Courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles
Image created by John Martin.
Harbor Heritage: Landscapes & Landmarks Through Time
Join us as we explore the evolving story of the Port's waterfront - its historic landscapes, iconic structures, and the transformation of working harbor spaces into today's modern terminals and public environments. This year's conference will highlight the rich cultural, architectural, and natural heritage that has shaped the Port of Los Angeles across generations.
Scroll to the bottom for a note on accessibility and accommodations during the conference.
The conference will include:
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6PM
Cocktail and Dinner Reception
Rafaello Ristorante
457 W 7th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 9AM
Continental Breakfast and Speakers
DoubleTree Hotel, San Pedro
2800 Via Cabrillo Marina
San Pedro, CA 90731
Topics will explore the Port of Los Angeles and San Pedro from several perspectives including environmental and maritime history, historic parks and landscapes, and contemporary waterfront design.
Red Trolley Tour
Includes Stops at Averill Park, Korean Friendship Bell, and Point Fermin Lighthouse. Along the way, we will see the historic homes and the old town architecture and culture of San Pedro.
Dinner with a view of the marina
22nd St Landing Seafood Grill & Bar
141 W 22nd St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 9AM (see schedule below)
Harbor Tour
Harbor Breeze Cruises
550 S. Harbor Blvd
San Pedro, CA
An hour-long scenic, narrated boat excursion that highlights the massive Port complex and local marine life. Please arrive no later than 8:45am for the Harbor tour. The boat departs promptly at 9am. Light refreshments will be available beginning at 8am.
MEET OUR SATURDAY SPEAKERS
Dr. Geraldine Knatz
“The Harbor as Landscape: Henry Huntington’s Sea Garden and a Century of Change at the Port of Los Angeles”
Geraldine Knatz is Emerita Professor of Engineering at USC and served as Director of the Port of Los Angeles from 2006 to 2014, following her role as Managing Director of the Port of Long Beach. She is the author of books on the history of Los Angeles Harbor. Her presentation will explore the harbor as a landscape of constant reinvention, from Henry Huntington’s 1903 vision of a “Sea Garden” to today’s working port, and how commerce, nature, and changing relationships with the sea have shaped its shoreline and habitats.
Kari Michele Fowler
“The Parklands of San Pedro”
Kari Fowler is a Senior Preservation Planner with Historic Resources Group with 25 years of experience in historic preservation. She served as Project Manager for SurveyLA, Los Angeles’ first citywide survey of historic resources. Her presentation will explore San Pedro’s diverse parklands, beaches, recreation areas, and nature preserves, including Point Fermin, Cabrillo Beach, White Point, Angels Gate, and the neighborhood “Peck Parks,” revealing the layers of history and community life represented in these landscapes.
Yunsoo Kim, PLA
Shaping the Waterfront: Landscape Architecture and the Transformation of the Port of Los Angeles”
Yunsoo Kim is President and Principal Landscape Architect of YKD, a Los Angeles landscape architecture and urban design practice, with more than 35 years of experience. His presentation will explore how landscape architecture can make a working waterfront more welcoming while preserving its history and identity. Drawing on projects including Cabrillo Way Marina, Downtown Harbor, and Avalon Promenade and Gateway, he will discuss public spaces, interpretation, community connections, and future opportunities along the Port of Los Angeles waterfront.
CONFERENCE LOGISTICS
Detailed information, as well as additional sites to visit in the region, will be provided to participants in October.
Accessibility: All locations have wheelchair accessibility except the Red Trolley Tour.
Accommodations: DoubleTree by Hilton San Pedro has provided CGLHS with discounted rate for stays during the conference. Booking Link for discount
Please review our Cancellation Policy. Note that the overall availability of tickets shown includes possible dinner guests. Full conference attendance is limited; late registration is subject to venue capacity.
CONFERENCE FEES
Registration includes the opening dinner reception, Saturday programs and meals, and Sunday harbor tour and light breakfast.
Please reach out to info@cglhs.org with the subject line "2026 Conference" should you have any concerns or questions.
