new spot to explore, this issue is your guide to experiencing the magic of the Peninsula.
Whether you call this place home or are just passing through, we hope this edition inspires you to appreciate all that makes the Peninsula so special.
Happy reading, and happy exploring! Warm regards,
Kristin Borden
Publisher, Managing Editor & Owner
PV Publications 310-940-1445 kristin.borden@palosverdesmagazine.com explorethepeninsula.com
Follow us on Instagram! @palosverdesmagazine
PV Magazine has partnered with www.onetreeplanted.org
THE TEAM
LANE BuLLARd
Creative director | Graphic design lane.bullard@palosverdesmagazine.com
CINdy dONNELLy
Community Calendar, Special Advertising Section, Content Creation cindy.donnelly@palosverdesmagazine.com
MELANI EdELSTEIN
Writer melani.edelstein@palosverdesmagazine.com
KAMALA KIRK
Ad Sales kamala.kirk@palosverdesmagazine.com
Abalone Cove
Cover Photo by Erik Jay
T he Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy manages over 1,700 acres of land. The Conservancy controls fire-prone invasive weeds with the help of goats and replaces them with local native plants that help imperiled wildlife species like the Palos Verdes blue butterfly, monarch butterflies and others.
You can help to bring eco-friendly goat grazers to eat invasive weeds such as fennel!
When you “adopt a goat,” we will thank you for your gift by inviting you for a photo session with “your” goat. A GIFT OF $200 will help pay for one goat for one day and will prepare land for beautiful plants to become a home for threatened birds and other wildlife; or A GIFT OF $500 for ½ week!
We need your help! f
Make a Gift
Adopt-a-Goat for $200 or more and receive an invitation to get a portrait with the hungry goat grazers!
Spread the word To friends by sharing this ad and joining our mailing list
Adopt a Goat Today!
Volunteer your time
By signing up online to receive mail about the dates/times for volunteer events in the field and in the office
Help create butterfly refuges in your own backyard by purchasing native plants for butterflies at pvplc.org/plant sales
From panoramic views to exhibits, there’s something for everyone to do on the Peninsula
Marineland of the Pacific
A hidden history beneath Terranea Resort delighted locals and vistors alike
Marine Mammal Care Center
From rehabilitation to education, this Center invites the public to see what a postiive impact people can have on our aquatic neighbors 12
Weddings at Terranea
With a view like hardly any other, Terranea is a premiere wedding venue, and goes above and beyond for one fire-displaced couple 20
Point Vicente Lighthouse Nears 100
For nearly a century, this landmark has guided sailors and drawn visitors
We spotlight some of the locally owned restaurants and businesses in and around the Peninsula
Spotlighting some of the Peninsula’s best
THINGS TO d O
PV magazine’s community calendar has it all! scan Qr code to see what’s happening around the Peninsula!
