What's your favorite Los Angeles landmark? Does it still stand, or is it just a memory? From famous icons to hidden gems, Los Angeles has amazing architecture as diverse as the city itself. But L.A.'s long tradition of reinvention has left beloved landmarks in its wake. This book highlights just a few of the many great buildings that fell to the wrecking ball, as well as some that narrowly escaped. The landmarks we almost lost might surprise you, and their survival offers hope for a future that celebrates our past.
Landmark L.A. is the first book to chronicle and,provide photographs of 700 historic-cultural,monuments designated, protected and preserved by,the city's Cultural Heritage Commission. Edited by,the city's Arts Manager Jeffrey Herr, Landmark,L.A. provides historical and reference information,about each landmark, and features individual,black-and-white photographs of each site. Landmark,L.A. is a project of the Cultural Affairs,Department of the City of Los Angeles. Proceeds,benefit the Preservation Internship Program of the,City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department.
"Los Angeles is a city whose buildings define it, a city whose buildings are instantly recognizable. A bestseller in hardcover, Iconic L.A. has been completely updated and revised to include Case Study House #8, the famed steel-and- glass masterpiece designed by Charles and Ray Eames"--Provided by publisher.
"An entertaining and informative guide to the rock and roll landmarks of Los Angeles, The L. A. Musical History Tour chronicles the clubs, hotels, studios, record company offices, residences and restaurants that have played vital roles in the lives of those who have made Los Angeles a musical mecca. The mystique and mythology of L. A. Rock and roll is preserved and presented in the photographs of these timeless (and sometimes time-ravaged) spots - not to mention Fein's commentaries on them. Want to know where Phil Spector and Bob Dylan first met, how love or the Go-Gos got going, the woods where the Rolling Stones rolled around for the cover of Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass), where The Doors had an actual office, or where Roy Orbison is buried? It's all part of Fein's pictorial safari of the not-so familiar and extremely iconic sites that influenced Los Angeles' rich rock and roll history."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Ken Bernstein, the City Planner for the City of Los Angeles and a national advocate for historic preservation shares how Los Angeles has led the nation in historic preservation and shares how other cities can do the same. Los Angeles has an image as the "City of the Future"--a city always at the cutting edge of change--but also as a "throwaway metropolis" that cares little about its history or architectural legacy. Yet thereality is quite different. Over the past decade, the City of Los Angeles has developed one of the most successful historic preservation programs in the nation, culminating with the completion of the nation's most ambitious citywide survey of historic resources. All across the city, historic preservation is now transforming Los Angeles, while also pointing the way to how other cities can use preservation to revitalize their neighborhoods and build community. Preserving Los Angeles:How Historic Places Can Transform America's Cities, authored by Ken Bernstein, who oversees Los Angeles' Office of Historic Resources, tells this under-appreciated L.A. story: how historic preservation has been transforming neighborhoods, creating a Downtown renaissance, and guiding the future of the city. While it is younger than many East Coast cities, Los Angeles has a remarkable collection of architectural resources in all styles, reflecting the legacy of notable architects from the past 150 years. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Los Angeles is also breaking new ground in its approach to historic preservation, extending beyond the preservation of significant architecture, to also identify and protect the places of social and cultural meaning to all of Los Angeles's communities. Preserving Los Angelesilluminates a Los Angeles that will surprise even longtime Angelenos--highlighting dozens of lesser-known buildings, neighborhoods, and places in every corner of the city that have been "found" by SurveyLA, the first-ever city-wide survey of Los Angeles' historic resources. The text is richly illustrated through images by a prominent architectural photographer, Stephen Schafer. Preserving Los Angelesis an authoritative chronicle of Los Angeles' urban transformation-- and a useful guide for citizens and urban practitioners nationally seeking to draw lessons fortheir own cities.
