November 10, 2024 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

In a Neglected Quarter, a PHOENIX is Set to Rise

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.

in News
Related Posts

Governor Newsom Convenes Special Session to Protect California Rights Against Future Federal Policies

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Special Session Called To Defend Civil Rights, Reproductive Freedom, Climate Initiatives Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a special session of...

Elon Musk and Grimes House Hunt in Bel-Air for Property Amid Reports of “Family Compound”

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Billionaire and His Former Partner Are Reportedly Searching for a Los Angeles Mansion Billionaire Elon Musk and his former partner,...

Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity...

Chinese Chemical Company and Executives Indicted for Allegedly Fueling Fentanyl Crisis in Los Angeles

November 7, 2024

November 7, 2024

U.S. DOJ Charges Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech and Executives With 13 Counts  A federal grand jury has indicted Hubei Aoks Bio-Tech...

Starbucks Kicks Off the Holidays with Festive Cups, New Drinks, and a Special Surprise

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Returning Classics, Cran-Merry Refreshers, and Expanded Pastry Selections on Thursday Starbucks is ringing in the holiday season with the return...

Lei’d Cookies in Culver City Offers Sweet In-Store Discount For a Challenging Week

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Handcrafted Flavors, Community Spirit: Enjoy Lei’d Cookies’ Limited-Time Offer Lei’d Cookies, a popular dessert spot in Culver City’s Hayden Tract...

Thanksgiving 2024: The Best Places to Order Your Holiday Pies in Los Angeles

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Get Ready for Your Thanksgiving Dinner With the Best Desserts November is the official start of the holiday season and...

L.A. County Election Results: Preliminary Counts as of 4:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning

November 6, 2024

November 6, 2024

Westside Residents Weigh on Representatives, Ballot Measures, Judges and More As of 1:05 a.m., voters in Los Angeles County weighed...

Police Seek Suspect in Vandalism of Jewish-Owned Businesses in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson Neighborhood

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Authorities Investigate Series of Early Morning Attacks as Hate Crime Police are actively searching for a suspect accused of vandalizing...

High Alert: L.A. County Braces for Extreme Fire Weather and Powerful Winds

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Residents Urged To Prepare as Red Flag Warning Goes into Effect  The Los Angeles County Fire Department, Sheriff’s Department, and...

The Willows: 30 Years Going Strong

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Founded in 1994, The Willows Community School, located in Culver City, California, is a Developmental Kindergarten through 8th grade non-profit, co-educational...

The Hammer Museum Opens as Vote Center for 2024 Presidential Election

November 5, 2024

November 5, 2024

Voters Can Cast Ballots or Drop off Mail-in Ballots at the Hammer The Hammer Museum will serve as an official...

Election Day Freebies and Discounts: Where to Eat, Drink, and Watch Election Results

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

From Free Doughnuts To Watch Parties, How To Unwind With Election Night Deals With this election day being one of...

DuPont Clinic Issues a Statement After City of Beverly Hills is Held Accountable By CA Attorney General Bonta

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

AG Rob Bonta Intervenes in Unprecedented Case, Defending Abortion Access Attorney General Rob Bonta launched an investigation after reports that...

Legendary Music Icon Quincy Jones Dies at 91 in Bel Air

November 4, 2024

November 4, 2024

Celebrated Musician, Producer Leaves an Indelible Legacy By Dolores Quintana Legendary musician, music producer, film and television producer, composer of...