Monday, May 28, 2012

It happened to me in Downtown Los Angeles

I will admit, that for years, I have dreamed of ditching the isolation of suburban life to live near a café and art walk. It has taken ten years for Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) to merge the Historical Architecture, creativity, and market place synergy into a safe community that is rich in relationships and career satisfaction. My affection for this urban center is multifaceted and I will confess, I have fallen in love with Downtown Los Angeles. For this reason, I have agreed to make DTLA the subject of my next book.

It is hard to believe, but I began broadcasting in Los Angeles Radio,  May of 2002. Since then, I have enthusiastically kept tabs on the resurgence of DTLA. I was at the early Art Walks, frequented warehouse living on First Street, and grabbed lunch boxes in Little Tokyo. I attended the Opening of The Nokia Theater, kicked off games at Staples Center, toasted the new LEED Certified Lofts, and walked the gutted Salon that now anchors Perishing Square. And through the years my grasp of DTLA has been as diverse as the city itself. My friends vary from those who are climbing the corporate latter, to those making their mark with a needle and thread, and even some who exist simply to help others living on skid row

My last book was on the shelves at Urban Outfitters and I can't wait to see my next installation there too! My new book is called, DTLA Finding Community in Districts, Pioneers, and People.
 I want to take you, on a first hand journey to discover the distinct boroughs that have taken root downtown.  I want to hear the stories from those who have worked tirelessly to instigate the culture. I want to describe the community of people who now call DTLA home.
 I willl be sure to include real stories, no matter how raw and gritty, lots of before and after pictures, and of course your testimonies, opinions, and reviews of DTLA. So, pony up, and lets find out more about the Arts District, Fashion District, Skid Row, Financial District, Bunker Hill, and The Old Theater District....it will be fun, and you might just find a new community along the way.