Containing walks and detailed maps from throughout the city, Secret Stairs highlights the charms and quirks of a unique feature of the Los Angeles landscape, and chronicles the geographical, architectural, and historical aspects of the city’s staircases, as well as of the neighborhoods in which the steps are located. From strolling through the classic La Loma neighborhood in Pasadena to walking the Sunset Junction Loop in Silver Lake, to taking the Beachwood Canyon hike through “Hollywoodland” to enjoying the magnificent ocean views from the Castellammare district in Pacific Palisades, Secret Stairs takes you on a tour of the staircases all across the City of Angels. The circular walks, rated for duration and difficulty, deliver tales of historic homes and their fascinating inhabitants, bits of unusual local trivia, and stories of the neighborhoods surrounding the stairs. That’s where William Faulkner was living when he wrote the screenplay for To Have and Have Not; that house was designed by Neutra; over there is a Schindler; that’s where Woody Guthrie lived, where Anais Nin died, and where Thelma Todd was murdered . . . Despite the fact that one of these staircases starred in an Oscar-winning short film—Laurel and Hardy’s The Music Box, from 1932—these civic treasures have been virtually unknown to most of the city’s residents and visitors. Now, Secret Stairs puts these hidden stairways back on the map, while introducing urban hikers to exciting new “trails” all around the city of Los Angeles.
This manual resulted from the five “Landmarks” projects sponsored by the Getty Conservation Institute, beginning in 1993 with Picture LA, in which young people photographed and commented on landmarks in their communities. The manual provides general guidelines and step-by-step instructions for creating similar projects in communities throughout the world.
A ruthless dissection of American life in the late 1960s, "Play It As It Lays" captures the mood of an entire generation. Joan Didion chose Hollywood to serve as her microcosm of contemporary society and exposed a culture characterized by emptiness and ennui.
This definitive guidebook to Los Angeles and Southern California features hundreds of reviews of the city's restaurants, hotels, nightlife, shops, and cinemas. Along with a thorough look at LA's top tourist areas, from Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica and Disneyland, the guide explores more obscure but no less deserving sights, from Downtown's arts district to Santa Catalina Island. Additionally, the book covers the broader Southern California region, including San Diego, Palm Springs and Santa Barbara. A full range of practical information for the visitor includes city transport and tours to costs and currency, while an in-depth contexts section details the region's colourful background, from its landmark architecture to the rise of the Hollywood film industry. Finally, individual sections highlight the region's top sights, as well as its beautiful beaches, and there are plenty of maps to help you plan your trip to this free-spirited American metropolis.
Discover the secrets of the City of Angels with the HowExpert Guide to Los Angeles – your ultimate companion to navigating and experiencing one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a new resident, or a seasoned local, this guide is meticulously crafted to help you explore LA’s iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local favorites with confidence and ease. Inside This Comprehensive Guide: Introduction - The Essence of Los Angeles: More Than Just Hollywood: Discover the true spirit of LA, from its cultural richness and diverse neighborhoods to its outdoor adventures and innovative spirit. - Navigating This Guide: Learn how to make the most of this guide with clear chapter overviews, detailed content, visual aids, and personalized recommendations. - Tips for Using the Guide Effectively: Maximize your LA experience with practical tips on planning, staying flexible, utilizing insider knowledge, engaging with the community, and documenting your journey. Chapter 1: Discovering Los Angeles - Understanding the History of Los Angeles: Explore LA’s evolution from its early beginnings to its modern cultural renaissance. - Geography and Layout: Get an overview of LA’s diverse neighborhoods, key districts, and microclimates, and learn to navigate the city’s extensive transportation systems. - The Cultural Mosaic: Delve into LA’s demographics, neighborhood profiles, and notable cultural contributions. Chapter 2: Planning Your Journey - When to Visit: Understand LA’s weather patterns, tourist seasons, and special events to choose the best time for your visit. - Essential Packing List: Pack smart with advice on clothing, gear, and important documents suited to LA’s climate and activities. - Travel Essentials: Prepare for your trip with information on visa requirements, health and safety tips, and money management. Chapter 3: Mastering Transportation - Airports of Los Angeles: Navigate LA’s major