www.DTLF.org

Last Week in Downtown

2008-11-21T13:13:00.000-08:00

I've been a bit busy lately, so it's been awhile since I've posted. There was a lot of stuff goin on around good ol' DTLA, but I swear, if I hear someone use the phrase "Downtown Renaissance" in all seriousness, one more time, I'm gonna lose my shit. Is it anything other than a feel good about yourself way of saying "Downtown Gentrification?" Answer: no.

So anyway, lots of stuff... lots of stuff...

There was a big march for gay rights Downtown last weekend, one of the many around the country spurred on by the riculousness of Prop 8 passing. If you missed it, there's some great pics of the event up on flickr. Even better, there's another rally and march going on Monday, put on by community based activist internet radio station IM Radio. The rally is set to meet for a "sign making party" in the alley at Lost Souls Cafe (Harlem Place Alley, 124 W 4th St) at 4pm and leaves from there at 5pm. Afterward, there's a big bash at Bar 107 with bands and DJs (Crass Mondays has been bumped again). Here's the flyer for the event:

The anticipated Blu LA Cafe (no relation to LA Cafe, on Spring) opened last week below the Pac-Electric Lofts on 6th St, between Main and Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to stroll in on Art Walk Thursday and was happy to see a big sign with words that read, "Art Walk Special," and then immediately dumbfounded by those words being paired with, "$25." Hmm... $25 dollar... special? The only thing special about that is it's the most overpriced feed on the block. I mean, really, how the hell do you charge $25 for a special, next door to the place where I used to get the best Turkey Dips in town for around $5? Good fucking luck Blu LA Cafe... Downtown Renaissance my ass.

Speaking of those awesome Turkey Dips... legendary Cole's, the REAL inventor of the French Dip sandwich (that's right, forget what you heard about Phillipe's) is back! I have yet to eat there since it's become another piece in Cedd Moses' bar monopoly. Let's hope they didn't fuck up what used to be part of Downtown's daily diet. I'll have a review later next week.

Let's see, what else... oh... Downtown was blanketed in even worse air quality than normal on Monday and Tuesday due to the raging wildfires around the Southland. It was like we were in a permanent twilight with the sun's light getting diffused through a bajillion layers of smoke. I was actually surprised I didn't see a single person with a protective mask on.

Hmm... there was one more thing... oh yeah! Downtown on Ice has returned. Who wants to go skating in our glorious 91º fall climate? WTF weather? Enough of this heatwave, I'm ready for some cold front. According to weather forcasts we'll be dropping out of the 80s and 90s and down to some chilly 70s and (gasp) high 60s next week. Time to break out those parkas and moon boots.

Lykke Li at La Cita

2008-11-06T18:06:00.001-08:00

Swedish Darling to DJ Dance Right Tonight

Lykke Li, the singer behind what seemed like everyone's favorite album over the summer, Youth Novels, and the cutest girl in the world (besides my girlfriend), will be DJing at La Cita's Dance Right tonight. I usually like to make a stink about Dance Right – the Hollywood/Silver Lake scene-zombies, off-rampers coming in from the Valley in sandals sporting faux-hawks, the stanky Polo smell of gentrification with each overpriced drink – but hey, I've been told I'm just a hater, what can you expect?

I honestly try not to hate too much, La Cita's got a great staff, I have a lot of love for the hard working people behind the bar there, and it's an amazing space, and you can't really hate on some of the artwork that comes as collateral for Dance Right... I guess it's mostly just the Thursday night Dance Right crowd that rubs me the wrong way as they rub their coke dusted noses – that and knowing what the drink prices were like before the bar was bought and revamped a few years back. Oh well, no living in the past, right? There are still other bars Downtown to try and save before they get bought out and become the next La Cita. Just the other week I saw that Neu Angeles gave the nod to King Eddy's as a hipster hangout... it's only a matter of time before it becomes Little La Cita [/cue spooky theremin music]. God I hope not. With Crabby Joes long gone, and Charlie O's set to be the next Pete's Cafe, where will Downtowners go? We can't all fit into Jaliscos... can we?

Anyway, whether you like Dance Right and spendy drinks or not, tonight the extremely talented Lykke Li is gonna be there, spinning records I'm told, and that in itself is pretty cool, right? Damnit, I guess I'm gonna have to go check it out. At least it's a good excuse to grab a burrito from Ye Olde Taco House next door.

Dance Right is every Thursday night at La Cita on Hill Street between 4th and 3rd. And in La Cita's defense of the whole overpriced drink thing... there's $3 Dewars till midnight...

2008 California (and Los Angeles) Statewide Propositions and Local Measures Results

2008-11-05T01:42:00.001-08:00

As judged by emoticons...

STATEWIDE:

Proposition 1a: Passed :-)

Proposition 2: Passed :-)

Proposition 3: Passed :-|

Proposition 4: Failed :-)

Proposition 5: Failed :-(

Proposition 6: Failed :-)

Proposition 7: Failed :-)

Proposition 8: Passed??? >:-O

Proposition 9: Passed :-)

Proposition 10: Failed :-)

Proposition 11: Passed :-)

Proposition 12: Passed :-)

LA CITY/COUNTY:

Measure R: Passed! :-D

Measure J: Passed :-)

Measure Q: Passed :-)

Prop (Measure) A: Barely Failed :'(

Prop (Measure) B: Passed :-)

And, oh yeah, it looks like we are about to have the most incredible president of our lifetime. Someone with potential to unite and inspire a nation that has been divided and apathetic for my entire adult life. If you missed future President Obama's (God that sounds good... President Obama) victory speech, please watch it below. I'd also like to add, I thought McCain's speech conceding the presidency was a nice touch of class after a horribly nasty campaign. It seemed both genuine and heartfelt (at least to these skeptic's eyes). Let's hope we can follow both of their suggestions of reaching across party lines and joining together united to try and get the American Dream back on track. Welcome to an amazing moment in world history everybody. I feel truly proud to be an American for the first time in a long long while. :-DGC

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Election Night Parties!!!

