Episode 20. Vincent Thomas and The Bridge

Transcript

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Today on the Harbor Area Podcast, the story of a man who turned a bridge to nowhere into a symbol of progress. Vincent Thomas wasn't just a politician, he was a fighter for working people, A visionary for the port. And the reason that stunning Sea Green Suspension Bridge exists. Stick around as we dive into how a teacher from San Pedro built a legacy in steel and spirit. Hey everyone. Welcome back to the Harbor Area Podcast, where we dive deep into the people, places, and landmarks that make our coastal communities unique. Today we're honoring not just a bridge, but the man whose name it bears a man who fought for his community with grit and vision. This is the story of Vincent Thomas and the legacy. He built one piece of legislation and one span of steel at a time. Vincent Thomas was born on April 16th, 1907 in Biloxi, Mississippi. Vincent was the third of eight children a family of Croatian immigrants who arrived in the United States in 1903. In 1917, the Thomas family moved to Oakland, California and then to San Pedro in 1919, Tragically and shortly after their move to San Pedro Vincent's father passed away during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, leaving the family to navigate their new life without him. He became a teacher, served in the US Coast Guard during World War II, and then entered politics. He would go on to serve an astounding 38 years until 1978 in the 1940s, San Pedro and Terminal Island were connected only by ferries or temporary structures. For a growing port and workforce, it wasn't gonna be enough. Thomas entered politics and was successful in his first run for office. Resoundingly defeating Charles M. Smith to become the state assemblyman for the 68th district representing San Pedro In 1941, he was elected to the California State Assembly representing the harbor communities that were often overlooked in Sacramento. Vincent Thomas had a vision, a permanent bridge linking the mainland to terminal Island, a gateway to modernization and economic growth. But in Sacramento, his idea was dismissed and lawmakers scoffed at the idea and dubbed it the bridge to nowhere. Still, Thomas persisted for 17 years. He lobbied, testified and fought. construction began in 1960. In 1961, the California state legislature passed concurrent resolution 1 31, naming the bridge after Thomas. It was named the Vincent Thomas Bridge while he was still alive. This is a rare and powerful tribute to a man who refused to give up. On November 15th, 1963, Thomas paid the very first toll, which was just 25 cents. The Vincent Thomas Bridge was a marvel for its time. It was the first welded suspension bridge in the United States, stretching 1500 feet with towers 365 feet tall. Its soars 185 feet above the harbor, allowing cargo ships to pass underneath with ease. Its bold green color was inspired by the idea of creating a West Coast counterpart to the Golden Gate Bridge, but it wasn't just functional. It was iconic. But Vincent Thomas didn't stop there. Throughout his decades in office, he championed. Transportation and port infrastructure legislation. He worked to improve highway and rail access to the harbor, modernizing the marine terminals, and ensuring that the Port of Los Angeles could compete globally. He also cared about people. As a former teacher, he fought for funding for public schools and adult education. He even backed environmental legislation that protected water quality in the harbor. Long before the subject of environmentalism was very popular, Thomas believed that infrastructure wasn't just about roads and steel. It was about opportunity, dignity, and the long-term wellbeing of working families. Over time, the Vincent Thomas Bridge became more than just an industrial link. It became a symbol. It carries more than 26 million tons of cargo annually, and for locals, it represents pride and progress. The Bridge has been featured in numerous movies such as the original 1974, gone In 60 Seconds, and the reboot in 2000. Lethal Weapon two. Lethal. Weapon four. To live and die in la. City of Angels. Charlie's Angels inception and Den of Thieves in 1955. The film Heat, the Bridge is mentioned by Robert De Niro's character when he points to the location and mistakenly refers to it as the St. Vincent Thomas Bridge. So this. Part, tripped me out because I have actually referred to the Vincent Thomas Bridge as the St. Vincent Thomas Bridge, and now I need to go back and watch heat because I thought I dreamt this. But after reading this piece of information, I realized that I, I had to have got it from somewhere. It was also the scene of the video. I think I'm in love with you by Jessica Simpson. I actually went back and rewatched that really quick. Um, it's actually a cute music video too. Check it out, but there's a deeper, more painful part of the history of this bridge because it is also a place where suicides occur, prior to the suicide prevention barrier currently installed, community advocates had to make noise. And in 2017, officials approved the suicide prevention barrier to be installed on the bridge, offering hope and safety. And while the prevention barrier serves as a deterrent. Most recently on May 16th, 2025, the Daily Breeze reports, the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro was shut down in both directions. Friday after a person climbed the suspension cables and jumped snarling traffic in the area. The incident was reported at 10:33 AM It's. A powerful reminder that even our proudest landmarks can carry grief and that we must build with compassion as well as strength. In 2005, the bridge was retrofitted with blue LED lights powered by solar panels at night, it glows casting a cool light across the industrial oceanic landscape. It's more than engineering, it's it's art, its identity, it's a legacy, and it stands as a quiet tribute to the man who believed a bridge could transform a city. Vincent Thomas also served as chairman of the committee on intergovernmental relations. Thomas had the longest record of service in the assembly and was known affectionately as Dean of the assembly. Ultimately, he served in 19 consecutive terms until his first defeat in a reelection bid by Republican candidate Gerald n Fello in 1978. Thomas also served as the Assemblies minority leader in 1955. Vincent Thomas passed away in 1980 at the age of 73, but the structure that bears his name and the progress he set in motion continue to shape the harbor today. He once said, they called it the bridge to nowhere, but I knew where it was going to the future, and he was right. Thanks for joining me on this journey. Until next time, this is Joel on the Harbor Area Podcast signing off. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing emotional distress, help is available. Call or text nine eight eight to reach the suicide and crisis Lifeline, offering free confidential support 24 7 nationwide. You can also chat online at 9 8 8 lifeline.org. Please remember, you are not alone. Hey folks, thanks for listening to the Harbor Area Podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with your friends. And hey. If there's a hidden gem you want me to uncover next, shoot me a message. Until next time, keep exploring and keep the stories alive.