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Bienvenidos! Happy August, the last full month of the sweltering summer, and a great month to visit Olvera Street... well, any month is a great month to visit Olvera Street.
 The BIG news this month is the resurrection of the Siqueiros’ mural, “American Tropical,” at Olvera Street. For 74 years city officials have been unable to decide what to do with this “lost masterpiece,” a politically controversial piece that the internationally renown muralist created on an 18 by 80-foot concrete wall at Olvera Street. $7.8 million can do a lot of magic, and that is the hope behind the city and the Getty’s joint effort to restore the masterpiece and put it in a proper setting. Work is slated to begin next February, and to be completed within two years. See the full details below.
 Speaking of masterpieces, Ginette Rondeau, Curator of the “Annual Dia De Los Muertos Juried Exhibition” is soliciting your work for this year’s exhibition. So start planning your altars, painting, sculptures, photography, etchings and mix-media representing Dia De Los Muertos. The entry form and details will be posted at www.Olvera-Street.com later this month. Deadline for artists’ submissions will be late September. More details below.
This month also features Estrellita Tapia Shawky, a chef who grew up on Olvera Street, and took her Mexican grandmother’s recipes around the world. She’s back in town, and is happy to share a few of her best, including Green Chile Enchiladas, Tamale Pie, and Chile Rellenos. Scroll down for the full platter.
But the summer isn’t over yet, and that means the Dodgers, led by Whittier’s own Nomar Garciaparra, are still in town. Garciaparra, and another Southern California Latino, Freddy Sanchez, are amongst the National League leaders in batting average as the season winds down. More details below.
And if your summer tastes are at times a bit more high-brow, try the California Philharmonic Summer Series. August 13 will feature “Phantom Goes to the Opera,” while August 27 will see “Movie Magic” will ring from the halls of the Music Center, just a few blocks south of Olvera Street. More details south of this.
Or there’s the free outdoor concerts at the Grand Performance on Grand Avenue, also south of Olvera Street. Big bands, chamber music, Chinese dancers and more will be presented. See the full list below.
The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is featuring the most complete survey ever presented on Robert Rauschenberg’s career. Details below.
Or you could just head into a comfy chair in an air conditioned theater for “Quinceañera”
All this and more, all month on Olvera Street. Bookmark our *See L.A* link as a reference, and come see us at Olvera Street.
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Events at
Olvera Street
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2006 Summer Music Festival
The Summer Music Festival will be presented by Wells Fargo Sundays at the Olvera Street Plaza for the fifth straight year, giving Los Angeles an opportunity to celebrate its rich Latino culture and heritage.
Bring the family for a free afternoon of music!
 August 13th – BEST OF THE BEST
Sponsored by Wells Fargo
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What’s Happening on
Olvera Street!
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A controversial mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros, which has been booted around like a political football for the past 74 years, should finally see its day in the Olvera Street sun, thanks to a joint $7.8 million deal announced from the J. Paul Getty Trust and the City of Los Angeles.
Siqueiros’ “America Tropical,” which features a crucified Native American beneath an eagle in front of a Mayan pyramid guarded by two soldiers, was painted on the reinforced concrete of an outdoor wall on the second floor of Olvera Street's Italian Hall building. Surprised at the political nature of the art, city officials ordered the 18 by 80-foot mural by the Mexican native whitewashed, and then completely covered. They came to realize, a little too late for their own tastes, that Siqueiros was a communist.
Commissioned to depict “America Tropical,” Siqueiros later said, he had no intention to depict “a continent of happy men, surrounded by palms and parrots, where the fruit voluntarily detached itself to fall into the mouths of the happy mortals.”
“America Tropical” in credited as California’s first outdoor mural. After being hidden throughout the mid-part of the century, the mural reentered the public consciousness during the Chicano Civil Rights Movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. Siqueiros and other Mexican muralists began to get prominent attention in both the U.S. Latino and art communities. It gained a reputation as a “lost masterpiece” that transcended an era and developed its own mystique.
Siqueiros was a “social realist,” and one of several great Mexican muralists on the 20th century, a group that included Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco and Rufino Tamayo.
The Getty Conservation Institute committed to the revival of “America Tropical” with the city in the late 1980s. But in 2003, with much feet dragging by city officials, (then-City Councilman Anthony Villaraigosa called the stalling "a travesty") Getty threatened to shut its wallet if the city didn’t get its act together.
Now, wary of another bureaucratic stall, the Getty has reserved the right to walk away if the city doesn't commit at least $3.42 million, if construction doesn't begin by Feb. 1, or if it is not completed before February 2009.