Saturday, March 1, April 5, May 3 and June 7 at 10:30am
First Saturday Guided Nature Walk at George F Canyon Nature Preserve Naturalists will guide you along a trail through the preserve to discover a unique variety of wildlife in their canyon habitat with amazing views of the LA Basin. Meet on the back patio of the Nature Center and come inside to explore after the hike. pvplc.org
Saturday, March 15, April 19, May 17 and June 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Peninsula Origami Group Meets at Historic Malaga Cove Library
The Peninsula Origami Group meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month at the Malaga Cove Library 12 PM - 3 PM. Origami has many benefits! It helps develop hand-eye coordination, sequencing skills, attention skills, patience, temporal spatial skills and problem-solving abilities. Origami promotes mindfulness and is a great stress-reliever. Plus, it’s fun! Free. All ages are welcome to join! Enjoy exploring the charming historical library and adjacent park and fountain. pvld.org
Sunday, March 16, April 20, May 18, and June 22 at 1pm and 3pm
Family Science Sundays at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro
Join us every third Sunday of the month for Family Science Sundays at the Marine Mammal Care Center! Dive into an enriching family experience led by our experts, where you and your loved ones will embark on a captivating one-hour journey delving into ocean conservation, marine mammals, and beyond. This event is free and includes access to MMCC’s full visitor experience, including patient viewing and our interactive exhibit hall. For families with children ages 8 and up. Free. Reserve your spot at marinemammalcare.org/events
Sunday, March 22 at 9:00am to 11:00am
Los Serenos de Point Vicente Guided Nature Walk at Forrestal Nature Reserve
One of the natural beauties of the Peninsula is the 155-acre Forrestal Reserve. The reserve serves as habitat for the federally protected California gnatcatcher and as habitat for ocean milk vetch the host plant for the Palos Verdes blue butterfly. We will see evidence of the geological history of the Peninsula. Distance: Approximately 1.4 miles round trip. Moderate to Strenuous. Free. www.losserenosrpv.org
Saturday April 5 from 9:00am to 11:00am
Los Serenos de Point Vicente Nature Walk at Ocean Trails East Bluff
Enjoy the beautiful ocean views as you discover the coastal sage habitat along the eastern bluff of the Reserve. See WW II sites as you learn about the modern history of the area. Moderate. Free. www.losserenosrpv.org
Saturday April 12, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Whale of a Day at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center Grounds
Enjoy whale watching from the bluffs, Pt. Vicente Lighthouse grounds tours, marine themed arts and crafts vendors, food trucks and beer and wine, live entertainment, educational booths and activities, children’s games and crafts, puppet shows, face painting, inflatables and fun for the whole family. Free. Parking at the Ken Dyda Civic Center. whaleofaday.com
Sunday, April 13 at 4:00pm
Wild & Scenic Film Festival On Tour Presented by Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
An exciting selection of adventurous and inspirational films about nature. Tickets are $15 with advanced purchase online or $20 at the door. Space is limited, advanced purchase recommended. For tickets and more information, visit: pvplc.org/calendar or call (310) 541-7613.
May 2-4, 11 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
BeachLife Festival
Enjoy a celebration of music, art, and Southern California beachlife culture at the threeday festival in Redondo Beach. Headliners include Lenny Kravitz, Sublime and Alanis Morrissette and many more. For details visit www.beachlifefestival.com
Sunday, May 18 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Los Serenos de Point Vicente Nature Walk at Filiorum Reserve
Enjoy this easy walk along the McBride Trail, featuring spectacular panoramic views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and Catalina Island. Learn about the native coastal sage scrub habitat along with a lesson on the rich history of the Palos Verdes area. Our loop will take us to the Crooked Patch trail where we will walk along a natural wetland that still has some of the tule reeds used by Native Americans. Distance 1.7 miles round trip. Free. www.losserenosrpv.org
May 21 through May 26
LA Fleet Week 2025
LA Fleet Week® is an annual, multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services held on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles over the extended Memorial Day Weekend. Events include: Active duty ship tours, Military displays and equipment demonstration, Live entertainment, Aircraft flyovers, Military band performances across L.A and more! Lots of fun for the entire family. And best of all, the weekend event is FREE to the general public!
