Saturday, October 31, 2009

Halloween Shocker! Citizens of Los Angeles Saved from Another Corrupt Political Scheme!

First the DWP's attempted pay-off of the rate payers money to Brian D'Arcy - Measure 'B', despite the fix being in at City Hall, died a unnatural death at the polls.

Now the incompetence and lies of AnsaldoBreda, after were awarded a contract to build light rail cars for the MTA even after showing - repeatedly - they could not build reliable cars, could not build cars on time and could not build cars on budget - has managed to screw up a contract they had all but dictated to the MTA.

Yes, even after the professionals at the MTA said they did not want AnsaldoBreda to build the cars - the politicians still, in their never ending efforts to reward the usual special interest groups - voted to give the company a sweet heart contract. But even then, even with the usual City Hall fix put in place - AnsaldoBreda was still so staggeringly incompetent, they couldn't even meet the financial conditions of a contract written to their own specifications.

But - alas - it's not yet time to celebrate.

Just when you think yet another stake has finally been driven though the heart of another vampire - the president of the company has already suggested they may bid again now that the contract is open for bids again. And the politicians and the special interest groups will undoubtedly - once again - try and find a way to defraud the public.


MTA's rail-car contract falls apart at last minute, scuttling hundreds of jobs [Updated]
October 31, 2009 | 9:14 pm
A tentative and controversial deal to build 100 rail cars for Los Angeles County's transit system has fallen through -- taking with it plans to build a $70-million factory that would have created hundreds of local jobs.

Last-minute negotiations failed to result in a contract with AnsaldoBreda, an Italian manufacturer that is three years behind schedule on an existing contract to deliver 50 rail cars to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Despite those delays -- and the delivery of cars that were 6,000 pounds heavier than specified -- AnsaldoBreda was positioned to win the new $300-million contract through an option with a deadline of Friday at midnight.

Just weeks ago, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa had hailed the impending deal because the company said it would build the rail cars at a new Los Angeles factory. Villaraigosa had cited a study estimating that the plant would deliver $368 million in economic activity, including 650 factory jobs and close to 1,000 union construction jobs to build the facility. The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor had lobbied the MTA board in favor of the contract.

Today, the mayor expressed disappointment. "In these tough economic times, it was important to make every effort to bring good jobs to L.A. and simultaneously exercise due diligence to protect public funds in pursuing this contract,” Villaraigosa said in a statement. “Unfortunately after months of negotiations, at the last minute, satisfactory financial guarantees were not provided and the deal was not signed.”

Hours before the deadline, the company raised new issues -- including a cap on daily penalties for delivering rail cars behind schedule, said MTA spokesman Marc Littman. Transit-agency negotiators declined to make additional concessions and the time period to reach an agreement expired.

The deal’s disintegration has ramifications beyond the future work, said MTA board member Richard Katz, a Villaraigosa appointee. He cited an agreement under which AnsaldoBreda was going to provide two free rail cars, which sell for $3 million each, to make up for building the vehicles heavier than specified. The heavier cars forced the MTA to reinforce some bridges.

In tones that reflected the soured relations between the company and local officials, Katz called AnsaldoBreda “unprofessional and so unbusinesslike,” and said the company's inability to perform under its existing contract could result in litigation.

Officials from AnsaldoBreda could not be reached, but the company has defended its work and says it can point to the successful delivery of rail cars in other cities.

[Updated at 10:26 p.m.: In a statement, AnsaldoBreda president and CEO Giancarlo FantappiƩ said that his company had provided sufficient financial safeguards for MTA and that he regretted a deal could not be reached "despite multiple efforts to negotiate in good faith on both sides." He added: "Despite this turn of events, Los Angeles continues to represent a focal point for our strategy in America." AnsaldoBreda is eligible to take part in new bidding to build the rail cars.]

The MTA intends to rebid the work quickly and hopes to sign a contract that will result in local jobs, Katz said.

