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Cultural Center Halts Construction After Skeletal Remains Found
Photo by MizGingerSnaps via Flickr
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By Ana Bustilloz/Special to LAist.A portion of the construction at the LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is on hold due to the discovery of skeletal remains. In a statement from LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes President and CEO Miguel Angel Corzo says work in that area has been halted "indefinitely, in light of the unexpected number of human remains uncovered and their great historical significance."
He goes on to say that the LA Plaza "conducted the necessary archaeological excavation in strict accordance with the law, all professional archaeological and osteological standards" though according to the LA Times, some groups contend that excavation was happening "too quickly and without the involvement of descendants of the dead."
The remains are thought to be from some of Los Angeles' first settlers of Native American, Mexican and Spanish descent. The site is the location of the city's first cemetery, which was closed in 1844. The Los Angeles Archdiocese contends the bodies were relocated, but with the discovery of bones from several different bodies on the site since October, it appears a few were missed.
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