August 2 (for July 30, 2026)
Stories of Los Angeles Harbor Area: For Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
(SOLAHA Vol. VII, No.7) Bob Bartlett “Growing up in San Pedro, fun and safe”
Bob recalls halcyon days growing up in San Pedro when it was safe, happy and no one worried about locking their home doors.
Bob’s parents were (late) Reverend Art & Fran Bartlet. One of three brothers, born in San Pedro Community Hospital in 1947l 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 and was active in Cub and Boy Scouts.
Bob attended the brand new White Point Elementary, Richard Henry Dana and San Pedro High Schools (SPHS 1965) where he was award winning swimmer.
Higher education at Harbor Junior College (All American Water Polo & Swimmer – award given by Helms Bakery) and then Long Beach State for bachelors degree, 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 was ordained 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 (See Vol. VII, No. 1 with Bob’s account).
Known for his kind and caring manner Bob has a strong sense of community and appreciation of history. He serves on 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.