Join us this week for a special episode dedicated to South L.A.‘s tiled folk art environments, from the celebrated to the obscure. Our guests are Alison Bruesehoff, executive director of the Rancho Dominquez Adobe Museum, and Brain Kaiser, Southern California’s tile expert, talking about the newly-launched restoration project for Rancho Dominquez’ historic Grotto, excavation of which which reveals fascinating connections to the influential tile manufacturer Rufus Keeler and to Simon Rodia,, the builder of the Watts Towers, six miles to the north.
We’ll also discuss plans for a new operator in Union Station’s long-vacant Harvey House restaurant, more trouble for the proposed giant water-slide on downtown streets,a report from the Pershing Square New press conference and the closure of Broadway’s Les Noces du Figaro. All this and more as Kim & Richard usher in the week of September 22nd.
Photo: a mosaic pattern, created with both broken and complete Calco tile at the Grotto. This tradition goes back (at least) to the Ancient Romans, famous for their broken mosaic work floors. It is not an exaggeration to say that Simon Rodia, and the work at the Dominguez Rancho are descended from the Ancient Romans.
Closely Watched Trains & URLs for Podcast
New operator announced for Union Station’s Harvey House.
Permits denied for giant water-slide.
A video report from the Pershing Square New press conference. Initiative website. Restore Pershing Square petition.
Les Noces du Figaro closes.
Grotto Restoration at Dominguez Rancho
Listen to Episode #83!
https://esotouric.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/yces-83.mp3
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