In a Neglected Quarter, a PHOENIX is Set to Rise
By MARCIE FRIED WEIBGEN
July 02, 2008
Imagine a neighborhood where there is only one-fifth of a square inch of outdoor recreation space per person, and where gangs, drop outs and teenage pregnancy are commonplace.
DreamMakers and the Byzantine Latino Quarter Foundation hosted a luncheon at the rising 15th Street Community Center on June 5.
Many of the privileged few drive right past this neighborhood and others like it on their way to a concert or a Lakers game. But a few on the Westside and elsewhere have taken up the banner to start providing some hope, one disadvantaged child at a time.
The DreamMakers, together with the Byzantine Latino Quarter Foundation, are partnering in a unique project: The 15th Street Community Center. The former Pacific Bell Telephone building is a registered landmark that BLQF was able to purchase with state backing, and is now the focus of fundraising for restoration and conversion, program operations and long-term sustainability. (Financial support for a summer camp and scholarship programs is also being sought.) The current goal is $15 million.
On June 5, the two organizations hosted a luncheon at the yet-to-be completed site, with more than 100 notables in attendance. Guests toured displays of architectural plans for the building while a mariachi band played in the background. The upbeat atmosphere was a strong contrast to the neighborhood’s difficult past.
“Up until recently, we stuck mirrors out the office door before leaving in the evening, to see if anyone was coming,” said Father John Bakas of nearby Saint Sophia and BLQF vice president. “A lot has changed in the area, but there’s much more to be done. This center is going to make a big difference in the life of this community.” Joining Father Bakas at the podium was former Miss Universe Corinna Tsopei-Fields, BLQF President Msgr. Jay Cunnane and co-founder Elizabeth Huttinger.
In the works are an ongoing gang prevention program, along with plans for a collaboration with the L.A. Philharmonic to teach skills and discipline through music. California Pizza Kitchen, which catered the luncheon, is supporting culinary and restaurant training. Beginning at age five and continuing through adulthood, the center hopes to reach at-risk youth at every vulnerable stage.
DreamMakers was conceived by Westsiders to provide philanthropic support to the BLQF and includes members Patricia and Tom Bosley, Tony Danza, Ryan O’Neal, Joan and Tom Kardashian, Patricia and Angelo Livi, Laura Lizer-Word and Rob Word, Sandra Moss Hyman, Esther and Rick Rosenfield, Barbara Cowan, and Ann and Jim Gianopulos.
For more information and to learn how to help, visit www.theblq.org or call (310) 367-1579.
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