AIDS Memorial for Lincoln Park Wins Preliminary OK

Parks officials Thursday unanimously approved the construction of an AIDS memorial in Lincoln Park in northeast Los Angeles, as long as the memorial’s sponsors meet several conditions.

Richard Zaldivar, a longtime Eastside organizer, conceived of “the Wall -- Las Memorias” project nine years ago to help raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic within the Latino community.

The memorial would consist of eight panels, six containing art and two with the names of people who have died of AIDS, set in an open garden area with benches, a walking path, a rose garden and a sculpture.

For years, the project has generated controversy, with some critics saying a public park was an inappropriate location for a monument with such a somber message.

Before the project can go forward, the proposal must be reviewed by the mayor and city attorney and approved by the City Council. Supporters view those steps as formalities and were thrilled after Thursday’s vote by the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission.

“It’s overwhelming,” said Zaldivar.

Parks officials have asked for proof from Zaldivar’s group that they have enough money to build the monument.

Thursday’s vote allows the proposal to continue through the approval process while the group works to meet the requirements set by parks officials.

These final steps must occur quickly. Most of the group’s money, a $344,000 appropriation from the state’s general fund, requires that the monument be constructed and all the funds spent by June 30 or the funds could be lost.

Zaldivar was confident construction could begin by May in order to meet the deadline.

Opponents of the memorial said they would continue to fight it.

“It’s not a project born from the community needs or request, but something being implanted on them,” said Rosalio Vidaurri, who has lived within a mile of the park for 60 years.

“You cannot take the park away from the children,” said Mary Luz Pacheco, a member of the Lincoln Heights Neighborhood Council. “You can’t take from the living to give to the dead.”

Zaldivar said the primary purpose of the monument is for the children and their parents so that their names will not end up on the wall. “The real killer of this is the phobia,” said Zaldivar.