Los Angeles Celebrates Its Mexican-American Heritage

Cal-State Northridge Chicano Studies Professor Rudy Acuña calls the Mexican-American influence in Los Angeles a historical "afterthought," despite its importance to the city's founding and subsequent history. As to La Plaza de Cultura y Artes he says, "It's about time." Cal-State Northridge Chicano Studies Professor Rudy Acuña calls the Mexican-American influence in Los Angeles a historical "afterthought," despite its importance to the city's founding and subsequent history. As to La Plaza de Cultura y Artes he says, "It's about time." After years of delay and controversy, the $54 million cultural center will open on Saturday near Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles. It will be an exhibit space, an interactive school, a place for live performances and a gathering place. We speak with La Plaza President and CEO Miguel Angel Corzo, and hear from urban planner James Rojas and museum curator Ken Luftig Viste, both of whom spoke with KCRW's Frances Anderton.