Feeding the Imagination...

Although we don't normally like to write about Echo Park because it is not part of what we consider the eastside, we still love it and love what they are doing there! We have encountered a super positive spot that encourages kids to write in an after school program housed behind the Time Travel Mart on Sunset. This is one of many spots all over the United States that foster imagination and creativity in their neighborhood kids. It was spawned first in San Francisco by writer Dave Eggers and now has popped up in Los Angeles, New York and other cities. Although the store fronts are really just "fronts" for the real work going on in the back, the stores are fun for browsing. At the Time Travel Mart, you can purchase not only quirky items such as mustaches through the ages, but also the writings of the students that attend the program! For a more in depth explanation of the project check out Dave Eggers on TED.com. Thanks for the pic Gabe!

Secret Dream

My Secret Dream.........

Is to be an .........

Artistic Director on a Ellen Von Unwerth Shoot

Icon

Nostalgia ....

My first album was "Madonna" I can remember asking my mom over and over again to play the record again. I lived Madonna after that! I had every color lace glove imaginable, rubber bracelets, and leggings. I was Madonna every chance I could get. I accessorized to the best of my abilities but school's with dress codes don't appreciate any sort of personal fashion expression. I follow Madonna's fashion trends and music till this day. I'm amazed how she is able to start such amazing trends that reference back to the day she started. My favorite Madonna era will always be the start of Madonna!

Zara Summer 2010, The Young Catalogue

I love fashion, the 80's, and a beautiful man ........ I think Zara did a fabulous job on all three!

NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD FOR RODARTE FALL/WINTER 2010/11//

These shoes are amazing and so is RODARTE !!!!!!

Getting Versed on the Eastside DJ scene

The randomest encounters are the best! At the closing of the Giant Robot show at the Japanese museum I met Juan Devis, who introduced me to the great Web Stories series on KCET.org. Back in 2008 (yes, I know I am late to this), he and his crew produced some great short videos on backyard parties and the dj culture that happened in the Eastside. They have people talk about what it was like being part of that scene, from the 70s to now. Check out the 80s one especially, you will hear the beginnings of the Power 106 dj's in the Origins segment, and you can see El Sereno in the background in Flat Tops & the Promoters. They also have mixtapes for each year! I couldn't stop smiling, it can really take you back, and it provides you with some essential history on the Southern California music scene.
http://kcet.org/explore-ca/web-stories/backyardparties/

Impressed by the Homegirls

I was aware of the Homeboy Industries, but never fully appreciated the organization until I went to Homegirl Cafe on Alameda with my friend Sandra. Father Greg and his Homeboy Industries have created alternatives for gangsters that have served time and want to leave the lifestyle. Father Greg has offered them a choice. And between jobs or jail, many ex-gangsters have chosen jobs. Embracing even the newest opportunities, Homeboy industries now offers training in installing solar panels! With the Homeboy Silkscreen, Homegirl cafe, Homeboy Bakery, Homeboy Maintenance, it's no doubt inspiring not only in a social level, but also on an entrepreneurial level. Check out their history and their future plans for this continual project on Homeboy-Industries.org.
Did I forget to mention that the food was amazing? Thanks for the pic Sandra!