BROADCASTS.com

The area in Southern California known as San Pedro saw Spanish use dating back to the 1540s. Once a separate township, it\u2019s now part of Los Angeles. After the Mexican-American War, San Pedro\u2019s harbor was expanded and improved. Congress appropriated funds for a lighthouse at Point Fermin, San Pedro\u2019s southernmost point, in 1854. The light began service on December 15, 1874.\n\n\n\nPoint Fermin Lighthouse, California. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.\n\n\n\nKristin Heather and Jeanette Rodriguez\n\n\n\nPoint Fermin had the distinction of having two women --sisters Mary and Ella Smith -- serve as the first keeper and assistant. The light was converted to electricity in 1924. The City of Los Angeles took over the property, with a city employee living in the lighthouse as caretaker. The light was darkened after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, and it was never reactivated as an aid to navigation.\n\n\n\nThe lighthouse is now the centerpiece of 37-acre Point Fermin Park. The facility is managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks for the City of Los Angeles.\xa0The Point Fermin Lighthouse Society serves to assist with fundraising, tours, events, and volunteers. There are two guests in this episode. Kristen Heather is the historic site curator, and Jeanette Rodriquez is a museum guide at the lighthouse.\xa0\n\n\n\nA view from Point Fermin. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont.