One day, bitches: the future of the Los Angeles Metro

Message Bookmarked
Bookmark Removed
Not all messages are displayed: show all messages (427 of them)
Have you folx been to the bar at Hotel Figueroa? Parking's terrible, but last time I was there was v. cool.

Remy (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:02 (nineteen years ago) link

I think we did once! Wasn't that a Thanksgiving FAP with Brian?

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:03 (nineteen years ago) link

dean my anti-westside faux snobbery is just a parody of all those who usually remain "west of labarea" - i'm cool w/ the westside just wouldnt want to live there (since im p00r). but fo real...i just had a coworker from manhattan beach who rarely goes anywhere east of the 405. before i doubted whether ppl like this exist ...whatever its cool. theyre missing out on most of the city; their loss!

oh! i didn't know that one person like this actually existed! carry on with the generalizations then!

seriously though, from my experience, the "i don't leave the eastside" people are far more vocal and obnoxious about the sentiment. in fact, i can't recall ever meeting anyone who used the "i don't leave the westside" catchphrase.

something about dan aykroyd coming out of a coconut (deangulberry), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:06 (nineteen years ago) link

also, what is it w/ people in pasadena? they wanted some law that slows the Gold Line down, so now it only ravels TWENTY-FIVE MILES an hour goin to and from from downtown...

The city of South Pasadena exists for only one thing - blocking the 710 freeway extension. Their hatred is ever-lasting, ever-intense, and completely unstoppable. So intense is their fury that the city incorporated long before the 710 came into being.

Everyone else in Southern California wants to call South Pasadena NIMBYville, and I totally agree.

Of course I work there and take the Gold Line three days a week. Pave the whole damn thing over as far as I'm concerned.

Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:08 (nineteen years ago) link

i can't recall ever meeting anyone who used the "i don't leave the westside" catchphrase

Hang out in Ocean Park/Venice more often. I know folks over there who think of anything west of BUNDY as "the mainland." And at least one Main Street retailer hawking tees with the logo AWoL (Always West Of Lincoln).

Oh yes, they're out there...

Easy enough for the Eastsidaz to take the same attitude. They've got Amoeba.

rogermexico (rogermexico), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:21 (nineteen years ago) link

I'm saying that the difference is that these westsiders are portrayed as ignorant morons while the eastsiders are portraying themselves are cultured and enlightened. Major Dud. I'm sure there are people in Venice who think they're the enlightened ones, but frankly, I don't go west of Lincoln or east of La Brea.

something about dan aykroyd coming out of a coconut (deangulberry), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:41 (nineteen years ago) link

It's like a mini LA/NY rivalry.

walter kranz (walterkranz), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 00:51 (nineteen years ago) link

Have you folx been to the bar at Hotel Figueroa?

the bar is great, but the roof's even better!

metal detective (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 01:57 (nineteen years ago) link

LA is so weird.

giboyeux (skowly), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 02:19 (nineteen years ago) link

No smartassedness intended.

None received! I just felt misunderstood!

My ex-gf lives in South Pasadena, it's really nice!

Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 06:10 (nineteen years ago) link

if it hasn't been said (i haven't read the thread that closely), that "future metro" map up top is very visually appealing! i want a poster of it.

metal detective (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 06:16 (nineteen years ago) link

So I did made it to Zankou (the original=) this evening...and there was a gigantic interracial crowd, with the line heading almost out the door. I didn't have to wait more than 10 mins tho coz theyre pretty fast...the funniest thing were the two homeless hustlers who were voluntarily "refereeing" the parking in the strip mall, and then demanding compensation as a result.

Did you go to USC Vic? I took a couple of Boyd's classes which were a lot of fun. - I did indeed live through... all that. And it's never been about TS: Casper vs. Boyd for me, as MacPherson was hands down better than both

Have you folx been to the bar at Hotel Figueroa? Parking's terrible, but last time I was there was v. cool.

-- Remy (rem...), June 15th, 2005.

I think we did once! Wasn't that a Thanksgiving FAP with Brian?

-- Ned Raggett (ne...), June 15th, 2005.


No no that was at the HMS Bounty on Wilshire in Koreatown right across from the legendary Ambassador Hotel / Coconut Grove (depicted in The Aviator) - it's only gotten scene-ier since then, as apparently Ev@ Longoria or whatever she's called is a "regular." But it's still pretty chill, and getting drunk there is fun if you have any imagination coz the whole make-believing you're inside a boat thing is v easy to do.

