No Joy in Shopping in Downtown L.A.

Nov. 24 I took a shopping trip to downtown Los Angeles. Instead of visiting the local mall, I would try something different and do my part to “stimulate the economy” by purchasing holiday gifts from smaller local merchants. Upon arriving downtown, I was saddened by the blight; there were intoxicated people wandering about, people sleeping on the sidewalks and piles of debris and trash littering many of the streets. I had difficulty finding a working parking meter; upon finding one, as I attempted to put money in (which was promptly eaten, without time credit offered) an agitated man approached me looking for an “English-speaking church.” I told him I did not know of one in the area and he became angry, raising his arms. I promptly got back into my car and decided to try a paid parking lot.

Within a few blocks, I was pulled over by an LAPD officer for driving in a bus lane. I commented to the officer that the lane was not clearly marked; he wrote a citation. At this point, I found the nearest freeway onramp and went to Long Beach, where I encountered cheerful merchants and a hassle-free experience; a place where I and my wallet were welcomed.

I do not plan to return to Los Angeles to shop or dine any time soon.

Lisa Magdaleno

Tustin Ranch