Iconic L.A. : Olvera Street

OLVERA STREET is distinctly Los Angeles due to its history. 1781, when the 44 pobladores accompanied by a militia and two priests as legend has it made their way to the very spot that the first mayor of Los Angeles had declared to the king of Spain a good spot to build a town the City of Angeles was born: Olvera Street. The Street, or as some would call it the very first calle in this city shows the spontaneous aspect of growth and development that has turned this desert into a city (chaparral). The sociology of this city has formed around the power of people and the continuous influx of new people has kept the heart of this city beating booms. As both a haven of immigration being that the original settles of Los Angeles were of mestizo, mulatto, and African ancestry it seems that Los Angeles grew into its Anglo centered origins long after. For myself with the air gorged on the thick smell of chicken, beef, and pork with all sorts of different spices and flavorings you just feel as if this place is an emblematic symbol of “old style Los Angeles.” a possessive feeling that one gets once going downtown and seeing the adobe re-creations and colorful dresses all juxtaposed not only against gentrification but also the ebb and flow of the 21st century being next to Union Station, “One of the last great railway stations,” all its own just makes you feel proud. Olvera Street isn’t just speckled with facts about the first street but also is a temptress, wanting the tourist to join into the traditional dances, song, and dress. Olvera Street is truly a symbol of Los Angeles and is a quaint reminder of those that called this place home way before today. Olvera Street seems to also be a beacon for the immigrant who comes to this city and needs a healthy dose of home. No place actually incorporates with such vigor elements of its past such as Olvera street serving as a real life representation of how things used to be. Even within the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the domineering figures that have made Los Angeles a city of wonder. Olvera Street speaks to the immigrant and culture in a very real way. With Mexican flair and faithfulness the Immigrant can find a home away from home inside its Spanish speaking environs.
The wares that are sold can also be cherished Time after time. Tourism spots have made Olvera Street a must for those coming to see California and most of all Los Angeles. This city tainted with the light of a dystopia can find a very real culture beating under the heart of artificiality.

-- Jason Collins

(photo caption, middle: "Found on Olvera Street"
photo caption, bottom: "Avila Adobe on Olvera Street."
photo credits: Loren Javier, flickr pool, creative commons)