Ed Fuentes

Farmers and Merchants Bank, at 4th and Main.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — On Sunday afternoon, the Jewish Historical Society of Southern California will host Frances Dinkelspiel for a presentation from her book, "Towers of Gold: How One Jewish Immigrant Named Isaias Hellman Created California."

Dinkelspiel is Hellman's great-great-granddaughter, and her 2008 release chronicles the vast influence Hellman had on the development of Los Angeles. Appropriately, the event takes place in the 1905 headquarters of the Farmers and Merchants Bank, which Hellman founded.

Hellman went on to move to San Francisco and run Wells Fargo. He was also intricately involved in the history of Los Angeles' railroads, the discovery of California's oil, and even ran the state's wine industry for a time.

The 3pm event is free for members of the Historical Society (or those who choose to join on-site, I'd imagine). It's $10 otherwise. The Farmers & Merchants Bank is located at 401 S. Main.

Those looking to attend from outside the neighborhood should note that Fiesta Broadway will be taking place two blocks west, blocking normal routes east from the 110.