Where Is the Recognition for Sebastian Vizcaino?
In 1642, 60 years after the Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo expeditions up the California coast from Mexico, Sebastian Vizcaino sailed north from Acapulco to explore and chart the coast in a futile search for a Northwest Passage.
In the process, he named many of our cities and islands; San Diego, Santa Catalina, San Clemente (Island), San Pedro, Monterey and more.
Isn’t it unusual that an explorer who has had such a powerful impact on our California history has received no recognition from our geographers?
A check of the Thomas Brothers Street Maps will verify this statement. Not a city, street, park, or lake is named after the man.
I propose this situation be rectified. I would suggest the county park, Friendship Park, in San Pedro be renamed Vizcaino Park. The name Friendship Park is totally lacking in imagination and this name change would go a long way in doing honor to a man who has had such an impact on our California history. Or possibly the small headland west of White’s Point that was locally known as Telephone Point could be renamed Point Vizcaino.
Surely, a geographic site could be selected to bear Vizcaino’s name. It is long overdue.
ARLO L. DUNDAS
San Pedro
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
