The Los Angeles Geographical Society sponsored two different beginning/introductory Field Trips to Downtown Los Angeles.  The two sequential field trips were done separately or together as an investigation of the origin and development of Downtown Los Angeles and its districts.  Beginning Geography student, teacher and those new to Los Angeles, discovered through the eyes of a geographer/planner how the Los Angeles central core has been important in the past and how it continues to be important for the region.  Both field trips were led by Gary Booher, a Los Angeles City Zoning Administrator and a Geography Instructor at both Los Angeles City College and El Camino College.  If you need additional information, please contact Mr. Booher at LACCgeography@yahoo.com

Origins of Los Angeles 

This Field Trip viewed the environs of the original Pueblo of Los Angeles and surrounding districts, including the Plaza, Pico House, Olvera Street, Avila Adobe, Union Station, Cornfields, Capital Milling and Chinatown.  This field trip entailed approximately 2 miles of moderate walking and lasted up to 3 hours.

met on:    

November 5,  2005 

10:00 am Saturday

 Meeting Place:  

Union Station – Meet in front of    entrance/exit of MetroRail station within Union Station. 

Union Station is on east side of Alameda Street, north of the Hollywood Freeway (101). 

Public Transportation to Meeting Place: Take MetroRail Red Line to Union Station.

Development of Downtown

This Field Trip viewed the modern Downtown area and its historical development and districts, including Angels Flight, Grand Central Market, Broadway (retail and theatres), Spring Street (Old Bank District), Pershing Square, Central Library, Bunker Hill and Flower Street.  This field will entailed approximately 2 miles of moderate to strenuous walking and stairs and lasted up to 4 hours (you may stay afterwards for lunch with the group at your own cost). 

MeT on:     

November 19,  2005

10:00 am Saturday

Meeting Place:       

Grand Central Market – Meet in plaza at rear         (324 S. Hill Street)

Public Transportation to Meeting Place:

Take the MetroRail Red Line to Pershing Square. Grand Central Market is ½ block north from the station’s north exit.

 Top of page