Urban renewal in its various guises swept through many American cities beginning in the early 1950s, and there are many who have not forgotten these experiences. Jordan Mechner, a filmmaker, has brought together the experiences of those who lived through the demolition of the Chavez Ravine community in Los Angeles for the Independent Lens series on PBS. The story of Chavez Ravine is quite complex actually, as it involves both the protests of the existing Mexican-American community that lived on the site, the owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the mayor of Los Angeles during the period, Norris Poulson. The film explores much of the controversy surrounding this project, and also offers space for the voices of those affected by this decision. The site includes a brief overview of the film, an amazing photo album that features images of the Ravine in 1949, and a question-and-answer section with the filmmaker.
Comments