Tours Will Feature Subway Station Art

The artworks of Mexican-born artist Roberto Gil de Montes and Chilean-born painter Francisco Letelier are seen by thousands daily in two of the new Red Line subway stations. Now they are among the works to be seen in free guided tours to be conducted in Spanish. On March 19 and 26 the tours start at 11 a.m. On March 20 and 27 they are offered at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Call (213) 244-6810.

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Busboys’ Night Out: For once, the Latino busboys got to sit down and had dinner prepared just for them by the likes of Wolfgang Puck and other renowned Los Angeles chefs. The occasion was the Hispanic Employees of Restaurants Outstanding Service Awards banquet. Twenty busboys from greater Los Angeles received the awards, which included $250 and eligibility for scholarships to several training schools.

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History and Drama: As she researched her ancestry, Theresa Chavez, a descendant of the Lugo family that arrived in Los Angeles more than 200 years ago, discovered enough material for “L.A. Real,” an upcoming theater production on the Mexican and mestizo history of the city. It’s one of a rich and varied schedule of Latino-oriented cultural events being staged in dozens of venues around the region. Another special event is the 18-year retrospective of the work of Chicano artist and muralist Judith F. Baca at Pomona College. (For details, see Calendar of Events, Page 2).

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Boosting Education: The Spanish-language television network Telemundo has launched a campaign to promote better education for U.S. Latinos. It will include programs to encourage greater parent participation in their children’s education and special news segments. Among Telemundo personalities involved in the campaign is Maria Laria, who will host four programs focusing on parental advice. In Los Angeles, the “From Parents to Children” campaign is airing on KVEA, Channel 52.

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Grammy Protest: While people inside the Grammy award ceremonies last month cheered and applauded, a group of about 100 Latinos marched in protest outside. They contended that three Latino music categories among 80 were not adequate. Others protested that true Mexican artists were ignored. In case you missed it: Jon Secada triumphed in the Latin pop album division. And Linda Ronstadt added the seventh and eighth Grammys in her career, this time for best Tropical Latin pop album and best Mexican-American album.

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People Watch: Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari has awarded the Order of the Aztec Eagle to Los Angeles County Supervisor Gloria Molina and Raul Yzaguirre, president of the National Council of La Raza.