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FROM THE FRIENDS OF THE SOUTHWEST MUSEUM COALITION
From its beginning in January 2003, The Coalition has met over 15 times, negotiated regularly with Museum management, solicited Museum attendance and membership, provided publicity and volunteered at Museum events. Despite this, we have never been given a business plan or any type of commitment to the future of the Southwest Museum on Mount Washington.
We believe that we delayed an expected 2003 Museum closing, ensured continuance of the Intertribal Marketplace and showed the viability of the Mount Washington location of the Museum. Information provided at our March 2005 Coalition meeting showed that both the Autry National Center study conducted by Brenda Levin and Associates and the Coalition's peer review of this document by independent consultants, support this viability.
However, the Autry National Center has stated in a public relations document sent to elected officials that: "A 2003 study conducted by Brenda Levin and Associates found... it would not be economically viable to rehabilitate the Southwest Museum and continue operating it only as a public museum." Additionally, the Autry presented a timeline in this PR document that included community meetings to occur in Spring 2005" "Public meetings are to be held with specialists to vet all the issues." These meeting have not occurred.
The latest development is that the Autry National Center president, John Gray, has refused to meet with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Coalition representatives— indicating that negotiations are closed and that the intent is that the proposed 100,000 sq, ft. expansion in Griffith Park will become the Southwest Museum. It would seem that the Autry National Center believes it has the financial and political strength to make this happen.
We believe we have many potential strategic approaches at this time. Fundraising from our March meeting was very successful. We have legal representation standing by. We have issued two area-wide press releases, regarding recent developments. We are considering demonstrations, corporate contact and activities. To stay informed, bookmark THIS web site and check it regularly.
We appreciate your continued support.
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Indian AIDS Council American Indian Dance Theatre American Indian in Film American Indian Studies Center (UCLA) Anahuak Academy Anahuak Youth Association Antes Columbus Ad Hoc Committee for Safe Children Arroyo Arts Collective ArroyoFest Arroyo Seco Foundation Arroyo Seco Greens Arroyo Seco Museum Science Magnet School Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council Arroyo Seco Parkway Corridor Planning Committee Audubon Center at Debs Park Avenue 50 Studio Barstow Route 66 Mother Road Museum Broadview, Inc. California Historic Route 66 Association California Preservation Foundation California Route 66 Preservation Foundation Concerned Citizens of South Central LA Cultural Art Tours and Workshops Debs Park Advisory Board Dolores C. Huerta, co-founder and First Vice President Emeritus, United Farm Workers of America and Regent University of California Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society Florence Crittenton Center and School The Folk Tree Friends of Cypress Park Comm. Improvement Assoc. Friends of Debs Park Friends of the Mother Road, Inc. Garvanza Improvement Association Glassell Park Improvement Association Glassell Park Neighborhood Council Glendale Historical Society Greater Echo Park/Elysian Neighborhood Council Hathaway Family Resource Center Heritage Coalition of S. California Hermon Neighborhood Association Highland Park Ebell Club Highland Park Heritage Trust Hillside Federation Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council Latino Urban Forum Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Preservation Assoc. Lincoln High Alumni Association Los Angeles Conservancy |
The
Los Angeles Poetry Festival M.A.R.I. Mexican-North American Sports Council Montecito Heights Improvement Association Mt. Washington Association Mt. Washington Homeowners Alliance Mt. Washington Preschool & Child Care Centers Inc. National Park Service, Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program National Historic Route 66 Federation Native American Media Enterprises Nexwetem Southern California Indian Basket Weavers Organization North Avenue 57 Association North East Trees Northeast Democratic Club Occidental College Mayor Anthony Portatino, La Canada Flintridge Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Indigenous People’s Initiative, 1992 Nobel Peace Prize Winner 66 Productions San Gabriel Gabrielino Tongva Mission Band of Indians, Chief Anthony Moralles Save Our Heritage Organization Sherman Indian School Museum South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Sycamore Terrace Association Teachers United The Eagle Rock Association United American Indian Involvement Uptown Gay & Lesbian Alliance Vaquero Heritage Foundation Water Planet Water People Elected Officials Participating and Briefed: Mayor James Hahn, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Antonio Villaraigosa, District 14, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Ed Reyes, District 1, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Eric Garcetti, District 13, City of Los Angeles Board Member David Tokofsky, Los Angeles Unified School District Supervisor Gloria Molina, District 1, County of Los Angeles Assemblymember Jackie Goldberg, State of California Senator Gil Cedillo, State of California Senator Gloria Romero, State of California Senator Jack Scott, State of California United States Congressman Xavier Becerra |
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