Lost L.A.

- Season 1

(2016)

In this episode, Lost L.A. explores the complicated relationship between the city and its natural environment. The program explores the origin of the Santa Ana winds, the infamous winds that trigger allergies, fray nerves, and alarm fire-prone communities. The episode also examines the unfortunate and inevitable demise of the grizzly bear in Southern California.

Long before Sandy Koufax threw Dodger Stadium's first pitch, and even before the first residents moved into Chavez Ravine, there were the Elysian Hills. Raised up by tectonic forces, and carved into deep ravines by the ancient precursor of the Los Angeles River, these hills have meant many things to many people.

It is often said that Los Angeles has buried much of its history. It has suppressed inconvenient reports, recast the plight of Mission Indians as a Spanish Romance, written entire cultures and communities out of its official historical narratives. But some of Lost L.A. literally lies buried beneath our feet, hidden long ago.

The history of one of southern California's most-beloved public gardens, from pre-colonial oak woodland to a contemporary living museum. This film examines how Descanso Gardens reflects the social, political and cultural evolution of L.A.