Calendar of Events

Wednesdays at the Mercado with Anastasia Loukaitous-Sideris and Sam Gennawey  APA LA is proud to introduce Wednesdays at the Mercado, a monthly series that will feature panelists speaking on current topics Los Angeles planning. These events will be offered for CM credits and refreshments with vegetarian options will be provided from restaurants in El Mercado.   This month’s topic, “Public and Open Space in Los Angeles,” will focus on the challenges of providing open space in urban infill projects, how cities can incorporate more open space in new development projects and the struggles with privatizing open space. The panel, featuring Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris and Sam Gennawey, will also discuss the recent “Occupy LA” movement’s use of open space.    Anastasia Loukaitou-Sideris is Associate Dean of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and Professor and former Chair of the UCLA Department of Urban Planning. Professor Loukaitou-Sideris’ research focuses on the public environment of the city, its physical representation, aesthetics, social meaning and impact on the urban resident. Sam Gennawey, the author of the recently released book Walt and the Promise of Progress City, is a professional planner and theme park and attractions industry expert. He breaks new ground in detailing the process through which meaningful and functional spaces have been created by Walt Disney and his artists as well as how guests understand and experience those spaces.    Free for APA Members  $15 for non-members  RSVP: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/224138