2008-11-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

Good Times Predicted at the Echo, Redwood, & Bar 107There are a bunch of parties going on around town tonight so you can shake your ass in glory to the news that a massive regime change is coming... unless the Repubs steal yet another election... then we can all hang our heads in shame and cry together before we riot in the streets.

First, I should say, I will actually be venturing outside of Downtown. Don't worry, it's only a short bike ride up to the Echo in Echo Park for IM Radio's Election Night Party.

IM Radio (www.imradionetwork.org), an internet radio station, was, until a couple months ago, broadcasting out of the MJ Higgins Gallery Space below the Alexandria Hotel. Sadly, when gallery owner Martha lost her lease on the space, the community-based activist station also got the boot. They are currently homeless and looking for another space Downtown (though still broadcasting "underground"), so if you have any leads, drop them a line.

Tonight IM Radio will be throwing a massive party at the Echo, in part a fundraiser for the station's quest for a new location. There will be three massive video projectors with live coverage of election news, free stenciling of t-shirts (bring your own), an election inspired art gallery, acoustic and spoken word performances, DJs, hundreds of people shaking booty and a full bar. Downstairs at the Echoplex, Abe Vigoda and Diplo will be playing among others. If you can't make it, I urge you to listen in at www.imradionetwork.com for up to minute news coverage and election results. The party starts at 8pm and goes till close.

If Echo Park is a bit too far out of Downtown for your tastes, we at the DTLF have also recieved news that legendary Mickey Champion will be making a rare appearance tonight, preforming with Deacon Jones and Kahau at the Redwood Bar. If you have never seen her performance, now is your chance, don't pass it up! Deacon Jones' mastery of the organ only sweetens this deal that much more.

And if for some reason you don't feel like listening to some incredible blues, from a living legend, head on over to Bar 107 for their big election night party... expect drink specials.

Have fun partying your pants off!

• The Echo can be found in Echo Park on Sunset at 1822 W Sunset Blvd between Glendale Blvd and Lemoyne (you can take the 2 or the 4 Metro bus out of Downtown and it will drop you off right there).

• The Redwood is located at 316 W 2nd St between Hill and Broadway.

• Bar 107 is located at 107 W 4th St between Spring and Main.

Know Your Voting Rights – Los Angeles and Southern California

2008-11-04T09:05:00.000-08:00

First, let me just reiterate a very important fact about voting rights that has been circulating the internet this morning. Voter lines are already long, with one of the highest projected turnouts ever. If you are in line, or inside your polling place before 8pm, and the polls close, STAY IN LINE. Do not get out. Your poll workers have to let you vote.

Alright, now that's out of the way, below are a few pertinent facts weened directly from a handy ACLU pamphlet providing a wealth of useful facts regarding the voting process and your voting rights in Los Angeles and Southern California. Read up and don't get disenfranchised (disenfranchization burns horribly and is the number two cause of irritable bowel syndrome).

When are the polls open?

• Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• You have the right to vote if you’re in line or inside your polling place when the polls close. Cal. Elec. Code §14401.

Can I get time off from work to vote?

• Maybe. If your work schedule would prevent you from voting in person while the polls are open, you have the right to take time off from work (up to two hours of which must be paid time off) in order to vote. If you know in advance that you’ll need time off, you must give your employer at least two working days’ notice. Cal. Elec. Code §14000.

Where do I vote?

• On Election Day, you have to vote at the polling place to which you’re assigned.

• Your assigned polling place will be listed on the voter registration card that you should receive in the mail when you register.

• If you don’t have your card, you can contact your county elections office or visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm to find out where to vote.

Can I bring voting aids with me to the polls?

• Yes. You can take written or printed voting aids with you as long as they’re for your own use in casting your ballot. Examples include a sample ballot, a voter information guide, a copy of the voter’s bill of rights, this card, or other similar explanatory materials to assist you in casting your vote.

What if my polling place is not accessible?

• If you find this out before Election Day, notify your county elections office right away and ask for an accommodation. You have the right to an accessible polling place and an accessible voting machine. Or, if you prefer, you can vote by mail.

• Curbside voting must be available at your polling place if it remains inaccessible under the Guidelines promulgated by the California Secretary of State. Contact your county elections office to find out.

• You also have the right to bring up to two people to assist you. You have the right to have anyone you choose assist you as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.

Can I get a ballot in my native language?

• If you vote in California, you have the right to a ballot and instructions in Spanish. Some counties in California are also required to provide ballots and instructions in other languages. Contact your county elections office before Election Day to find out what’s available in your area. Poll workers in places where language assistance is required should offer this assistance to you. If they don’t, tell a poll worker that you want assistance in one of these languages. You’re entitled to a translation of all ballots and other election materials. Cal. Elec. Code §2103(c).

What if I need help in the voting booth?

• If you need help because of a physical disability or because you can’t read the ballot, tell a poll worker when you get to your polling place. You have the right to vote on an accessible voting machine. You also have the right to have anyone you choose assist you in the voting booth, including a poll worker, as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union. Cal. Elec. Code §14282.

• If you need language assistance, bring an interpreter with you to the polls. You have a right to bring an interpreter with you to communicate with poll workers and to translate the ballot as long as the interpreter is registered to vote in your county.

• If you need instructions on how to use the voting equipment, ask a poll worker for help. Poll workers are required to help you at any time you ask—even after you’ve entered the voting booth.

Do I have to show ID?

• Probably not. Most voters DO NOT need to show ID at all.

• You only need ID if:
you’re a first-time voter in your county;
you registered to vote by mail; and
you didn’t provide any identification when you registered.
What are the accepted forms of ID?
• Accepted forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

What if I don’t have any ID?

• If the first-time-voter ID requirements apply to you, you can cast a provisional ballot even if you don’t have ID. Cal. Elec. Code § 14310.

What if I’m not on the voter list?

• First, ask a pollworker to check the list again and to confirm that you’re at the right polling place.

• If you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name isn’t on the voter list, as long as you’re willing to swear that you believe you’re registered to vote. Cal. Elec. Code §14310.

What if I go to the wrong polling place?

