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Tierra De La Culebra Park

January 4, 2008
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Originally scheduled for development as an apartment complex, this lot was abandoned for several years. By 1992, it was adopted by artist Tricia Ward who turned the space into an art park for the local community. The former stone wall foundations, where Craftsman style homes once stood, became an amphitheater. River rocks from the Arroyo Seco were sculpted into the Culebra, a 500 foot long serpent.

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Graffiti walls and murals line the perimeter, and sculptures are interspersed throughout the overgrown vegetation. Youth manages the park under the supervision of ACLA (Art, Community, Land, Activism), providing reading programs, cultural festivals, and art classes to local teens. Keep in mind, its a youth operated facility that duly named their on-site coffee shop and small music venue, Ghetto Grounds. Nonetheless, the siteis worth a visit, particularly during the Northeast Los Angeles Art Walk when the space is lively with music and people.

DIRECTIONS TO START
TRANSIT: Accessible by Gold Line, disembark at Highland Park Station, walk two blocks south Accessible by 81 bus, disembark at Figueroa and Avenue 57, walk one block south.

CAR: Take the Pasadena Freeway (CA-110), west at Via Marisol exit, right on Avenue 57. Parking can be found on the street.

SIGHTSEEING
Highland Park Ebell Club
This building is named after Adrian Ebell, a German professor who traveled around California forming study groups for women. In the beginning of the 20th century, the Ebell Club was one of the largest and most elite in the nation. The building was also a safe place for women to organize the modern suffrage movement.
131 Avenue 57
Los Angeles, CA 90042
323) 478-9562

Milagro Allegro Community Garden
The garden features 10,000 square feet of land for Highland Park community members to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Milagro Allegro is also available for workshops, events, and schools to visit for their classwork.
115 Avenue 56
Los Angeles, CA 90042

Chicken Boy
Chicken Boy, also known as the Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles, was installed on the roof of Future Studio Design and Gallery in 2007. The large chicken has actually been guarding various Los Angeles buildings since the 1960s.
5558 Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-4565

Highland Theater
The Highland Theater shows recently released films without the high priced tickets. This small theater even has $3 deals for families on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!
5604 Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 256-6383

NEARBY PARKS
Hermon Dog Park
This park creates a social environment for dog lovers and their dogs. As an off-the-leash park, dogs and their owners are able to roam free, mingle and enjoy the various programs that are put on by the park.
Avenue 60 and Arroyo Seco Bike Path
Los Angeles, CA 90042

DINING
Folliero's Pizza and Italian FoodFolliero's, founded in 1968, serves New York-style pizzas, pastas, Italian sandwiches, and salads at great prices.
5566 Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 254-0505

Restaurant Y Pupuseria La Arca
This family restaurant specializes in pupusas - a traditional Salvadoran dish. Pupusas are corn tortillas filled with either cheese, beans, or meat.
5570 Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 340-8528

Good Girl Dinette Good Girl Dinette puts Vietnamese comfort food in the diner setting. The chicken curry pot pie is a specialty, combining an American dish with Vietnamese flavors.
110 Avenue 56
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 257-8980

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Ghetto Grounds Ghetto Grounds is a part of the ACLA (Art, Community, Land, Activism) initiative which works with youth to build community through art and other activities. This unique place serves as a cafe, boutique, art gallery, and daycare center.240 S Ave. 57Los Angeles, CA 90042

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