With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes to Open in Mid-April
 
Billing itself as L.A.'s first Mexican American Cultural Center, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes will open its doors on April 16, 2011. The center, which is located downtown on Main Street across from Olvera Street, encompasses 2.2 acres, including 30,000 square feet of garden and the Vickrey-Brunswig Building and Plaza House. It's stated mission is to celebrate the influence of Mexican and Mexican American culture on Los Angeles and Southern California.
According to a statement released by the center today, the inaugural exhibition will be called LA Starts Here!:
LA Starts Here!, the first of its kind in scope and stance, reveals the essential, often overlooked role of Mexicans and Mexican Americans in the founding and shaping of Los Angeles’ history and culture, from the city’s founding in 1781 to the present.
LA Plaza is a nonprofit, and will be overseen by LA County as part of the LA County Arts Family, which also includes LACMA, the Natural History Museum and the Music Center
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
 
- 
                        Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it.
- 
                        The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course.
- 
                        The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits.
- 
                        The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high.
- 
                        The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
- 
                        Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