airports, including LAX, Bob Hope, Long Beach, and Ontario International. - Public Transportation: Master the Metro system, light rail lines, and transit hubs, with tips on fare systems and travel. - Navigating the Roads: Learn about LA traffic patterns, parking strategies, and options for car rentals, ride-sharing, and scooters. Chapter 4: Accommodations for Every Traveler - Choosing Where to Stay: Find the best neighborhoods to match your interests, from Hollywood to the Westside. - Accommodation Types: Explore budget options, mid-range hotels, and luxury stays to suit every traveler’s needs. - Booking Strategies: Get the best deals with timing tips, booking resources, and safety considerations. Chapter 5: Culinary Los Angeles - The Iconic LA Food Scene: Indulge in must-try dishes, noteworthy food trucks, and street food that define LA’s culinary landscape. - Dining Districts: Discover the best places to eat in Downtown LA, Koreatown, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and the Westside. - Nightlife and Entertainment: Enjoy LA’s vibrant nightlife with recommendations for rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, live music, comedy clubs, and theater. Chapter 6: Exploring Attractions - Iconic Tourist Sights: Visit LA’s most famous attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, and Griffith Observatory. - Hidden Gems: Explore unique museums, cultural neighborhoods, and lesser-known spots that offer a different perspective on LA. - Themed Itineraries: Tailor your visit with itineraries for film buffs, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Chapter 7: Shopping in Style - Major Shopping Districts: Shop in style at Rodeo Drive, The Grove, Century City, Melrose Avenue, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and Downtown LA. - Unique Local Stores and Boutiques: Find one-of-a-kind items at independent boutiques, vintage stores, craft markets, and pop-up shops. - Tips for Bargain Hunters: Score deals at flea markets, thrift stores, and outlet shopping centers. Chapter 8: Year-Round Events - Annual Festivals and Celebrations: Join in on LA’s biggest events, from the Rose Parade and LA Film Festival to Coachella and the LA Marathon. - Film and Music Events: Experience award shows, premieres, concerts, music festivals, and club gigs that make LA a cultural hotspot. - Sports Events and Where to Watch: Catch the action at Dodger Stadium, SoFi Stadium, and Crypto.com Arena, or enjoy the games at local pubs and sports bars. Chapter 9: Beyond Los Angeles - Day Trips: Escape to nearby beaches, desert landscapes, and wine country for a quick getaway. - Weekend Getaways: Plan extended trips to Catalina Island, Big Bear Lake, San Diego, Las Vegas, Death Valley, and Yosemite. - Planning Your Excursions: Get tips for efficient day trips, avoiding traffic, and steering clear of tourist pitfalls. Chapter 10: Relocating to Los Angeles - Cost of Living Breakdown: Understand the costs of housing, utilities, transportation, food, entertainment, and other expenses in LA. - Choosing a Neighborhood: Find the perfect residential area that matches your lifestyle and preferences. - Navigating the Job Market: Explore major industries like entertainment, tech, and healthcare, with job search strategies and networking tips. - Educational Opportunities: Learn about schools, colleges, universities, and professional development options in LA. Chapter 11: Staying Safe and Sound - Safety Guidelines Specific to LA: Stay safe by understanding crime patterns, identifying safe zones, and knowing emergency contacts. - Local Laws and Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with legal tips, cultural dos and don’ts to navigate LA with respect and ease. Chapter 12: Local Secrets - Money-Saving Tips: Discover discount cards, deals, and free events, along with budget dining and entertainment options. - Best Times for Attractions: Learn the best times to visit attractions, considering off-peak hours and seasonal variations to avoid crowds. - Local Favorites: Find out where locals eat, relax, and unwind, and explore hidden nature spots and serene retreats. Conclusion - Reflecting on Your LA Experience: Look back on your time in LA and appreciate the unique experiences and personal growth it brought. - How to Keep Los Angeles in Your Heart After You Leave: Stay connected to LA culture and keep the city’s spirit alive in your heart, no matter where life takes you next. Dive into the HowExpert Guide to Los Angeles and unlock the full potential of your LA adventure. With detailed chapters covering everything from historical insights and practical travel tips to local secrets and cultural highlights, this guide is your key to experiencing Los Angeles in the most enriching and enjoyable way possible. Whether you’re here for a short visit or planning a long-term stay, let this guidebook be your trusted companion as you explore, discover, and fall in love with the City of Angels. Your LA adventure starts here! HowExpert publishes how to guides on all topics from A to Z.