PLACES TO GO
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Gift Shop
3720 Stephen M White Dr, San Pedro, CA 90731 310-548-7562
The historic Frank Gehry-designed aquarium displays the largest collection of Southern California marine life in the world. Since 1935, CMA has provided visitors with both a natural and interactive approach to learning about the marine environment of Southern California. Open Tuesday through Friday 12pm to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5pm. www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org
Historic Malaga Cove Library
2400 Via Campesina, Palos Verdes Estates, CA, US, 90274 (310) 377-9584 ext. 551
On the National Register of Historic Places, this library originally opened in 1930 and offers beautiful original furnishings, lovely views and is adjacent to a historic Olmsted Brothers designed park and is walking distance to the Malaga Cove Plaza shopping center with shops and restaurants. Open M-Th 10am to 6pm, Friday 2pm to 6pm and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Closed Sunday. pvld.org
Marine Mammal Care Center
3601 S. Gaffey, Suite #8, San Pedro, CA 90731 (424) 450-0570
Come see our seal and sea lion patients and enjoy various exhibits. Open for public visitation Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Day), reservations recommended. marinemammalcare.org
The Point Fermin Lighthouse
807 Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA 90731 (310) 241-0684
Guests can enjoy tours of this historic 150 year old Victorian era lighthouse Tuesday through Sunday every hour at 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:00pm. Grounds and gift shop open 1-4pm. (310) 241-0684
The Point Vicente Interpretive Center
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 (310) 544-5375
Offering spectacular views of the Pt. Vicente Lighthouse, seasonal opportunities to whale watch from the bluffs, and a museum and gift shop. Open daily from 10am to 5pm (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day and New Years Day). Free. www.rpvca.gov
Point Vicente Lighthouse Grounds
31550 Palos Verdes Drive West. Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Lighthouse Open Houses are held the second Saturday of each month from 10am to 3pm where members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary welcome visitors and answer questions.
The South Coast Botanic Garden
26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274 (424) 452-0920
Open Daily 8am to 5pm except for Christmas Day. The 87-acre Botanic Garden has more than 2,500 different species of plants from all over the world. Check the website for visiting exhibit information. southcoastbotanicgarden.org
Marineland of the Pacific
The lost Ocean Park Beneath Terranea resort
The coastal bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes, now home to the luxurious Terranea Resort, once housed a different kind of attraction— one that delighted marine life enthusiasts and families for over three decades. Before Terranea’s grand opening in 2009, this prime oceanfront property was the site of Marineland of the Pacific, a pioneering marine park that introduced visitors to the wonders of the sea and left an enduring legacy on the Peninsula.
the Birth of a marineland
In August 1954, Marineland of the Pacific opened as one of the world’s most ambitious oceanariums. designed by architect William Pereira, who was also behind the design of LAX and the Transamerica Pyramid, the park was an engineering marvel of its time. Situated on 90 acres overlooking the Pacific, Marineland was built to offer visitors an immersive experience with marine life.
The facility featured an enormous main tank—the largest of its kind when it was built— holding nearly a million gallons of seawater and home to thousands of fish, sharks, sea lions, and the park’s most famous residents: orcas and dolphins. It quickly became a major tourist attraction in Southern California, drawing crowds eager to witness spectacular animal performances, underwater feeding shows, and close encounters with marine creatures.
Abalone Cove
Photos courtesy of Terranea
education and entertainment
Beyond entertainment, Marineland served as an important center for marine research and education. Scientists conducted studies on sea life behavior, deepening the public’s understanding of ocean ecosystems. The park’s outreach programs made marine biology accessible to schoolchildren and visitors, fostering a new appreciation for conservation efforts.
Marineland also gained pop culture fame as a filming location for popular TV shows and movies. Productions such as Sea Hunt, The Beverly Hillbillies, and The Lucy Show featured scenes shot within its picturesque ocean-side setting. The park’s striking architecture and aquatic spectacles made it an ideal backdrop for Hollywood productions.
the sudden Closure and decades of uncertainty
despite its success, Marineland’s fate took an unexpected turn in 1987 when it was purchased by the owners of SeaWorld San diego. Soon after, the park’s beloved killer whales, Orky and Corky, were relocated to SeaWorld, and the doors to Marineland were permanently closed with little notice. This abrupt shutdown sparked disappointment among local residents and longtime visitors who had cherished the park’s presence along the Peninsula’s coastline.
For years, the site remained abandoned, a ghost of its former vibrance. The once-bustling marine park fell into disrepair, with only remnants of its past left behind—empty tanks, deteriorating buildings, and fading memories of an era when dolphins leaped through the air against the backdrop of the Pacific.
the transformation into terranea
After more than two decades of uncertainty, a new vision for the land began to take shape. In the late 1990s, Lowe Enterprises acquired the property, embarking on an ambitious plan to revitalize the site while preserving its natural beauty. The result was Terranea Resort, a Mediterranean-inspired luxury destination that officially opened in 2009.
