The purpose of LARABA is to improve the quality of life and enhance opportunities for all Arts District stakeholders by encouraging a lively and healthy social, cultural, and economic environment. Late developer Al Tiara and current Arts District resident musician Drew Lesso founded Los Angeles River Artist and Business (LARABA) in the 90s to coordinate the voices of resident artists and existing
businesses in this industrial zone. Since then, LARABA's has helped shape the neighborhood from small ways, like sponsoring street tree plantings on Traction, Vignes, and East 3rd, to larger challenges, such as actively opposing the demolition of the Santa Fe outbound terminal for an LAUSD warehouse and kitchen facility. What would have become a junction for 800 trucks a day became an international design competition to explore the use of the facility, and Southern California Institute of Architecture to occupy and renovate the historic terminal. LARABA's influence goes beyond being a grassroots cluster of community volunteers, as the preservation of older industrial buildings such as Molino St Lofts, The Barker Block, Toy Factory Lofts and Nabisco building are a testament. LARABA held 2 major urban planning workshops––first in 2002 then in 2006. Called "Uncommon Ground," it helped defined the interests of the community as it was transforming and developing. We have conducted the longest running weekly neighborhood watch walk in the city, first started in 2000 by the late Joel Bloom. The Arts District / Little Tokyo Farmers Market began in 2002 at Traction and E. 3rd Street before relocating to Weller Court in 2004, then finally landing on the south lawn of City Hall in 2006. Now known as the Arts District / Little Tokyo Farmers Market at City Hall, it has thrived, and often the backdrop for civic functions and outreach. In 2010, LARABA (with then-president John Saslow) and LAPD Senior Lead Officer, Jack Richter, spearheaded the development and opening of the Arts District Dog Park, which occupies a 6,000-square-foot parcel at 1004 East 4th Street. The park opened with much fanfare in September and has since become an integral part of the Arts District community. LARABA has acted as a conduit between residents and the film industry. By rewriting Special Use Conditions for filming in the Arts District, a popular location for its industrial grit and historic bridges. What was once major abuse of a low cost backlot, has become a sustainable collaboration for both the film industry and the neighborhood at large. Funds donationed by film companies have been financial resource for LARABA and LaDADspace, a 501c3 non-profit spun off from LARABA in 2005, which maintains the goal to build a community art center that will include a 99 seat theater with an art gallery and community meeting space. We continue our interest in the betterment of the community and welcome all stakeholders to participate and influence the shared urban potential inherent in this uncommon ground. Monthly Board Meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at ARTSHARE, 801 East 4th Place, at 6:30 p.m. Drew Lesso: President 1991 - 1994
Joel Bloom: President 1994 - 2000
Tim Keating: President 2000 - 2006
John Saslow: President 2006 - 2010
Joseph Pitruzzelli: President 2010 - 2013
Deborah Meadows: President 2014
Christopher Fudurich: President 2015 -
