Category: Los Angeles

Los Angeles street names: history and stories. Early Los Angeles Street Names: Many current street names originated from the 1849 Or survey, incorporating Spanish names reflecting the city’s early Mexican period. Examples include Spring Street (Calle Prima, Calle de la Caridad, Calle del Cura), Los Angeles Street (originally Calle Principal), and others derived from calle (street) and descriptive names. The Or survey mistakenly designated Los Angeles Street as Calle Principal, leaving Main Street as a less significant thoroughfare. Influence of Landmarks and Origins: Street names often reflected natural landmarks (e.g., Aliso Street for a sycamore tree) or the origins of settlers (e.g., Kenoga Park, Chatsworth). Impact of Land Development and Events: Street names were shaped by land developments, ranchos (e.g., Rancho Las Virgenes), housing tracts, and historical events. Names also reflect early farming, the oil industry, and the movie industry’s growth. Mexican and American Legacies: Street names reflect both Mexican (e.g., Pico Street, Figueroa Street) and American influences (e.g., streets150

  Avalon Gangster Crips: LA life, danger. The Avalon Gangster Crips: History and Identity: The Avalon Gangster Crips are one of the oldest Crips sets in Los Angeles, originating around 53rd Street in 1971. They are fiercely independent and consider themselves “top gangsters,” not beholden to other sets. Life in South Central LA: Life in the neighborhood is depicted as extremely dangerous and violent, with constant threats and potential for altercations. The interviewees emphasize the importance of knowing who is and isn’t from the neighborhood to avoid trouble. Gang Culture and Loyalty: Loyalty and respect for elders are emphasized as core values, though these are said to be waning among younger generations. The gang is portrayed as a family, providing support and structure to its members, especially those lacking familial support. Violence and its Causes: The video shows how quickly situations can escalate to violence, even among those who consider themselves friends or family.150

Hawthorne Plaza’s California history. Development and Opening (1969-1977): The Hawthorne Plaza, Los Angeles County’s 32nd mall, opened in 1977 after a period of planning and construction beginning in 1969. Initially conceived as an open-air complex, it was redesigned as a fully enclosed mall, featuring 835,000 leasable square feet, 130 stores, and three anchor stores (Broadway, Montgomery Ward, and JCPenney). Early Success and Decline (1977-1990s): While initially popular, the mall experienced a decline in the 1980s and 1990s. Contributing factors included economic downturn in the area (due to aerospace job cuts), socioeconomic shifts, increased competition from other malls, and rising crime rates. Closure and Failed Redevelopment Attempts (1990s-2018): The mall’s decline accelerated with the closure of its anchor stores (starting with Broadway in 1995). It officially closed in 1999. Numerous redevelopment plans were proposed over the years (including a mixed-use complex), but none came to fruition. The site was used for filming various movies150