Deborah Kobylt Live

Italians have shaped the culture of America throughout this great nation, and particularly here in Los Angeles. Please welcome to our show an expert in this field, Marianna Gatto, Director of the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles & Author, The Italian Americans Of Los Angeles. And let me tell you, this book is incredible and comprehensive. Marianna seems to have uncovered every inch of Italian heritage throughout this great city. Since Italians first came to this region, they have been agriculturalists, pioneers, outlaws and dreamers, and have brought with them tremendous culture, science, culinary expertise, and vibrancy to a variety of neighborhoods in Los Angeles, from the ports in Long Beach and San Pedro up to the northern most sections of Los Angeles. Marianna's comprehensive book talks about the trailblazers, winemakers, the original Italian Hall and Little Italy, Hollywood, and of course the secret History that she has uncovered. It wasn't easy being the first Italians to grace the soil here,