Does L.A. Care If the Watts Towers Are Saved? (ARTINFO)

ARTINFO - Maintaining and restoring Los Angeles's Watts Towers — the lofty detritus-clad steel-and-concrete outdoor folk-art masterpiece by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia — has long been a daunting task for the city. These days, it is estimated that it would take an investment of some $5 million to bring the Towers back to top form. In the wake of slashed funding from recent city budget cuts, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art stepped in to offer its aid. But the bigger issue, the New York Times says, is this: Do Angelenos actually care about the future of this landmark?