Tongva, L.A.’s first language, opens the door to a forgotten time and place

TOVAANGAR

“The world.”

From the top of Signal Hill, Los Angeles disappears in the haze. Gauzy light smudges details, so that only the mountains, the sea and the land in between remain. No freeways; no homes, high-rises or palms.

Off the coast lies the broad silhouette of Catalina. To the west…