For the USC and Exposition Park neighborhoods in Los Angeles
Hello my name is Liliana Vasquez I recently joined this group. A little about myself I grew up in the area of University park lived all my life in the parameters that are between Toberman and Vermont Jefferson 23rd St area.
I am interested in the preservation and cultural history our neighborhood. In recent years I have noticed a revival in the interests of neighborhoods all around the Downtown Los Angeles areas. I feel that our area is as rich in history if not more then places such as Boyle Heights, Highland Park, Echo Park, East L.A etc. However I feel that as a community we are lacking an interest in its history so I want too change this.
In Oct Ciclavia which is a wonderful all day bicycle event will occur and this year a stretch of it will include Figueroa all the way down to Exposition park. This is a perfect opportunity for the Community to showcase its history and architecture to the entire city. As an avid cyclist, a member of LACBC and a resident of the area I want to put together a short side ride that I want to make into an educational one. I want to take a few groups of people and show off the area I grew up in.
I hope this brings renewed interest into the area not too mentioned some positive media attention. However in order for me to do a semi decent job I need to research some more history. Or if there are any volunteers willing to help me out maybe we can contact St. Vincents or the AAA to set up some sort of booth were riders can stop in for water and at the same time learn a little bit more of the community they will be riding through. The event pulls in over 25,000 participants what an amazing opportunity this is for local business and for local grassroots. I can't do this on my own! so please if any help can be given such as ideas of where I may get some information on the area such as its architecture, history and famed residents I would be happy to take.
Comment
Great meeting you at CicLAvia yesterday - and I'm so pleased that you did your ride for friends and associates to see the area that you grew up in and know so well! Wonderful :)
http://www.usc.edu/libraries/archives/la/historic/
Doheny Mansion and Stimson House are along the way/nearby ... not sure about other houses
FYI! I have decided to begin the tour from Expo Park and ride through USC down Hoover. Highlighting The Row and that amazing house on the corner of 28th ST and Hoover then riding East on 27th st. making a right on Magnolia to come out on Adams. Traveling East bound and eventually ending the little tour at St. Vincents. Now I need to get information on some of those homes along the route that are historically preserved any ideas where I can find the resources?
Yes Eddie the two points you noted are what I have in mind. The ride however would be during Ciclavia I would take some of the people I know that I ride with around my neighborhood and show them what it is I love about my little neck of the woods.
I am also interested in your idea.
If we can more clearly set out the objectives and timelines we can see where we can fit in.
It sounds like we would like
• a history/art/architecture ride pre-Ciclavia
• a booth on the Ciclavia route to show what our history tour to the riders.
... to be clear ...
Also - be clear (rereading my comment below) -- both me and my wife Rita AND kids are interested in the history of Doheny, St. Vincents/Mount St. Mary's and the Mission, Victorian architecture, and the wider Adams history ... I mentioned Expo Park as an additional historical reference point in the area. I have also put out a kind of 'call for interest' or ideas on our bike commuters site to see what interest exists.
So we're located to the south of you, on Leighton Avenue approximately near Budlong. From there, we can see the Coliseum and I'm reminded of that history and place -- and how easy and safe for families it is to ride there. I often ride from west to east on 39th which bisects Exposition Park, and from there, past the Natural History Museum, the Rose Garden, and then up Trousdale across the USC campus, and sometimes up to Hoover's bike path, or alternatively, up the middle bike and pedestrian path to the east of Hoover connecting to Adams via the Neutra Building (Institute for Multimedia Literacy) and Kerkhoff Hall (Annenberg) aka "The Carriage House." Of course, Exposition Park also hosts the Science Center (and SC School), the California African-American Museum, and soon the space shuttle Endeavor will join other historical aircrafts and spacecrafts at the park. Anyways, our kids are very interested in the Adams area and the places you mentioned, and Victorian architecture.
Thank You Otto yes please do. My idea basically is just taking a group of riders around Adams and Hoover then back on out to Figueroa. I still am pondering the exact route and will be going out in the next couple of weeks to tour on my own the neighborhood. So many points to explore such as the history of Doheny and St. Vincents/Mount St. Mary's of course this would lead me down Adams which would allow a brief stop at the Mission which is located on Adams and Hoover. Anyhow just an idea for now but I am excited and hopefully others on here will be too.
Hi Liliana!
I fully agree that there is increasing interest in the preservation of South LA's (and wider LA's) cultural history. I will support you and your efforts as a local resident and USC staff member as much as I can. I am involved in some map-related efforts combined with bicycling (see ridesouthla.com) that might help if there is an opportunity to combine this with mapping in some way.
I couldn't agree more regarding CicLAvia ! This is a rare opportunity to showcase the community -- and for USC to support the community. I have collaborated with others (François Bar, Melissa Loudon) and started the USCBikeCommuters.com site to bring USC bike commuters together, and to share resources and events. Alas, we need more support for our efforts. I am interested in helping in this effort, and will keep you in the loop regarding any known USC CicLAvia initiatives that I hope to learn about soon.
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