I like the Hotel Figueroa, especially the Moroccan-themed bar / mezzanine inside, plus the ornate bathrooms downstairs, but every time i've gone there and hung out near the pool w/ a drink my friends and i have gotten a VERY weird vibe for whatever reason...as if we're surrounded by robotic USC frat-prepboys instead of real people. Which is probably true... fwiw The Fig is nice but I think the Bonaventure + the Biltmore easily pwn it hands down


seriously though, from my experience, the "i don't leave the eastside" people are far more vocal and obnoxious about the sentiment. in fact, i can't recall ever meeting anyone who used the "i don't leave the westside" catchphrase.

dude, they are everywhere, really. Just to go back to overusing Wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Los_Angeles

The Westside's traffic congestion is legendary. Although once served by the Pacific Electric Railroad's streetcars, it was the first region of Los Angeles to be developed largely around the automobile, and is notorious for its lack of significant public transportation. Its residents are also noted for their NIMBY attitude toward transportation projects such as the Exposition Boulevard light rail line and the Wilshire Boulevard extension of the MTA Red Line subway, although this has begun to change as traffic continues to attenuate the region's quality of life. The almost transcendently gridlocked San Diego Freeway is the primary transportation corridor in the region, and much of the area's commercial development is along it. The proposed Pacific Coast, Beverly Hills, and Laurel Canyon freeways undoubtedly would have sped up the region's traffic flow, but went unbuilt in the face of massive community opposition; unfortunately, a great deal of high-density development took place in anticipation of these roadways' construction, resulting in significant congestion on the area's surface streets. In particular, getting to Hollywood from the West Side is notoriously difficult, with major east-west streets between the regions jammed during virtually all waking hours.


[edit]


Culture

The Westside is generally thought of as the white part of the city of Los Angeles, in contrast to Latino-dominated East Side, the Latino and Asian areas such as Pico-Union and Koreatown in and around downtown, and the black and Latino neighborhoods of South Central. Despite the two areas' relative proximity, many Westsiders rarely cross the Santa Monica Freeway into South Central, or at least they go no further east or south than the University of Southern California campus and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. In fact, a longstanding phrase amongst Westside natives is "Life ends east of Sepulveda."


East of Sepulveda? Thats frankly appalling. They're missing 80% of "the city" - but, by choice! I just cannot comprehend this viewpoint of self-denial, but then again I didn't grow up near a beach. Just asking you directly dean, what is it that compels you to not go "East of La Brea" ? You can't really deny that most of the city's historic, architectural and cultural landmarks and institutions (LACMA @ Stanley/Fairfax is close enough to count) are on this side. Why avoid it?

If we're ever to develop and progress further as a unified, distinct city we have to get rid of any of these provincialized/localized attitudes that only foster more divisiveness, esp along racial and socio-economic lines. ALL of Los Angeles should be for ALL TEH PPL RAH

Vichitravirya XI, Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:22 (nineteen years ago) link

I'd be up for trying the Bonaventure, but the Biltmore is way too expensive for me. And last time I was there I had to sit next to N1cky H1lt0n, which I thought was sort of disloyal of her.

Remy (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:27 (nineteen years ago) link

Also, on a related note, and forgive any inadvertent tone of boosterism, but Los Angeles really has to throw off its fucking inferiority complex / faux- self-loathing mindset already, and develop some FUCKING CIVIC PRIDE For the most active port in the nation on the coast of the rising Pacific Rim - as well as its largest economic /cultural center - thats going to dominate the coming century, we've got to get over the bullshit inexplicable "it's all going to hell soon let the Ocean wash it away oh no! oh no!!" attitude found in goddamned TOOL SONGS WTF

we can't develop in any way unless we truly believe we are living in a GREBT PLACE OK...& WE R

Vichitravirya XI, Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:30 (nineteen years ago) link

Improving the Metro's a good place to start. Not to be snarky, but it's really one of the most blatant black-eyes in the city's image.

