David Siqueiros

Getty Conservation Institute Director Miguel Angel Corzo predicted, in a recent interview, that by the end of the year funding will finally be in place for a long-delayed venture: The $3.5-million conservation of "America Tropical," the controversial Olvera Street mural that was created in 1932 by celebrated Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros.

Highlights from a May 31 New York auction of Latin American art will be on public view today and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Sotheby's galleries, 9665 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Among the attractions are paintings by Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo, Roberto Matta and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Information: (310) 274-0340.

The City Council approved using $40,000 of Cultural Affairs Department money to partly fund construction of a platform viewing area and canopy for David Alfaro Siqueiros' "America Tropical" mural at Olvera Street in Downtown. The 18-foot-by-80-foot mural depicts a Native American on a crucifix with an American eagle above him and two revolutionaries, one pointing a rifle at the eagle. The mural outraged city officials when it was unveiled in 1932, and was covered over.

Laurels are in order for "A Vital and Important Symbol for the City" (Feb. 28). The editorial clearly and accurately underscored the need for leadership at El Pueblo Historic Park, urging Mayor Richard Riordan to make long overdue appointments to the oversight commission. The emphasis upon the selection of appointees "who will make historic preservation their top priority" was of essential importance. Having worked as a consultant to El Pueblo and having served as founding president of its support group, I am keenly aware of the cross purposes of competing interests which have contributed to an impasse in such restoration efforts as the Getty Conservation Institute's critical work on the David Siqueiros mural.

Maria Esther Zuno, former first lady of Mexico known for championing women's rights and social causes, died Saturday in Mexico City of complications of diabetes. She was 74. For 54 years, Zuno was the wife of Luis Echeverria, who was president of Mexico from 1970 to 1976. The couple met at the home of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, and Zuno also befriended artists David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jose Clemente Orozco and Isidro Fabela.