• Go to the right polling place. You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling place where you’re registered, or you can call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for assistance.

• If you can’t figure out where you’re registered, go to the polling place that you think is most likely to be the right one, and if you’re not on the registration rolls at that polling place, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if you’re not at the right polling place.

What if someone challenges my right to vote?

• A poll worker will ask you some questions and rule on the challenge. Cal. Elec. Code §§14243-14247.

What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me?

• Tell a poll worker right away. If the poll worker is the problem, tell a poll watcher, call your county elections office, call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card, or make a complaint online at http://www.votingrights.org.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions?

• Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you spoil a paper ballot, you have the right to up to two replacement ballots as long as you catch your mistake before you cast your ballot. If your voting machine malfunctions, you can request a different machine. Cal. Elec. Code §14288.

How do I make a complaint?

• First, ask for an election supervisor at your polling place. He or she can handle most routine complaints that arise on Election Day. Candidates, political parties, and nonprofit groups may also have poll watchers at your polling place who might be able to assist you. In the alternative, you can call 1-866-OURVOTE to report any problems you encountered. If any of those people ask you who you voted for, or if they can’t resolve your complaint, call your county elections office or the California Secretary of State.

For the pamphlet in its entirety, you may download the PDF by clicking this link.

I would also like to add, you don't have to fill in every single field on your ballot. If you feel you don't have enough information to make a qualified decision, please leave that section blank, your other votes will still count. It's my personal belief that a misinformed vote is worse than not voting at all.

Now go get your party socks on and go VOTE!

The Downtown Liberation Front's 2008 Voting Guide (Pt. 4)

2008-11-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Part 4: Don't Forget to Check Your Resources
Poster from Obey by Shepard Fairey.

To round out our series on the upcoming election I thought it would be a good idea to give you a few more really good resources to help guide you in the right direction tomorrow at the polls.

The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) "gets California ready for November 4, 2008 with Voter Minutes — straightforward, nonpartisan one minute video explanations of the statewide ballot measures." This is an AWESOME resource if you just want to get the basics, or you can get deeper as you explore the site: http://cgs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=177&Itemid=90

If you're into getting your information via audio, KPCC's Larry Mantle hosts the very informative show Airtalk. You can listen to episodes for free from NPR's website. On today's episode he was joined buy the CEO of the Center for Governmental Studies, Tracy Westen, to clear up any questions Angelinos may have on tomorrow's ballot measures, it's an hour long, and they field phone calls from around LA. Great listen: http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510128 (Look for Monday, Nov 3rd episode, Hour-2 for detailed proposition coverage – direct link to mp3 file)

If you're a fan of the wiki-format, ballotpedia.org is a handy resource that gives brief descriptions of ballot measures and provides the links to the pro and con sites: http://ballotpedia.org/

If, for some reason, your are still undecided on who to vote for for president, or if you just want the down and dirty facts of what's going on in the presidential race, I strongly urge you to go read Norvig's FAQ: http://norvig.com/election-faq.html

And here's the official County Registrar site for all your official voting needs: http://www.lavote.net/

If you have any sites that have shed enlightenment to how you plan to vote, or any you would like to add, don't be afraid to leave them in the comments below.

Now, don't forget to vote tomorrow! If you want to avoid lines, people are recommending you go during work hours. Pollsters are expecting large turnouts in the early morning prior to work, and after people get off.

UPDATE: I can't believe I left off this great site from the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund: Smart Voter. This site is an invaluable resource. It's has loads of info to help you make your decision regarding judges and representatives among all the other voting questions you may have: http://smartvoter.org/ca/la/

The Downtown Liberation Front's 2008 Voting Guide (Pt. 3)

2008-11-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Part 3: Where the DTLF Stands on Our Los Angeles County and City Measures

Well, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we here at the DTLF always encourage you to make your own decisions, but just make sure you research those decisions. That said, I'm here to let you know how the DTLF will be voting on the local measures on tomorrow's ballot. Hopefully it's not too preachy, and the following will help, not bully, you in making your own choices.

MEASURE R: TRAFFIC RELIEF. RAIL EXTENSIONS. REDUCE FOREIGN OIL.
Measure R is proposing a half a cent sales tax increase that would send money MTA's way for some much needed projects.

Yes on R. Why? Well, the argument against R is this: people are worried that Measure R will not help outlying communities of Los Angeles where more people actually use MTA and more buses are needed. They claim that R is nothing more than an ego satisfying project for Mayor Villaraigosa, that will only put money up for a "subway to the sea." This is a very worthy argument, if, in fact it was true, however, it's not.

Measure R does support the idea of extending the Purple Line which currently ends at Wilshire and Western to Westwood (not the sea). I see no problem in that, it's stupid to end only two stops from the Red Line in the first place; however, Measure R doesn't just support Purple Line extension, it provides funds for extending the Green Line to LAX (yes please!) and the South Bay Corridor, extends the Exposition Boulevard Light Rail Transit from Culver City to Santa Monica (that's the line to the sea – not a subway), extends the 24 mile Gold Line Foothill Extension to Claremont, develops a West Santa Ana branch transportation corridor, and a rapid transit option through the I-405/Sepulveda Pass. Hardly just a "subway to the sea." Yes, I agree with Measure R opponents, and my fellow bus riders, there are quite a few communities left out, but the positives are heavily outweighing the negatives in this situation. They are improving the system in general. Let's take what we can get while we can.

Beyond the above plans, money will also be used to put more clean-air buses on lines where they're needed, repair pot-holes and bridges, create 200,000 new jobs, synchronize traffic lights to help alleviate traffic, and all this costs the price of half a tank of gas per person per year (estimated people would pay only about $25 a year). Not to mention, these funds will help ensure that fares will stay low for seniors and students. I'm sorry, but to me, it's a no-brainer, just because your community may be getting overlooked, doesn't make this a bad plan.