The effort to exercise the option with AnsaldoBreda has long had critics, including county Supervisor Mike Antonovich, who in a statement called the latest development “a victory for taxpayers.”

The company “failed once again to deliver on a promise made to the people of Los Angeles County," said Antonovich, who also sits on the MTA board. “Los Angeles city insiders and special interests attempted to ram through a substandard outfit, creating costly delays in the MTA's ability to seek a legitimate firm to build rail cars.”

-- Howard Blume

Sunday, October 25, 2009

For Lease - Great Gallery or Fashion Spaces!

Have five air-conditioned spaces in Downtown with very high ceilings perfect for art galleries or fashion designers looking to house production, offices and retail in one location. One dollar a foot - net lease.

bradywestwater@gmail.com

or

213-804-8396

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Final Downtown Fashion Walk MAP & LIST now on website!

Go to the Downtown Fashion Walk website - www.downtownfashionwalk.com - and print out both the list and the map for tonight's Downtown Fashion Walk.

See you there!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Complete List of Fashion Walk events Thursday October 15th!

OCTOBER 15th FASHION WALK EVENT LIST

Below - listed by street - are the final confirmed venues and
events of the Thursday Oct. 15th Downtown Fashion Walk in Historic
Downtown Los Angeles. The special events and pop-up stores
are usually open from 5:30 to 10 PM while the existing stores
are open from noon until 10 PM. But check the
below listings to see which stores might close early.

Then by late Wednesday night, the downloadable map will be
available at www.downtownfashionwalk.com and any updates
or last minute changes will be posted on the blog -
www.downtownfashionwalk.blogspot.com. And
print out both the list and the map to best enjoy the third
every third Thursday monthly Downtown Fashion Walk.


MAIN STREET & SIDE STREETS

Blends 125 W 4th St.
Limited Edition sneakers & Urban Clothing.
www.Blendsus.com 213-626-6606

Elmer Ave. 125 W. 4th St.
Rock and Roll Rebels do High-End Formal Wear
Ask nicely - and you might get a private sneak preview
of their Saturday show
www.Elmerave.Com 888-356-3728

SkinGraft 125 W. 4th St. #102
First public showing of the stunning gowns from invite
only runway show at MOCA during Downtown Los Angeles
Fashion Week. Also selected sale items 50% off.
www.skingraftdesigns.com 213-626-2662

Fremont 120 W. 4th St.
Not open this month but Fremont reopens November in new,
larger store on 7th St. West of Main. Classic Cool Couture
www.Fremontapparelco.Com 213-626-1756

Crewest 110 E. Winston St
Finest graffiti artist art & artist designed clothing
Closes at 6 PM tonight
www.Crewest.Com 213-627-8272

The Gallery@118 Winston 118 E. Winston Street Second floor
Designer vintage and contemporary art.
Not open this Fashion Walk - see you next month!
Call for regular hours 310-422-6231

Stelladottir 430 S. Main St.
Hand made, vintage inspired clothes & hats.
Downtown store of the year last year - this year's LA Weekly's
Best Buy Open late most nights!
www.stelladottir.com 213-623-8464

Main Street Tattoo 438 Main Street
www.mainsttats.com 213-622-0387
Open late most nights

Los Angeles Center for Digital Art 107 W. 5th St.
Digital printmaking and sales gallery along with special
exhibitions of all forms of new media, including video,
showcasing artists from throughout the world.
www.lacda@lacda.com 323-646-9427

El Nopal Press 109 5th Main St.
Fine art printing and sales of Lithographs of leading
Los Angeles, Mexican, Chicano and international artists.
www.fauxpop.com/nopalpress/ 323-581-7112

"Vava Rula" 113 W. 5th Street
One night pop-up store with pre-owned edgy designer
items, tagged and altered vintage clothes, paintings &
projections by alternative artists, unique Halloween
accessories and a photo shoot art directed by Rula
Kaliroi and styled by Vava Voom.

