Season 2. Episode 8. the Cabrillo Hotel

Transcript

The Harbor Area Podcast – The Cabrillo Hotel Episode (Edited Transcript)

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Hey, welcome back to The Harbor Area Podcast. It’s been a little while — our last episode was The San Pedro Poltergeist back in October. I try to stay consistent with posting, but I’ll be honest: I needed some time to step back, travel a bit, enjoy life, and think about where this show is heading. And in that time, something clicked for me.

This podcast has always been about history — about the people, places, and stories that give the harbor its soul. But history is still being written every single day. So moving forward, The Harbor Area Podcast will also highlight current events, local issues, and community happenings that shape who we are right now.

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That said, I wanted to return with something classic — something that captures the harbor’s historic heartbeat. In this episode, we step into one of San Pedro’s most iconic landmarks: The Cabrillo Hotel.

I sat down with Jacob Eisenberg, the hotel’s owner and caretaker, to talk about what it means to preserve a century-old building in a city that’s constantly changing. So let’s dive into the history, the stories, and maybe even the future of the Cabrillo Hotel.

Joel: Jacob, thank you so much for coming back. I know the first time we tried recording, the audio was a little scratchy — so I really appreciate your flexibility and patience.

Jacob: Well, thank you. Hopefully I didn’t forget everything!

Joel: I’m sure you’ll be fine. Before we get into the history, paint us a picture: if we walked into the Cabrillo Hotel in the 1920s, what would we see, hear, or smell?

Jacob: The Cabrillo was designed mainly for sailors and the maritime industry. It was really utilitarian — centered around that whole culture. You’d find a lot of jazz, dancing, and activity. There was even a rooftop garden that offered dance lessons. It must’ve been full of energy — different languages, people coming and going. Some guests stayed for months; others were just back from sea. It was probably quite the scene.

Joel: Was there a communal kitchen or chef on site?

Jacob: There was always some kind of restaurant. It started as a kosher deli, then became the Cabrillo Café. Neither lasted long — the 1929 crash hit a lot of businesses hard. But there’s always been a food element. And most locals will remember La Conga, which was originally there before moving up the street.

Joel: Oh wow — I’ll have to look that up! What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened in the building since you’ve owned it?

Jacob: Probably when DJ Snake filmed a music video there — it even featured Josh Hutcherson from The Hunger Games. They were scaling the side of the building. Very stylized, really fun to watch.

Joel: That’s awesome. I’ll link that video in my Instagram post so listeners can check it out.

Jacob: We’ve also had Dexter film there, and an indie movie called Catnip that apparently has Chevy Chase in it — still waiting to see if it comes out next year.

Joel: Wow, that’s great company to be in! If the walls of the Cabrillo could talk, what languages would they speak?

Jacob: At least ten — Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Japanese, Croatian, Norwegian, maybe more. That’s the beauty of San Pedro — so many cultures, all part of one community.

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Joel: Who were the patrons back then?

Jacob: Mostly sailors, merchant mariners, fishermen, and others connected to the Navy or shipping industries. Some were even in lumber.

Joel: Let’s start on a high note — what makes the Cabrillo Hotel so special to you personally?

Jacob: I’ve been working on it since 2013. I was just a kid then, didn’t know much, but I knew it needed care. My first goal was to clean it up, get rid of the drug activity, and make it a healthier building. Seeing the transformation now really warms my heart. I love the industrial aesthetic — the mix of grit and beauty.

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Joel: Can you share a bit about its origin story — when it was built, who built it, and its role in early San Pedro?

Jacob: It was built in 1923 for the middle class by the architecture firm Walker and Eisen. They designed iconic LA buildings like the Taft and the El Cortez in San Diego. Sadly, many of their works have been demolished. The Cabrillo was funded by businessman Lazar Lipman — his name’s even stamped into the concrete. He built around 20 homes in San Pedro and was an early advocate for historic preservation.

Joel: That’s fascinating. And you’ve really kept that legacy alive — especially with those fire escapes and original brickwork.

Jacob: Yeah, I try to keep everything as authentic as possible.

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Joel: What does the Cabrillo look like today in terms of use and tenants?

Jacob: The ground floor has retail — Seven Days Food Store, Godmother’s, Happy Diner, and Prop House Plants. Upstairs are residential units — mostly middle- and lower-income tenants. We have everyone from seniors to students. Rooms start at around $750 a month, all utilities included. No kitchens, but with the diner and stores nearby, many people make it work.