Spanning 102 acres of oceanfront terrain, Terranea was carefully designed to harmonize with the rugged coastal landscape. Public walking trails now weave through the resort, offering access to the very cliffs where Marineland once stood. The resort pays tribute to its predecessor in subtle ways, with exhibits and historical nods that acknowledge the site’s storied past.
a legacy that lives on
Though Marineland of the Pacific is no longer physically present, its legacy continues to echo through the memories of those who visited and the conservation efforts it helped inspire. Terranea, in its own way, carries forward the spirit of appreciation for the ocean, providing visitors with a different kind of immersive coastal experience.
The transformation from an oceanarium to a world-class resort illustrates the ever-evolving nature of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. While Marineland may be gone, its impact lingers—etched into the history of the land, in the stories passed down through generations, and in the waves that still crash against the cliffs where the whales once performed.
Discover the Wonders of Marine Mammals at the Marine Mammal Care Center
Nestled along the picturesque Palos Verdes Peninsula, the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC) in San Pedro is more than just a hospital for distressed marine mammals, it’s a hub of education, inspiration, and action. With a beautifully reimagined visitor experience, the MMCC is inviting everyone to step inside, learn about the ocean’s incredible apex predators, and take action to protect our marine ecosystems.
An unforgettable Visitor Experience
John Warner, CEO of the Marine Mammal Care Center, shared his excitement about the recent upgrades to the facility. “We’ve really built out our
visitor experience,” Warner explained. “We now have beautifully renovated spaces with interactive exhibits, including a play area where kids can dress up as veterinarians and examine patient Xrays and charts, and check out skulls and bones. It’s all designed to show everyone just how amazing these apex predators are.”
For those unfamiliar, apex predators, such as sea lions, orcas, and polar bears, are animals at the very top of the food chain. These fascinating creatures play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, making the work done at MMCC even more essential.
Writtne by Melani Morose Edelstein | Photos by Erik Jay
a rescue Hub like no other
The Marine Mammal Care Center rescues more marine mammals per mile of coastline in Los Angeles County than anywhere else in the united States. With a 75-mile stretch of coastline under its care, the MMCC is a lifeline for injured, sick, and orphaned marine mammals. Visitors can witness the rescue and rehabilitation process firsthand, including stories of patients overcoming incredible odds to one day return to their ocean home.
“We have some of the best-trained docents and volunteers,” Warner said. “They can share at least four different patient stories at any given time. Every visitor who comes in not only learns about the animals and what they’re dealing with but also leaves with actionable steps they can take to help protect marine life.”
Puppalooza: a must-see for animal lovers
If there’s ever a perfect time to visit, it’s during pup season, which runs from January through June. Right now, MMCC is caring for sea lion pups, some of the cutest and most vulnerable patients. “Sea lion pups come to us after being weaned too early or because their mothers are no longer around,” Warner explained. “Then, as the season progresses, we start seeing elephant seals, followed by harbor seals. It’s really a ‘puppalooza’ of marine mammals!”
Visitors can witness these adorable pups as they grow stronger under the care of MMCC’s dedicated veterinary team. It’s an experience that’s both heartwarming and eye-opening. To enhance the learning experience, MMCC has introduced new signage that explains why these animals come into care and what people can do to help. Warner emphasized, “Anyone who visits takes away something meaningful, whether it’s knowledge, inspiration, or specific actions they can take to make a difference.”
Plan Your Visit
The Marine Mammal Care Center is more than just a place to learn about marine life—it’s an opportunity to see one of the busiest marine mammal hospitals in action. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Los Angeles County, MMCC offers a unique chance to connect with the ocean and its inhabitants in a meaningful way.
So, come meet the pups, learn about apex predators, and discover how you can be part of the solution to protect our marine ecosystems. There’s never been a better time to visit the Marine Mammal Care Center.