Billy's Cafe, Art Salon & Clothing Emporium 114 W. 5th St.
One night collection of artists, designers and creative
individuals including SOUK, inFlight, Victoria Victoria,
Jeffrey Hirsch and Sanjeev Fun of Nouveau Lifestyle.

Performing at this event will be DJ Orator, veteran DJ from Los
Angeles. He DJ'ed at KPFK 90.7 FM for 6 years and will be
one of the DJ's featured on the cover of Pro Sound magazine
this November.

Pussy & Pooch 564 S, Main St.
www.pussyandpooch.com 213-438-0900
Toys, treats - and tonight - Halloween Costumes
for your pets! Also pet couture & grooming

Upper Playground 125 E. 6th St.
Fusion of fashion with fine art by locally and nationally known artists
www.Upperplayground.Com 213-623-4300

Mr. Cartoon's Tattoo Shop 129 E. 6th St.
Urban clothes & classic tattoos. Shipment of new
items of all kinds just arrived!
www.Mistercartoon.Com 213-488-0313

Soulful Commandoe Flagship Store 121 E. 6th St. #131
Ultra Exclusive Street Apparel & Accessories Company
www.Soulfulcommandoe.com 213-291-9601

Pacific Electric Ground Floor SE Corner 6th & Main
Event produced by Hearts of Hope to benefit Children's
Hospital & SESA. Doors open at 5 PM for vendors and the runway
shows begin at 6:30 PM. Showing on the runways are di'viniti, DV2,
Kanvis and Ayanna Henderson.

Vendors include Chanelli handbags & leather jackets, African Cowboy,
Hacked Club, excess baggage, Ayanna Henderson, Karen Lewis Jewelry,
Jan the Hat Woman and a Guerilla sample sale.

There will also be a charity silent auction
featuring all the designers along with the work of fashion photographer
Nick Horne. A Live DJ will perform and there will be a raffle.

1-Man's Trash NW Corner of 7th & Main on Main St.
Hard to Vintage items and one of a kind re-worked vintage
pieces for men, women and children that have been worn
by Usher Raymond, Ellen Degeneres and Carmen Electra.
818-355-1130

Symbiotic Form NW Corner of 7th & Main on Main
Vintage inspired woman's hand bags, hats, clothes and jewelry
Also unique household wares and one of a kind gift items.
www.symbioticform.blogspot.com 213-631-6971

ZLB Main & 7th NW Corner - 7th Side of Building
Vintage Clothing from around the country and around the world
of every kind and every price.

SPRING STREET & SIDE STREETS

Continental Building 400 S. Spring
From 6pm -11 PM, at the Continental at 4th and Spring, Hit + Run
will have a pop-up show at Dub Lab’s 10th anniversary celebration
art show. Hit + Run will also provide on-site free live screen printing -
so bring your own T-shirt to be printed on or buy one there.

DJ’s PAY RAY – EROK – VALTON provide the music and
complimentary drinks will be provided by Honest Tea

Spring Arts Tower 201 W. 5th/453 S. Spring on 5th @Spring
From 5-10pm the Spring Arts Tower at 5th and Spring will host the
5th & Spring Show with Money Laundry - the only clothing line
literally made out of real money, Kablan (multiple lines from
casual to ball room gowns, Valou Designs (urban contemporary jewelry),
Francisco Devila & his custom built furniture line DEVILA 3 MUERTOS,
Gigi In Style (sexy and affordable jewelry), 35MM Clothing
(men's and women's contemporary casual clothing), Jessica Seaton
(organic, sensual jewelry), Louise Green Millinery (elegant and playful hats),
and London Manori (sophisticated, contemporary luxury jewelry).

And special guests - The Bohemian Society - will arrive directly from
their runway show at the Los Angeles Theatre (around 7:30) and
they will appear at 5th & Spring with their new line until 10 PM. This space
is adjacent to the entrance to the historic vaults of Crocker Bank - now
home to the Crocker Club.

