Tape Watch Redux? Not Quite

There has been plenty of work done on the Pershing Square greensward today in preparation for Friday’s St. Patrick celebrations. In honor of the “wearing of the green” the city may see fit to let people sit on the green as well. If they could only get the APT at 5th and Hill open by Friday, it truly would be a miracle equaling the snakes being driven out of Ireland. Friday marks the coincidental confluence of two springtime celebrations, both St. Paddy’s Day and Norooz, the Persian New Year. The government resolves this multicultural conundrum by marching the St. Patrick’s parade on the Main Street side of City Hall while Norooz is commemorated by the City Council with a traditional meal in the Spring Street patio. St. Patrick’s parades in Los Angeles are interesting little affairs as they lack the critical mass of hardcore Irish enclaves apparent in other cities. However, I once caught a blue rubber ball thrown to me by Bernard Parks, back when he was the chief of police, as he was driven by in the back of a convertible, part of the parade’s procession of dignitaries. It is, to this day, one of my most prized possessions.

Well, it’s Monday and back to business as usual in the Pershing Square Lawn Preservation District as the yellow tape is back up and the security guards are removing all remaining humans back to the concrete and cement where they belong. It was nice to be allowed the privilege of sitting on the grass for a few days and I eagerly anticipate the next municipal function that will grant folks the opportunity to occupy this fine greensward for a brief time once again.

In a belated update(browser problems), the western half of the Pershing Square lawn is now open to the public.