2005, Villaraigosa Speaking 

Caption

"Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa addressed members of the media as well as a large group gathered for the project, "Not a Cornfield". Known originally as Southern Pacific's Cornfield Yard as well as Chinatown Yard property, this 32-acre parcel of land was turned into a temporary public art project. Lauren Annenberg Bon, Annenberg Foundation Trustee and heiress, turned the industrial brownfield into a cornfield for one agricultural cycle at the cost of $3 million dollars; the multi-billion dollar Philadelphia-based Annenberg foundation provided the funds for this project. As of 2006, this field located just north of Chinatown and within half a mile from El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, became known as Los Angeles State Historic Park. The City of Los Angeles dedicated it as Cultural Monument #82 for its role as the Southern Pacific's River Station railroad yard. Several dignitaries can be seen standing on either side as well as behind the Mayor; Downtown L.A. is visible in the background. Photo dated: September 12, 2005."