One Night Only Event! TBA! 207 W. 5th St.

Deborah Martin Gallery 209 W. 5th St.
Powerful installation by artist Evah Hart illustrating her
Midwestern family dealing with the awkwardly
permanent transience of family.
www.deborahmartingallery.com 310-428-6464

Polyester Books (Todd/Browning Gallery) 211 W. 5th St.
Fashion, Style, Art & Design Books Vintage/Contemporary Photographs.
Literally something for literally everyone!
www.Polyesterbooks.Com 213-623-1176

KAPSOUL 6th Street between Main and Spring
Contemporary & vintage clothes, sunglasses, and a wide
selection of unique and unusual gift items. As cool as
they come!
Cell 818-693-4180

Flea 6th Street between Main and Spring
Vintage clothes, furniture, hats, design magazines, one of kind
gift items and contemporary art. Perfect place to find gifts for
the person who has everything - or nothing.
213-622-2122

apliiq 6th Street between Main and Spring
apliiq applies unique rare textiles to everyday garments. Learn
how to customize your own wardrobe and find out how to develop
your own personal style!
www.apliiq.com 323-300-6492

New York Hats 217 W 6th St
New And Old School Hats. Located in historic chocolate store
filled with Batchelder tiles. Worth a visit just for the interior!
213-228-1915 May have to close early - so hurry!

Crack Gallery 204 W. 6th St.
Crack Gallery wants to get the city hooked
on a new drug: their own blend of fashion and art.
www.crackgallery.com 213-622-3493

Shoes & Hand Bags 204 W. 4th Street
Handbags, Shoes & Accessories
213-622-3493


BROADWAY & SIDE STREETS
(Most Broadway stores close by 7 PM)

Goodwill 235 S. Broadway
VIntage/Used Everything! Huge selection!
www.Goodwillsocal.Org 213-628-1748
Closes at 7 PM

Broadway Army Store 217 W. 4th
Military & Civilian Uniforms, Cool Shirts - and much more
www.broadwayarmystore.net 213-617-8495
Close at 7 PM

Shoe Hut 529 S. Broadway
Huge Selection Of Baseball Caps, Shoes & Sneakers
www.shoehutusa.com 213-688-8310
Close at 7 PM

Chanelli Outlet 625 S. Broadway
Rarely Seen European Brand Bags and great leather jackets. Clearance Sale!
Ask about the special deals. Closes at 6 PM and pop-up version opens
at the PE lofts at 6th and Main.
Closes at 6 PM here - 10 PM at 6th and Main

Red Zone Footwear 629 S. Broadway
Excellent selection of creepers, heels and punk and rock shirts - and just
named by the LA Weekly as one of LA's best stores for its old School
Melrose Punk and Metal Fashions at Downtown prices.
http://redzone7777.googlepages.com/redzonebrandsvans1.html
213-622-8649
Closes at 7 PM

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

SUPER SECRET ELMER AVE INVITE!

Now there's no guarantee you will get an invite to the Elmer Ave - aka Elmer Av - Saturday show - but e-mail them why you should be invited - and see what happens.

And if you stop by their store on 4th Street between Main and Spring during this Thursday's Fashion Walk - you might see a few reasons why you should attend. And you can then make your case in person as to why why you should be invited.


We are very excited to invite you to a very special night.
please promptly RSVP to elmerave.topsecret@gmail.com with your credentials and full names... it is imperative to do this to get the show location, time, and show details...
hope to see you there!
luv,
jonny day


TOP SECRET!!