Remy (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:32 (nineteen years ago) link

y'all need to get the los angeles plays itself dvd posthaste!

metal detective (Jody Beth Rosen), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:33 (nineteen years ago) link

Arthur and I saw that a few weeks ago. It was really great! I loved the big black building (no longer present) downtown, but I don't remember the name.

Remy (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:36 (nineteen years ago) link

In fact, a longstanding phrase amongst Westside natives is "Life ends east of Sepulveda."

This is corny bullshit. Use your brain, Vic. Have you actually heard this in "real life"? Anyone who says this is a douchebag and you've got to be one too if you're this gullible.

Just asking you directly dean, what is it that compels you to not go "East of La Brea" ? You can't really deny that most of the city's historic, architectural and cultural landmarks and institutions (LACMA @ Stanley/Fairfax is close enough to count) are on this side. Why avoid it?

Remember your parody argument? Gee, now do you think I was serious?

something about dan aykroyd coming out of a coconut (deangulberry), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:41 (nineteen years ago) link

FWIW, I love LA, but the stereotypical "damned Beverly Hills whitey fuckards" are no better or worse than the self-aggrandizing "non-whitey fucktards."

something about dan aykroyd coming out of a coconut (deangulberry), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:46 (nineteen years ago) link

x-post to Remy:
The Atlantic Richfield building? With gold trim and a big tower on it. Replaced by the Arco towers (same company).

And wasn't the original Zankou in Glendale?

nickn (nickn), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:46 (nineteen years ago) link

Well I wouldn't know dean, your satirical tonez r so effective! And NO I havent heard anyone use that in "real life" but since I read that article before, you'd have to agree that its too funny for me to leave out quoting in this discussion.


The lack of a world class Metro is very unbelievable... and embarrassing. I mean come on, a city that had horrid "third world" traffic a decade ago replete with rickshaws and coolies - BANGKOK - even they have a citywide train now. Watching that LAPI film in a packed Egyptian Theatre screening with people clapping and cheering at all the old landmarks (some of which are no longer there...I also don't remember the black building's name...and that one rollerink that was in Xanadu) was a lot of fun, but I actually felt intensely sad when it went into the history of public transport (and Bunker Hill, etc), since one almost gets the sense that LA was egregiously swindled, and still doesn't fully realize it. Didn't the film mention that the decision to not implement a metro in the 50s was won by only two votes on the citywide council?

Echoing my last post: you dont want to see any place improve, or even care to, if you don't like it in the first place.... and if you don't like it here: leave!!

Vichitravirya XI, Wednesday, 15 June 2005 07:46 (nineteen years ago) link

it's never been about TS: Casper vs. Boyd for me, as MacPherson was hands down better than both

Oh yeah, she's great.

You can't really deny that most of the city's historic, architectural and cultural landmarks and institutions (LACMA @ Stanley/Fairfax is close enough to count) are on this side. Why avoid it?

Isn't that just a fancy way of saying the East side is better? The fact is most people don't often venture beyond their little neighborhood. Most people only come to the west side on a Saturday or Sunday during 3 months out of the year to go to the beach. Other than that, people might come out to go to the Getty or something. How is that much different from westsiders only venturing out occassionally to visit the MOCA or LACMA?

walter kranz (walterkranz), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 15:28 (nineteen years ago) link

I have plenty of civic pride for this place! Wherever you people live in it.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 15:52 (nineteen years ago) link

I want to come back for Basement Jaxx and Basquiat.

Until I saw the prices for Rose Bowl tickets...who got da hook up?

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:23 (nineteen years ago) link

or HOLLYWOOD BOWL or whatever.

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:24 (nineteen years ago) link

Vik, we're homies, but I have to say you're talking quite a bit out of your ass on this thread!

Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:32 (nineteen years ago) link

i am really surprised mark hasn't posted here yet.

jaymc (jaymc), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:42 (nineteen years ago) link

HOOK ME UP, DEAN'S CELEBRITY FRIENDS

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:45 (nineteen years ago) link

It's finals week at UCI, Jaymc! Unless he's finished all his papers or whatever he has other things on his mind. (I gather your mom is visiting out here on Friday.)

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:46 (nineteen years ago) link

Come back to Cali, Jaymc! Correct your burrito mistake!

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:48 (nineteen years ago) link

Contort yourself!

