From the LA Harbor Department - a long-exposure shot that captures the newly lit Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Yes, The Lights Are On Again!

Many people emailed with concerns over last Monday night's darkness. As explained in this Daily Breeze article, Caltrans still had some wiring work to do. But not to worry - the lights are on again except for necessary electrical work, will remain on nightly.

We've also been asked about the hours the Bridge will be lit. For now, the lights are schedule to be on between dusk and midnight.

Also . . . .

Calling All Proud Shutter Bugs! Do you have photos of the newly lit Vincent Thomas Bridge? If so, we'd love to see them! Send your photos via the link on the right side of this page and we'll post them! Be sure to include your full name so we can give you credit for your pictures.

Lighting Ceremony Photo Album, Vol. I

The Goodyear Blimp congratulates San Pedro.



The San Pedro High Band and Short Flags team entertains the crowd.



Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee Chairman Louis Dominguez, Mayor Jim Hahn, Councilwoman Janice Hahn, Mrs. Mary Thomas, and others throw the switch to light the Bridge.



The Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee poses with certificates from the City of Los Angeles.



Committee Chairman Louis Dominguez stops to sign an autograph for a young Bridge fan.

Thank You, San Pedro!

The brilliant blue lights at the top of the cable spans and along the road bed emerge as darkness falls on the harbor and fireworks celebrate the lighting of the Vincent Thomas Bridge.

Check back for more photos, news, and stories from the day's historic events!

Are You Ready For Sunday Night?

Mark your calendars, set you alarms, this Sunday night San Pedro is in the spotlight as we light the Vincent Thomas Bridge in a ceremony starting at 4:00pm at the new Cruise Ship Promenade (Berth 94 - Harbor Boulevard at Swinford Street):

From the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce website:

Celebrate the lighting of "The Official Welcoming Monument of the City of Los Angeles." Los Angeles Mayor Jim Hahn and Councilwoman Janice Hahn will lead the lighting of the bridge with other officials and civic leaders. The ceremony will also include a tribute to the Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee and hundreds of community members who raised funds for the lights over the past 16 years. The lights will be switched on at sunset. The ceremony is open to the public.

Limited free parking is available at Berth 94, at the Catalina Express terminal. Additional free parking is available at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum, Ports O' Call Village, and 22nd Street/Miner Streets, with free Red Car rides and shuttle transport to the ceremony. The public can also view the bridge lighting ceremony from many public and private locations in San Pedro, Wilmington and Rancho Palos Verdes, as the bridge is visible from many neighborhoods in the surrounding community.

For more information, call (800) 831-PORT or email us here via the links on this page.

Want more on the story of the lighting? Check out this Daily Breeze article!

And we know you're ready for one of San Pedro's biggest events ever - but have you considered where to celebrate yet?

The following local restaurants and bars are offering one-night-only specials - all for $20.05 per person - in the spirit of the 2005 lighting of the Bridge!

Juliette's Restaurant: Cucumber Tower salad with raspberry vinaigrette; petite filet de boeuf with bercy sauce; and raspberry cheesecake. In the Sheraton L.A. Harbor Hotel, 601 S. Palos Verdes Street. 521-8080.

Marcello Ristorante: Dinner salad; choice of a) Chicken Picata; b) Chicken Marsala, or c) Stuffed Chicken Breast. 470 W. 7th Street. 519-7100.

Papadakis Taverna: Soup and salad; choice of a) 12 oz. prime New York steak, b) Veal in filo pastry, or c) a Greek specialty dinner; beverage. 301 W. 6th Street. 548-1186.

Ports O'Call Restaurant: Soup or salad bar; choice of a) marinated sirloin steak, b) fresh fish, c) breast of chicken, or d) chicken fettucini; New York cheesecake; coffee; glass of champagne or wine. Berth 76, Ports O'Call Village. 833-9280.

Sixth Street Bistro: Menu to be announced. 354 W. 6th Street. 521-8818.

Think Cafe: Calamari appetizer; Caesar salad; lamb shank with mashed potatoes and vegetables; and chocolate mousse cake. 302 W. 5th Street. 519-3662.

J. Trani's Ristorante: Bruschetta fresca appetizer; choice of a) chicken with mushroom; marsala; limone; or parmesan, b) 8 oz. Bistecca "New York," or c) fish of the day; and chef select dessert. 584 W. 9th Street. 832-1220.

The Whale & Ale: House salad or beef barley soup; and filet mignon (or prime rib) with grilled lobster tail. Add an English sherry trifle with whipped cream for just $3 more. 327 W. 7th Street. 832-0363.

Godmother's Cocktail Lounge is featuring a blue drink called the Bridge Special. 302 W. 7th Street. 833-1589.

We'll see you out on the town this Sunday night!

Lights Will Be Turned On January 30, 2005

January 30, 2005 will see the culmination of sixteen years of work when the lights outlining the Vincent Thomas Bridge will be turned on for the first time.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge, the state’s third largest suspension bridge, will be the first bridge in the world lit using Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) powered by energy-conscious solar panels. The blue lights will be visible for miles in all directions, but will not burden the power grid or cause any pollution.

Funds to purchase the lights were raised by a committee headed by Louis Dominguez of San Pedro. Installation of the lights was made possible by major funding from the Port of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power. Mayor James Hahn and Councilwoman Janice Hahn were instrumental in getting the City of Los Angeles involved in the project. Former councilman Rudy Svorinich was able to get the bridge named the official welcoming monument of the City of Los Angeles; while former Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal provided invaluable help enlisting the cooperation of state departments.

Two types of LED’s will outline the bride. Clusters of small blue lights encased in “jelly jar” fixtures made by LedTronics of Torrance, will outline the cables, while Farlight™ LED’s, made in Wilmington, will trace the roadbed.

A glass monument, located on the newly opened Promenade under the bridge, illustrates the story of the bridge, Assemblyman Vincent Thomas and solar power. It will also honor the hundreds of people who contributed to making the project a reality by “buying” a light.
Members of the Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee, the San Pedro Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, the City and Port of Los Angeles, and CalTrans are planning the festivities for the day of the lighting.

For more information, email us at the link in the righthand sidebar of this website.

Hosting and Site Support Thanks

To Loud Dog Media, for hosting this site and providing technical support. The Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee thanks you for your support!

Promenade Grand Opening

On Friday, December 3, the first phase of the Bridge to Breakwater Promenade officially opened . Along with art from local artists, jogging paths, and walkways, the site is home to the commemorative displays chronicling the history of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, its namesake, Assemblyman Vincent Thomas, and listing the names of donors who have purchased "lights" over the years to help fund the bridge lighting.

Make sure to visit this new waterside park - enjoy the lights, the music, and the sights!

Welcome To Our Website

Welcome - we're glad you've stopped by to learn more about the Vincent Thomas Bridge Lighting Committee and the upcoming celebration as we see the fruits of sixteen years of hard work.

Check back as we post details about the bridge lighting, the celebration, and a bit of the history of this historic project!