Slashed

I find it funny when I see gangsters use alternative when crossing out the enemy neighborhoods much like this sign I seen in the parking lot on Echo park blvd, They got the word Diamond st programmed to be hated and unfortunately this Diamond towing company is going to get their signs crossed out because of that.

Anti-illegal-immigration group taunting immigrants?

"An anti-illegal-immigration group's Adopt-a-Highway sign was re-posted this week on Interstate 5 near the Border Patrol checkpoint in San Clemente after a federal judge ruled that it did not pose a danger to the public.

State transit officials had moved the San Diego Minutemen's sign to a less-busy highway in eastern San Diego County, saying they were concerned that it would become a gathering place for protesters and clog the busy interstate"
By molly.hennessy-fiske
read rest of story here

In a recent LA Times article it says that the Minutemen contributed to the adopt a highway program in exchange for a freeway sign bearing their name. Now I know I am going to be biased when it comes to this issue being that I am Mexican and my parents came here illegally, but it just seems that the Minutemen are turning a good cause like donating money to keep the highway clean to taunt illegal immigrants with some ridicules sign; especially in the San Diego area of all places, why didn't they adopt somewhere else? why in that location?
because it is near the boarder? of course. Now the"so"called illegal immigrants can see the sign and know they are not welcomed.
I really hope their stupid ass sign gets tagged on because to me that is a slap in the face!
donate for a good cause somewhere else!
I know this is a one minded point of view and I agree with donating for a good cause but there is an evil intent behind this don't you think?

Signs of Old Times

My father worked over at Terminal Island for about 30 yrs and I remember he used to park in the " 920 Barracuda st" parking lot as displayed on this rusty decaying sign. After the Star-Kist cannery closed down and most cannery jobs went overseas, the lot stood empty for many years until Del Monte took over operations, as you see now there is smaller newer sign displaying the street name. I still love the old sign of course and I am glad they kept it around.



.
This sign is for my comadre Doña Licha
located on 7th and Santa Fe

I saw her name and had to take a picture for her. I think the place closed down I am not to sure, if anybody has eaten there how is it?

Update Update I found an awesome photo page displayimg pictures of Licha's Santa Fe grill. It also has pictures of the inside! look here Licha's

Sp Cruising Recap

This Friday night San Pedro held the 3rd annual 'Hot Pedro Nites" a step back in time to the good old days of cruising on Pacific ave.
It was a good turn out with lots of people and good vibes, check the news coverage here

Tlaltenango - Mexico Flooding

Disaster struck the town of Tlaltenango Zacatecas Saturday morning around 3 am when heavy rains that fell Thursday night flooded the Jaloco River.
The water flowed into the town causing the damage
The flood left 3 dead and 23 missing

This town is part of the same area my family is from about 15 min from the town of Tepechitlan, On my last trip to Mexico I went to the town a few times, weather like this has not struck the town in over 40yrs.

My grandfather's brother lives in the town he is 83 yr old Senon Sandoval who lived alone and got around mostly in a wheelchair. We have not heard from him yet but we pray he is not one of the unfortunate.
Read more on the flood here

Corruption

I was rummaging though some old school paper's of mine from back in 11th grade and I found several poems I wrote for this creative writing class. It is very interesting to read all the old thought's I had as a 17 yr old.

" Corruption"

County lines and welfare checks

Ghetto lands with no respect

Drugs thrown on the city

Billboards demanding alcohol with no pity

Schools that destroy instead of teach

The scandals, the imaginary lines of color race

Insulation, rich away from poor

They want us down underground

Away from view of the bitter corruption of society

Nobody's equal,rich and poor will never mix in the pot we call America

The land of the free with plenty of food and honey

Open your eyes and see reality

Hot Pedro Nites July 18-19

This upcoming weekend another event to fill your summer time schedule with the 3rd annual Hot Pedro Nites
Enjoy Friday night with a Classic car cruise! Take a trip back in time with cars from the 50s and 60s cruising down Pacific ave in San Pedro. It is a fun reenactment of the good old days. So weather your an OG who experinced the era or just want to have a good time go down and show some love.
Sat night there is also a Doo-Wop concert as well held at the historic Warner Grand Theater
for more information on the show go to Hotpedronites.com
here is some information from the site.

3^rd Annual Hot Pedro Nites Classic Car Cruise - Sponsored by the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce (www.sanpedrochamber.com)

What: Like stepping back into the ‘50s and early ‘60s, this classic car cruise offers everyone a chance to polish off their old-school rides and enter them into the cruise, or to just make the scene and hang out along the route. It’s going to be a magical night for the whole family to enjoy.

When: From 6:30 to 10:30 p.m., Friday, July 18^th.

Where: The cruise is on Pacific Avenue from 17^th Street to 6th Street.
Classic Car Cruise, Doo-Wop Concert and Summer Bash Highlight “Sweeping” Changes in What: Hot Pedro Nights is a two night community party designed to honor and raise money for Clean San Pedro, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning and refurbishing the city through volunteer and paid clean-up efforts.

Desierto update!

A few months back I posted about the desert town of Calipatria, Ca I showed a few photos about this donut shop/ pizza place/ Mexican restaurant but it was named Avenue Arcade, I did not go in that time and I was wondering if It had an Arcade as well. This weekend I went back to the town and actually went into the place to get coffee and to my surprise there really was an arcade!




