Join BlackAtlas.com Travel Expert-at-Large Nelson George as he takes you on a trip through Los Angeles.

If you are a baby boomer you may recall the Watts Riots in 1965. The African American community of Watts in Los Angles, California was frustrated by unfavorable conditions; a young black man had an altercation with a highway patrolman, leading to a riot that lasted 7 days.

As a kid, I remember seeing a photograph of the Watts Towers (built over a 30 year period by Watts homeowner/artist Simon Rodia) on the inside cover of the movie soundtrack album WattStax Live. This concert, held in 1972 at LA Coliseum, brought to the stage big time entertainers like Issac Hayes, The Bar-Kays, The Staple Singers and Albert King, who performed in front of huge crowd who paid only 1 dollar each.

There was something about those very unique towers and how they seemed to point to the sky and give the community hope that a better day was coming: it's an image have never forgotten.

On a recent trip to LA I had a few extra hours before my flight back to Chicago, so I made it down to the Watts Tower Art Center to check them out once again. Still as striking and powerful as ever. The …

When I stay in Santa Monica I always enjoy hitting the boardwalk and getting in a good 6 to 8 miles as I watch scenery that only Los Angles can bring. But this morning I thought I would do something different. For years I have heard about the famous “Santa Monica Stairs” simply known as “The Stairs” by the locals. So, why not?

When in Santa Monica I bed down at Shutters, The Lowe’s or the Viceroy, depending on budget. This trip it was the Viceroy. So I headed out the door hit the west side of Ocean Blvd. going north. When you get to the famous Santa Monica Pier sign, take a moment and take a look. It really is cool. Continue through Palisades Park and enjoy the view of the ocean and mountains. The nice dirt path is great as you weave your way around your fellow runners.

Making sure I’m headed in the right direction, I checked with a very fit looking sister who assured me I was on the right path. But, in my brief conversation with her, I discovered there were actually 2 sets of stairs. One concrete. The other made of …