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Comments (9)

1. Easy-Writer says:
   April 28, 2008 09:24

   Hey Gus, Thanks for posting the remix. The loss of the Norton Simon museum to the community was immeasurable in terms of long term financial impact, development, investment in other local organizations by the Norton Simon Foundation, and in the shaping of the outlook on humanities and the arts. Though it's fair to say we have the Muckenthaler, independent theatre, CSUF, The Plumber, one can't refute that the loss was huge. The saga of the Norton Simon is important because art can be a great meeting ground for people from very different backgrounds.

   The Norton Simon Foundation still owns the Hunt Library, however, the city is responsible for all operating costs of both the surrounding grounds and the library itself. Time and again, with the lagging budget, the city has reduced its hours and proposed closing it. A few years ago, I proposed to the library staff to pull together a speakers series that would bring local city staffers and council members in to read to the kids. However a few felt it was too political and indeed, were reluctant to help for fear of their jobs. Still, one day I hope they overcome this fear. (And by the way, years ago, the Pasadena residents voted for a special library tax in order to support their great institution.)

   It's disheartening to see the grounds of the Hunt Library today. One look at the present sculpture garden at the Norton Simon Museum, and you see what could have been. The Henry Moores, the Rodins... those could have been here.

2. Gabriel San Roman says:
   April 28, 2008 11:11

   And let's not forget what Shawn has relayed in terms of what he has said the Mayor's thoughts are vis-a-vis the murals:

   "Our own Mayor, a hispanic woman who grew up in the area has indicated to me she has always been offended by the particular mural that has the skull and sunburst look to it stating "come again soon"."

3. David Zenger says:
   April 28, 2008 11:16

   Hey E-Writer: it's called "The Plummer."

   About those councilmembers reading to kids - well, a few of them might have to learn how to read first themselves!

4. easy-writer says:
   April 28, 2008 14:22

   Ah, yeah... I was thinking the PLUMBER because I was waiting for one this morning.... sorry. Stuff happens, even to us writers, you know.

   As for their reading to kids ... well, I don't think it's going to happen any time soon. The chainlink fence on the grounds of the Hunt was like the final aesthetic insult.

5. David Zenger says:
   April 28, 2008 15:46

   Well e-w, I hear you on that Hunt thing. I argued for years that some accommodation had to be made for keeping the Periera ensemble whole. Then somebody ran a WI fence right down the middle of the site.

   I assure you that a fence at Hunt Branch will not be the "final" aesthetic insult to right-thinking Fullertonians (geez I hope there are some out there). The JC is hard at work outraging the aesthetic synapses even as we speak. In fact, wait until Jefferson Commons rolls around!

6. Sancho says:
   April 28, 2008 21:07

   Gustavo,
   Wanted to say thank you for posting this up but as well as reading my blog site. It means a lot to me. But thanks once again not only for posting this, but helping the fight for the murals.

   The Latin Blogger,
   Sancho
   

7. Easy-Writer says:
   April 29, 2008 08:58

   Dave,
   I think the final coup de grace will be when the city council shuts down the Hunt altogether. At this point, the Norton Simon Foundation will take it back and sell the land. At that point we'll just get more "fake-Mediterranean" stuff with overly wrought Corinthian columns.

   It's sad that Periera's full vision never came to fruition, and is gradually being chipped away.

   As for the murals... Sancho... what's the plan, man?

8. Sancho says:
   April 30, 2008 00:10

   Easy-Writer,
   As for the murals, right now there is Nothing going on with them, meaning that there is no direction they are going in. But the minute I find out something, I will let EVERYONE know. I will be in contact with everyone.

   The Latin Blogger,
   Sancho

9. javier says:
   May 6, 2008 13:03

   ALL THE MURALS ON LEMON STREET ARE GANG RELATED BUT THAT HAS NOTHING TO MATTER. THE PICTURE THAT SAY'S " THE TOWN THAT WE LIVE IN" IT'S JUST SAYING THAT WE LIKE TO LIVE IN THE CITY OF FULLERTON. SOME OF THE RIVELS LIKE FROM BUENA PARK, ANAHIEM, LA JOLLA THAT ARE GANG RELATED MIGHT NOT LIKE THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE ENEMIES. I AM TELLING YOU PEOPLE THIS THINGS BECAUSE I WANT TO SAVE THE LEMON STREET MURALS.