SYNOPSIS:

Based on actual events, Chavez Ravine is the story of one of the most monumental land grabs in Los Angeles and U-S history. The story is told through the voice of the real life Aurora Vargas, one of the last residents to be forcefully evicted from her neighborhood. Aurora weaves a tale of family history, from her parents romance in Arizona after fleeing the Mexican Revolution to their eventual relocation to their neighborhood, Palo Verde in Chavez Ravine. We see the evolvement of their strength of character through their struggles and their triumphs which ultimately prepares them for their eventual battle to try and save their land and homes. The family history, rich with Mexican culture and American tenacity is interwoven with the political intrigue and corruption employed during the height of the Cold War and subsequent Red Scare that enabled the entrenched powers (L-A Times, Hollywood, local government) to seize the land. Through flashbacks we also become involved with Aurora’s history, her loves and friendships, the death of her husband in World War Two and how she takes up the cause of saving her neighborhood with a fierce determination. She is strong and fiery like her Mexican mother who during the struggle digs in and guilds her family with wisdom and compassion. As part of the effort to bring the Dodgers to Los Angeles, the powers that be bankroll the candidacy of Norris Poulson as mayor. He has pledged to fight to have to Dodger Stadium built in Chavez Ravine, the preferred site of Dodger owner, Walter O’Malley. During his campaign Poulson demonizes a public housing project planned for the ravine and supports a ballot initiative that would pave the way for stadium construction. But the residents of Chavez Ravine have an ally in planning commissioner Frank Wilkinson who fights against the stadium. As history shows, the battle ends one day in 1959 as Sheriff's deputies rush into the ravine and forcibly evict the remaining residents, destroying the neighborhood to start construction of the ballpark. Aurora is dragged from her home kicking and screaming and arrested for “assault.” But in spite of their defeat, Aurora’s family pitches tents and camp out in protest on their seized land surrounded by their demolished homes. Chavez Ravine is a captivating tale that illustrates the strength of the human spirit despite long odds and corrupt opposition.