PERSHING SQUARE
Pershing Square has reflected Los Angeles' economic and social growth since its inception in 1866 as “La Plaza Abaja.” It was later dedicated to the American military hero of WWI, General Pershing. In the1950s progress required a parking lot for 1800 cars – built under the Square. Pershing Square serves as an outdoor concert and event center providing numerous free programs for the community.
Green Pockets: A Green Parking Lot for Downtown Youth Center
Happy Fourth of July Downtown!
In the spirit of patriotism and community, I would like to invite you to volunteer a couple of hours to help us finish the two major objectives of the DLANC Sustainability Committee: to create a community greening strategy and resource toolkit for Downtown. We are asking for a little bit of your time over the next few weeks to help us accomplish what we set out to do together - for our neighborhood.
Providing a Vision of Downtown in the Future
With the support of our talented committee members, our community was awarded the 2009 AIA SDAT (Sustainable Design Assessment Team) national grant to support the development of a long-term strategy to make a more livable, affordable and efficient urban neighborhood. The AIA has recently issued the final report, which was supported by the outgoing DLANC Board of Directors, with some exciting recommendations and next steps that we want to share with you, the newly-elected DLANC Board, and Downtown Los Angeles.
Creating an Online Toolkit
We have a few more hours of work left to finish developing an online resource that we can use when looking for services, resources, and other tools to help us live more sustainably - in our homes, workplace, and communities. We have researched services, executed some successful (and unsuccessful) projects, and learned a lot over the last couple of years as a growing community - now's time to launch the website to support this initiative.
Volunteer a couple of hours - help us meet our goal this July!
Throughout July, there will be a series of evenings, weekends, and odd hours for volunteers to help when they can - as much as they can. Whether you just have 90 minutes or several hours to spare, we would appreciate your help over the next couple of weeks. Please email us at sustainability@dlanc.com if you are interested in helping - and let us know if you are able to bring a laptop, a digital camera, or any other tools you think might be useful.
Green Pockets: A green parking lot for a Downtown Youth Center
To kick-off our volunteer opportunities, join us this Wednesday, July 7 at the Downtown Los Angeles Youth 
& Cultural Center (132 S. Beaudry Avenue) at 6:30pm to discuss how we can help the Youth Center build a "green" parking lot - instead of an asphalt surface, help them explore a more sustainable option for a healthier environment.
Office Hours: Not Just a Cool Place to Hang Out
Check out the DLANC Calendar or Sustainability Committee website for updates on specific office hours. Email us if you plan on coming - or call Ashley Z. Hand at 917-974-1891.