The LA Local has newrooms in Boyle Heights, and Koreatown, Pico Union, Westlake, as well as Inglewood & South L.A.
This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, City officials and community groups are planning a two-day event for a FIFA World Cup watch party in July. The events will close a part of Wilshire Boulevard that passes through the park and turn the street into a pedestrian space.
“I support this idea because right now kids aren’t really able to play in this area,” said Palea Hernandez, a Westlake resident and mother of three young children. “It’s not safe and clean enough for them.” If you're enjoying this article, you'll love our daily newsletter, The LA Report. Each weekday, catch up on the 5 most pressing stories to start your morning in 3 minutes or less.
The events, scheduled for July 10 and 11, will coincide with the playoff matches. The teams have not been determined yet. Organized by Council District 1, the events will include food vendors, a large screen to view the games, and family activities. Organizers say the goal is not just to celebrate the tournament, but to give residents a preview of what MacArthur Park could become., which would permanently close the stretch of Wilshire that cuts through the park and unify its north and south sides into one continuous green space.
A state board is considering the drastic move, which could come as soon as May, after an outbreak of the lung disease silicosis among countertop fabricators. A late-night labor deal averts LAUSD strike and keeps schools open. Here are the details “They do plan to close Wilshire Boulevard between the parks to be showing the World Cup,” said Diana Alfaro of Central City Neighborhood Partners. “So that is something that’s basically the same as reconnecting MacArthur Park.”
More than 60% of surveyed residents support removing the roadway, according to preliminary findings from that study. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation plans to release a report on their outreach into the community and an evaluation on alternatives to reconnecting Wilshire Boulevard. The open streets event in the summer will preview potential changes to the area.
Organizers plan to model the event after open-street initiatives like CicLAvia, using a road closure to create space for pedestrians. Chelsea Lucktenberg, a spokesperson for Council District 1, said there will also be community organizations tabling with resources, including on where to get grocery and rental assistance. The office is still finalizing details, but outreach to local vendors and businesses is expected to begin in May. Lucktenberg said a similar event had been planned for last June but was canceled due to safety concerns during a period of heightened immigration enforcement activity in the area.
“If I’m being honest, I hate LA. I don’t like this place,” said Alex Valenzuela, who was born in Westlake and visits the area periodically when he has business at the Mexican consulate nearby. “The park is nice, but I just don’t like the fact that everywhere you see, there are homeless people, people smoking, people on drugs.” Concerns about homelessness and drug activity came up repeatedly in interviews with residents and workers near the park.
Fernando Rodriguez, owner of Variedades A and K, where he does money transfers and sells vitamins and other household supplies, supports the idea as long as it does not disrupt access for workers. He believes kids could benefit from closing down Wilshire and opening it up for activities, but that the city needs to address homelessness in the area.
“Every day it’s packed with homeless people. The kids come to play in the park, but I’ve seen the homelessness and drugs,” he said. “Even if they close down to provide activities for kids, it’s not going to be safe for them if all the homeless are still here.” Jonathan Santos, a leasing agent inside the MacArthur Park swap meet, said he would support the plan if it leads to visible improvements.
“I would support this if it gets rid of the homelessness. I’m sick and tired of it,” Santos said. “I think closing down this street might be the beginning of something.” Santos, who grew up in the neighborhood, said he no longer feels comfortable bringing his children to the park. “My kids do not like it here … No way I would let them come here to play at MacArthur Park,” he said.
“I feel like it will take a lot of homeless people away if they see a lot of people in the area with little kids,” said Erica Garcia, a local resident and mother. “I’ve been living here for two years now and I don’t bring my kid out here because it’s not safe.” Garcia said she would be open to bringing her baby out to the park in July to experience the World Cup activation if there are extra security guards and police patrolling the area.
Outreach to local vendors and businesses is expected to begin in May as organizers finalize plans for the July event. Lucktenberg said residents can also expect to hear more about the events starting in May. The viewing parties at the park are just some of several that will be hosted across the city, including a block party at Liberty Park in Koreatown.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead . Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community. Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
Iran blockade
Maccarthur Park Party Watch Wilshire
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Seattle Prepares for FIFA World Cup with Enhanced Emergency ResponseSeattle's Emergency Operations Center is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup matches, coordinating over 40 agencies to manage logistics and safety. Plans include traffic management, pedestrian control, and contingency responses for various potential emergencies like heat, terrorism, and smoke. Road closures and parking restrictions around Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium) will be in effect on match days.
Read more »
Seattle Prepares for FIFA World Cup with Emergency Response PlansSeattle's Emergency Operations Center is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup matches, coordinating over 40 agencies to manage logistics and ensure safety. The city will implement road closures, parking restrictions, and real-time monitoring on match days to handle traffic, pedestrians, and potential emergencies like heat, terrorism, or smoke. Around 80 personnel will staff the center, with police, fire, transportation, and communications staff.
Read more »
Seattle Intensifies Cleanup for FIFA World Cup, Highlights Progress in Waste Removal and Community EngagementSeattle's recent report details significant progress in cleaning up the city in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The report highlights millions of pounds of waste removed, extensive community involvement through volunteer programs, and improvements to public space cleanliness. The city aims to create a clean and welcoming environment for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Read more »
FIFA Reveals Full List of Referees for 2026 World CupAll six confederations will send match officials to the 48-team tournament.
Read more »
2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Prices Surge, Impacting FansTicket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have increased significantly, with front-row seats costing over $4,000 for some games and the final costing over $10,000. Fans are urged to register for tickets.
Read more »
FIFA World Cup: London Calling Texas brings vintage soccer threads to the metroplexPlenty of English soccer fans will head to North Texas this June for their World Cup match against Croatia, but one fan who already calls Dallas home has turned his passion for the sport into a business.
Read more »