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After 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.

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