Episode #106: Recreation and Restoration in the San Gabriel Valley

You Can't Eat the Sunshine

Join us this week as we talk with Brian Kite, managing partner at SRK Architects, about his 1994 restoration of the Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece, Monterey Park’s tile-drenched El Encanto.

We’ll also speak with Miriam and Victoria Caldwell about their mother, Vilma, the El Monte girl whose 1950s youth was lived out on the razor’s edge, balanced between her Catholic faith and flamboyant nightspots like Clifton’s Cafeteria, where she worked as a professional camera girl. Vilma’s true L.A. story is revealed on Miriam’s blog, packed with vintage photos and frank diary entries.

We’ll also discuss the city’s review of new DASH bus routes, a recent Daily News feature on Southern California’s daffy programmatic buildings, the demolition of Marilyn Monroe’s former home despite a planned landmarking hearing, concerns about implementation of L.A. County’s new historic preservation ordinance, the destruction of the vintage Sassony Arcade sign on Broadway and the U.S. Department of Justice’s warning to L.A. against trying to criminalize homelessness. All this and more as Kim & Richard usher in the week of September 7th, 2015

Closely Watched Trains & URLs for Podcast

This Episode’s Interviews

Brian Kite’s firm, SRK Architects’ website.

Miriam Caldwell’s blog about her mom, Diary of Vilma, The Unconquerable.

Closely Watched Trains

City looks at DASH service upgrades.

Daily News feature on Southern California’s programmatic architecture.

Valley Village historic preservation fight links: Neighborhood activists’ website for saving Valley Village. CityWatch LA feature: Marilyn Who? Ask Councilman Krekorian or Mayor Garcetti. Failed PLUM appeal for the demolished Marilyn Monroe house.

County historic preservation ordinance ready for adoption.

The Sassony Arcade sign on Broadway destroyed under cover of darkness.

US DOJ warns cities on efforts against homeless camps.

Union Rescue Mission Skid Row history walking tour & rooftop screening.

Our newly-designed website for Angels Flight Railway.

Listen to Episode #106!

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