ELMER AVE is announcing the launch of its new collection at the
TOP SECRET Fashion Show for LA Fashion Week, October 2009.
DATE: FASHION/MARKET WEEK OCT 17, 2009

LOCATION: Downtown Los Angeles

RSVP & CREDENTIALS REQUIRED

RSVP: elmerave.topsecret@gmail.com

DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED ONCE YOUR RSVP IS CONFIRMED

POST-SHOW MELTDOWN PARTY IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING




After several wildly successful Smashbox Shows in 2008, ELMER AVE is returning with a self produced TOP SECRET Fashion Show (invite only)...this season’s journey through a Combination of Classic, Military, and Punk, with the new ELMER AVE COLLECTION, including THE DOLL FIT (ladies), and introducing THE DELINQUENT FIT by Elmer Ave (kids).

Manufactured in Los Angeles and Tokyo, Elmer Ave has expanded its men’s Collection, as well as The Doll Fit, a fitted collection for women, and also the new Delinquent Fit, a children’s fitted version of the Elmer Ave Collection (with proceeds going to Music for Children Charity).

TOP SECRET “AN ELMER AVE FASHION SHOW” will showcase the new collections in a way only to be expected from ELMER AVE.

Elmer Ave is two clothing designers from North Hollywood, CA, with a mindset to give tailored suiting a high fashion Rock n Roll edge. Branching from their roots in skateboards,rock n roll bands, and fashion styling, Elmer Ave continually sets industry trends and sets a high quality manufacturing standard.

elmerave.com info@elmerave.com ph:1 888 356 3728

Fashion Week's Fashion Walk - Thursday October 15th!

This Thursday’s October 15th Downtown Fashion Walk, along Main, Spring and Broadway between 4th & 7th Streets, is right in the middle of everything that happens during Fashion Week!

The final runway shows at the Los Angeles Theatre - www.lafashiononbroadway.com - are that night and the after parties will be in the local bars. Designers – such as Skingraft & Bohemian Society will show their new clothes for the first time to the public at Fashion Walk after their runway shows, and other designers – such as Elmer Ave and 1-Man's Trash – will sneak preview their new lines on Fashion Walk before they have even been seen on the runway.

And even the fashionable KOGI taco truck will for the first time attend this Fashion Walk.

Runway couture (such as Skingraft, Elmer Ave, Fremont, 1-Man’s Trash, Symbiotic Form and Stelladottir) is only one part of Fashion Walk. Have your existing clothes customized on the spot at Appliq, find limited edition sneakers at Blends, shop walls of baseball caps at Shoe Hut. There are a dozen places to buy every type of hat imaginable including at the historic New York Hat store and even your pets can live in style with the finest in pet fashion from Pussy & Pouch.

Hard to find, unique purses & handbags are featured at Symbiotic Form and Chanelli, not to mention the rare sunglassses from Kapsoul and custom jewelry from many of the venues to add that perfect finishing touch. Artist designed urban wear from Crewest, Upper Playground & the Last Laugh, hip hop runway couture at Soulful Commandoe and women’s & men’s clothing of every kind from hipster fashions at Crack Gallery to classic workingmans’s Broadway Uniforms.

Finally - you can go vintage at Flea, 1-Man’s Trash, the Gallery @118 Winston, Kapsoul, ZLB and Goodwill, and these six stores will soon be joined by two more. And don't forget to check out two of LA Weekly’s October Issue’s Best Stores in Los Angeles – Stelladottir for her value priced custom clothing and Red Zone for their Downtown prices on Old School Old Melrose-style Punk & Metal Fashions. Most stores will be open noon to 10 PM, except on Broadway which will open at 10 AM and close at 7 PM.

As if all this wasn't enough, there are all the special events and individual pop-ups showcasing dozens of established brands and young and upcoming designers.

From 5-10pm the Spring Arts Tower at 5th and Spring will host the 5th & Spring Show with Money Laundry presenting along with 35MM Clothing, Hethan, Kablan, Valou Designs, Gigi In Style, Jessica Seaton, Louise Green Millinery, London Manori and the Bohemian Society.

