Author Archive

5 Essential Books about Los Angeles

By Kevin Roderick, Editor of LA Observed

2010 was a good year for additions to the canon of books about greater Los Angeles – the city itself, plus the metropolis of ten million or so people that live in that sea of lights you see flying into LAX at night. History, architecture and the back story of those people are themes that run through this year’s books. For the discerning Angeleno, here are five books that would add some luster to any shelf. (more…)

5 Best Walking Streets by Kevin Roderick

Kevin Roderick, KCRW Host.

Los Angeles grew up as a driving city, and I’m as guilty as anybody of using my car for recreation and convenience more than necessity. Yet, I enjoy savoring a city’s sights and smells and personality on foot when I’m traveling — and lately I’m enamored of just parking my wheels where the mood strikes me and exploring L.A. from the sidewalk. Some of my favorite strips are obvious, some more of an acquired taste.

1 – Wilshire Boulevard.
OK, this may be too obvious. But America’s most quintessentially Automobile Age boulevard is appreciated in a whole new way while out and walking. I especially like the mile or so from Lafayette Park to Western. You stroll past dozens of storefronts that have seen decades of L.A. history, plus you can peer through the windows of the sublime former Bullock’s Wilshire department store.

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