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~

"Characters Studies" Zine from Augustine Kofie/ Keepdrafting

A MUST PURCHASE! I just ordered 2.....sticky rick~

INFO: Edition of 40, signed & numbered on back. 14 Page, 8.5 x 5.5 inch staple-bound zine with cover printed on found paper ( first 10 on ledger paper, the rest on green security paper). Your envelope will also include a sticker and a postcard. Shipped from Los Angeles via USPS.

to purchase this gem go to http://keepdrafting.com/?p=790

a little about the artist;
"I was rooted in illustration and character designs were my first love. It's what lured me into painting characters on walls and eventually teaching me about my own creative side. Some of the characters date as far back to 1993, the year I started working under the moniker Kofie. I decided to keep the Zine non-chronological to show that even if there are years between drawings, there is still a tie in, a common denominator... a love for lines".... augustine kofie~ for more go to www.keepdrafting.com

HArd N Da Paint & Self Help Graphics PRESENTS!

"Olmeca" CD Realease Party with performances by NUAI, Monte Carlo 76', Pachama, lasRamonas, Dj Dubstonez

Art by Man-One, Vyal, Joel "Rage" Garcia, NICO, Alfonso, Hazie.

ALL AGES WELCOME! Tickets on Sale Now!

Friday December 4th; doors open @ 8pm....All Ages

Tickets on Sale; $10 @ the door..."WHERE YOU ASK? World Famous "Self Help Graphics" located at:

3802 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue

Los Angeles, 90063

323.881.6444

www.Hardndapaint.NET

www.selfhelpgraphics.com

Oink Ink Art "growing leaps & bounds"

These Sticker beauties shipped to Oink Ink (Junobo referal; Thanks Matthew) over 50,000 stickers for thier product....here is a little "about Oink" from the owner.... www.OinkArtLtd.com is your premier street art supply store. We provide the most in demand graffiti products at the best prices with the best customer service and fastest shipping! We're pumped to be working with Sticky Rick's, America's best sticker manufacturer, on labels for our new line of Oink Ink mops, we plan on changing the game with these ones! We're based in Dallas, TX and are really just a rag tag gang of vandals and pregnant women. Watch out for Baby James in April 2010!! And make sure to shop at www.OinkArtLtd.com and watch all our videos at www.OinkArtLtd.tv !! I GUARANTEE you'll love every one!!....want some of these, Contact Oink today....Stay Sticky~

"Dia De Los Muertos"

Artist, Altar Maker, Educator; Ofelia Esparza seen here in front of one of her many altars. This

one from The Pico House (Dwntwn LA) 2007. Photo courtesy of Frankie Colmane (LA Taco).....also see the link below (under photo) . A nice wirte up by our friend Hadley Tomicki. http://losangeles.grubstreet.com/2009/10/how_to_eat_better_than_the_dea.html

Sticky RIcks' Studio / Office

The Sticky Ricks' Studio & office since moving in has never been a dull moment. This is the WAR ROOM so-to speak. We're located @ the world famous print studio "Self Help Graphics". Self Help Graphic has produced many world reknown artists to date. Is rumored Cheece Marin owns one of the largests collections of Latin & Chicano Art that has come out of SHG....We are please to be collaborating with SHG. Not only is the spot DOPE, you just never know who'll pop in. We're doing more sticker business than ever. http://www.stickyricks.net/

ernesto yerena kicking it @ studio sticky~

"Deadly Stylish" At Self Help Graphics

"Day of the Dead Art opening Sunday Nov. 1st only @ Self Help Graphics"....to everybody who says "is self help still open"?; "I heard they closed"!... the only thing dead is if miss it...s.r.~

Deadly Stylish2009 "Dia de los Muertos" Exhibition

Opening Reception: Nov. 1, 2009 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Artist Talk: Nov. 21, 2009 2 - 4 p.m. Self Help Graphics/Art Upstairs SalonCurator: Diane GamboaExhibiting Artists: William J. Acedo, William Borges, Ofelia Esparza, Simone Gad, Angie Skull Garcia, Jessica Gudiel, Theresa Hernandez, Edgar Ibarra, Pola Lopez, Rigo Maldonado, Sandra Vista, Dawn Wirth, and Jaime "Germs" Zacarias.

LIVE TEE SHIRT PRINTING BY HIT & RUN "CREW"!....GET A ONE OF A KIND TEE PRINTED. WEAEABLE ART.

MUSIC CONSISTS OF "KILL SONIC" & " THE LEAF-BLOWERS".

FOR MORE INFO www.selfhelpgraphics.com

PEEL HERE THIS SPRING 2010....stay tuned.....

NEW LOCATION! Monday, Nov. 2, 2009 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.East Los Angeles Civic Center4801 E. 3rd St. (corner of Mednik Ave)Musical peformances include Conjunto los Pochos, KILLSONIC, L'Esprit d'Afrique, Ollin, La Santa Cecilia and special guests! MC'd by Pachuco 3000 (LA Eastside Blogger) and Lalo Alcaraz!Procession begins at 4 PM at the Virgen de Guadalupe mural on Cesar Chavez and Mednik Avenues