KPCC: Street Stories

Broadway and Third, downtown Los Angeles

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:27:54 -0800

Twice a week you can find a smiling Willie Dowells, 57, sitting on a bench, people watching outside the Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles.

Elevado Avenue, Arcadia

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0800

No one wants to say they live in a pig sty. That’s why a pair of Pasadena developers changed a street name.

Mary Street, Pasadena

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Two early Pasadena pioneers knew the truth of the saying, “happy wife, happy life.” It’s another Street Story.

Mentor Avenue

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Southern California was full of homesick émigrés who often named towns and streets out here after their favorite places back home. It's another Street Story.

Raymond Avenue

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Just about every hotel in Pasadena is booked for the upcoming Tournament of Roses Parade. A century and a half ago - before the parade, Pasadena had but one hotel in town.

Villa Street Pasadena

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0800

The idea of a spa vacation is nothing new. Sierra Madre once had a famous health resort with fresh air and produce so fresh you could see it harvested in the front yard.

Brigden Road Pasadena

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:43:01 -0800

A Pasadena pioneer survived the Civil War, but lost his life trying to bring fine wine to Southern California.

Whittier Blvd.

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

There are often obstacles to new highway construction: environmental impact reports, objections from neighbors, and the cost of building it. Engineers ran into the same problems trying to build a truck highway that linked San Diego with San Francisco. It’s another Street Story.

Stephenson Avenue

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority just opened an eastern extension of the Gold Line train. But it’s not the first light rail line to travel to East LA.

Olympic Blvd. 2

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

More than 2-billion dollars in federal stimulus money has been poured into transportation infrastructure projects in California. It’s not the first time federal dollars intended to “jump start” the economy have been spent on California roads. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Avenue of the Stars

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Sex sells. Advertisers have known this since advertising began. Years ago, local boosters used sex to sell transportation. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Olympic Blvd.

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Chicago lost out on its bid for the 2016 Olympics. Los Angeles has hosted the games twice. Drivers can recall those glory days every time they drive down Olympic Blvd. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it's another Street Story.

Telegraph Road

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Haunted houses often feature doors that open up to brick walls and secret compartments that reveal hidden rooms. The idea is to throw off your sense of direction. That also happens along a tried-and-true route between Los Angeles and San Diego. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Country Club Lane

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Property tax protests are legendary in California. One of the earliest battles was over a tax to build the street we now know as Olympic. The opposition? Folks who lived near Country Club Lane. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Tenth Street, Los Angeles

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority last week set its transit priorities for the coming decades. It angered some members of Congress in the process. Making transportation decisions – and paying for them – has always been a challenge for politicians. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says one such battle is a mighty Street Story.

Hellman Avenue, Long Beach

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

One of California’s earliest bankers didn’t start out that way. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Hathaway and Maine Avenues, Long Beach

Sat, 03 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

It was not uncommon for brothers of one family to marry sisters of another in the 19th century. But one Long Beach family took the idea to extremes. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Susanna Road and Bryant Road, Long Beach

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0700

California’s water woes have led a growing number of homeowners to plant native shrubs and flowers. One of the earliest enthusiasts for native flora and fauna was from Long Beach. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.

Ocean Avenue, Long Beach

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Sometimes bad luck can turn to gold…or something just as valuable. KPCC’s Kitty Felde tells the tale of a real estate deal that took a long time to pay off. It’s another Street Story.

Temple Street

Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Downtown LA waited years for a supermarket. It finally opened two summers ago. Almost 200 years ago, early LA eagerly awaited the opening of another market. KPCC’s Kitty Felde says it’s another Street Story.