A viewing platform and a protective shelter are planned at Olvera Street along with renovation of the adjacent Sepulveda House as an interpretive center.
If you would like to support the completion of Siqueiros America Tropical Mural Project, click here!
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Olvera-Street’s own International Celebrity Chef, Estrellita Tapia Shawky grew up on Olvera Street, and learned cooking at her Mexican grandmother’s knee. Her life’s journey has since taken her around the world to such locals as France, Italy, Lebanon and Egypt, and her culinary creations reflect her travels.
Now she shares her recipes such as: Leilla’s Green Enchiladas; one of her daughter’s favorites, Corn Chile Cheese Tamale Pie, and her own favorite Abuelita’s Authentic Chile Relleno this month
To view her recipes, click here!
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Continuing Exhibits in
Olvera Street:
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AT WORK: THE ART OF CALIFORNIA LABOR
Exhibit explores the artists and images of the Labor Movement
Exhibition through August 14, 2006.
Pico House Gallery at El Pueblo Historical Monument
Olvera Street
Free Public Programs
El Pueblo Historical Monument, in collaboration with California Exhibition Resources Alliance (CERA) is presenting AT WORK: THE ART OF CALIFORNIA LABOR, through August 14. The free exhibit examines the rich and tumultuous history of California’s workers and their movements from the early 20th century to the present. The exhibition features the work of such artists as Diego Rivera, Dorothea Lange, Tina Modotti, Emmy Lou Packard, Malaquias Montoya, Yolanda Lopez and Ester Hernandez. For more information: 213-485-8432
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We are delighted to announce that this year we will have our
“Annual Dia De Los Muertos Juried Exhibition.”
The entry form and details of this exhibition will be posted at www.Olvera-Street.com in August 28, 2006. We are currently formalizing the judges and the sponsors. The deadline for artists’ submissions will be in late September.
Heartfelt works of art are being solicited: altars, painting, sculptures, photography, etchings, mix-media, and more. It is essential that the work represent the true meaning of Dia De Los Muertos.
Ideally, some of the altar entries would include interactive elements that would allow public participation. For example, if you created a personal altar for someone who died of cancer, then you could dedicate that altar to whoever inspired it and also to all cancer victims. Many of our visitors in the past have been very grateful for the opportunity to put photos or simply write names of their beloved on the altar. It has been quite touching and it gives the gallery a life of its own.
Please pass the e-flyer to anyone you think may be interested. If you haven’t signed up for the Olvera-Street.com e-newsletter, do so now. You will be receiving more announcements.
I am looking forward to all the wonderful entries so we can create an exciting place to journey. As you may already know, the exhibit has been a precious place for our visitors and the countless school children that attend. I have been very proud that we can share this treasured and very loving tradition. The exhibit has been a place where our guests can feel free to speak of their beloved, to reflect and to heal. It is a wonderful way to honor our beloved and a beautiful experience to share with others.
Feliz Dia De Los Muertos,
Ginette Rondeau, Curator
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Latino Spotlight
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For much of the 2006 baseball season, two Southern California Latinos have led the National League in batting: Pirate Freddy Sanchez from Hollywood, and Dodger Nomar Garciaparra from Whittier.
Sanchez, 28, who was leading the league at .345 entering August, is in his second year playing third base for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Sanchez graduated Burbank High School in 1996 where he was a three-year varsity player. He then attended Glendale Community College.
Garciaparra, 33, hitting .327, took over first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers this spring after five all-star seasons as the Boston Red Sox shortstop. “No-mah”, as he was called in Boston, is wed to soccer legend Mia Hamm.
Whittier’s Garciaparra, whose Mexican parents spoke Spanish, was taught to speak English first at home. Garciaparra graduated from St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower in 1991, where he played soccer, and football as well as baseball.
Garciaparra is no stranger to the top of the batting average lists; he led the American League in 1999 and 2000
Garciaparra got his unique name from his father Ramon, who reversed the spelling of his own name.
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Supporting
Our Community
“Events Around Town”
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California Philharmonic Summer Series
8/13 Phantom Goes to the Opera: Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera, The Barber of Seville, Evita, Die Meistersinger and more. Suzanna Guzmán, mezzo; Kevin Earley, baritone; California Philharmonic, Victor Vener, conductor
8/27 Movie Magic: Music from Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean The Lion King and more. With Beethoven's Ode to Joy and excerpts from Orff's Carmina Burana. Shana Blake Hill, soprano; Christina Wilcox, mezzo; Jonathan Mack, tenor; Mr. Injoon Jang, baritone; California Philharmonic, Victor Vener, conductor; California Philharmonic Chorale, Donald Brinegar, director
For more information:
Music Center Education Division
135 N. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles.
Company Website Link:
http://www.musiccenter.org/calendar/hp_394.html
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Grand Performances
Free Arts Series
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Season Schedule
Grand Performances presents free performing arts that reflect the best of global culture in Los Angeles.
