Another step has been taken in transforming downtown with the Grand Avenue project. Now we're not sure we're going to get the technicalities of municipal development right, but as we read in the Daily News, an agreement to begin design on the park (see illustration) that will stretch from the Music Center to City Hall has been approved. A gallery of park proposals from the people has been put together by good-intentioned rabble-rousers at the Norman Lear Center at USC; we suggest the big developer look there for some inspired ideas.

The former Mayor of Lynwood, Paul H. Richards, has been sentenced to almost 16 years for setting up a sham corporation to siphon off city money for his personal use. He scooped up just $500,000 before getting busted. It's like a little-bitty public sector Enron.

For those inclined to house voyeurism, Saturday has a treat: the Will Rogers home will be reopened after a $5 million restoration. There should be a western-style party, complete with trick-roping. The house is part of the Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades.