Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina stood by a model for Grand Ave Civic Park that was on display at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, and was pointing out ways green space brings life into a city.

When asked how this compares to upcoming Grand Opening for the East L.A. Civic Center, the serious look turned bright.  Molina went on to talk about the Civic Center that will be introduced to the general public in a “Community Celebration”  that will also see the unveiling of the future Dionicio Morales Transit Plaza. The plaza will be the second to last stop on the Gold Line Extension.

“It’s also abouy the health of East Los Angeles” she said, referring education and health panels in the afternoon.

Then 5pm concert called “Under the Stars” that will feature Tierra and Lil Willie G will lead into a fireworks finale.

If you take a look for yourself this Saturday,  you will see how colors, pathways and the open space of the East Los Angeles Civic Center (and the already opened adjoining park and library)  shows how govermente buildings can be designed to reflect an embedded constituency. Instead of forcing an image of authority––like a security guard who wears a too shiny a badge––the informal layout welcomes the very  public it serves. Reds, golds, blues, and greens unite the buildings, public art and landscaping.

It’s a rainbow at the end of the gold.

The East L.A. Civic Center Grand Opening will be held Saturday, May 10th, 2008 (9am till 10pm)  The concert starts at 5pm. For more information: Celebrate 150 Years of East L.A. LAT writes “A rediscovering of East L.A.’s core“

Photos: EF