Historian James Papp will give a free lunchtime talk Saturday, February 24 at 1 pm on the exhibition “Chinatown/Japantown Glamour,” with images drawn from the History Center and Cal Poly Special Collections, currently displayed upstairs at Mee Heng Low, 815 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Guests can arrive early to order à la carte from Mee Heng Low’s menu. No reservation necessary, but stairs are the only access to the second floor. (The exhibition can also be viewed during dinner hours 5–8 pm Wednesday–Saturday in February.)

 In the inter-war era when Asian Americans faced overwhelming prejudice, particularly in California, the new language of glamour and sports changed the way they presented themselves in San Luis Obispo: as stars and champions. Some of this imagery even blossomed into national fame; pictured is Helen Louis, Ah Louis’s youngest daughter, as the September 1924 cover girl for McCall’s magazine, read by 8% of America’s population. For more information call or text James at 805-470-0983.