City officials and residents of Los Angeles and San Gabriel joined together this morning in an annual walk to commemorate the founding of Los Angeles 227 years ago.

Los Pobladores-Walk to Los Angeles began at 6 a.m. and recounted the steps of the original Spanish settlers who founded Los Angeles at El Pueblo (now Olvera Street) on Sept. 4, 1781.

The nine-mile trek followed the last leg of the settlers' journey from Mexico, which extended from the San Gabriel Mission to the Los Angeles River.

Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar joined the historic walk.

"From day one, Los Angeles was a diverse city made up of people from different backgrounds and experiences," he said, noting the original settlers were people of Native-American, African and European descent.

The city was originally named El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Angeles sobre el Rio del Porciuncula. The 44 settlers traveled more than 1,000 miles across the desert from Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico.

Today's celebration will continue until 6 tonight at Olvera Street, where food, music and other entertainment are offered. The events are free and open to the public.

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