Embark on a captivating journey through the rich history of Los Angeles's freeway system in an illuminating talk by acclaimed writer Paul Haddad, author of Freewaytopia: How Freeways Shaped Los Angeles. From the inception of the Arroyo Seco Parkway during the Great Depression to the completion of the Century Freeway in 1993, Haddad unveils the intricate tapestry of the city's 527-mile network of highways. While exploring Los Angeles's twelve freeways, he takes us on intriguing "Off-Ramps" that divulge facts about freeway culture and lexicon, from Botts' Dots and SigAlerts to the unique naming conventions of Southern Californians, unlike anything nationwide.
Beyond the asphalt and concrete, the author discusses the profound impact freeway construction has had on the lives of countless individuals, including minority and low-income residents displaced by eminent domain, and the trailblazing female engineers who navigated a male-dominated profession to design the system.
Haddad also pays homage to the vision, expertise, and dedication of civic officials and state highway employees, whose collective efforts birthed not only the world's most famous freeway network but also architectural marvels that resonate with poetic beauty.
Join us for this on-line event that celebrates the history and cultural significance of an LA icon while shedding light on the intricate intersections of urban development, social justice, and engineering prowess.