Traffic is pollution, and pollution is a problem of enormous proportions in the Southland right now. It's extremely important to focus on getting away from our roads, out of our cars, and onto the rails – the sooner the better. Los Angeles has made so many horribly fucked up decisions in our past regarding our rail system, and those decisions have had a momentously negative impact on our communities and how they are connected. It's time we bring our city up to par with every other metropolis in the world by getting our rail system together. Yes, it is going to be a difficult battle because we are so far behind so late in the game; however, the longer we wait the worse it's going to get. We need 2/3 of this vote for it to pass, so please, please, please vote yes on Measure R. This is so important for the future of our city, please don't let neighborhood to neighborhood bickering influence your vote on this. More rail transit, more buses, more jobs, for the meager $25 a year is worth it no matter what part of the city it focuses on, it effects us all.

Just look at what our Metro system could look like (full PDF here):

MEASURE J: LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLASSROOM REPAIR, PUBLIC SAFETY, NURSING and JOB TRAINING MEASURE.
Measure J proposes issuing $3.5 billion in bonds at legal interest rates to improve conditions on local community college campus'. There's very few opponents of this measure. Our community colleges are in need of some help with recent buget cuts, and this measure will provide that needed help. It's got applauded oversight along with specific plans for carrying out the improvements. Yes on Measure J.

MEASURE Q: SAFE, HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS MEASURE
In essence, Measure Q wants to bring the older schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District up to par with the new ones by approving a $7 billion bond. A great idea. Beyond the benifits this measure will bring to the kids in our communities, it doesn't raise taxes, earmarks $450 million for independent charter schools (to get them on par with regular schools) and will provide an estimated 850,000 in new jobs which will stimulate our local economy. Thumbs up from this guy.

On the other hand, unlike Measure J, critics cite the vagueness of this plan. Opponents are saying it lacks specifics on how the money would be spent. Those opposed are also quick to point out that LA has already alotted $6 million in unused bond money from previous measures.

I'm of the opinion that we should be putting more money into schools than anything else. So what if the plan for getting this ball rolling is a bit vague, we'll have to trust that our elected officials will work something out and get the money going to the right places. That's what we voted them into office for in the first place, right? And if they don't get the job done, we vote them out.

A good education is the number one biggest contributing factor for a secure future. Nothing wrong with kids getting resources they need for a good learning environment just as there's nothing wrong with a bunch of genius little kids saving the world one day. Yes on Measure Q.

PROPOSITION A: CITY OF LOS ANGELES SPECIAL GANG AND YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION, AFTER-SCHOOL and JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS TAX.
Measure A is proposing a $36 a year tax increase for property owners that would in turn create after-school and job training programs designed to keep kids out of gangs. It will require 2/3 of the vote to pass.

Without a doubt gang violence is a major issue in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With an estimated 40,000 kids in gangs, and those numbers on the rise, LA residents have expressed serious concerns regarding how gang related issues effect their children and today's youth. Measure A proposes a number of gang prevention programs and services aimed at getting kids out of gangs and into after school programs and young adults into job training and apprenticeship programs.

Surprisingly, there are several people opposed to this bill. One issue cited by opponents is that there is not enough oversight for where the collected tax money goes. Another is that it further confuses the several programs we have in place already. And still another is that the proposed program doesn't outline any concrete solutions at all. People are looking for proof that the proposed plans will work and not just funnel tax money into the hands of government officials who will squander it.

What I really think the opposing arguments come down to, is that the word "tax" is even nastier than normal with the ugly economy in a downturn. People are apt to scrutinize what their money is going towards when they're having problems paying the bills, and they're worried that this bill is going to be money down the drain, and rightly so.

Look, despite all the backlash, the DTLF is still supporting this plan with a "Yes" vote. Let me try and convince you.

Jeff Carr, a strong supporter of Prop A, and director of Gang Reduction and Youth Development in LA, made a wonderful point (among others) in the Daily Breeze, "80% of prison inmates [are] high school dropouts. Studies have shown that after-school programs like LA's Best, LA Conservation Corps and the Boys and Girls Clubs have a proven track record of dramatically reducing dropout rates and improving academic achievement." It's a proven fact that after school programs such as these help keep kids off the street, out of gangs, and as a result out of prisons.

On the prison tip, to quote Police Chief William Bratton, "We simply cannot arrest our way out of the current situation." So true P.C.W.B. So true. The measly $3 dollars a month this plan is asking for is nothing compared to the amount of money tax payers would save by keeping these kids out of gangs and subsequently out of prison. Reportedly Los Angeles County spends over $1 million for each gang murder. That's one million dollars per murder. One million dollars per murder vs $3 bucks a month for property owners... not to mention, less gang members means less gang murders, and less gang murders is less murder.

All the nay-saying and skepticism aside, even if this plan doesn't work as intended, it is the DTLF's personal opinion that it is worth the three bucks a month to find out. Yes on A.

PROPOSITION B: UPDATE OF LOW RENT HOUSING AUTHORIZATION. Los Angeles City Prop B is asking:

"Shall existing voter-approved authorization for low rent housing be revised to remove impediments to the federal and state funding requirements not compatible with current housing needs, and authorize the development, construction or acquisition of low rent housing by public entities in the City of Los Angeles, maintaining the previously authorized voter-approved level of 3,5000 units per Council District, subject to the availability of funding and all City development requirements?"

The answer to that question is, "Yes." Without raising taxes a bit, this measure would potentially create 52,000 much needed low income housing units (according to the LA Chamber of Commerce) across the city.

It's time to change the current outmoded system we have that limits the amount of affordable housing city-wide. Every person, from every walk of life, deserves to be able to live near their job and their children deserve to live near a good school; affordable city-wide housing will help make these dreams a reality. Currently developers are locked up in bureaucratic red-tape, restricting them to only build new homes that cost more than most people can afford. This measure will allow community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, to build homes that families on fixed incomes can afford. Supporters cite that it levels the playing field between rich, middle-class, and lower income developers.

Any qualms people have, such as the rumor that this measure will change zoning laws, are completely unfounded. From everything I've read, all zoning restrictions outlined by their communities will remain the same. Please vote yes on Proposition B, and get people the affordable housing they desperately need.