Visit the Marine Mammal Care Center
3601 South Gaffey St. #8, San Pedro, California (310) 548-5677 marinemammalcare.org
Rescued neonate short-beaked common dolphin is triaged and receives critical veterinary care at MMCC.
Northern elephant seal pups that were separated from their mothers are rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
I dowith Oceanfr O nt Views saY
Immerse yourself in the magic of a pictureperfect wedding, set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
With sweeping views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, discover the ultimate destination to exchange your vows and celebrate along the coast.
Terranea Resort is proud to provide a spectacular venue for all couples, as well as a place of celebration for all of life’s special moments. As our beloved Southern California neighbors experienced unimaginable devastation due to wildfires, Terranea sought to provide solace with an oceanfront haven of tranquility.
For Mazdak and Rebecca Nezakati, their dream wedding plans changed in an instant. When learning their wedding location would be abruptly unavailable due to safety, the two residents of Culver City experienced a variety of emotions. ““Though we were certainly upset and overwhelmed by needing to move our venue last-minute, our first thoughts were for those directly impacted by the wildfires and knowing their circumstances were much more dire than ours,” says Rebecca. “Our wedding wasn’t just a wedding, it was also a family reunion for Mazdak thirteen years in making, with many family members traveling from all around the word, and also in transit to California when the news broke.” She continues, “though we mourned our original plans, we knew our amazing planner Taryn would help us achieve the wedding of our dreams, and all of our guests being able to safely celebrate together was most important.”
After quickly researching options, the couple were excited to choose Terranea Resort as their new wedding destination. Having never visited previously, they were instantly impressed upon arrival. “Terranea’s team went out of their way to make us feel welcomed, ensure our wedding was just as incredible as we originally planned, and to brighten our day however they could,” recalls Rebecca.
With 102 oceanfront acres featuring a variety of scenic spaces, Terranea Resort is the premier oceanfront venue for all special celebrations – from cocktail hours, welcome receptions, and rehearsal dinners, to post-wedding parties, farewell brunches, and more – each carefully tailored to your vision with customized menus and personalized service.
Terranea’s breathtaking location and exceptional amenities provide guests with memories that will last a lifetime. “We know there were many people behind the scenes who helped pull this wedding together and make us feel special,” Rebecca shares. “Assistant director of Catering Nichelle Travis was wonderful –she made sure we were feeling settled and excited, and sent us a lovely card, Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries, and a rose petal turndown.”
wedding photos by klV Photography
Photo courtesy of terranea resort
In addition to the truly heartfelt service, the couple were also in awe of their accommodations. “Terranea set us up with the most amazing suite we have ever stayed in,” shares Rebecca, “It was beyond anything we could have imagined. We felt like the whole team was really there for us and did everything they could to make us feel special and stress-free.”
Enjoying their first day as newlyweds, Rebecca describes, “Breakfast on our balcony in the morning, and being able to view the ocean was magnificent. It somehow felt like a home away from home, plus a luxurious getaway at the same time.”
Following a relaxing honeymoon in Kauai, the happy couple looks forward to their future, full of treasured memories and thrilling adventures as husband and wife. They also look fondly on their special day, as Rebecca shares, “The love we felt being surrounded by family and friends was overwhelming in the most positive way. It was the best day of our lives.”
To learn more and to plan your special celebration, visit terranea.com/weddings.
Behind the Cele B ration
Venue
Terranea Resort @terranearesort
wedding Planning and design
Taryn Collins & Co. @taryncollins.co
Photography
KLV Photography @klvweddings
Florist
Flower Allie @flowerallie
Beauty
Bright Crystal Wedding @brightcrystalwedding
Ceremony musician
Karen Garrity @karengarritymusic
Photobooth
Pixster Photobooth @pixsterphotobooth
dJ
Second Song @secondsong_official
Videography
Venture Outbound @Venture_Outbound
Cake
Art With Flavor @art_with_flavor
linens
BBJ La Tavola @bbjlatavola
rentals
MTB Event Rentals @mtb_event_rentals
GREAT AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SEAFOOD MARKET
Our neighborhood Seafood Market is a true hidden gem owned by the local Galletti Family. We carry a curated mix of the finest seafood and everything to go with it.
