Richmond’s Historic Plunge Turns 100

In 1926, six young women with fashionably bobbed hair posed in modest swimming suits inside an empty pool. The San Francisco Chronicle described them as ‘Where Mermaids Will Sport’. The occasion was the opening of a new indoor swimming pool in Richmond, and the event was front-page news. Despite the initial emptiness of the natatorium, the Chronicle highlighted the charm and anticipation of the soon-to-open facility.

This year marks the centennial of the Richmond Municipal Natatorium, affectionately known as the Plunge. Built the same year as iconic figures like Route 66 and Winnie-the-Pooh, the Plunge remains a cornerstone of Richmond’s community. Robby Roller, the city’s aquatic supervisor, notes the longtime connection residents have with the pool. Generations have learned to swim there.

Early Era of Indoor Pools

Swimming pools are now commonplace in California, especially in summer. Yet, indoor pools were novel a century ago. Notable exceptions included Hearst Castle’s Roman Pool, with its dazzling mosaic tiles, constructed from 1927, and President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s therapeutic pool at the White House, completed in 1933.

Richmond’s pool opened in March 1926 with fanfare including a parade, marching bands, speeches, and swim stunts. The first swimmers were Edith and Vera, two 4-year-olds. Mayor W.W. Scott praised the pool as a symbol of Richmond’s progressive spirit, funded by bonds totaling over $100,000, equivalent to $1.8 million today.

A Unique Saltwater Experience

The Plunge originally started with a landowner’s unsuccessful oil drill, hitting fresh water. Inspired by Sutro Baths, Richmond built a massive pool, mixing salt water from San Francisco Bay with well water. Though piping corrosion ended the saltwater feature, salt remains part of its chlorine base.

The Plunge was nearly lost to deterioration and a damaging 1989 earthquake. By the late 1990s, the pool faced demolition, but public protests and the ‘Save the Richmond Plunge Trust’ ensured its restoration. In 2010, the pool reopened after extensive renovations funded by public-private collaboration.

On August 15, Richmond will celebrate the Plunge’s centennial with dedications, speeches, and demonstrations. Roller notes that families can enjoy the pool for $1 on this special day.

Measles Surge Dramatically in California

This year, California reported 52 measles cases, more than double the previous year’s total. Unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status constitute the majority of cases, mainly affecting children and young adults.

Renovation of the Cinerama Dome

Following a six-year closure due to the pandemic, Sony Pictures Entertainment will restore the iconic Hollywood Cinerama Dome, aiming for completion by early 2028.

UC Reviews Admission Requirements Amid SAT Debate

University of California faculty are reviewing high school course requirements as they reconsider using SAT and ACT scores for admissions. Questions revolve around necessary academic rigor and math inclusion.

Other Notable Stories

• Climate change may reshape California’s wine regions.
• A longtime fugitive lived as a wealthy L.A. biopharma executive.
• Pasadena businesses suffer after copper wire thefts disable AC units.
• A widow sues her mother for $1.2 million after actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s death.
• A new rule from Trump’s administration limits student loans for degrees yielding low earnings.

Commentary and Opinions

• Gustavo Arellano urges the Dodgers to stand up for L.A. during their White House visit.
• Senator Adam Schiff cautions against complacency amid presidential corruption in Mark Z. Barabak’s column.
• Michael Hiltzik discusses the ethical concerns of Wall Street’s access to Trump’s Truth Social posts.

Today’s Must-Read Stories

• A couple raffles their $2-million house to travel for $7. “If not now, when?”
• LA rentals prepared for the World Cup yield mixed successes.

Activities for Your Leisure

Going Out

• Join tennis classes where L.A. mothers return to sports with their children.
• Experience Hot Dog on a Stick’s comeback with lobster options.

Staying In

• Watch Hulu’s ‘My Grandfather Charles Manson’, exploring familial ties to the infamous criminal.
• Consider reading Colson Whitehead’s acclaimed works.

Explore ribeye cachetada tacos from ‘Vitamina T’. Engage with daily crossword puzzles, sudoku and more games. Share thoughts on daylight saving time with [email protected], and have a great day ahead from the Essential California team.

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