So that's it for our local and county measures. Hoped that helped you out. Stay tuned for Part 4 of our 2008 Voting Guide where we provide you with a list of a bunch of great resouces to help you make that decision tomorrow in the polling booth a little easier.

The Downtown Liberation Front's 2008 Voting Guide (Part 2)

2008-11-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Part 2: The Big Picture (as seen by Big Cali Media)

The other day, our good friend Sam sent out and email detailing (via web-links) the way five major California newspapers were voting on the statewide propositions. It's a great resource for seeing exactly who thinks what of what, and which of which propositions catch their fancy. Of course, we here at the DTLF urge you to MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS ALWAYS, but hopefully the following will be some good insight into helping you make those decisions.

Without further hub-bubbery, here's Sam's email:

Hey all,

For those of you who may want some info on the state initiatives, here is a handy breakdown of 5 California News Rags, with links to their endorsements and arguments, and a chart showing where each of them stands, because you don't want to inadvertently vote YES on the "Happiness" initiative, only to find out that it has got chunks of "Sadness" written into it.

Go Obama.

San Jose Mercury News:
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10706959?nclick_check=1

LA Weekly:
http://www.laweekly.com/2008-10-30/news/election-39-08-voting-guide-endorsements-from-a-free-thinker-no-on-8-yes-on-11-and-a-nod-to-mark-ridley-thomas/

San Francisco Bay Guardian:
http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=7262

Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-endorsements-new-2008,0,2229623.htmlstory

The Daily Californian:
http://www.dailycal.org/article/103301/endorsements_propositions

Here is a chart denoting the various positions of the 5 papers mentioned:

Thanks again Sam!

Stay tuned for the next installment of our 2008 Voting Guide where we break down the local Los Angeles County and City Measures.

The Downtown Liberation Front's 2008 Voting Guide

2008-11-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

Part 1: The Basics
That's right, the 2008 election is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 – make it a holiday and go out and vote. We at the DTLF decided to put together a couple brief resources to help you along in the process which can often be confusing. This is the first part of three and covers the basics of voting in Los Angeles. Enjoy.

WHEN: Polls are open from 7am - 8pm

WHERE: There are places all over our fair city, to find yours, check your sample ballot that came in the mail. It will be printed on it. If you didn't get a sample ballot (or lost it) go to this website (https://lavote.net/SECURED/VOTER_REG/) and enter in the requested information. In the field asking for your house number, that's your street address number, not your phone number (for instance, if you live at the Alexandria, you would enter 501 in that field).

The DTLF recommends, before going to the polling place, you familiarize yourself with your sample ballot. You don't want to end up in the polling booth without a clue, or worse, voting for the wrong thing. Here's a couple of very useful PDFs for your downloading pleasure:

SAMPLE VOTER BALLOT: http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/BALLOT/566/221.pdf

VOTER INSTRUCTIONS: http://www.lavote.net/VOTER/PDFS/Instructions_Voters_At_Polls.pdf

That should keep you busy for a little bit, download those PDFs, get comfy, and await part two... which is basically just a really useful email we got from our good friend Sam.

For complete Los Angeles voter information, why not go straight to the horse's mouth: http://www.lavote.net

Jane's Addiction at La Cita?!

2008-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

A shitty picture of Jane's Addiction fans forming a line outside of La Cita.

I just walked down to Ye Old Taco House Numero Uno to grab a burrito and was greeted by a line of people. "WTF?" I thought, "Did some film crew just get off work and everyone got a wild hair up their ass to come get a cheap burrito?" I would quickly learn the answer to that question was, "No."

Turns out, no one was in line for the cheap Mexican food, and, in fact, everyone was in line for something going on at La Cita tonight... four hours before doors would open. After questioning one of the people queued, I promptly discovered that none other than Jane's Addiction will be playing a "secret" show, way down low where the streets are littered, at La Cita. Tonight. 9 o'clock (or 10, couldn't get a straight answer). $5 bucks supposedly. Is this something set up by Dance Right, the normal Thursday La Cita gig? No fucking clue. Pretty incredible though.

My advice, get there now if you want to get in. The line was growing when I left.

UPDATE: Supposedly the show is "sold out." Here's a link to the Reuter's article: http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE49M3OZ20081023

I'd also like to take a moment and brag that I guessed and told a friend La Cita holds about 400 people, according to the above article it's a 390 person capacity. [/self grats]

MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE FOR CALIFORNIANS

2008-10-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

Forms Must be Postmarked by the 20th
Photo from http://www.iwantchange.org/

Hey fellow lazy Californians! If you're a lagger, like myself, chances are, you haven't registered to vote. Monday, October 20th, is tomorrow, and that means it is your last chance to register to vote in the upcoming election. We, as Californians, are given the extra few weeks to register, probably because we're a bunch of stoners and dead beats and are too busy polishing our crystals, so let's get on the ball and go get registered together right now, okay?

(STEP 0: Stop rolling that joint and put down your crystal collection.)

STEP 1: Go to this website: http://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/

STEP 2: Select your county from the drop-down menu (your correct form should download immediately).

STEP 3: Fill out your form in Acrobat Reader or print it and fill it out by hand.

STEP 4: Print the form and envelope (if you haven't already) AND SIGN and DATE IT!

STEP 5: Fold the form into the printed envelope, tape it up with the address showing, and place a stamp on it.

STEP 6: Drop it in your nearest mailbox. Make sure the mail hasn't been picked up for that location yet. You are in the clear as long as your letter gets postmarked by the 20th. If you want to be sure, I suggest just dropping it off at your nearest post office (http://usps.whitepages.com/post_office).

And that's it! You may now pick up your shit and resume whatever the hell you were doing before this, just don't forget to vote on the 4th!

If you're not sure if you are registered to vote at your current address, call this number now: 1 (800) 815-2666. Press 2 "for inquiry about registration status." The very nice, but likely very stressed operator will assist you, so please be nice, I'm guessing they're getting blitzed with calls.

