Opinion: Santa Monica<->Hollywood

A friend and I were sitting in traffic last Friday on our way to a show, and we got into a discussion about how fucked up it is, in the year 2006 mind you, that we still don't have quick transportation into Hollywood. "Quick" meaning some sort or rail or subway system. We live in Santa Monica. On Friday it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to get from the middle of S.M. to Fairfax and Beverly at 6pm. Now, folks who drive a lot will understand that that is somewhat normal. Why the fuck should it be in this day and age? That was our question.

It's easy to say that it would be too hard to implement a transportation system that would give us a straight shot between both cities. There's no denying that fact. The cities would be a nightmare to travel through amidst any type of construction of that magnitude. But wouldn't it be worth it? If we all sit in at least 1 hour of traffic, each way, everyday, right now...why can't we sit in 1-1/2 to 2 hours of traffic for 2 years in order to make our lives easier in the future?

I did a very small amount of research before I started writing this. As it stands, the city of Los Angeles is planning something. The Exposition Light Rail has supposedly just begun construction on a rail traveling from Downtown to Culver City. A second phase is to start after that going from Culver City to Santa Monica. The estimated completion for that portion, according to wikipedia, is 20013-15. I think they can do it in less than 2 years. If they make it an actual goal.

Whether or not these are facts or just some "wishlists" and "promises" from the lovely politicians of Los Angeles is yet to be seen I guess. Personally, I hope it it happens sooner rather than later. Our city has always been behind the transportation times. It may be decent, but it isn't easy in any regard. Especially to and from the beach communities.

I guess you really need to ask yourself this: Given that you sit in up to an hour of traffic a day, would you sit in 30-60 more minutes a day in order to make it easier for you over the course of 2+ years?

Los Angeles Music Happenings: 10/15-10/21

10/15: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! @ The Henry Fonda Theatre
10/18: Badly Drawn Boy @ The Troubadour
10/19: Badly Drawn Boy @ The Troubadour
10/19-22: Arthur Nights @ The Palace feat. Devendra Banheart, Fiery Furnaces, Comets on Fire & More
10/20: Bob Dylan w/Kings of Leon @ The Forum
10/20: The Breakfast @ Fais Do-Do
10/21: Galactic w/The Stanton Moore Trio @ HOB Sunset
10/21: Umphrey's McGee @ The Avalon
10/21: The Decemberists @ The Wiltern
10/21: Beastie Boys @ Goofy vs. Regular Skate Contest (FREE!!)

Needless to say, there's a lot going on this week for Indie, folk, and jam fans. Not sure what I'm hitting up yet, but odds are I'll make it to one of BDB's shows. As far as the weekend is concerned, I really feel like promoters need to check with me before they book three great acts on the same night. If I stay in town this weekend, I just may have to pledge my allegiance to Umphrey's. That is, if I don't go to...

10/21-22: 20th Annual Bridge School Benefit feat. Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie, Foo Fighters, Brian Wilson, Trent Reznor, Gillian Welch, and Devendra Banheart

Still thinking about it. It's either this or Vegoose. Which I will post more about this week. Probably after my decision.

It's been awhile

I started this blog a few years ago, and a lot's changed since then. Seeing that I have more free time on my hands, I'm going to start updating this a bit more regularly. I highly doubt I'll be a regular "blogger", but I feel that I have things that go on in my life that might be useful to some. Whether it has to do with music, film, random rants, or cool links, I'll be sure to add them onto here.