Seriously? Is the Hollywood Redevelopment Agency hogging ALL of the pressure washers for the sidewalks in this town? There’s step one.

Downtown, like the rest of the country, needs change. But in my short 30 years of being a TRUE native (no offense to those who consider themselves natives after 5 years), the talk of Downtown revitalizing has come and gone numerous times. But recently I’ve only taken it seriously within the last 3 years. (Housing boom to blame?) This can seemingly happen this time as long as the conversational momentum and public interest remains as it is. As long as these exploratative (sp) groups keep meeting, and making the powers that be realize this needs to happen. I mean, Manhattan was @$$ for far too long, then the city finally started to take action. Some valiant moves, kicking out the homeless, and fixing up building facades (Where did the homeless go in Time Square anyway?) was dealt with.

This is Los Angeles’s turn. Villaragosa can finally have a great highlight to his administration. Granted, we spoiled Americans have far greater causes we should fight for; education, health care, et al. But, this would definelty set the stage.

But seriously, Hollywood, can downtown borrow ONE pressure washer? It would create a job! Something everyone can agree, would help the economy.

For your info, here’s an update on how the Broadway Streetscape Walk will go, including the topics for discussion at each of the eight interactive stations which will be set up along Broadway:

(1) Meet at The Chapman Building —756 S. Broadway (at 8th Street) Open House format from 4-7pm (leave at least an hour to finish walk before 7pm) Get inspired by what other communities are doing to improve their streets.

(2) Take a stroll at your own pace along both sides of Broadway — Share your vision for the Broadway Streetscape. Tell us what you think is special about the street and what could be improved or changed.

Eight interactive stations will be set up along the route, staffed by members of the design team, to discuss and receive input on:

* Green Streets (environmental-friendly ideas)
* Street Design
* Character/Historic Influence
* Transit Stations
* Design Palette
* Paseos/Open Space
* Curb Extensions/Crossings
* and Pedestrian Safety & Comfort

(3) Please bring your camera to document what you see! — We will solicit your photos to share with everyone via Flickr after the Walk.

(4) Return your completed worksheet to us at The Chapman Building. The Chapman “basecamp” for the walk will be open from 4-7pm.

Thanks and we’ll look forward to your input.

Jessica Wethington McLean
Executive Director, Bringing Back Broadway
Office of Councilmember Jose’ Huizar

http://www.BringingBackBroadway.com

It’s not the shop owners that are responsible for the crappy looking buildings and storefronts. It’s the landlords that are responsible for the upkeep or lack thereof, and I blame them.

Yes, absolutely we don’t need multiple shops selling cheap luggage and tube socks.

In fact, I think Mexican and Central Americans would also like some more upscale stores to shop in. I think Tiffany’s or stuff like that would NOT work, but that’s what Beverly Hills is for. But Pottery Barn or Cost Plus World Imports would not do badly, and I’ll bet Mexican people would even shop there. How many shops selling cheap radios do we need? Okay, one or two, but on Broadway there’s many more than that.

Clearly, just a small adjustment is needed. Just a few more types of stores and a good scrub down would go a long way towards making people feel better about Broadway.

Broadway went down the tubes after WWII when everyone went suburban. The Los Angeles and California economies having been built on a foundation of illegal and immigrant labor created the scene we see today where Broadway feels more akin to Mexico City than to a main street in an important Pacific Rim and of course American city.

Right now Broadway’s shoppers consist of more of “them” than “us”. There aren’t that many of us new residents downtown as it is. So Broadway shall continue to cater to who is there. Want to change Broadway, shop and eat at the businesses that cater to what you want. Even if it’s only Sip Tea.

I am all for the revitalization of Broadway. I foresee an opportunity for the street to cater to diverse populations which will ultimately benefit us all. But after decades of neglect, it is why it looks the way it does today.

Please just don’t turn it into Third Street Promenade or Old Town Pasadena and especially not that horrific L.A. Live where corporate America prevails and uniqueness is scorned.

I do recommend people checking out El Huarache Veloz on Broadway just south of the Rite-Aid and 5th Street for amazing Mexican food in the regional style of Mexico City. The food there is amazing. Also people seem to be hesitant about shopping at Grand Central Market but I’ve always enjoyed the various vendors of dry goods (grains, beans, mole, tea, etc.), produce, seafood and of course the various ethnic food stalls. I doubt any of you’d go to “La Fiesta” which is the nameless business next door to Grand Central Market that has live entertainment, cheap beer and a sense of having woken up in Mexico. The same is true of La Casa India across the street and they have a better food menu if you like Mexican and Salvadorean food.

There are more non-white business recommendations for Broadway, but I’ve said enough for now…