Seawall construction, La Jolla Children's Pool

This image shows the La Jolla Children's Pool under construction. In 1921, Ellen Browning Scripps contracted with noted hydraulic engineer Hiram Newton Savage, to construct a breakwater for a beach with a curved reef located near her home. Her goal was to ensure the safety of children who swam from what was then known as The Pool. According to Savage, the beach had a “natural barrier reef curving seaward from a bluff” permitting a plan that conformed to the natural shape of the scenic coastal setting. Following a rigorous permitting process at the local, City, and State levels, in September 2, 1930, Savage received permission to construct the breakwater, stairs, and complete related work from the State of California on, and in April 23, 1931, by passage of Senate Bill #433 An Act of Granting Certain Tide and Submerged Lands of the State of California to the City of San Diego. The result was the La Jolla Children's Pool.