Also find specialty pantry staples and ready-to-eat salads, dips, platters, desserts, fresh baked bread, hot soups, wine etc., all Galletti family approved!
It is important to us that we provide you with the quality of product we would serve our own family – the best! We want our community to have access to the same fresh fish that our family has been lucky enough to have over the years. There truly is a difference in taste when quality is top priority.
We strive to provide the best seafood products and customer service, special requests welcome!
Ten years and voted South Bay’s Best (five times and counting), Walk and Wag South Bay loves every fur baby in their pack. As one of Terranea’s go-to contacts for guests, A Rancho Palos Verdes resident, Jonna’s business caters to dog and pet owners looking for additional TLC for their pups and pets, dog boarding, housesitting, dog walking and doggy daycare.
An animal lover from the time Jonna was able to walk, the decision to provide a service for the four-legg’eds in her local South Bay needing exercise, time outdoors, daily check-ins, daycare and boarding was a unique business model and predates any pet apps. Connecting with her customers, she has meticulously built a team of dog lovers who embrace loyalty, kindness, devotion and honesty.
THE ORIGINAL RED ONION
Entering its 61st year, the Palos Verdes Red Onion has consistently offered the South Bay Community a wide variety of pleasing and satisfying Mexican and American specialties, coupled with reassuringly warm and friendly service, since opening its doors on August 20, 1963. The inviting ambiance of its dining rooms has welcomed three generations of family gatherings. The well-known reputation of the restaurant, and it’s three generation heritage in the food service industry, prompted noted culinary historian George Geary to include the P.V. Red Onion in his recent three volume publication chronicling the iconic eateries of Southern California.
Jeff Earle and his family of employees wish to thank the community for recognizing The Palos Verdes Red Onion once again as the “Best of the South Bay.”
Owner Jeff Earle
Locals Supporting LOCALS!
Fine Art Photography for any interior... decorate your walls today!
Contact me for info on collections and pricing.
CREATIVE AWAKENINGS
GALLERY EXHIBITION
MARCH 26 – MAY 17
Creative Awakenings 2025 is the first of two exhibitions of the work of our Juried Gallery Artists. Experience the art in diverse mediums at our Gallery Thursdays through Saturdays 11 am to 4 pm or by appointment. Works will also be available for purchase online.
WORKSHOPS AND CLASSES
ONGOING
We average 40 multi-week classes and 1-and 2-day workshops annually. Renowned local and internationally recognized instructors guide our participants at varying skill levels, and there is an exceptional selection of art education offered to accommodate your budget. Check our website often for new listings.
DESTINATION: ART
CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS
QUARTERLY BEGINNING FEBRUARY
We offer a series by business and community opinion leaders who share how they use creativity in their careers and how creativity affects all of us in everyday life. Talks explore how color, cooking, leadership, original art, music, coffee-making and spirituality—just to name a few—can impact our wellbeing. Check our website for dates.
LOW-COST PAINT-INS
WEEKLY ON TUESDAYS
Come join us for a half-day of un-instructed painting, mutual encouragement and camaraderie. Everyone works on their own projects with their own supplies. This is a drop-in, no registration gathering at $15 per person per session or $10 for Associate Artists.
Visual Xanax
Succession
Good S T u FF
Family-owned and operated, Good Stuff Restaurants have been a coastal favorite since 1980. Appealing to diets of all kinds, Good Stuff is proud to have “something for everyone.” With keto, GF, & vegan options, a fitness menu, breakfast all day and four different locations to choose from. The food served is classic and encapsulates the South Bay lifestyle.
