Riding trains, walking city streets, meandering through rose gardens and museums, lunching on fine cuisine, marveling at historic architecture, enjoying art, learning about future bicycle paths in downtown LA, and understanding the importance of connecting Los Angeles
County via public transportation there were, also, mysteries to unravel and a grand celebration at the end of it all. Thank you Jeremy Stutes of Rail LA
and to your diligent collaborator Joyce Purvy of The Peace Projects. EXPO Explorer’s Day of Adventure in Los Angeles was a great success culminating into treasured memories.
The Historic Expo Line
In 1874 Rancho San Vicente y Santa Monica was developed by silver baron John P. Jones and sheep rancher Robert S. Baker. The ocean breezes and bluffs were great features but they needed to connect with the large population centered in Los Angeles (LA). Therefore, to establish commerce, Jones built a 16 mile rail line between the Santa Monica Bay waterfront and downtown LA. Opening in 1875 it became the 2nd railway in the area; San Pedro, in 1869, was the first active rail in the region.
Expo Explorer’s Day: Schedule of Events
The Expo Explorers commenced at 10:00 a.m. in Culver City for Le Pain Quotidien muffins, and coffee or tea, while we learned how to use our all-day TAP card. Onward, we boarded EXPO and traveled to downtown LA. First stop was Exposition Park inclusive of, but not limited to, a rose garden, museums, butterflies and, well, there’s just too much to enjoy in one visit. Reboarding the EXPO Line and then disembarking at the Staples center for lunch we prepared for part two of the adventure. It began with a visit to the enchanting Hotel Figueroa.
Very disappointed to have missed the tour of the Sees Candies chocolate factory due to the ticking of time, we enjoyed an educational walk before following a guide through The Reef, home of the LA Mart, where we were captivated by a stunning art installation created by Claudia Bueno. Heading back to Culver City for the grand finale of the LA adventure, we were greeted by Santa Monica Mayor, Pam O’connor, who opened our eyes to the future of ‘connectivity’ in Los Angeles County. Together, we were buffeted by the ocean breeze as we partied on the Helm’s Bakery new-mini-promenade enjoying dessert, prizes, gifts, music and emotive hugs of gratitude. BRAVO! For a visual of Expo Explorer’s Day LA, enjoy this worthwhile video. It was a memorable day of adventure from Culver City to Downtown LA and back again.
Expo Explorer’s Photos
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MADE POSSIBLE BY:
LA2050
Hines
Fairmont: Miramar Hotel & Bunglows-Santa Monica
MSD Capital, L.P.
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SPONSORS & PARTNERS:
Natural Hitory Museum of Los Angeles
T-Shirt Pros: David K’s Shirt Printing
xS Design
Metro
FAST
Le Pain Quotidien
The Peace Projects Organization
Santa Monica Place
Stephanie Luciano
Maker City LA
Santa Monica Spoke
Los Angeles World’s Fair
Walter N. Marks Realty Inc.
Orthopaedic Institute for Children
California High Speed Rail Authority
Expo Line Construction Authority Helms Bakery District
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