Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles was the focus of world attention last spring, but not for reasons that many in the community consider praiseworthy. Out of all the mayhem, perhaps we realize that we must preserve and protect the few fragile treasures that constitute our common culture. One such cultural and educational community treasure exists in Griffith Park’s Griffith Observatory. Since 1935, the observatory has enriched the lives of visitors, inspiring young and senior alike. However, the busy hands and feet of millions of curious visitors over the years have taken their toll. The grand old structure is showing the signs of all those years of heavy usage without extensive rehabilitation. Now threatened with curtailed use and facility access, there is hope on the horizon by way of Proposition A on the Nov. 3 County of Los Angeles general election ballot.

Passage of the proposition for safe neighborhood parks will provide the first $18 million to begin implementation of the master plan for renovation of Griffith Observatory. It’s a much needed boost for a deserving institution at an affordable cost of about $1 per month to county households and businesses.

DONALD M. ROBERTS, Member, Board of Directors, Friends of the Observatory, Los Angeles