On Jan Perry*

This year’s Los Angeles Mayoral contest features four candidates with a reasonable chance to become L.A.’s next mayor. Two will advance past today’s primary ballot to compete in a runoff contest to determine who will succeed outgoing mayor Antonio Villaragosa as Los Angeles’ 42nd mayor. One of those four candidates is council woman Jan Perry, the lone African-American in the race. Polling suggests she trails rivals Eric Garcetti and Wendy Gruel going into today’s election, but Ms. Perry still has a chance to make it to the run off, and possibly to become Los Angeles’s first female, and first black female, (and first Jewish black female at that) mayor in her history.

Jan Perry has served as a member of the city council for twelve years, and finds herself at the end of her career on the council due to term limits. In her time on the city council, Ms. Perry has certainly had an impact. She is credited (and criticized by some) for having aggressively paved the way for the renewed development of Downtown Los Angeles, pushing the city to allow and incentivize the construction of new hotels, offices and billboards during her time on the council. New construction is often an inconvenience for residents, especially in cities that already have a good deal of it. Even so, during a time when jobs are scarce and business is not flourishing in Los Angeles (and certainly not in South Los Angeles) Jan Perry has brought work and commerce to L.A.

Like her opponents, Jan Perry has conceded what we all know, that the city of Los Angeles faces a desperate fiscal outlook due in large part to extravagant city pension, healthcare plans and salaries. Jan Perry has committed to asking city workers to contribute ten percent to the cost of their health care, as well as renegotiating contracts with DWP workers, whose increasing salaries have particularly burdened the city budget. With a reputation for being a tough, even ruthless negotiator (so much so that some say that she really does not negotiate as much as she bulldozes her opposition), it would seem that Perry has the focus and resolve to achieve changes in this area if she is serious about it. At the same time it can’t be ignored that Jan Perry has sat on the city council (along with three of her opponents) during this time of fiscal deterioration, and so directly or indirectly bears some of the blame.

Nevertheless, though a bit ironically, the strongest endorsement of Jan Perry’s character seems to have come from her own mayoral opponents…all four of them. When asked at a debate at Sinai Temple whom each candidate would endorse if they themselves were not running, each one without exception cited Jan Perry, noting her commitment to principle and her personal integrity. It is not often that one sees such unanimity of respect among politicians for a single opponent. Whether or not the voters of Los Angeles will hold her in such high regard remains to be seen.

*Contributors express views independently and individually. The thoughts and opinions expressed by one do not necessarily reflect the views of all (or any) of the other contributors. Indeed, the breadth of the contributors views and perspectives is a key strength of the commentary expressed on Black Is.


Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad Part II

During the last year of getting to know Garth Trinidad, I was able to learn about his interests outside of music. Unsurprisingly, Trinidad is a well-rounded artist in his own right. A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Trinidad was an artist-in-residence at the Beacon Arts Building in Inglewood, CA. Additionally, in 2012 Trinidad created Jim Kelly,  a unique music and live performance experience with his partner in sound crime, Mateo Senolia. What I loved most about this event was the music offerings: no top 40, and plenty of new music to discover. Trinidad + Senolia equals a very eclectic, groovy vibe, so much so, that they landed a deal on Osunlade’s Yoruba label. You can catch the duo spinning some Friday nights at Bar Marmont in Hollywood. Lastly, Trinidad hooked up with two of LA’s finest, Dam-Funk and J-Logic, to create MAC or the Modern Audio Collective. One of their first shows at the end of 2012 featured Talib Kweli and drew a packed house in Venice’s Del Monte Speakeasy. I am waiting with bated breath for what these three will bring in 2013.

Watch and listen as Trinidad and I chat about how he finds new music, the impact of technology on the music industry, and what the future holds for him. Hopefully by now you’ve purchased those Moja Moja Pre-Grammy brunch tickets. Enjoy!

Movers & Shakers: Garth Trinidad

No other DJ in the last decade has had a bigger influence on Los Angeles music culture than Garth Trinidad. As both a resident DJ with KCRW over the last 15 years and a voting member of The Recording Academy, Trinidad has risen to prominence by championing progressive, creative and often overlooked artistry in urban alternative music. Through his weekly show, Chocolate City, Trinidad has inspired a refashioning of the Los Angeles underground music scene, providing a much-needed platform for new, independent music artists. Further, Chocolate City has evolved into a global soundscape by infusing soulful classics with the best in independent world music.

I’ve had the good fortune of getting to know Garth over the last year and was happy to discover the many layers of the man
behind the music. Garth, a loving husband and father, is also an artist in his own right and, lucky for us, 2013 will be a year of many Trinidad-laced projects. First up, is the KCRW 5th Annual Moja Moja Pre-Grammy Brunch & Benefit Concert happening this Saturday, February 9th at the W in Hollywood. The brunch, which benefits Oxfam America and The Darfur Stoves Project, will honor the legendary George Clinton this year and feature intimate performances by artists such as pianist, Chloe Flowers and Malaysian singer-songwriter, Yuna. This event usually sells out so check here for tickets for more information.

Watch and listen to the first in a two-part series with Garth Trinidad. Stay tuned for more to come!

Photos by Monica Orozco and JLogic.