They took it way back with these arcade machines too funny this had to be at least mid 80's or earlier right? If anybody knows please tell =)


There where various other games as well

At first I though the prices displayed on here where like in Mexican money denomination but I quickly seen the token game next to it to get the prizes.
It was a total mix of everything in that place, I guess in isolated desert towns that is how they do things.

Echo Park Lotus festival

This weekend starting today go down and check out the 31st annual Lotus Festival at Echo Park Lake.

Unfortunately this year there is no blooming lotuses but the festivities will go on.
LA Times recently did an article on the mystery behind disappearing lotuses
Photo of the lotus blooms in the past

From the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation

What:	31st Anniversary of the Lotus Festival sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks
DATES:	Friday, July 11, 2008 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 12 noon to 8:30 p.m. (Dates coincide with the anticipated blooming of the Lotus Flower)
LOCATION:	Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, California, is located on Park Avenue between Glendale Avenue and Echo Park Boulevard, just north of the Hollywood (101) and Pasadena (110) freeway junction, near Dodger Stadium
MISSION:	The mission of the Lotus Festival is to develop, promote and create an atmosphere of understanding in which Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Southern California are brought together for one (1) evening and two (2) days of cultural sharing. The Festival also seeks to preserve and enlighten the public with a sampling of distinctly different and unique Asian and Pacific Islander culture and traditions through displays, art, music, dance and food.
HIGHLIGHTS:	The Friday Night Jazz Series on Friday July 11, 2008 and Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 12:00 p.m., to earmark the celebration of the 31st Lotus Festival, which include live music, dance and entertainment from a variety of performers representing many of the diverse countries of Asia and the Pacific Islands. This year, the Festival will highlight the people and cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands. A fabulous fireworks display over Echo Park Lake will take place both Friday night and conclude the day's activities Saturday at 9:00 p.m. with the legendary Taiko Drummers playing in the background. Asian and Pacific Islander personalities from the media and acting professions will act as emcees/hosts during this two-day event. Artisans-at-work will be on hand to demonstrate their skills on the beautifully decorated Flower Island Pavilion. Their artwork illustrates their spirit, tradition and pride of the Asian and Pacific Islander handiwork. This includes: paper-cutting, hand painted scrolls, calligraphy, plant and flower expertise, fish, birds and other Asian artifacts and wares. The Health Fair will feature educational lectures on holistic fitness. Other services to be provided include: free screenings, information and referrals. The Community Services will feature a variety of organizations offering free information, assistance and referrals in areas of employment, social services, immigration, legal services, education, housing and translating. The Art Show Exhibit will feature artwork with the “Lotus Flower” theme. The 2008 exhibit will be opening for viewing during Festival hours at the Cathedral Center of St. Paul, 850 Echo Park Avenue, located across the street from the boathouse. The International Boutiques will offer a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander items and gifts for sale including clothing, jewelry, artwork, hand-made crafts, incense, body oils and much more. The Children's Courtyard will give children the opportunity to learn Asian and Pacific Islander arts & crafts, enjoy live music, stories, songs and dances. The Queens and their Courts representing local communities will be in native dresses. Dragon Boat Races are held both days with media, community service groups, political and business organizations, local colleges and universities whom will be competing for awards, while enjoying a day on the lake. The Food Booth area will provide a variety of Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine that will feature enticing delicacies, and exotic beverages which are traditional to the Asian and Pacific Island Cultures.
CONTACT:	Lotus Festival Department of Recreation and Parks 3900 West Chevy Chase Drive Los Angeles, CA 90039 (213) 485-1310; FAX (213) 485-8746 Email: Lotus.Festival@lacity.org Website: www.laparks.org/grifmet/lotus.hTM

My eyes are tired

So I am back in LA after the long, long 6 hour drive from up north; traffic was light since we left late around 7:30pm, I ended getting home at 2am.
I was barley drooling in my sleep when the alarm went off at 6am to get up for work, (you know the feeling) that tired feeling is the most horrible feeling in the world! plus to top it off it is Monday not my favorite day of the week I know the the millions of people working Monday thru Friday agree with me on that womp womp womp!
So I am debating if I should still go to the gym after work since I ate like a mad man the whole weekend or go take a nap?
I figure if I take a nap I will do nothing productive since I probably won't wake up till like 9pm then have to go back to sleep. If I go to the gym I will feel a bit better but dread the tiredness we'll see.
I got alot to work on this week new posts on here and LA Eastside, lucky for me no summer school this semester! yesssss

Fourth of July

So what does everybody's fourth of July weekend look like?
Well for me I will be heading up North with family.I usually spend the fourth at my older brothers house here in LA County, but this year I decided to road trip it.

I am staying with other family in Soquel it is a nice little town about ten minutes away from Santa Cruz.
Hopfully we can catch a cool fireworks show, and roam around the city.


We will also head out to San Francisico for a day or so to check out the scene over there.
Can you believe I never been to Alcatraz, well I haven't and the last time I went up about a year ago the tour was booked.
I read a really awesome book by a Chicano man still alive who actually spent time in Alcatraz when it was still an operating prison, it is called
"To Alcatraz, Death Row, and Back"
Memories of an East LA Outlaw
By Ernie Lopez and Rafael Perez Torres
Check it out, it is a really good read with so much history of LA as well.

I really hope everybody has a safe and fun weekend.I will try and take some cool pictures to share when I come back!

Peace

Dona Junta