Gentrification.....

Not going into too much on the subject but if you think this does not affect you, "think again" my friend........things change, this is the way of the world. There is much I do not agree with. For one answer, I'll have twenty questions. When it comes to the change of our neighborhood's by contractors & investors whom do not have MY "best interest AT heart" for those living in that area, maybe generations worth but to build new roads, schools, condos, strip malls & the like not for those (like me) but for themselves, raise taxes, raise rents. Results; the citizens in those neighborhoods will have to move out. That is gentrification.
Much of the or a better word THAT is now the center of attention of Boyle Heights, mainly the surroundings of Mariachi Plaza. New Metro Rail was launched just two weeks ago as a sign of The New Boyle Heights. Most of the art design renderings of what MP will look like, resembles Old Town Pasadena. I know what many of you are thinking, "what is so bad about that". Much is wrong with just that. People move in with only one thought in mind which is to make money off the neighborhood not even a part of the localism. All that money goes OUT & the City makes out on Taxes. The people, Once again, lose out. Just like when Ticket Prices for concerts & sporting events GO up, the people who want to take their family to a Dodger game could as recent as three years ago buy a ticket in The Pavilion for $8.00. No Longer. Thanks for nothing Mr. Frank McCourt. Parking is now $15. Shameful. What is even worse, "those" from the neighborhood without a problem of "bleeding" their neighbors for life savings. Cowardice!
Keeping the public "in the dark" are just one of many that GREED preys upon. Especially those who cannot stand up for themselves. Boyle Heights is the Birth of the World Famous Canters' now on Fairfax. Boyle Heights is now only a remnant of the Chinese, Jewish & Japanese heritage
that once was the very fabric of this East Side Community.

The only way for this NOT to take place is public awareness & resistance. Change is a part of the world, so is change to the neighborhood but, if I can stem the tide on the outcome of my surrounding aesthetic, that will be enough as not to have Mariachi Plaza end up just another
novelty photo op spot next to Starbucks with out Mariachis. Yes, you better believe it. Another historic piece of Los Angeles Raped for a dollar. Truth be told though, is more like Millions of Dollars. "Oh, so I guess I just do not understand just what is at stake". On the contrary, the message is quite clear. The "way" the jargon from Talking Heads comes out is the unclear part. I do not have to accept the staus quo; "oh, why cant we ALL just get along". Hahahahaha.
One more even important thought as I rant on this Post Thanksgiving Coma Toast day, when the developers & contractors come in, will the skilled men & women in these neighborhoods be able to apply for work in the community they live in? Many of these contracted projects are at least two years. You see, one of the problems here as I lull you to sleep (and you thought reading could not put you to sleep) the right questions are just not being asked nor are they scripted for prine time news. They are scripted OUT for the sake of prime time news.
"Give back The People some Pride", give them some of these jobs that will pay anywhere from $15 to $40 per hour. A chance at a better education for their kids. A chance to actually live that dream which was just an incling. This is EXACTLY what took place in New Orleans. Once again, The People not only lost once but twice. No jobs were given out to the civilians of the county. Horrific! The devistaion of "Katrina" crippled New Orleans in it's natural fury. Not generating work for those skilled in construction, health & other services is a bigger travesty & a deliberate slap in the face from those officials who totally are out to keep their CUSH jobs.
Is no a wonder so many do not get along today. The wedge has been inserted by the elite & those who do not care nor want to know you or me.
Will that be the plight of Boyle Heights? A Chitpotle in place of L&B's on first street? As Roger Waters put it, "Did you exchange cold comfort for change"...."comfortably numb". The Historic Golden Gate Theatre turned in a CVS. Disgraceful! Don't believe me?, then you are asleep my friend.
That incling we all get is our subconscious telling us "hey, I have an idea" & is wanting to take form. The result is a Dream Come True but that incling needs to be nurtured & put into "action". The question is, Are you Up to It? Get involved! Don't ever settle for the Status Quo.

Sticky Rick~