WILSHIRE CENTER : Streetscape Project Hosts Block Party

The Wilshire Center Streetscape Project will sponsor 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 planting 2,500 trees throughout Wilshire Center. An event May 14 introduced residents to tree-planting techniques.

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

Residents and people who work in Wilshire Center are invited to participate in the tree planting. Mariachis will provide entertainment, and local restaurants will offer free food.

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.