Meanwhile, from 6pm-1am, at the Continental at 4th and Spring, Hit + Run will have a pop-up show at Dub Lab’s 10th anniversary celebration art show. Hit + Run will also provide on-site free live screen printing! Bring your own T-shirt or buy one there. DJ’s PAY RAY – EROK – VALTON provide the music and complimentary drinks are provided by Honest Tea

A silent auction benefiting the Children’s Hospital will at the Pacific Electric Building at 6th and Main from 6-10pm with four free runway shows including di’viniti, DV2, and Kanvis. Among the pop-ups in temporary residence here will be QueenKing Design, the Hacked Club (with new and vintage fashion), and Chanelli’s imported handbags and leather jackets.

Finally, the intersections of 5th and Main and 5th and Spring will have a variety of pop-ups operated by underground artists and indie designers for those who want something truly different proving that there is indeed something for everyone on Fashion Walk

Fashion Week's Fashion Walk - Thursday October 15th!

This Thursday’s October 15th Downtown Fashion Walk, along Main, Spring and Broadway between 4th & 7th Streets, is right in the middle of everything that happens during Fashion Week!

The final runway shows at the Los Angeles Theatre - www.lafashiononbroadway.com - are that night and the after parties will be in the local bars. Designers – such as Skingraft & Bohemian Society will show their new clothes for the first time to the public at Fashion Walk after their runway shows, and other designers – such as Elmer Ave and 1-Man's Trash – will sneak preview their new lines on Fashion Walk before they have even been seen on the runway.

And even the fashionable KOGI taco truck will for the first time attend this Fashion Walk.

Runway couture (such as Skingraft, Elmer Ave, Fremont, 1-Man’s Trash, Symbiotic Form and Stelladottir) is only one part of Fashion Walk. Have your existing clothes customized on the spot at Appliq, find limited edition sneakers at Blends, shop walls of baseball caps at Shoe Hut. There are a dozen places to buy every type of hat imaginable including at the historic New York Hat store and even your pets can live in style with the finest in pet fashion from Pussy & Pouch.

Hard to find, unique purses & handbags are featured at Symbiotic Form and Chanelli, not to mention the rare sunglassses from Kapsoul and custom jewelry from many of the venues to add that perfect finishing touch. Artist designed urban wear from Crewest, Upper Playground & the Last Laugh, hip hop runway couture at Soulful Commandoe and women’s & men’s clothing of every kind from hipster fashions at Crack Gallery to classic workingmans’s Broadway Uniforms.

Finally - you can go vintage at Flea, 1-Man’s Trash, the Gallery @118 Winston, Kapsoul, ZLB and Goodwill, and these six stores will soon be joined by two more. And don't forget to check out two of LA Weekly’s October Issue’s Best Stores in Los Angeles – Stelladottir for her value priced custom clothing and Red Zone for their Downtown prices on Old School Old Melrose-style Punk & Metal Fashions. Most stores will be open noon to 10 PM, except on Broadway which will open at 10 AM and close at 7 PM.

As if all this wasn't enough, there are all the special events and individual pop-ups showcasing dozens of established brands and young and upcoming designers.

From 5-10pm the Spring Arts Tower at 5th and Spring will host the 5th & Spring Show with Money Laundry presenting along with 35MM Clothing, Hethan, Kablan, Valou Designs, Gigi In Style, Jessica Seaton, Louise Green Millinery, London Manori and the Bohemian Society.

Meanwhile, from 6pm-1am, at the Continental at 4th and Spring, Hit + Run will have a pop-up show at Dub Lab’s 10th anniversary celebration art show. Hit + Run will also provide on-site free live screen printing! Bring your own T-shirt or buy one there. DJ’s PAY RAY – EROK – VALTON provide the music and complimentary drinks are provided by Honest Tea

A silent auction benefiting the Children’s Hospital will at the Pacific Electric Building at 6th and Main from 6-10pm with four free runway shows including di’viniti, DV2, and Kanvis. Among the pop-ups in temporary residence here will be QueenKing Design, the Hacked Club (with new and vintage fashion), and Chanelli’s imported handbags and leather jackets.

