The Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley meeting tonight (Monday, Oct 18) has been CANCELLED due to a medical emergency of the speaker. HSCV will reschedule this speaker as soon as possible.

On Monday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m., Susan Phillips will present the history of Los Angeles graffiti to the Historical Society of the Crescenta Valley.

Graffiti is written in storm drain tunnels, on neighborhood walls and under bridges and tell an underground and, until now, untold history of Los Angeles. Drawing on extensive research within the city’s urban landscape, Phillips traces the hidden language of marginalized groups over the past century – from the early 20^th century markings of hobos, soldiers and Japanese internees to the later inscriptions of surfers, street artists and punk rockers.

Phillips is an American anthropologist and criminologist who works as a professor of environmental analysis at Pitzer College. She is known for research on graffiti and her books on gangs and graffiti.

The presentation will be made at the Center for Spiritual Living-La Crescenta, 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta (at the corner of Santa Carlotta Avenue).

Photos provided by HSCV