Block Party Brings Monte Vista Residents Out of their Houses and Into the Neighborhood

For the second year in a row, Saturday's Monte Vista St. block party drew locals out of their homes and into the neighborhood for a day-long event boasting food, music, raffles, art workshops, face painting and a petting zoo.

Held on Monte Vista St. between Avenue 53 and 54, and sponsored by Councilman Ed Reyes's office, the once busy thoroughfare was blockaded for the day and party-goers were greeted at either end with colorful balloon arches and a sign that read "Welcome to the First District."

"I think it's fun and neighbors are interacting with each other [and] everyone's happy," said Hector Uribe, a Monte Vista St. resident. "A lot of people don't have yards, so it's a great opportunity for people."

Uribe said the idea of a block party was great for a section of the neighborhood that historically isn't witness to this kind of  interaction.  People generally kept to themselves, he said.

While stores like , whose owner has been one of many community leaders instrumental in revitalizing the Monte Vista corridor, remained open, most of the action took place on the streets. Revelers enjoyed fare from local vendors like Smokin' Mamas and basked in the pleasant spring weather.

The face painting stations, sponsored by The Awesome Playground on York Blvd. in Los Angeles, as well as the petting zoo and bouncy castles proved to be the most popular attractions for children.  Live music by bands like Smash Fashion performed to party-goers, including residents of , which is a temporary home just down the street for those recovering from surgery or debilitating injuries.

"They're having fun," said Diana Montenegro, a registered nurse at Highland Park Skilled Nursing. Offering free blood pressure tests at their resource and information booth and water to keep party-goers hydrated, Montenegro said she'll be back next year.

Several civic leaders were also on hand for the festivities.

"We want to support events like this," said Janet Dodson of the . Their purpose, she said, is to serve as a catalyst for change within Highland Park. "We [want] groups to work together to provide Highland Park with what it needs. We're about engaging our own neighborhood and community."

Dodson said she was happy to see the improvement in the Monte Vista section of the neighborhood, including the systemic beautification of area homes and businesses. Installations of ivy along the side of buildings are meant to deter tagging, said Dodson. 

Spontaneously named "The Monte Vista Leaves" by Dodson, the approximately six-foot tall mural of leaves spans the length of a discount store on the corner of Avenue 52 and Monte Vista Street.  

Update: Accordign to Dodson, the mural was conceived by CD1 field deputy Lynelle Scaduto and was started by HHPNC member Trisha Gossett with the assistance of area school children. 

Longtime resident and famed local muralist Joe Bravo will finish the job.

Bravo, who said he became a muralist because he never grew out of crayons, worked with local children on creating the unfinished design.  Bravo also worked on the restoration of the

While police presence was strong in the historically troubled portion of Highland Park, officials said the block party was a sign of its continued improvement.  And Dodson said she is confident the event will get bigger over time.