UPDATE 1: For Los Angeles residents you can also go here to find out if you're registered: https://lavote.net/SECURED/VOTER_REG/

UPDATE 2: There are four other states that I know of where it's not too late to register: Kansas, South Dakota (have till the 20th), Maine, and Connecticut (have till the 21st).

Matt Dillon is a Stone Cold Killer

2008-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Just Another Day on Spring Street

I walked out the front door of the Alexandria today to the ratatat of gun fire, and none other than Matt Dillon was there in black fatigues and a piece in his hand. Some unknown criminal was lying face down, presumably dead, in the gutter of Spring and 5th. Did Dillon cap this fool in the name of justice? No clue. Don't care. Just another moment where the movie industry uses our Downtown backyard as their Hollywood back-lot. This just a day after the Alexandria was being used as a set for some British pop singer's music video.

What a lot of people don't realize (tourists mostly) is that having movies, television shows, music videos and commercials filmed on your street corner every week is not all that fun. Film crews are hard at work and they treat your normal personal living area as their own workspace, often with a complete lack of respect, and almost always with no compensation to the residents they disturb. If I had a dollar for every time I heard a member of a film crew make some disparaging remark about Downtowners and the idea of living Downtown, I'd have like... $10 dollars... almost. I guess that's fine, I don't really want more of these people moving into Downtown anyway. I like that they think it's some shithole warzone crack den, or whatever they think it is.

Anyway, I often wonder how they'd react if roles were reversed and we came out to their suburban streets and set up shop there. Whatever. The massive crew using the Alexandria lobby today has actually been a lot warmer an more accomodating than many of the other crews I've had the mispleasure of running into around Downtown Los Angeles in the past decade (at least to me), so props to them. Maybe Hollywood is getting a bit more tolerant of local residents as our numbers swell. We'll just have to see if the gunplay continues past bedtime, right?

The film's name is Bone Deep not to be confused with the porn flick of the very similar title, Balls Deep.

In other news, I really need a new camera, this camera phone thing is really starting to blow.

Forecast of Snow in Downtown?

2008-10-15T17:17:00.000-07:00

I've seen a lot of awesome and funny signs go up around Downtown with all the filming that goes on around here, but this one takes the cake, "Snow Route – No Standing During Emergency. Vehicles Will Be Impounded." I spotted this gem while biking down Hope, lurking on the corner of 6th, and had to pull off to snap a couple quick phone pics. Is it a prop? A piece of street art? A statement on the amount of coked-up Hollywood types moving into the neighborhood? Who knows?

Personally, I prefer to believe it a forecast of a shift in weather, left by some underground weatherman hobbyist – a lone city sign-maker come armchair meteorologist who has discovered the startling truth about our shifting climate. With no news media willing to back his story, he takes his message to the streets in the only way he knows how – via traffic signs. There's a cold front moving in to Downtown Los Angeles people! Slide on those moon boots and winter parkas! Snowball fight in Pershing Square! The Snowman Army is assembling on Spring!

Two Shows You Don't Want to Miss at Tonight's Artwalk

2008-10-09T12:14:00.000-07:00

While you're aimlessly pushing your way through the throngs of people at tonight's monthly Downtown Artwalk, consider going to both of the above shows. You will be happy you did.

Artwalk After-Party

2008-10-09T11:01:00.000-07:00

After tonight's Artwalk officially winds down, and while all the Westsiders are busy looking for their cars and avoiding "ew-homeless-people," there will be an after party going on at the Hive Gallery. According to the flyer (in case you can't read the above jpeg... or just don't want to) it will be a free forum of communication and energy exchange with an open mic. Bring your own refreshments. The party runs 9:30-11:30ish.

There's also a newish underground after hours club that's been going on Thursday nights. Due to security reasons, at this point in time, I'm not allowed to post the address, so ask around about it, and get your ass over there if you're looking for something to do past closing.

Voter Registration Party in K-Town

2008-10-07T22:21:00.001-07:00

I usually won't post about any events outside of Downtown, but I figure this is a pretty damn good cause and just a couple Red Line stops away.

Tomorrow night (Wednesday, Oct 7th), below the Gaylord in nearby Korea Town, at the HMS Bounty, there will a party with a purpose, and that purpose is to get people registered for the upcoming election. The organizers are going to make it easy breezy for you, with all the forms you need and stamped envelopes ready to mail out. Like the flyer says, all you'll need is your driver's license number & current address and you'll be a voting fool come November 4th. California residents are fortunate enough to have till October 20th to register, so don't forget!

If you can't make it, check out this post.

If Anyone Happens to Have a Spare $35...

2008-10-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Please get me into the REDCAT tonight
The almighty Lou Reed and musical experimentalist/saxophonist Ulrich Krieger will be on stage at the REDCAT tonight (Oct 2nd). According to Krieger's website, the two will

"...take the stage together for the first time to improvise music and make soundscapes. The pair use guitars, saxophones and an array of electronic treatments to venture into deep acoustic space, drawing on new music, free jazz, avant-rock, noise and ambient in a set of intense conceptual pieces and intuitive improvisations. The artists first met in 2002 for the premiere of Krieger's transcription and arrangement of Metal Machine Music — Reed's seminal guitar feedback epic — for the chamber orchestra Zeitkratzer."

What!? Krieger transcribed Metal Machine Music for a chamber orchestra? Holy hell! That's like making a movie out of Finnegan's Wake.

For those who don't know who Ulrick Krieger is, and would like to know more about this impressive character, I suggest you read his bio. And for those who don't know who Lou Reed is, please, I urge you, to change your mind about voting for McCain and Palin. Educate yourself.

The Reed/Krieger duo will also be playing a show Friday (Oct 3rd), so if you're not going to the Smell to see the Urinals and No Age, you should probably be buying tickets at the REDCAT.

What You're Doing Friday Night

2008-10-02T16:18:00.001-07:00

Not only hometown favorites, No Age, but hometown legends, the Urinals, will be playing at Downtown Los Angeles' favorite venue, the Smell.

Gun Outfit (from Olympia), Nodzzz (from SF), and Protectme (Ima Gymnist members) round out the lineup. Do not miss this show. You will be angry at yourself later.

