Uncovering San Pedro’s Hidden Legacy: A Local Crime Analyst Turns Treasure Hunter
A new mystery coffee-table book by San Pedro native J. Walter Pesusich brings to life the fascinating story of San Pedro philanthropist Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson (1858–1930) — and the enduring legend of her two hidden treasure chests.
When most people hear “coffee-table book,” they picture scenic photography and glossy pages.
But for one San Pedro native and longtime LAPD crime analyst, it became the perfect vessel for uncovering a century-old mystery — the life and legend of Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson, a pioneering philanthropist and landowner whose name lives on in the town’s schools, churches, and folklore.
What began in his teens as whispers among older cousins about buried treasure and a mysterious San Pedro woman evolved into a lifelong investigation. Over decades, he collected articles, photos, and interviews — slowly piecing together Rudecinda’s remarkable life and the mystery surrounding her fortune.
Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson. (1858-1930)
According to local lore, Rudecinda inherited vast tracts of land that later became modern-day San Pedro. A generous benefactor, she helped fund the town’s first women’s club, a Catholic school, and even a fire station — while privately amassing a dazzling collection of gold, diamonds, and fine jewelry.
Before her death in 1930, she reportedly commissioned two ornate chests to hold her treasures: one for gold, the other for diamonds.
When neither chest surfaced after her daughter’s death in 1969, rumors spread that Rudecinda had hidden them somewhere in town. Those whispers proved partly true when, in the late 1980s, one chest filled with gold was discovered in a basement — leaving the second, said to contain jewels, still waiting to be found.
“There really wasn’t anyone quite like Rudecinda — and her story deserved to be told.”
— Author, on why he wrote the book
Q&A with the Author
What inspired you to write this book?
It’s such a fascinating tale — one I think people far beyond the South Bay will enjoy. Who doesn’t love a mystery, hidden treasure, and the thrill of piecing together clues? But more than that, I wanted to reintroduce Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson to the world. She was truly one of a kind — a woman ahead of her time.
Over the years, as I researched the two treasure chests and learned more about Rudecinda herself, I realized her story hadn’t really been told. There was always this small circle of San Pedrans who knew about her and would whisper bits of information, but many believed, “the less you mention the treasure, the less chance someone else will find it.” I think the time has come to bring her story — and her remarkable life — back to light.
Can you share one particularly interesting detail from the book?
There’s so much packed into it, but one story really stands out — about Old Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, now at Green Hills Cemetery. That little church has had quite a journey: it’s been moved four times in 150 years!
Old Saint Peter's Episcopal Church. Built in 1883. Currently in its fourth location at Green Hills Cemetery.
What’s truly eerie is that every single one of those locations connects to Rudecinda. The first was near her 1881 home. The second stood just a block from the Catholic school she helped fund. The third was the cemetery where she’s buried. And the fourth? It’s beside Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson Middle School.
It’s as if her presence continues to echo through San Pedro — even in the places that move.
The Dodson Residence - Built in 1881. 140 years later, the house is still in good condition and its third location.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in San Pedro, and I’ve always loved riddles, puzzles, and mysteries — so Rudecinda’s story naturally captured my imagination. After graduating from Cal State Long Beach, I began working as a crime analyst with the LAPD, and 26 years later, I’m still doing it.
Outside of work, I’m always creating — whether it’s writing, building a koi pond, or traveling with my wife. We love exploring places like India, Death Valley, and small Croatian islands. On weekends, we’re usually hiking the Palos Verdes Peninsula or heading to a national park when time allows.
San Pedro has produced some incredible figures — writer Charles Bukowski, ballerina Misty Copeland, and the punk band The Minutemen. I think Rudecinda deserves a place among them. There are countless podcasts and books about mysteries and folklore, but nothing about her — or her lost treasures. It felt like the right time to tell her story.
“San Pedro has its legends — but Rudecinda’s story might just be the greatest one still unfolding.”
About the Author
A San Pedro native and LAPD crime analyst, J. Walter Pesusich has spent more than two decades exploring local history, folklore, and unsolved mysteries. His debut coffee-table book on Rudecinda Sepulveda Dodson combines archival research, storytelling, and a detective’s eye for clues to spotlight one of San Pedro’s most fascinating — and mysterious — women.
Rudecinda’s Mystery: the Lost San Pedro Treasures is available on Amazon and locally at The Den gift shop in San Pedro, at 1126 W. 37th St. Open Wednesday to Sunday, noon to 5pm.