Our Palos Verdes location at the Promenade Mall has luxurious and modern cozy booths and a great outdoor patio to enjoy the Southern California weather. Book your next event in The Peninsula Room located privately within the restaurant! Come also visit us in Hermosa on the Strand, Redondo by the beach, and El Segundo close to LAX!
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, come meet our friendly staff and try our famous breakfast dishes, the classic Good Stuff Burger, a fitness salad, or a Barramundi Platter!
Owner Cris Bennett
The Point Vicente Lighthouse nears 100
The Point Vicente lighthouse has been a fixture on the hill for almost 100 years. The light began service on April 14, 1926. Since then, it has been assisting mariners continuously, even during World War II when it was dimmed significantly by replacing its 1000 watt bulb with one of 25 watts. The lighthouse is 67 feet tall, but the light is 185 feet above the water as a result of its location on the cliff. The flash pattern of the light is unique to this coast. It is a white light with two quick flashes every 20 seconds which is different from other nearby lighthouses so mariners can easily identify which light they see.
The genesis of the light was in 1913, the same year Frank Vanderlip purchased all 16,000 acres of the Peninsula, when mariners asked the federal government to provide a navigation aid at Point Vicente, westernmost point on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The government acknowledged the need and in 1916 $80,000 was appropriated. When Vanderlip refused to part with the land, the government began condemnation proceedings to seize it under their right of eminent domain. Condemnation was halted and then restarted again in 1919, after which Vanderlip capitulated. Title was transferred in 1921.
The first keeper, George L’Hommedieu, did not get along with his assistants and was replaced in 1930 by Anton Trittinger who remained the keeper until 1945 when Joseph May, the last civilian light-
house keeper assumed the job. In 1955 May was replaced by a succession of Coast Guard enlisted personnel until the lighthouse was automated in 1973. In 1992 Eric Castro-Bran, a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary was appointed Associate Lighthouse Keeper with responsibility for lighthouse maintenance, and it was he who promoted establishment of the public open house program. In 2001 the light station was used in the motion picture Pearl Harbor and again in 2017 for dunkirk. upon Castro-Bran’s departure in 2021, Kip Louttit, a retired Coast Guard captain and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, assumed overall responsibility for the lighthouse with the title of Staff Officer for Navigation Systems, Pt. Vicente Lighthouse.
The three houses originally used as quarters for the lighthouse keepers and their families and subsequently as Coast Guard housing have not been occupied since 2019 because concerns regarding lead paint and asbestos.
The building in which the foghorn equipment was located is now the small display center that sits next to the lighthouse and is open to the public when the grounds are open. There is a helipad on the property, which is used both for Coast Guard rescue training and by water dropping helicopters when they are combating local fires. The lighthouse itself has not been open to the public since 2019 because of concerns regarding lead paint and asbestos here as well.
Photo by Erik Jay
The third order French-built Fresnel lens, its light bulb system and its pedestal were retired after 93 years in of continuous use.
In 2019, in about a week, the fixture was disassembled, moved to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center next door and reassembled there where it is beautifully displayed.
The Coast Guard did a study that determined that even in an age of electronic navigation with systems such as GPS and radar, a lighthouse was still needed at Point Vicente since it is a major seacoast aid to navigation, so the Fresnel Lens was replaced by a modern, solar powered, autonomous, LEd fixture with a range of 14 miles and same flash pattern of 2 white flashes every 20 seconds.
upkeep and restoration of historically significant lighthouses and adjacent property is not provided by the Coast Guard whose responsibility is limited to ensuring that the navigation aids are working properly. Like the community group that prevented the demolition of, and funded the restoration of the Point Fermin lighthouse and another group that spear-headed the acquisition of funds to repair Angels Gate lighthouse at the entrance to Los Angeles harbor, a new group is being formed to provide sorely needed work at Point Vicente. This group, which calls itself Friends of the Point Vicente Lighthouse, views their top priorities as the repair of the badly rusted metal roof of the cupola at the top of the lighthouse, the tile roofs on the small buildings that are used to support the public open house program, and remediation of the toxic materials inside the lighthouse itself so that public tours into the lighthouse can be resumed. If you are interested in learning more about this group, please visit friendsofpvlighthouse.org to see how you can get involved.
