Plans to Create Agency for Olvera Street Hit Snag

Plans for creating a new agency to oversee historic Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles hit a snag Monday when an angry City Council committee rejected a draft ordinance on grounds that it differed significantly from the council’s intentions. Instead of accepting the version prepared by the city administrative office, the Arts, Health and Humanities Committee ordered the draft to be rewritten according to the council’s instructions, with an outline of potential problem areas.

Monday’s action was the latest in a 10-year battle over development and restoration of the historic street and the surrounding plaza that was the birthplace of Los Angeles more than 210 years ago. It now serves as a major tourist attraction.

In February, the City Council unanimously approved the creation of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument Authority, a seven-member mayor-appointed board that would govern the site and take the responsibility away from the Department of Recreation and Parks.