Making of Modern Los Angeles

Nick Patsaouras arrived from Athens at age 17. After establishing a successful electrical engineering firm, Nick decided to give back to his adopted city. He served on boards that oversee Los Angeles’ zoning appeals and its Department of Water and Power as well as the region’s transit systems. In his latter role, he spearheaded the development of the region's subway and light rail lines and advocated for bus services. Nick became a volunteer “Mr. Fix-It” for a succession of Los Angeles mayors and county supervisors who asked him to oversee vital public infrastructure projects.Nick’s chronicle of the modernisation of Los Angeles was fifteen years in the making. Besides his firsthand account of decisions the boards he served on made, he draws heavily from public documents, news reports, and interviews with dozens of key players — elected officials and their aides, bureaucrats, corporate executives, developers, architects, engineers, preservationists, and academics. Nick has stitched together an absorbing, insightful account of the city’s evolution over a 50-year period.In his no-nonsense, straightforward writing style, he takes readers behind the scenes, where colossal egos clashed, where politics prevailed over principles, and where the art of compromise flourished. Nick also delves into the city’s recovery from the Northridge earthquake; the fights against smog, oil drilling in Pacific Palisades, and an East Los Angeles prison; the construction of Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Arts; the restoration of Angels Flight Railway; and the City’s architecture.Nick is a true insider whose vision and persistence prevailed and made a monumental difference. The insights and wisdom he gained from all these endeavours are woven throughout this book, making it a must-read for anyone with even a passing interest in Los Angeles’ recent past and future.

"The Making of Modern Los Angeles is so many stories. It is the deeply moving and inspiring story of a teenager who came to America from Greece, with little besides a love of education and public service and went to play a crucial role in the life of one of America's great cities. And it's also the story of Los Angeles, Nick Patsaouras' beloved adopted city, and ultimately, a story of hope and optimism -- that cities really can work, and that public service is a worthy calling for us all."--Arianna Huffington, founder & CEO, Thrive Glo

Nick Patsaouras received a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University, Northridge. He established an electrical engineering practice in Los Angeles and performed the electrical engineering for a wide range of projects, including commercial, industrial, educational, residential, medical, institutional, religious, and entertainment. Nick has been actively involved in civic life for over forty years. He ran for Mayor of Los Angeles in 1993 envisioning “Transportation as a Catalyst in Rebuilding LA” after the devastating LA riots.