More Dreams from Bunker Hill

THIS WEEK, the corner of 5th Street & Grand Avenue moved up in the world.
The City of Los Angeles is formally naming the intersection after the author of Ask the Dust and Dreams from Bunker Hill. It's a symbolic choice of course, as 5th and Grand sit at the foot of the old neighborhood, Bunker Hill we've been talking about and looking at in class. It was where he once lived -- and suffered. It was also a quick walk to the Central Library, a place that the author haunted. Years later, a young poet happened upon his books in the stacks, and they in turn inspired him to become a writer. Charles Bukowski would champion Fante for the rest of his life.

For those interested in a long-look back there will be a bus tour, John Fante's Dream's From Bunker Hill, on April 17 sponsored and hosted by the Los Angeles Visionary Association. Check here for details.
-- L.G.
(photo: Fante's Bunker Hill duplex, credit: fishbowl, l.a.)