Downtown Culver City

Washington and Culver Boulevards, downtown Culver City. 1961. Herald Examiner Photo Collection

I've been driving through downtown Culver City for decades. It has changed drastically. When I was a young bride in the mid- 1970s and lived in the area, this portion of Culver City was run-down and filled with thrift shops and bars (not that there's anything wrong with that). Today the same area is thriving with high-end restaurants, a movie theater complex, a legitimate theater, book shops and boutiques. There are still thrift shops and bars, but way more posh than in the past.

Washington and Culver Boulevards, downtown Culver City. 1971. Google Image

In some ways, I'm happy to see the gentrification of this area. It's accessible and loaded with personality and possibilities. With gentrification comes parking difficulties, crowds and higher prices. This gentrification is happening across our City of Los Angeles. We are now a world class city with world class problems and crowding.

I have a love-hate relationship with gentrification. I like having new restaurants and shops readily available. I just don't want anyone else to know about them!

Downtown Culver City in the mid-1950s