Steve Lopez: Doctor who walked LA's perimeter has a prescription for everyone: Escape your own neighborhood

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Dr. Roy Meals walks along the L.A. Harbor West Path in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles one of many paths he wrote about in his book, on Oct. 22, 2025. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Dr. Roy Meals takes a break from his walk to visit with famed San Pedro resident John Papadakis, 75, former owner of the now-closed Greek Taverna in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Oct. 22, 2025. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS

Dr. Roy Meals stops to take in the American Merchant Marine Veterans Memorial Wall of Honor while walking one of many paths he wrote about in his book, on Oct. 22, 2025 in the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Genaro Molina/