Weigh in: Out There | Echo Park

Having lived in Echo Park since the age of 16, having survived the days of cholo wars, hitting the floor during drive-by's, renting a 5 bedroom victorian house in Angelino Hts. having raised 2 kids who did not turn into bangers or druggies, BUT most important being a witness as to how the City of Lost Angeles has allowed a new gang to prosper Neighborhood Councils! NC for short! The city of L.A, the Mayor, all the sold-out politicos, what have you done to our city? Through all of this I still "LOVE ECHO PARK" Y QUE!

Luiza aka YQUE4 @ 11:13 PM PDT, Jul 30, 2008

I hate what the liberals do to society. They dream up these silly ideas "gentrification"..what's that?...so do we call it "slum-action" when the poor people move in?. The price of gas is going to force many middle class and upper class people to move back to the city and the existing residents had best get used to the idea. They will be bought out and the city will benifit from an influx of people that work, pay taxes and don't commit crime.

Gentrification @ 5:34 AM PDT, Jul 5, 2008

After reading the article and some comments, it's clear you all understand what is going on. In a nutshell, Echo Park’s climate and tranquil life (due in large to LAPD addressing the gang problem) has attracted many middle class Whites back, as it has in other areas around Los Angeles. Now it’s basic Anthropology, a competition for environment. It is, however, an uneven mach when it comes to finances. On the other hand, there is numbers in Latinos, who will adapt rather than move out! The larger question we face is Humanity. How do we welcome positive change without trampling on the ethnic diversities that makes Echo Park appealing?

Ramon Herrera @ 10:09 PM PDT, Jun 28, 2008

Oh I love Echo Park. It about priced my hard working white self out too, but I lucked out and found a spot a couple years back. I love my filipino, hispanic, and artist neighbors. We all get along. As we should. If a neighborhood gets cleaner and safe, what's the problem. The old school hispanic homeowner's property skyrocketed, we still have the best mexican food in town, and the gangsters and cool with the artists. Win win situation if you ask me.

Geo @ 9:14 PM PDT, Jun 28, 2008

The NC system was NOT put in place with good intentions. See: www.freedomadvocates.com It was created to: 1)give the people the ILLUSION that they have some power, 2) to place an extra layer of bureaucracy between the people and City government, 3) to help the filthy politicians and filthy developers to steal property, 4) have a system in place to put city "puppets" (e.g. redevelopment hogs, phony "non-profits" who are fronts for multi-national corporations. ALSO: This "system" came out of the 1977 Soviet Union Constitution. Did you know that "soviet" means "system of local councils"?

Carol Knapp @ 12:30 PM PDT, Jun 28, 2008

Being a Chicano who actually lived in EP from the late sixties to the early nineties will offer a different perspective. A lot of us second generation Chicanos moved because of the influx of immigrants from the old country who thrashed the neighborhood and who basically felt animosity toward us because we were so americanized.Yes it is hard to believe that Mexicanos can be bigoted and straight-up racist but we can. We had a great time back in those days but every thing must end so good luck to the newcomers and treat her well.

John @ 9:58 AM PDT, Jun 28, 2008

One thing I learned, moving from Hollywood to EP 6 years ago is how "redlined" our community is by banks, insurance companies and HMOs. Higher rates and lower quality services affect everyone here equally. It should be a wake up call to stop harping on what divides us and unite against institutional discrimination.

Uncle John @ 8:43 AM PDT, Jun 28, 2008

Latinos must make a STAND and become land owners. This is how we will empower our people. By being renters, we simply get priced out and miss out on the boom times. Buy the houses and apartment buildings you live in. Now is the time to buy. Get on the train BEFORE it leaves you in the DUST.

topgun @ 11:54 PM PDT, Jun 27, 2008

I lived here as a child & moved back last year. I AM Latino on my dad's side and white on my mom's. Condos are NOT Echo Park. Renovating the basic houses & current apartment bldgs is what's needed. More COMMUNICATION is what is needed to sort out ALL upsets and to handle the "Racist", etc., accusations. More Communication. Listen to each other & talk. Get real, the "system" is a person or several. Listen to your neighbors & talk. Ignore bad news, negative/nay-sayers, communication is the solution.

Beaner @ 7:45 PM PDT, Jun 27, 2008

"Did you forget we're the one who make LA vibrant. Without us, there wouldn't be LA." Hhmm, I have no clue WHO you are but I doubt that your roup alone is responsible for making LA "vibrant."

Malby @ 7:34 PM PDT, Jun 27, 2008

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