Esotouric offers memorable Valentine's Day at forensic lab

WHAT: Following two sold-out fall events, Professor Donald Johnson, inassociation with LAVA and Esotouric, again presents the lecture/demonstration "The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony."

WHEN: Sunday, January 30, 2:30pm-6:30pm and Sunday, February 13, 2pm-6pm

WHERE: The Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center (Cal State L.A.), 1800Paseo Rancho Castilla, Los Angeles, CA 90032

COST: $36.50 per person, includes refreshments

RESTRICTIONS: Due to the graphic nature of the presentation, children maynot attend.

PHOTOS: To see images from the debut crime lab event, visit
http://lavatransforms.org/crimelabpics

INFO/RESERVATIONS

­ http://lavatransforms.org/crimelabjan30

http://lavatransforms.org/crimelabfeb13

Valentine's Day requires committed couples to make a special effort to celebrate, but there aren't many organized options for lovers who think red roses, chocolate boxes and romantic dinners are B-O-R-I-N-G. Each year, offbeat couples struggle to find something fun and original to do.

This February 13, a select group will participate in a very special Valentine's Day weekend event that is unique, fascinating and rather disturbing‹just right for the eclectic Los Angeles couple looking to share an experience they can't get anywhere else and won't soon forget. It's a half day lecture/tour in a real teaching crime lab, hosted by the forensic investigators and educators who use its tools to solve crimes and develop new research strategies.

Leave it to LAVA (The Los Angeles Visionaries Association), the creative consortium launched in February by Richard Schave and Kim Cooper, the married couple whose Esotouric bus adventures have transformed the guided tour experience, to make a real-life CSI experience accessible to interested laypersons. Working closely with one of LAVA's most intriguing Visionary members, Professor Donald Johnson, they've developed a special four-hour introduction to Cal State L.A.'s state-of-the-art Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center, presented through tours and short lectures from the scientist/educators and graduate students who work there.

Space is very limited and pre-reservation recommended for this unprecedented opportunity to tour the crime lab, learn from experienced forensic investigators and educators, and discover the real art and science of crime scene investigation. A portion of the proceeds from the January 30 and February 13 events supports the research of Criminalistics graduate students at Cal State Los Angeles.

"The Science and Art of Forensic Investigations: Criminalistics from Test Tube to Testimony" provides an insider's view of the scientific investigation of crime, as Criminalistics faculty and graduate students will share their knowledge and insight on the theory and practice of forensic science in our criminal justice system. Attendees will also tour Cal State LA's state-of the-art teaching and research facilities at the Hertzberg-Davis Forensic Science Center.

The afternoon begins with an introduction to the field of Criminalistics and the use of physical evidence in criminal investigations, hosted by Professor Donald Johnson, followed by an overview of the academic and research programs in Criminalistics at Cal State LA.

Then, attendees will be provided with additional insight on forensic methods during breakout sessions on Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Chemistry, and Forensic Biology. The CSI session, hosted by Donald Johnson, highlights tools used by forensic specialists in the field and emerging technologies in CSI. The Forensic Chemistry session, hosted by Isaac Cheney, surveys methods used for the analysis of trace evidence and controlled substances, and current research will be presented on the development of methods to detect narcotic-tampering by health professionals. The Forensic Biology session, hosted by Kristin Honig and Stacy Wilkinson, highlights body fluid and DNA analysis, with a presentation on current research on methods to improve the recovery of semen in rape cases.

The afternoon concludes with a true life -- and extremely graphic ­ overview of the investigation of the murder of a family in Los Angeles County, a Q&A session, and a tour of the teaching crime scene reconstruction lab, which will be staged with a mock crime scene for participants to examine. By the program's conclusion, attendees will have a basic understanding of the strengths and limitations of forensic methods used in criminal investigations, and a fresh perspective on the real art and science that takes place behind the scenes and the headlines.

ABOUT LAVA: Through participation in LAVA, a select group of creative professionals come together to promote cultural programming that speaks to the urban experience while promoting positive public space. LAVA's creative partners share a love for L.A. and unique ideas for exploring it in theirwork. Formed by social historians RICHARD SCHAVE and KIM COOPER --proprietors of Esotouric bus adventures and the 1947project time travel blog series (including On Bunker Hill and In SRO Land) -- LAVA brings together L.A.'s most visionary promoters, artists, writers and thinkers.

Applications from prospective LAVA members are being taken at
http://lavatransforms.org/apply

To learn more about LAVA, please visit
http://www.lavatransforms.org