L.A.’s Having a Birthday, and I’m Signing Books

Olvera Street: Discovering the Soul of Los Angeles

Mike will be signing copies of his Olvera Street travel guide on August 29.

On Saturday, August 29, the City of Los Angeles will celebrate its birthday and I will be a part of the celebration.

As has become the tradition, the city celebrates its founding in 1781 with a walk and bike ride from Mission San Gabriel to El Pueblo de Los Angeles. The recreation of the walk those early settlers, known as Los Pobladores, made in September includes some of the descendants of those first pioneers. The commemorative walk is followed with a day of celebration and special presentations.

What I will be doing is signing copies of my travel guide, Olvera Street: Discover the Soul of Los Angeles. Olvera Street is an important part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, and the management has asked that I be present to sign copies. Of course, I said I would be delighted.

I will be in the courtyard of the Avila Adobe, the oldest still standing residence in the city and I’ll be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to greet visitors and sign copies of my first travel guide, a personal walking tour of El Pueblo and Olvera Street.

El Pueblo Historical Monument is located at 424 N. Main Street in downtown Los Angeles and it is directly across the street from Union Station. I live in San Bernardino County, so I’ll be taking Metrolink in that morning. There will be plenty of things to see and do that day, and some great Mexican food and music, so if you’re not busy do yourself a favor and stop by for some birthday fun.

Oh, and by the way, the actual date for the city’s founding is September 4, but officials decided to celebrate the birthday a little early since many people might be out of town over Labor Day weekend.

Hope to see you on August 29!