8/11 - 12 PM: Royal Crown Revue
8/11 - 8 PM: Henry Mancini Institute Big Band with Maria Schneider
8/12 - 8 PM: Mld Chamber Orchestra
8/18 - 12 PM: Speak Theater Arts - N*W*C: The Race Show (MMM)
8/18 - 8 PM: Speak Theater Arts - N*W*C: The Race Show (MMM)
8/19 - 8 PM: Inside The Creole Mafia (MMM)
8/24 - 8 PM: Beijing LDTX Modern Dance
8/25 - 12 PM: Chinese Classical Music Ensemble
8/25 - 8 PM: Beijing LDTX Modern Dance
8/26 - 8 PM: Beijing LDTX Modern Dance
300-350 S. GRAND AVENUE, LOS ANGELES
California Plaza garage parking $5 after 5 PM on weekdays and all day Saturdays and Sundays. Garage is best accessed from Olive Street between 1st and 4th Streets. Carpooling whenever possible.
For more information:
http://www.grandperformances.org
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MOCA
presents 
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Robert Rauschenberg: COMBINES
Exhibition through September 4, 2006
The most complete survey of this type ever mounted, this exhibition features more than 70 key Combines created between 1954–1964, an exceptionally productive period in Robert Rauschenberg’s career. From the early 1950s on, Rauschenberg broke down traditional boundaries between painting and sculpture and forged new ground in a multitude of media to invent an artistic expression uniquely his own. MOCA has the largest collection of the Combines, 11 in all, including Untitled (Man with White Shoes), Factum 1, Coca-Cola Plan, and Interview, which provide the foundation for an in-depth and focused examination of these works. The exhibition is curated by MOCA Chief Curator Paul Schimmel and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue.
For more information: http://www.moca.org
MOCA: 250 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Movies to See
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Now In Theatres:
The New York Times called the film “Quinceañera,” “a portrait of a Mexican-American family in Los Angeles, (that) is as smart and warmhearted an exploration of an upwardly mobile immigrant culture as American independent cinema has produced. Set in Echo Park, a working-class Latino neighborhood in the early throes of gentrification, it has a wonderfully organic feel for the fluid interaction of cultures and generations in the Southern California melting pot.”
To read the full review:
http://movies2.nytimes.com/2006/08/04/movies/04quin.html?ref=movies
The History of the Quinceanera Tradition:
Many countries around the world have celebrations to acknowledge a girl's entrance into womanhood. These events are meant to celebrate a young woman's new maturity, as well as the responsibilities that come with adulthood. In English speaking countries they have a "Sweet Sixteen' or a Debutante ball, while in the Mexican tradition they celebrate with a Quineanera. The traditional event is an important milestone in a young woman's life, experienced with the involvement of her family and community.
A Quinceanera honors a girl on her 15th birthday. The word comes from the Spanish words quince, meaning fifteen and anos, meaning years. The Quinceanera can be quite an extravagant event. If the family is Catholic the celebration begins with the Misa de accion de gracias Thanksgiving Mass.
Visit the official site and to view the trailer:
http://www.sonyclassics.com/quinceanera/# Rating: R
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Somebody’s Children
News About Our World Update
Iraq War
At Olvera-Street.com, the spirit of giving, understanding, compassion,
and support goes far beyond our doors.
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As of August 10, 2006, according to a CNN count: “There have been 2,819 coalition deaths, 2,592 Americans, two Australians, 115 Britons, 13 Bulgarians, three Danes, two Dutch, two Estonians, one Fijian, one Hungarian, 31 Italians, one Kazakh, one Latvian, 17 Poles, two Romanians, four Salvadoran, three Slovaks, 11 Spaniards, two Thai and 18 Ukrainians in the war in Iraq.. (Graphical breakdown of casualties). The list below is the names of the soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and Coast Guardsmen whose deaths have been reported by their country's governments. The list also includes seven employees of the U.S. Defense Department. At least 19,387 U.S. troops have been wounded in action, according to the Pentagon.”
That is 66 more deaths and more than 691 U.S. troops that have been wounded since last month.
That is a total of 1,569 more deaths since the original 1250 deaths we honored at Olvera Street for the 2004 Dia De Los Muertos. Note, May 1 was the three year anniversary when President Bush announced “Mission Accomplished!” and the end of hostilities in Iraq.
