Poring over a century's worth of old L.A. newspapers, you see certain issues recur. Billboards, for one. Another perennial is what to do with the public space downtown that was called Central Park when Gaylord Wilshire used to get arrested there for orating in public without a license. (Wilshire also was hauled into court for his illegal billboards, but that's another story.) Pershing Square has been reinvented numerous times, and on Wednesday night Aloud at Central Library and REDCAT will discuss its future yet again as part of the Talking City series. Good panel:

Is Pershing Square a study in failed urban design? What would it take to bring it back? Could we take lessons from New York City 's beloved Bryant Park? Join us for a discussion on the future of what was once one of Downtown's most vibrant and charming places.

With Daniel Biederman, Kathleen Bullard, Lewis MacAdams, Barry Sanders, and Doug Suisman

Moderated by Christopher Hawthorne, LA Times Architecture critic

As always, Aloud tickets are free but reservations are recommended. Info

1993 construction at Pershing Square by Cary Moore / LAPL.org