April 23, 2026
DEBUT of Vol. VII No. 1
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (SOLAHA Vol. VII)
Bob Bartlett reveals how his father Rev. Art Bartlett founded Beacon House (recovery home)
Native son of San Pedro Bob Bartlett, history teacher, veteran Los Angeles County lifeguard, son of beloved Episcopal minister Rev. Art Bartlett who was founder of Beacon House that has helped many get back on the path of sobriety.
Bob parents were (late) Reverend Art & Fran Bartlet. One of three brothers, born in San Pedro Community Hospital in 1947 he was baptized in old Episcopal Church (now at Green Hills Memorial Park). His great grandparent Bartlett was from England arriving in USA c. 1905. His mother’s family of German heritage.
The family lived at 37th & Weymouth, across from Nike Base near Pt. Fermin. As a youth he enjoyed walking and cycling to White Point and Royal Palms. He started swimming from 7 years old at the San Pedro YMCA located in Beacon Street. He was active in Cub and Boy Scouts He attended White Point Elementary, Richard Henry Dana and San Pedro High Schools (SPHS 1965). Higher education at Harbor Junior College (All American Water Polo & Swimmer – award given by Helms Bakery) and earned bachelors degree from Long Beach State, majoring in speech communication and physical education, minor in history and industrial arts. He earned a teaching credential though originally had not intended to teach, though after working in the business sector had a long career with Los Angeles Unified School District. He served as a Los Angeles County lifeguard for 50 years and has many stories to tell about that experience. Bob is father to one daughter, and grandfather to twin grandchildren.
His father Rev.Bartlett had a “calling” and attended divinity school (left working for Gas Co.) and ordained as minister in the Episcopal church. He served with Seamen’s Center (Beacon Street, San Pedro) where he observed the behavior of migrant sailors who had problems with overuse of alcohol and smoking that lead to his founding Beacon House, based in “12 Step” program that has helped thousands of men find the path to recovery in past five decades.
Bob has strong sense of community and appreciation of history, known for his kind and caring manner. He serves on the board of San Pedro Bay Historical Society (SPBHS), currently vice-president, involved with Lighthouse Society, past association with Improved Order of Redmen lodge and a member of the San Pedro Elks Lodge.
More interesting stories to be revealed …..