Finally, the intersections of 5th and Main and 5th and Spring will have a variety of pop-ups operated by underground artists and indie designers for those who want something truly different proving that there is indeed something for everyone on Fashion Walk

Brendan Mullen, Dead At 60

The last time I saw Brendan, at a late night diner in the Downtown Industrial District, we talked about our pasts, a future project we might do together - and how we were almost exactly a year apart in age.

That was almost a year ago and about a week ago as both our birthdays were coming up, I started looking for his phone number and the notes from that last talk. But I got too swamped with Fashion Walk and Fashion Week and promised myself I'd call him after all that was over.

Then in the middle of the day the calls and emails started coming, and by the time I had time to hear or read any of them - he was gone.

And for all he had accomplished in his life - one of my first thoughts was that he had died far too soon - and that he had so much more he was going to accomplish.

Below is the opening to the LA Times Obit:

atimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-brendan-mullen13-2009oct13,0,4056471.story

latimes.com

Brendan Mullen dies at 60; founder of influential Masque punk rock club

The Hollywood venue, which opened in 1977, quickly became a crucible for emerging, anarchic L.A. groups like the Weirdos and the Germs and later X and the Go-Go's.

By Randy Lewis

October 13, 2009



Brendan Mullen, founder of the Masque punk rock club in Hollywood that helped launch the vibrantly anarchic music scene on the West Coast in the late 1970s, died Monday after suffering a massive stroke over the weekend. He was 60.

Mullen died at Ventura County Medical Center, said his companion of 16 years, Kateri Butler. The couple had been traveling through Santa Barbara and Ventura celebrating his 60th birthday, which was Friday.

"The doctors are completely perplexed," Butler said. "They can't figure out why he had a stroke -- he had none of the indicators, his cholesterol was perfect. One of the neurologists summed it up best when he said, 'Sometimes, your number is just up.' "

At the Masque, Mullen created an underground space that became a crucible for musicians and fans who felt alienated from mainstream society. Anger, frustration and self-deprecating humor flowered in the assaultive music that had been roiling in New York and London, as L.A. bands including the Weirdos, the Germs, the Dils and the Screamers turned up regularly at the Masque for some of their earliest performances.

"He was the first promoter of punk rock in this town," veteran promoter Paul Tollett of Goldenvoice Presents said Monday. "Everything started with him."

Once word spread that a space had emerged that was hospitable to punk, which at the time was a frequent target of law enforcement, more bands quickly followed. The Masque became home to X, the Go-Go's, the Dickies, the Plugz, the Flesh Eaters and many more.

Mullen, who had worked as a journalist in England before moving to the U.S., remained humble about his role.

"For the record, I never claimed to have 'started punk in L.A.,' " Mullen wrote in his book "Live at the Masque: Nightmare in Punk Alley," published in 2007. "I'd prefer the Masque epitaph to be 'Where the SoCal scene originally came together.' "



More at the above link....

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Great Post on Photographer Irving Penn at LA Observed

Over at LA Observed, resident photographer, Judy Graeme, takes the occasion of the Getty Center and it's photography collection's acquisition and exhibition of Irving Penn's 'Small Trades' series to reflect upon Irving Penn and his influence upon her life and her work.

Below is the opening to her piece - but better yet - just click the above link to LAO's Native Intelligence and read her entire post uninterrupted.

Irving Penn comes to Los Angeles

Judy Graeme • Bio • Email

At the press preview for Irving Penn's "Small Trades" exhibit at the Getty Center, I was part of a group led through the galleries by curator Virginia Heckert. I should have been paying stricter attention, but I was distracted. All I could think was that this imposing group of 252 photographs represents just part of Penn's body of work. When an important and influential artist like Penn works for as many years as he has, a lot of people are bound to be affected on many different levels. I know I have been.


Lastly - the show at the Getty runs until January 10th, 2010.