The open house program at the light station continues on the second Saturday of every month from 10 AM to 3 PM. The visitor will usually find Kip Louttit and his wife Wendy, also a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, there as well, welcoming visitors and answering their questions.
Jim Shneer was an aerospace engineering manager who, since his retirement, has devoted himself to lecturing and writing on the results of his historical research. His book Exploring The Military History of Fort MacArthur and Palos Verdes can be found at the Point Vicente Interpretive Center gift shop. All of his books in print may be found at www.lulu.com/spotlight/gg2490 and his online articles at http://tinyurl.com/mwy5yzw2.
Fresnel lens on display
Photo by Jim Shneer
Overview of the Point Vicente Lighthouse Grounds
Photo courtesy of the US Coast Guard
by
Palos Verdes real estate professionals
the following pages highlight some of the Peninsula’s best real estate Professionals. experts in their fields, these Palos Verdes residents know the Peninsula.
Photo
Erik Jay
LILY LIANG
“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
—Warren Buffet
Lily Liang is the Vice-President of Strand Hill Properties, an exclusive member of Forbes Global Properties. She has been a top agent in high-end residential real estate since 1981. To date, Lily has more than $1 Billion in transaction sales.
Lily works one-on-one with her clients to market each property individually, while giving personal attention to each transaction to overcome any unexpected situations. She always tries to exceed her clients’ expectations. Lily has created a legacy in the industry through her outstanding performance and reputation for high ethics. In a more challenging real estate market like today’s, not just any agent can get the job done; an agent with Lily´s caliber and quality will really make the difference.
Lily believes that her unique background, including living and working in different countries and industries in both Asia and Europe, has given her a unique ability to
work with clients from different cultures and backgrounds. Lily is fluent in Mandarin and she embraces the diversity and contributions of all cultures. Lily has gained the trust of her clients, appreciates their referrals and is now working with the second generation of her clients.
Having lived on the Palos Verdes Peninsula for over 30 years, Lily has vast local market knowledge as well as experience working with both local and international clients that sets her apart from other agents in Palos Verdes.
Lily’s professionalism, sincerity, integrity, pleasant presentation, and hard work have earned her an outstanding reputation throughout the real estate industry. It would be a great opportunity for you to work with Lily Liang if you would like to have an extraordinary experience of either selling or buying homes in the fabulous community of Palos Verdes.
709 Via s omonte
Palos Verdes Estates
4 Bd | 5 Ba | 3,821 sq.ft.
Queen’s Necklace to downtown LA Views www.709viasomonte.com
$5,399,000
1533 Via lo P ez
Palos Verdes Estates
6 Bd | 8 Ba | Approx. 8,700 sq.ft
Approx. 30,000 sq.ft. lot | 4 Car Garage www.magnificentvillapalosverdes.com
$9,488,000
SCAN
GERARD BISIGNANO
Your Home is extraordinary. Your represenation should be the same.
the Bisignano group is leading the way in coastal luxury properties. As a vital partner/owner of Vista Sotheby’s with over 30 years of experience, Gerard has cultivated an exceptional team of agents. the Bisignano group takes immense pride in our position as one of the top teams in the Palos Verdes Peninsula and surrounding South Bay Beach Cities areas. Our 100+ years of collective experience allows us to offer you a comprehensive perspective of this challenging market and the skills to navigate and maneuver through the complexities of the ever-changing landscape. Our team possesses the necessary tools and insights to get the job done effectively.
“our client’s homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, The Robb Report, Architectural Digest, NY Times, LA Times, Dwell, and other publications around the world.”
doreen Wright | Michelle Rimka | Gianni Cantu | Gerard Bisignano | Tiana Bisignano-Capper | Adriana Bacelic
