Debate Over Revitalization of Olvera Street

I feel there is a need to clarify a few misunderstandings concerning the current furor over Olvera Street. We need to realize that Olvera Street is the last cultural monument in Los Angeles which recognizes Mexican-Americans’ history in the founding of this city. Olvera Street is situated on what once was part of the original pueblo founded by Spanish-Mexicans. It celebrates the founding of this city by my ancestors of Mexican descent. It is in no way to be regarded as negating the contributions of other ethnic groups.

Yet, the fact is that other groups of immigrants came to the established pueblo some two to three generations after the original settlers. Other ethnic groups deserve a place in which their cultures are represented, but Olvera Street is not the place. This city has conveniently managed through the years not to honor its heritage forged by the Spanish-Mexicans with the exception of a few street names. As a Chicano born and raised in this city, I am not willing to let my history be confined to the names of a few city streets. Olvera Street is the foundation of recognition and understanding as to where Mexican-Americans belong in the history of Los Angeles, where we as a people will continue to affect the history of Los Angeles.

There are certain people (i.e., some county supervisors) who would deny our past and our future existence. I shall not be denied nor deprived of my history, for history is what has made us able to bring our unique backgrounds to this wonderfully diverse community.

MICHAEL S. FLOYD

Altadena