20 Apr 2012
LA's Tapestry of Diverse Neighborhoods Reveal Authentic and
Off-The-Beaten Track Discoveries
From African-American Treasures
to the Tastes of East LA's Taquerias
LOS ANGELES—(April 22, 2012)—Los Angeles is a city of complementary contrasts where diversity is not only embraced, but vehemently celebrated by the people who live, work and play here. Leimert Park, Watts and East Los Angeles, whose names offer little evidence when it comes to revealing their cultural influences, are among the city's most fascinating neighborhoods. The first two are steeped in African-American culture, while the latter is a vibrant Latino enclave.
Walter H. Leimert began developing Leimert Park in south LA in the late 1920s working with the Olmsted brothers whose father designed New York City's Central Park. Leimert Park was among the first communities to boast a Home Owners' Association, and today it has transitioned into a vibrant African-American community filled with artists, musicians and authors. Degnan Boulevard, filled with shops, restaurants and community pride, is the neighborhood's main thoroughfare. Its History Banner Project features nearly 90 images of African-American leaders who helped to shape, define and advocate for important social issues.
Just a few miles from Leimert Park is Watts, another African-American neighborhood, whose iconic landmark—Watts Tower—serves as a community beacon. Created from scraps at the hands of Italian immigrant Simon Rodia, Watts Tower is perhaps the first eco-friendly art installation to grace the city (if not the nation). It took Rodia more than 30 years to complete his modern urban vernacular sculptures, which he started in 1921 and completed in 1955. The Tower consists of 17 interconnected structures reaching heights over 99 feet, encrusted with a sparkling mosaic. Watts is a thriving cultural community, with public art and museum exhibits focusing on the African-American experience and civil rights, thanks to the Watts Community Labor Action Committee, a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to helping improve the quality of life of Watts residents.
Across the Los Angeles River is East LA, a predominately Latino neighborhood that includes several small communities, such as Lincoln Heights, Mt. Washington and Boyle Heights. The area has always had a high concentration of Mexican immigrants, but during the early part of the 20th century many Italian, Japanese and Jewish families resided here, too. The sound of ranchero music can be heard along the streets, and top mariachi performers congregate at Mariachi Plaza to entertain the crowds. Tucked inside a tiny storefront is Candelas Guitars, a family-owned shop where a third-generation guitar maker handcrafts instruments for well-known musicians. And, when Angelenos want a taste of authentic Mexican food, they head to Antojitos Carmen, a small, quaint eatery known for its homemade chorizo, menudo, guacamole, pico de gallo and tortillas.
Contacts:
Watt's Towers
1727 East 107th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90002
Media Contact:
Rosie Lee
001-213-847-4646
Watts.towers1@lacity.org
Rosie Lee Hooks
Overseeing the day-to-day operations of Watts Tower is Rosie Lee Hooks, the art center director, who share her history and knowledge of the sculptures with throngs of visitors. T. 213.847.4646 or watts.towers1@lacity.org
Watt's Labor Action Committee
10950 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Media Contact:
Tim Watkins
001-323-563-5639
Eso Won Books
4331 Degnan Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
Media contact: James Fugate
001-323-290-1048
jmfugate@msn.com
James Fugate
James Fugate is the owner of Eso Won (African for "water over rocks"), a bookstore along Degnan Boulevard that celebrates the written word through African American authors. He is an active member and advocate of the Leimert Park community. T. 323.290.1048 or info@esowonbookstore.com
Candelas Guitars
2724 East Cesar Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
Media contact: Tomas Delgada
001-323-261-2011
info@candelas.com
Tomas Delgado
Candelas Guitars has been a fixture in East LA for decades. This family-owned shop is now run by third generation craftsman Tomas Delgado, who shares his love of music and music making with his many famous clients. T. 323.261.2011
Antojitos Carmen
2510 East Cesar Chavez Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
001-323-264-1451
About The Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board is a private, nonprofit business association whose primary mission is to market and promote Los Angeles as the premier site for leisure travel, meetings and conventions. Though not part of City government, Los Angeles Tourism is recognized as the City's official tourism marketing organization. For more information, visit the official visitor information website of Los Angeles at www.discoverLosAngeles.com. Please visit our FaceBook page at facebook.com/LosAngelesFan or follow us on Twitter @discover_LA.
Los Angeles International Pow Wow is supported by the following Premiere Partners; Brand USA, Los Angeles World Airports, and Visit California. The Premiere Event sponsors are Cirque du Soleil, Hollywood & Highland and Universal Studios Hollywood. The Platinum sponsors are The GRAMMY Museum, LA Waterfront, Metro, and Wolfgang Puck Catering.
The Gold sponsors are Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, CityPASS, Coach America, DFS, Downtown Business Improvement District, The Grove, Hollywood Entertainment District, Merlin Entertainments Group, Miles Marketing Destinations, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Original Farmers Market, Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities CVA,
Pasadena Convention & Visitors Bureau, Santa Barbara Conference & Visitors Bureau and Film Commission, Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, Starline Tours & Tour Coach Charters, Temecula Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the West Hollywood Marketing & Visitors Bureau. The Silver sponsors are Beverly Center, The Capital Grille, Citadel Outlets, City of Santa Clarita, Joie de Vivre Hospitality, Malibu Family Wines, Premium Outlets, and Visit Mendocino County. The Bronze sponsors are da Vinci Villa, El Monte RV, Integrated Transportation Services, and Japanese Assistance Network.
Media contacts:
Carol Martinez Beth Brett
Vice President, Communications Director, Communications
phn: 213/236-2357, fax 213/425-1457 phn:213/236-2397, fax 213/452-1497
cmartinez@LATourism.org bbrett@LATourism.org
For more information on Los Angeles visit www.discoverLosAngeles.com
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Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/tourism_LA
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(04/12)
