Tuesday at noon it was too hot to walk my dog, Chyla, in Elysian Park. So I drove with her down to Echo Park Lake, where it turned out to be cool, with breezes blowing off the dirty water and all kinds of people walking, fishing, sitting in the shade, jogging, kids swinging in the play area, and an old-boy's network of chess players gathered in the shade. It looked peaceful and permanent.

I learned later in the day, from a Parks and Rec employee, that the lake's closing for renovation isn't expected to happen until "late in the summer." I had called the number posted on an information board, for people who have questions about the Prop O project. The employee said he could not be more specific than "late summer." But he did point out that the Lotus Festival -- sans lotus -- is set for July. And work is already being done to "upgrade" the Boat House, as one construction worker put it.

The following photos are from Tuesday:

These Canada goslings are getting big.

Facing northeast, above.

Fishing.