Port of Los Angeles Conference (October 23, 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

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.

California Garden & Landscape History Society upcoming events

Port of Los Angeles Conference (October 23, 2026)

Courtesy of the Port of Los Angeles

Image created by John Martin.