James Peasgood: The Treasurer Who Went Fishing and Never Came Back (Almost)

Venice, California, is known for its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and artistic culture. But hidden its past is the curious case of James Peasgood, a city treasurer whose name is now more famous for scandal than for service. His story, a mix of financial misconduct and a failed escape, remains one of Venice’s most intriguing historical footnotes.

A Trusted Official with a Dark Secret

In the early 1920s, James Peasgood held the role of City Treasurer in Venice, a position that came with the weighty responsibility of managing public funds. The young and seemingly trustworthy official was in charge of handling large sums of money meant for the city’s development. However, behind his respectable facade, Peasgood had a problem—he had been embezzling money from city accounts. By May 1922, his financial misdeeds had caught up with him.

The Great Escape (or Lack Thereof)

Rather than facing the consequences of his actions, Peasgood made an audacious move. Before disappearing, he left a note on his office door that simply read: “Gone Fishing.” It was a bold and, in hindsight, ironic farewell, considering he was actually fleeing with $35,000 in stolen funds (a considerable sum at the time). His getaway took him north to Oxnard, a small coastal town where he likely hoped to evade capture.

Unfortunately for Peasgood, his escape plan was short-lived. Authorities tracked him down within two weeks, arresting him in Oxnard and bringing an abrupt end to his short-lived adventure. His capture cemented his reputation as a cautionary tale in the annals of Venice history.

The James Peasgood Suite: A Nod to Notoriety

While many historical scandals fade into obscurity, Peasgood’s legacy has been kept alive in a rather unexpected way. The Venice Beach House, an historic Venice Beach boutique hotel originally built in 1911, named one of its suites after him—the James Peasgood Suite. This unique homage transforms his notoriety into a quirky piece of local history.

Guests who stay in the suite enjoy luxury accommodations, including a plush king-size bed, private balcony, and a partial ocean view—far better than whatever lodgings Peasgood found after his arrest. Though the name might inspire curiosity, few visitors likely realize they are sleeping in a room dedicated to a man who once attempted to outwit the law.

A Legacy of Infamy

James Peasgood’s story may not be as well-known as other Los Angeles scandals, but it remains a colorful chapter in Venice’s past. His failed escape and quick downfall serve as a reminder that even in a laid-back beach town, crime doesn’t always pay. Today, his name is remembered not for his civic service, but for his brief, ill-fated attempt at disappearing into the sunset.

The next time you visit Venice Beach, take a moment to appreciate the stories hidden beneath its palm trees and ocean breeze. You never know what forgotten figures—like James Peasgood—might still linger in its history.