Watts Towers tours salvaged

L.A.’s municipal arts agency has come up with enough money to keep tours of the Watts Towers going until late June, but threatened reductions in visiting hours at the colorful landmark of spires and sculptures could loom again when a new fiscal year begins and further spending cuts must kick in.

“I can’t promise anything after July 1,” Leslie Thomas, assistant general manager of the Cultural Affairs Department, said Monday. Department leaders are faced with trimming programs citywide as their budget drops from $11.8 million this year to $9.6 million in 2004-05.

For now, guided tours of the Watts Towers continue every half hour, Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12:30 to 3 p.m. The price is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children 12-17, and free for younger children.