You can view casualties in the war in Afghanistan and examine U.S. war casualties dating back to the Revolutionary War.” at the CNN web site.
The “Altar of the Iraq War” was created on October 28, 2004 to honor and respect the memories and lives of all those who have died. NOTE: It does not count the estimated 100,000-200,000 Iraqi deaths, including women and children.
* (The "Altar of the Iraq War" honoring the dead was created by six artists and does not necessarily reflect the thoughts of the Olvera Street merchants or El Pueblo Historic Monument.)
We send our love to them, their families, and dear friends. This altar is dedicated to their memories so they won’t be forgotten, true to the meaning and spirit of íDa De Los Muertos!
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Call For Entries: “Altar for the Iraq War”
This year we will create a new “Altar of the Iraq War” that will be displayed for Dia De Los Muertos exhibition.
We are asking family and friends to send photos of beloved ones and any stories you may want to share so we can include it in the altar.
If you would like to submit photos and stories, please e-mail them to webmaster@olvera-street.com
To learn more about the altar, click here!
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Mailbox to Heaven”
created by Ginette Rondeau
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“Mailbox to Heaven”
If you know someone who died in the Iraq War and would like to share your story in honor of his or her memory, please submit it to
webmaster@Olvera-Street.com
Just make sure you write “Stories to Share” in the subject line of your email.
To write a private letter to a beloved one,
visit: www.MailboxToHeaven.com
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Recent History on
Olvera Street
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July 4th on Olvera Street!
The 230th birthday of the United States of American was celebrated on July 4 at El Pueblo Historical Monument, home of Olvera Street, with multicultural live entertainment, cannon and musket fire and historical reenactments.
The "Early California Experience" featured period costumes and hands-on artisan demonstrations including blacksmiths, adobe brick makers, pottery, quilting, rag dolls, rope making and more. There was also a children's collage area sponsored by local artists.
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What’s New Next Month!
September 4
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225th Birthday of the City of Los Angeles
September 4, 2006 is the 225th Birthday of the City of Los Angeles. To celebrate, the City is planning a series of exciting events that are open to the public.
During the first week of September 1781, 11 families (the settlers, or Los Pobladores) left Mission San Gabriel and proceeded nine miles down a dusty trail to the river. There, on September 4, 1781, they established El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Angeles - today, the City of Los Angeles.
Each year since our Bicentennial in 1981, walkers representing a broad cross section of our city's diverse culture have reenacted the City's original founding with the "Los Pobladores Walk to Los Angeles." This year, we will carry  on the tradition with a full program of activities. At 7 a.m. on September 4, 2006 we will begin the celebration with a kick-off rally at the San Gabriel Mission. Participants will then walk nine miles to El Pueblo Historical Monument in downtown Los Angeles (there is also a shorter three mile walk which begins at Lincoln Park.) After the walk, the festivities will continue at El Pueblo with a cake ceremony, food, a program with multicultural entertainment, and a Children's Fun Zone sponsored by Disney and the Department of Recreation and Parks.
Please print the form to register for the walk (send it via fax or U.S. mail), or visit the official Web site www.lospobladores.org to register online. For more information call (213) 485-8372 or e-mail 225@lacity.org.
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What’s New Next Month!
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“Latino’s In Hollywood”
In honor of Latino Heritage Month, we will feature “Latinos In Hollywood” a lavish pictorial exhibit highlighting the history, achievements and participation of Latinos in the Hollywood film industry from its early beginnings to the present. This will be dramatically illustrated through the progression of rare still photographs in it’s collection; not only of actors and extras, but also the behind the scenes personnel, such as producers, writers, choreographers and directors. Olvera Street has been very proud to share this exhibit with all of our visitors at El Pueblo Gallery in the past years. We hope you will enjoy it!
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Got Gas?
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As a public service we at Olvera-Street.com want to help you find the least painfully-expensive gas in your area. To find out the best gas prices around, click here!
If you have any other suggestions for links that our community can either learn or benefit from such as scholarships, community programs, et cetera, please submit them to us.
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”Anytime you have an opportunity
to make a difference in this world
and you don’t, then you are wasting
your time on Earth.”
“Cualquier instante en el que usted tiene la
opportunidad de hacer algo importanted que
impacte a este mundo y no lo hace, usted
pierde el tiempo en la Tierra.”
-Roberto Clemente
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May all your wishes and dreams come true.
We hope you will have a wonderful time this summer!
John Trausch, Editor & Ginette Rondeau, Director
For comments or suggests about www.Olvera-Street.com
please contact our webmaster@ibiz360.com
Olvera-Street.com web site is created by:
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