No Age - Eraser video:

The Urinals, from a show in San Diego the other night(!):

MAKE SURE YOU'RE REGISTERED TO VOTE NOW

2008-10-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Deadline for Voter Registration is Looming!
Poster art by Chris Piascik.

Okay, I'm gonna make this real simple for everyone. Time is almost up to register to vote! With such an important election coming up, I want to make sure everyone in Los Angeles who can vote, and wants to, uses that right. More damn people voted on American Idol than for any President (link). That's just sad. So, quit procrastinating; if you have time to smoke a cigarette, grab a snack, or look at internet boobies, you have time to register to vote. So, please do it now.

Here's a very quick guide for Angelinos, (and pretty much Californians in general) to get you in that voting booth in a month.

1. Make sure your registered at your current address.
Even if you think you're registered already, this isn't a bad idea. If you've moved since you last registered, you'll need to re-register at your new address and it takes less than a minute to find out. Pick up the phone right now. Call this number: 1 (800) 815-2666. Nicely ask if you are registered to vote, you'll answer a few quick questions and get your answer. If you are, congratulations! If not, go to step 2.

2. Register to Vote.
Registering to vote is easier than you may think, and takes very little time. If you have a printer, go to this website, select your county from the drop down menu, and the form will download to your computer. Fill out the very easy form, print it, SIGN IT, and mail it immediately.

If you don't have a printer, (or Adobe Acrobat to read the form), don't sweat it. You can get the form at a majority of County buildings, post offices, libraries, city halls, fire stations, Department of Motor Vehicles, and public assistance offices (DPSS or WIC). Click on those links to find the nearsest to you. That's a lot of places for you to choose from, and I can guarantee that one of them is within a quick bike-ride or walk of you.

For any further questions, check this link: http://www.lavote.net/Voter/FAQs.cfm#top1.3

AND, if you're still undecided on who to vote for, this website tells it like is, is unbiased, and is all around full of awesome: http://norvig.com/election-faq.html

Now here's your reward:

If you have time to watch this video, you have time to register!

Festivals This Weekend

2008-09-26T10:19:00.000-07:00

Grand Avenue & We the People Festivals Come to Downtown LA.

If you've been to the the Grand Avenue Festival in years past, and you're like me, you probably already know.... it's... it's pretty much... a... a... *yawn*... wow I get sleepy just talking about it... Well, if you do happen to find yourself on one of the most gentrified streets in Downtown this Sunday, two things I do recommend: (1) go to the Redcat, and (2) get that free ticket to experience (queue "fabulous" voice) the magical wonders of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I'm assuming the WDCH will be giving a demonstration of the Opus 24, the massive concert organ built by Rosales Organ Builders, and right around the corner, the Redcat will most likely have something that will blow your mind as always... checking redcat.com now... and... let's see here... they're gonna have... caricatures? Really? Hmm... I wonder if I can get them to draw me doing something really snotty and offensive... Anyway, at least check out the massive organ... and when your done with that go to the Disney Concert Hall and see that piano-with-pipes-thingy.

Going back one day in time from future Sunday (Saturday), the We the People Festival/Concert comes to Cornfield Park (aka Los Angeles State Historic Park). I can't say the lineup really has me wagging my tail, waiting in line for a ticket, not that I dislike any of the bands playing, on the contrary, I'd say there's some pretty decent acts mixed in there, I'm just not a big fan of festival shows in general. Elbowing through a sweaty crowd to stand 100 yards away from a band you can normally catch at a smaller venue for a cheaper ticket price is not my idea of music appreciation. Although, the festival is supposed to be all about freedom of speech, civil rights, world peace and all that good stuff... who couldn't get behind those things? Of course, you need to pay the ticket price first right? (/eyebrow raise)

Well, if you're as skeptical as I am about people making a buck under the guise of a good cause, you can lay at least some of your skepticism to rest in this case. A portion of the proceeds from the We the People Fest are going to the soon to be space-less Self Help Graphics. If you don't already know, Self Help Graphics, one of the most amazing and important art spaces on the East Side, is getting evicted from it's location in Boyle Heights where it has been the prime flag waver for Chicano art and DIY culture since the 1970s. The potential loss of this institution is nothing short of a tradgedy. You can read about the whole debacel on their official website: www.selfhelpgraphics.com.

The Grand Avenue Festival is Sunday from 11am-5pm on Grand Ave between Temple and 5th
The We the People Festival is Saturday at the "Cornfield Park" from 2pm to Midnight.

Your Monthly Dose of Punk

2008-09-22T10:04:00.000-07:00

Crass Mondays Tonight at Bar 107

Once again, it's that time of month when the Bruce Spring Street DJs come out of their hovels and grant you your much needed dose of punk, post punk, riot, noise, ska, rock & whatever else they damn well please at your sometimes favorite Bar 107. Yep, it's Crass Mondays!

As far as I know, this is the only night in Downtown Los Angeles dedicated to authentic punk rock (no, as fun as it is, La Cita's Punky-Reggae doesn't really count), so go get your fill. You can usually expect to hear a healthy dose of 999, the Circle Jerks, Wire, Black Flag, the Misfits, Radio Birdman, Gun Club, the Urinals, the Saints, the Jam, the Ramones, X, X-Ray Specs, the Buzzcocks, PiL, the Fall, Naked Raygun, the Modern Lovers, Zounds and, of course, Crass. They usually throw in some curve balls as well... last month, the night ended with a Latin/Lounge set... I guess playing Esquivel at a punk rock night is honestly... pretty punk. Also, in the past they've been known to host guest DJ sets from Mika Miko, Jim Smith and the like. Good times indeed.

The Bruce Spring Street DJs start their set at 10 and go till close.

On Skid Row

2008-09-20T14:07:00.000-07:00

A Five Part Documentary Short by Sam Slovick

The following is an excellent series of videos by Downtown resident Sam Slovick about life on Skid Row. Here's a link to his profile at Good Magazine who sponsored the documentary shorts. The footage premiered a few months back, and if you haven't had a moment to sit down and watch the series, I highly recommend you take that moment now.

