DotDotDash: Pet Projects

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — CALLING ALL K9 The empty acreage along SCI-Arc will become a dog park, if LAPD Officer Jack Richter has his way. “Hollywood Jack,” as he is known around the Arts District, reports he had some backup from design and development pundit Sam Hall Kaplan, and together they swayed property owner Richard Murello to let the land become public space–– that is until he decides what to do with it. . — Call it the Bark Park next to SCI-Arc Early plans include splitting the park into two major spaces; one side for dogs over 20 pounds and the other side for the under.

CENTER OF MOVEMENT: David Alfaro Siqueiros’ 1932 América Tropical is still under wraps on the south wall of Italian Hall and the City of L.A. is exploring how to find future support for the historical 18 x 80 foot mural. . — Friends of The Chinese-American Museum, a non-profit that offers support and direction for City owned Chinese-American Museum (CAM), is considered the model by organizers. . —Something to consider is how CAM speaks of local history, while Siqueiros’ fading work has international reach. Both mural and museum were started to preserve culture––not unlike a new movement to honor Italian-American who once colonized around El Pueblo.

. . —

MORE FROM EL PUEBLO: The grassroots effort to erect a statue in honor of Mexican entertainment star Antonio Aguilar is now supported by Councilmember José Huizar. The statue, as of yet not designed nor funded, was/is to be made from donated keys.. . — The bare bones concept went before committee and was introduced to the formal process that requires eligibility review, cost studies, and public hearings with the City and Cultural Affairs. The idea will go forward, with some guidance from El Pueblo.

. . —

ANOTHER IDEA Something more endearing to the city may be a bronze monument of artist Leo Politi sitting on a chair painting images of Olvera Street while a child watches him at work.

. . —

MORE TRADITIONS: The Chinese New Year of the Rat 4706 opened at midnight last night with firecrackers and lion dancers. The big event is Saturday’s 109th Annual Golden Dragon Parade & Festival where over 100,000 are expected to line the streets of Chinatown for the 2pm parade. It leads a two day festival on Saturday, February 9, and Sunday, February 10.

. . —

On A Smaller Scale: ShainLa is leading walkers through the portion of 9th St named after James M Woods , the city activist who lead the CRA under Mayor Tom Bradley, while advocating for those in Skid Row. The First Annual JMWB Walk is Sunday February 10, from noon to whenever.

. . —

DREAM BIG: Armed with handmade plans, “General” Jeff Paige has been making the rounds with his idea for a “Downtown Community Park” at 100 East Olympic Blvd. . . — The community activist feels that the proposed site, now owned by Magnum Properties, can service the 9th Street Elementary School and the Salvation Army Day Care Center. . . — Modest Start: In his early proposal, a hand sketched layout of the park has been brought to the table of community park assessment meetings and committees at City Hall. It includes a walking trail, indoor gym, amphitheater, and a clock tower in the center. . — That’s how projects start–– with ideas brought forward by the foot soldiers of Downtown.