A salute to John Fante

Writer John Fante -- Charles Bukowski’s hero and our preeminent chronicler of life in downtown L.A. -- was born 101 years ago Thursday. In his honor, the intersection of Grand Avenue and 5th Street will be renamed John Fante Square. The location is at the foot of the old Bunker Hill neighborhood where Fante gathered inspiration for “Ask the Dust” and other classics. The event includes a dedication, speeches from members of the Fante family, a ride on the Angels Flight Railway and a stop at the King Edward Saloon. Grand Avenue and West 5th Street. 11 a.m. to noon Thu. www.lavatransforms.org.