WILSHIRE CENTER : Streetscape Project Hosts Block Party

The Wilshire Center Streetscape Project will host a block party Saturday, the first major event in an effort to beautify the area.

The party will be along Mariposa Avenue between 7th and 8th streets from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. As part of the celebration, trees will be planted along Mariposa Avenue, the first phase of a project that will ultimately include the planting of 2,500 trees throughout Wilshire Center. An event on May 14 introduced residents to tree-planting techniques.

The $4.5-million project, with money from public and private sources, will also create a landscaped median along Wilshire Boulevard, crosswalks, new street lighting, bus stops and benches, artwork and other physical and landscaping improvements.

Residents and people who work in Wilshire Center are invited to participate in the tree planting, as well as enjoy mariachi entertainment and free food from local restaurants.

The project is being coordinated by the Wilshire Chamber of Commerce, the Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, the Korean Youth and Community Center and Portals House.

Information: (310) 393-5505 or (213) 383-1891.