Support for LAist comes from
Local and national news, NPR, things to do, food recommendations and guides to Los Angeles, Orange County and the Inland Empire
Stay Connected
Listen

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

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.

Arts and Entertainment

Iconic "History of Highland Park" Mural Restoration Begins

Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.

The highly anticipated restoration of the "History of Highland Park" mural began on Saturday as over 100 volunteers devoted their time to start the clean up process on the much-loved but recently much-maligned neighborhood artwork.

Using biodegradable soap, elbow grease and a healthy dose of neighborhood pride, community members helped kick-off the vision of years of work by the Highland Park Heritage Trust, the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council and Councilmember José Huizar. The mural is on the AT&T building at 107 N. Ave 56 and AT&T funded the restoration costs which are estimated at $78,000.

Huizar made a moving statement during Saturday's event: "Today we are honoring the history of Highland Park and Garvanza. This mural is much more than a painting on a wall. It is a reflection of this historic community and the people who call it home. I am proud to have been a part of the collective effort to bring 'The History of Highland Park' back to life and I thank all our partners who worked so diligently to make this happen."

Judy Baca, one of the mural's original artists, will oversee the entire restoration and encourages everyone to "come by and watch our progress!" The restoration should be completed in the next few months.

As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.

Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.

We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.

No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.

Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.

Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right
(
LAist
)

Trending on LAist