Workers, Neighborhood in The Spotlight This Weekend

There's never enough time. So many amazing things go on in Echo Park. Take Friday night's commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. It's of some interest given Echo Park's long history of activism that lives today in an aspiring restaurant called "Red Hill."

The fire killed 146 garment workers locked inside a workroom in a tall building in New York City. The fire helped underscore the need for workplace safety laws and, of course, has since sparked a century of debate on the subject. With the news cycle's  renewed focus on collective bargaining rights, thanks to news out of Wisconsin, the anniversary resonates for many.  The event starts at 7:30 pm at the Echo Park United Methodist Church.

Also, if you have a minute, take a peek at this video, from the Los Angeles Fire Department about contemporary lessons for firefighters from the historic blaze:http://lafd.blogspot.com/

Now, Saturday, of course, is Cesar Chavez Day.  L.A. Works and the Echo Park Elysian Neighborhood Council are sponsoring a day of service at Echo Park Lake in honor of the workers' rights activist.

Called “Mentoring through Murals” the event will go on rain or shine, beginning with a program featuring Andres Chavez, grandson of Cesar Chavez.  Seven artists have volunteered to work with local youth and adults to create murals. They’ll be donated to Rosemont and Mayberry elementary schools as well as the Echo Park Library. Vyal Reyes, Raul Gonzales, Jennifer Lindstrom, Andre Casco, Oscar Magallanes, Sand One and Eric Cre8 are the artists volunteering their time.

Finally, word came this week from Eric Garcetti’s Council District 13 office about the “Clean and Connected Communities” program. Three grants of up to $2,500 will be offered to fund landscaping, planting, murals and other physical improvement projects in Echo Park and other District 13 areas. Community members will select the winners.  Click here for more information. The deadline is April 13.