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:48 (nineteen years ago) link

He posted on the Chicago thread this morning!

jaymc (jaymc), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:51 (nineteen years ago) link

YOUR MOM

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:51 (nineteen years ago) link

He posted on the Chicago thread this morning!

Hurrah! He is free! Perhaps.

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:52 (nineteen years ago) link

STAY AWAY FROM MY MOM, NED.

jaymc (jaymc), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:54 (nineteen years ago) link

Who are you, Oedipus?

Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:54 (nineteen years ago) link

the place does look very beautiful and if the weather was hot, who wouldn't strip down?

-- Ned Raggett (ne...), June 15th, 2005.

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:54 (nineteen years ago) link

http://www.usc.edu/dept/geography/losangeles/lawalk/new/rich2.gif Yes! The Richfield Building!

Remy (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 16:56 (nineteen years ago) link

what exactly am I saying that's so strange Spencer - are you getting irked since you're a westsider? I'm cutting and pasting the encyclopedia for fuck's sake and it's a known fact that westside residents have voted against the metro for a decade

Vichitravirya XI, Wednesday, 15 June 2005 18:01 (nineteen years ago) link

Vik, you're making a lot of odd claims and taking random quotes you've heard as fact. You're also calling me a west sider, saying fairfax is West Hollywood, not understanding why there's no metro, saying LA has no civic pride, etc etc etc - all of which are debatable.

Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 19:15 (nineteen years ago) link

Oh crap, I thought this West Hollywood thing was settled...

rogermexico (rogermexico), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 19:20 (nineteen years ago) link

Roger, I'm just calling out Vik for automatically saying "Fairfax is West Hollywood". It's clearly more complex than that.

Vik, you're also saying some incredibly offensive things about certain groups of Angeleno's. The comments border on hate speech as far as I'm concerned.

Also, the Bounty has survived far worse than Eva Longoria (and has more famous semi-regulars).

Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 19:22 (nineteen years ago) link

I think I like the West Side!

the D Double signal (nordicskilla), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 19:23 (nineteen years ago) link

Spencer I don't hate the Westside but I think anyone who decides to vote against the Metro based on NIMBYism does deserve to be hated. And I thought we settled this yesterday...Fairfax Avenue is in West Hollywood, how do you expect me to alter the geography there?! It's silly.

I'm more interested in hearing your (hopefully a bit elaborated) opinion on why there is no Metro, what lack-of-development led to it being this way. It's easy to claim offense, but why don't you add to the discussion and set it right then? I have civic proide but it's not that I have an excess of personal pride in that I won't be corrected - CORRECT ME CHOW! SET ME STR8 (good luck w/ that)

Vichitravirya XI, Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:12 (nineteen years ago) link

It's a bit much to pretend like all of the city's transportation problems are the fault of racist westside yuppies. Perhaps if the rest of the city had an amazing network of unclogged roads and efficient public transportation you might have a point.

walter kranz (walterkranz), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:18 (nineteen years ago) link

You might also have a point if these NIMBY enclaves were right in the middle of town but they're just not. They may block access to the beach but that's about it.

walter kranz (walterkranz), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:20 (nineteen years ago) link

Vik, If you read any of the discussion on both the Fairfax district and the street itself, you would have seen that MOST of it is not in West Hollywood. Also, "Westside" boundary definitions (and stereotypes) vary. Look at this map:

http://www.visitwesthollywood.com/whpress/images/map.gif

The black line is The City of West Hollywood. The classic definition of the Fairfax district is not within the city boundary at all. Also, Fairfax continues for many miles south going through many different neighborhoods.

It seems like you're reading the most hysterical accounts of why people vote for what and taking it at face value, or you're making sweeping generalizations based on hackneyed assumptions about a person would or wouldn't want something in their neighborhood. Even if it is a NIMBY attitude, I find it difficult to blame a person for being self-centered at a highly local level (and I don't even necessarily believe that is what's going on regarding potential Metro extensions).

I think it's fine to discuss this and I'm really happy you brought it up, but I also think that you're jumping to extreme conclusions (perhaps in jest?).

Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:26 (nineteen years ago) link

Oooh, I have a question!!! What neighborhood is the Troubador in? My friends and I would always debate this.

gygax! (gygax!), Wednesday, 15 June 2005 21:30 (nineteen years ago) link


You must be logged in to post. Please either login here, or if you are not registered, you may register here.