On Skid Row Part 1: Introduction

On Skid Row Part 2: Kids

On Skid Row Part 3: Drugs

On Skid Row Part 4: God

On Skid Row Part 5: Afterwards

Tomorrow Night at the Smell

2008-09-12T11:11:00.000-07:00

HEALTH, the Mae-Shi, Foot Village & Anavan

This Saturday the Smell hosts a lineup of bands that will be sure to make your ears melt and your boner pop. Hometown favorites HEALTH, the Mae Shi, Foot Village, and Anavan will all be playing their own brands of experimental rock goodness. Noisy jolts of punk aesthetic, heavily rhythm orientated ear goop, that has the tendency to make you flail your arms, dance around, and freak the f– shall ensue.

If you're from Los Angeles, and haven't seen or heard any of these bands, you should be slapping yourself in the genitalia (in a non pleasing manner), and if you have heard the goodness, well, I guess you could be congratulated by slapping yourself in the genitalia (this time in a pleasing manner). All cock-knockery and vag-wagglery aside, Saturday is sure to be one hell of an evening.

The show will be filmed for an upcoming DVD, "Live at the Smell," and is being put together by none other than Bob Bellerue (aka halfnormal (aka Redglaer)), noise artist and ex-curator of the sub-garde scene at Il Corral. The DVD is sure to be a must own for any fan of the bands playing and the exciting scene that's been going on in and around the Downtown LA space for the past decade. According to Dan from Foot Village, "this is [Bellerue's] tribute to the Los Angeles scene he helped foster."

Show up, pay the always cheap $5, eat yrself some tasty vegan treats, and enjoy.

Health - Crimewave, from their self-titled album (buy it!).

Artwalk Once Again

2008-09-11T12:09:00.001-07:00

Off-Rampers Invade, Bitching Ensues

Well, shit boy damn. Get your waders on. It's the second Thursday of the month and the Downtown Art Walk has come to grace us with its almighty presence once again. It seemed like only yesterday I was fighting through a bunch of nescient West-Siders, trust fund hipsters, and the increasingly rare actual art lover (all potential downtown residents BTW) demanding free drinks and kibble from Costco snack platters. Of course, it's a pretty decent night to hang out with your neighbors and talk trash while bemoaning the impossible lines at some of our favorite places around Gallery Row as well.

For many Downtown Los Angeles residents, including myself, Art Walk comes with mixed emotions. I hate to be a hater, and pushing the paradoxical conundrum of that statement aside, I really do want to just sit back and enjoy this night. Unfortunately, Downtown Art Walk often has the capacity to bring out the bah-fucking-humbug in me.

Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great things about Art Walk. In part, I really am glad that it's grown from its humble beginings to such a massive force. As more people have come in, the quality of the art has gone up ten-fold. It helps to keep some of our favorite downtown business owners in the green, and that's great. Also, with galleries doing more and more business, it helps cement the art community here, which has been getting pushed out of Downtown with increased rent and gentrification (granted, it's becoming more gallery, less artist oriented, but you get my point). More galleries have been moving in, and regardless of whether they're good galleries or not, I'll take them any day over a Gap, Starbucks, or CPK. Unfortunately, the bigger our Art Walk has become, the more like a USC frat party it's gotten, and the more yuppie Off-Rampers it brings into Downtown.

At it's root, the event really is all about the art, and how can I be pissed off at art? The fact of the matter is, I can't. I love art. Even if a lot of the art featured here is not that good, it's still art; and though some of the pieces are bad, our Art Walk has gotten loads better since its inception. Rarely now will I see the 1990s burning-man-inspired-techno-ertotic-art that was so prevalent in our not so distant past. In fact, last month I had the extreme pleasure to notice not only Ed Ruscha, Andre Masson, and Andy Warhol pieces up at the Marks on Paper exhibition at Pharmaka, but one of my all time favorite pieces of album art was up on display: Raymond Pettibone's artwork for Sonic Youth's Goo. Boi-oi-oing! (that was the sound my boner makes in case you were curious.)

Like I mentioned previously, the event is great for Downtown business as well. No question, for the businesses on Gallery Row and in the Old Bank District, this has got to be one of their most profitable days of the month. At the same time, for property owners, this is one big free advertisement for them to show off their buildings to the influx of Off-Rampers (kind of like the Downtown News (OH DAMN! BURN! IT HURTS IT HURTS!)) For example watch how the scaffolding around the Rowan Building comes down each second Thursday. I'm not sure if I want any more of the squeemishly sheltered, LA Live loving, 3rd Street Promenade walkers from what they term the "Best-Side" (see they switched that w out for a b... isn't that clever?) moving in down here with their Grove inspired ideals, but you win some you lose some, and I'll save my thoughts on the whole gentrification issue for another post.

All bah-humbuggery aside, you'll still find me in attendance. Even if I am wearing a scowl as I push through the crowds, I still believe in coming out and supporting the event... although, I'm not opposed to one friend's idea of some selective muggings to keep the Off-Ramp crowd at bay.

Downtown Art Walk runs 12noon-ish to 9PM-ish around the Gallery Row area.

EDIT: The scaffolding didn't come down around the Rowan today. I stand corrected.

Goats Come to Downtown

2008-09-09T14:32:00.000-07:00

Massive Weed Consumption on Angels Knoll Continues

Los Angeles' Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA) has shipped in over 100 goats this morning to take care of the weeds growing around Angel's Knoll on Bunker Hill. As I type this, goats are lackadaisically grazing in the hot sun and munching on some tasty bush alongside historic Angels Flight. The local news media has come out in droves to interview the goats, but at this time the goats aren't granting interviews.

Word on the street is that the goats are slated to stay in the gated off area between Olive and Hill on 4th Street for two weeks, but seeing as how they've already scarfed down the majority of the foliage, I've heard mention they may leave as early as tomorrow.

CRALA currently has no comment on whether the influx of goats to the Downtown Los Angeles ecosystem will bolster a rise in Chupacabra levels around the metropolitan area or not.