John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego
Oasis Presents a look behind the scenes at the pioneering legacy of John Deitrich Spreckels with historian Dr. Sandra Bonura. She authored the newly released biography, Empire Builder: John D. Spreckels and the Making of San Diego. You will be introduced to the man who almost single-handedly built our city after building empires in sugar, shipping, transportation, and construction up and down California and across the Pacific. After "discovering" our bankrupt village in 1887, he left everything behind to follow his heart, and within a few years, he controlled the majority of San Diego's industry. In fact, at the beginning of the 20th century one in fifteen San Diegans worked for a Spreckles-owned company. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to pre-register.