L.A. Dept. of Cultural Affairs to Fire 7 Staff

Seven staff members of the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs are being laid off on April 1, with more layoffs expected by July 1. The cuts are part of a larger wave of job losses in an attempt to balance out the cities budget.

Among the positions being cut are the director of the Warner Grand Theatre in San Pedro and the William Grant Still Arts Center in West Adams. Executive director Olga Garay intends to redistribute existing staff in an attempt to keep these facilities open.

The city is looking to private non-profit groups to take over operation. In the case of no groups coming forward, the talks may shift to City Administrative Officer Miguel Santana’s recommended action of closing or selling off the centers.