Movers & Shakers: Catching Up With DJ A-Ski

We’ve developed a few friendships over the years here at Black Is, and one of our closest compadres is the infamous LA native, DJ A-Ski. A-Ski was one of the first people in the city we connected with way back in 2007, and at that time both of us were at the beginning of building our brands. Since then, A-Ski’s brand Unique74 has grown in leaps and bounds with connections nationwide and worldwide. Listen in as KC catches up with A-Ski and finds out what he’s been up to, his take on current Los Angeles DJ culture, and where he’s going next.

*Forgive our background noise – coming to you live from the city of Angels!

PODCAST: Black People in Los Angeles vs. Black People Elsewhere

Listen in as KC and the family compare the Black community in Los Angeles to other Black communities across the nation. Podcast guests include Chris Lehman, Toria Williams, John and Triawna Wood, Obi Obijiaku and Craig Stewart.

Got an opinion on this week’s topic? Call our hotline and leave a message about today’s show! You can reach us at (323) 455-4219!

LA EVENTS: Tea and Girlfriends at Runway Boutique

Have you ever wondered what styles look good with your body type? What shoes to wear with that dress?
How to achieve a good smoky eye?
Well you have to come to “Tea and Girlfriends”
We will have all the answers for you from our specialist!

Grab your bestie, mom or sister and come network and find out what the latest fashion trends are in apparel, make up and shoes!  Runway Boutique’s in house stylist Tamiko Umoren will be here to answer all your fashion questions. This Sunday will be all about The Curvacious Woman. Come preview the latest spring trends in 1x – 3x.

Featured Designer
Taylr Jay will be showcasing her spring/summer collection.

Details are as follows:

Tea and Girlfriends – The Curvacious Woman

Sunday, March 11th from 1 – 5 pm

Runway Boutique

807 S. La Brea Ave
Los Angeles,CA 90036

323 965 1877

Jamila’s Joints

Our good friend, Jamila Farwell, is a Los Angeles native about town, and is offering up her very unique perspective on different things each week. Read further to see what Jamila thinks about her choice to rent the film 50/50 this week.

So you want to see a comedy about cancer? It seems like an impossible feat but Will Reiser handles the subject matter with care and dexterity. The script, based on his own bout with the big C, is both funny and heartfelt. We journey with Adam, played by Joseph Gordon Levitt (Inception) as he is first diagnosed and then seeks treatment for a rare form of cancer.

Levitt delivers an admirable performance as a young man facing the possibility that he could die from this potentially fatal disease, his chance of survival is literally 50/50. Adam’s best friend, Kyle, played by Seth Rogen provides most of the comic relief in the film and delivers it well. He is fumbling, oafish and inconsiderate so much so that we wonder how much he really cares that his best friend could die.

Adam’s girlfriend, Rachael, played by Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) is a bit empty. She struggles to provide the emotional support that Adam needs but proves ill-equipped for the role of caretaker.

Anna Kendrick (Up In The Air) plays Adam’s therapist and while her character is sweet and likable she takes some missteps are less than believable. Anjelica Huston (The Royal Tenenbaums) plays the worried and annoying mother. Considering what a talent she is it’s a shame that Resier doesn’t give her more to work with.

Overall, 50/50 is certainly worth a DVD rental. It will make you laugh and cry (not TOO much) all while attempting to tackle some of life’s bigger questions about mortality, friendship and love.

Director:    Jonathan Levine
Writer:    Will Reiser

 

Get That LA Beach Body For Free

In a weak economy,  certain “luxuries” are sometimes cut out of our lives because they aren’t affordable. For me, that’s a current gym membership. However, Los Angeles is packed with locations that offer a full workout for free. A quick search of our recreational areas showcase a plethora of options to whip that body in shape:

Norman O. Houston Park: Not only does Norman Houston Park offer a walking path, basketball courts, and a kids’ play area, it is equipped with a total body outdoor gym. You can manage both cardio and strength training at this park and get a comprehensive workout for free.

Rueben Ingold Parkway: For a easy, low-impact workout this small, padded trail is perfect for a quick and easy workout. It’s typically crowded early morning and evenings, but if you have the luxury of working out midday you  might get the park all to yourself.

Valley Ridge: Valley Ridge is a steep hill off of Stocker Boulevard between Crenshaw and LaBrea. A trek up and down Valley Ridge will work wonders on your tummy, hips and rear section. Hate squats? Try walking this hill a few times a week. If you need a break from the hill, check out the walking trail adjacent to it that runs from Presidio to LaBrea.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area: Kenneth Hahn is known for being a great picnic park with its many play areas, fishing lake, and lotus pond. It also offers an amazing obstacle course of a workout with several hiking trails. Pedestrians can access the park off of LaBrea and Stocker from the back, but the main entrance is located on LaCienega. There is a parking fee of $6 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Outlook: The newest and possibly most popular location for an intense free workout is this place. Hike through a nature path, walk the paved trail or take the uneven staircase up 511 feet to get one of the best views Los Angeles has to offer. Parking inside the park has a $6 price tag, but there is plenty of free street parking on Jefferson Boulevard.

 

A Night At The Marina (16 Years Later)

Sixteen years ago today on August 25, 1995, Ricky Andres, Michael WIlliams, Lal Knight, Wayne Byrd & I decided to go see the hip-hop documentary The Show in the Marina Del Rey area of Los Angeles.

We were met by the Community Resource Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) Unit of the Los Angeles Police Department made infamous by the Rampart Scandal and by the film Training Day and the TV show The Shield.

Watch the following documentary and see what happened.

A Night At The Marina (828 Entertainment) from Sickly Cat NetworkWatch the following documentary and see what happened.