That Beautiful Big Black Cat
We just noticed on LAObserved.com, the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission is supposed to consider today historical-cultural status for the Felix Chevrolet showroom and sign near USC.
You know, the cat who isn't afraid to put his hand on his hip and flexes his knees as a sign of readiness.
Here's a link to the backstory on the cat, and some conflicts over the use of the land. http://viewfromaloft.typepad.com/viewfromaloft/2007/07/will-felix-beco.htmlI
I can think of some crotchety athletic dept. types who can't wait to get rid of the watchman of the city.

Comments
He has his hand on his hip because he is comfortable with his sexuality!
Posted by: cstory80
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July 12, 2007 07:42 PM
I was just going to ask why!
Posted by: JJH4USC
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July 13, 2007 08:42 AM
I think the area around Jefferson and Figueroa would really flourish if they were to do away with the Automobile sales lots. With the Galen Center and the massive University Gateway project, the corridor is set to really take off.
I believe it would be a boon to the University. I believe a true University Village with housing and shops can be created similar to Westwood.
I love the cat. I grew up watching the cartoon series Felix the Cat. However its just a commercial sign not a true landmark. As a matter of fact I believe the sign can be creatively move nearby. It maybe can somehow be basically kept in the same near location on a new structure if done creatively.
Posted by: TrojanEncore
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July 13, 2007 09:01 AM
If not for the car dealerships, where will all the football players "work" during the summer? (a la Oklahoma!)
Cheat on!
Posted by: Bill
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July 13, 2007 09:30 AM
Blasphemy TrojanEncore...pure blasphemy to speak out against the penitent Cat! He is the people’s Cat, and his knees are flexed and his hand is on hip...and he is ready to withstand any attempts to remove him as the watchman of the City.
Posted by: JJH4USC
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July 13, 2007 09:32 AM
Many people do not realize that in the 1950s and 1960s, Felix Chevrolet was one of the sponsors of American Bandstand. Every week, the cat would be shown on national television. It truly is a national monument with tremendous history. It is one of the most famous landmarks in L.A.
Posted by: ClassOf62Trojan
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July 13, 2007 10:19 AM
ClassOf62 are you sure? American Bandstand was located in Philadelphia. Im surprised they would put a Los Angeles Car dealer on a national TV feed for a show out of Philly. Maybe it was similar to what they do now aday with some commercials going out locally and some national.
I do remember Felix Chevrlet being a big sponsor of Wrestling and Boxing from the Olympic Auditorium here in 50s and 60s. Those broadcast were on KTLA Channel 5 with Dick Layne as host.
Ahhh those were the days ..
Posted by: TrojanEncore
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July 13, 2007 12:18 PM
I am absolutely positive. I first came across Felix Chevrolet through American Bandstand, and only saw it years later when attending USC. Of course, I was watching American Bandstand in Point Loma, down San Diego way, so that may have had something to do with the images on the television.
Posted by: ClassOf62Trojan
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July 13, 2007 12:36 PM
What's American Banstand?
Just kidding...my parents told me all about it!
Posted by: JJH4USC
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July 13, 2007 12:52 PM
What's American Bandstand?
Just kidding...my parents told me all about it!
Posted by: JJH4USC
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July 13, 2007 12:53 PM
I'm sorry Felix Cheverolet never appeared on American Bandstand, I looked it up on Wikipedia and it wasn't there, therefore it could not possibly be true. All known and unknown knowledge is on Wikipedia and is infallible.
Posted by: baxterbob
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July 13, 2007 04:14 PM