Joel: That’s a great niche — affordable housing in LA is rare!

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Joel: The Cabrillo’s been called a “time capsule” of early 20th-century architecture. What features have you preserved that keep that authenticity?

Jacob: I’m proudest of the gravity-fed fire escapes — rare on the West Coast — and our 100-year-old elevator. It’s a labor of love keeping it all functional. I’m also restoring the original concrete cladding and lighting fixtures, aiming to bring the building back to its 1920s–1930s look.

Joel: It already looks amazing.

Jacob: Thanks! There’s more to come — especially in the lobby.

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Joel: What about some of the colorful or notorious characters who’ve passed through over the years?

Jacob: Oh, plenty! There were some rowdy sailors in the ’60s and ’70s. And there’s a long-standing rumor about a secret “bookie floor” on the mezzanine where people ran sports bets. Today it’s just an office, but I’d love to turn it into a small museum someday.

Joel: That would be fantastic. Old buildings really do have stories in their walls.

Jacob: They sure do — and sometimes quirks too. Keeping everything up to code is the biggest challenge — the elevator, fire safety, vintage stoves, you name it.

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Joel: Has the Cabrillo ever faced demolition threats or redevelopment pressure?

Jacob: Not that I know of. When my father bought it, it was losing money every month. But we turned it around. Other Walker and Eisen buildings weren’t so lucky, so we’re fortunate to still have this one.

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Joel: Ever had any ghost stories?

Jacob: I haven’t seen any ghosts myself, but people say some rooms have “energy.” Nothing scary — just character.

Joel: That’s good. The ghosts can stay in Hollywood.

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Joel: How has the neighborhood changed since you were a kid?

Jacob: It’s night and day. When I was nine, this area was rough. You didn’t walk around after dark. But now, thanks to the Business Improvement District and great local merchants, it’s vibrant again.

Joel: Yeah — shoutout to Sandy at Godmother’s!

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Joel: How do you see the Cabrillo’s role in the current revitalization of downtown San Pedro?

Jacob: I think it’s a hidden gem. Since the building isn’t open to the public, I focus on restoring the exterior — it’s a piece of public art in itself. Keeping it beautiful helps keep downtown beautiful.

Joel: Well said. What’s your long-term vision — say, 10 or 20 years from now?

Jacob: To fully restore the interior — historic tile floors, vintage lighting, maybe even bring back the green awnings and neon drugstore sign. There used to be a rooftop garden and dance school — though that’s a long shot with modern accessibility codes.

Joel: Maybe the ghosts are still up there dancing.

Jacob: (laughs) Probably!

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Joel: You and your father, Eric Eisen, own several historic buildings around San Pedro. Are there others we should keep an eye on?

Jacob: We only work on historic properties. Our newest is from the 1960s. One favorite is at Sixth and Mesa — where the Palace, Joel Morrison’s Guitar Shop, and Saigon Oi are. Almost a century old and full of hidden gems behind the walls. I’d love to restore more over time.

Joel: That’s incredible. Jacob, thank you for letting us peek through the window of the Cabrillo Hotel today.

Jacob: Thank you for having me. I’ve learned a lot from your podcast — I need to go back and listen to that Poltergeist episode!

Joel: (laughs) Please do. And shoutout to your father, Eric Eisen, for helping preserve San Pedro’s architectural history.

Jacob: Thanks, Joel. Appreciate it.

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That was Jacob Eisenberg, owner of the Cabrillo Hotel — a true steward of San Pedro’s architectural legacy.

Conversations like this remind me why I started this podcast: to celebrate the stories that make the harbor unique. But as our community grows and changes, so will this show.

From now on, The Harbor Area Podcast will not only explore our past — it will also shine a light on what’s happening right now: local arts and culture, civic updates, and the people shaping tomorrow’s harbor.

I also want to thank all of you for your patience during my little break. The past few months gave me a chance to recharge, travel, and yes — possibly even fall in love. Now I’m coming back to this project with a clear head, a full heart, and a renewed vision for where we’re headed next.

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If you enjoyed this episode, follow The Harbor Area Podcast on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates, historic photos, and links — including that DJ Snake video filmed right at the Cabrillo Hotel.

You can find us at @HarborAreaPodcast.

Until next time, I’m Joel Torrez — thanks for listening, and stay tuned, because the harbor’s story is still being written.