Robert Garcia: One Acre of History Forgotten

Robert Garcia is at the forefront of the environmental justice movement that articulates the legal and physical deficits of our city's access to green space. The City Project, which he founded, holds city and state officials accountable for the mismanagement of natural resources and creates strategic campaigns to shape public policy that serves communities of color. A civil rights advocate for the 21st century, Garcia understands the role that public space has in shaping people's histories and urban experiences. We sat down with Robert Garcia at the controversial site of Padre Serra's Park in front of Union Station to discuss the forgotten history of L.A.'s Chinatown and the importance of creating monuments that celebrate Los Angeles' ethnic past.

One Acre of History Forgotten
Padre Serra Park was the original site of the largest American Indian village, and later became the first Chinatown where the massacre took place.

The Controversy over Padre Serra Park
Padre Serra Park is one of the places in L.A. with the most history and also the only green space in Downtown. Robert Garcia is concerned they want to build a war memorial monument that has nothing to do with its history.