I've been a bit busy lately, so it's been awhile since I've posted. There was a lot of stuff goin on around good ol' DTLA, but I swear, if I hear someone use the phrase "Downtown Renaissance" in all seriousness, one more time, I'm gonna lose my shit. Is it anything other than a feel good about yourself way of saying "Downtown Gentrification?" Answer: no.

So anyway, lots of stuff... lots of stuff...

There was a big march for gay rights Downtown last weekend, one of the many around the country spurred on by the riculousness of Prop 8 passing. If you missed it, there's some great pics of the event up on flickr. Even better, there's another rally and march going on Monday, put on by community based activist internet radio station IM Radio. The rally is set to meet for a "sign making party" in the alley at Lost Souls Cafe (Harlem Place Alley, 124 W 4th St) at 4pm and leaves from there at 5pm. Afterward, there's a big bash at Bar 107 with bands and DJs (Crass Mondays has been bumped again). Here's the flyer for the event:



The anticipated Blu LA Cafe (no relation to LA Cafe, on Spring) opened last week below the Pac-Electric Lofts on 6th St, between Main and Los Angeles. I had the opportunity to stroll in on Art Walk Thursday and was happy to see a big sign with words that read, "Art Walk Special," and then immediately dumbfounded by those words being paired with, "$25." Hmm... $25 dollar... special? The only thing special about that is it's the most overpriced feed on the block. I mean, really, how the hell do you charge $25 for a special, next door to the place where I used to get the best Turkey Dips in town for around $5? Good fucking luck Blu LA Cafe... Downtown Renaissance my ass.

Speaking of those awesome Turkey Dips... legendary Cole's, the REAL inventor of the French Dip sandwich (that's right, forget what you heard about Phillipe's) is back! I have yet to eat there since it's become another piece in Cedd Moses' bar monopoly. Let's hope they didn't fuck up what used to be part of Downtown's daily diet. I'll have a review later next week.

Let's see, what else... oh... Downtown was blanketed in even worse air quality than normal on Monday and Tuesday due to the raging wildfires around the Southland. It was like we were in a permanent twilight with the sun's light getting diffused through a bajillion layers of smoke. I was actually surprised I didn't see a single person with a protective mask on.

Hmm... there was one more thing... oh yeah! Downtown on Ice has returned. Who wants to go skating in our glorious 91º fall climate? WTF weather? Enough of this heatwave, I'm ready for some cold front. According to weather forcasts we'll be dropping out of the 80s and 90s and down to some chilly 70s and (gasp) high 60s next week. Time to break out those parkas and moon boots.

Swedish Darling to DJ Dance Right Tonight


Lykke Li, the singer behind what seemed like everyone's favorite album over the summer, Youth Novels, and the cutest girl in the world (besides my girlfriend), will be DJing at La Cita's Dance Right tonight. I usually like to make a stink about Dance Right – the Hollywood/Silver Lake scene-zombies, off-rampers coming in from the Valley in sandals sporting faux-hawks, the stanky Polo smell of gentrification with each overpriced drink – but hey, I've been told I'm just a hater, what can you expect?

I honestly try not to hate too much, La Cita's got a great staff, I have a lot of love for the hard working people behind the bar there, and it's an amazing space, and you can't really hate on some of the artwork that comes as collateral for Dance Right... I guess it's mostly just the Thursday night Dance Right crowd that rubs me the wrong way as they rub their coke dusted noses – that and knowing what the drink prices were like before the bar was bought and revamped a few years back. Oh well, no living in the past, right? There are still other bars Downtown to try and save before they get bought out and become the next La Cita. Just the other week I saw that Neu Angeles gave the nod to King Eddy's as a hipster hangout... it's only a matter of time before it becomes Little La Cita [/cue spooky theremin music]. God I hope not. With Crabby Joes long gone, and Charlie O's set to be the next Pete's Cafe, where will Downtowners go? We can't all fit into Jaliscos... can we?

Anyway, whether you like Dance Right and spendy drinks or not, tonight the extremely talented Lykke Li is gonna be there, spinning records I'm told, and that in itself is pretty cool, right? Damnit, I guess I'm gonna have to go check it out. At least it's a good excuse to grab a burrito from Ye Olde Taco House next door.


Dance Right is every Thursday night at La Cita on Hill Street between 4th and 3rd. And in La Cita's defense of the whole overpriced drink thing... there's $3 Dewars till midnight...

As judged by emoticons...

STATEWIDE:

Proposition 1a: Passed :-)

Proposition 2: Passed :-)

Proposition 3: Passed :-|

Proposition 4: Failed :-)

Proposition 5: Failed :-(

Proposition 6: Failed :-)

Proposition 7: Failed :-)

Proposition 8: Passed??? >:-O

Proposition 9: Passed :-)

Proposition 10: Failed :-)

Proposition 11: Passed :-)

Proposition 12: Passed :-)

LA CITY/COUNTY:

Measure R: Passed! :-D

Measure J: Passed :-)

Measure Q: Passed :-)

Prop (Measure) A: Barely Failed :'(

Prop (Measure) B: Passed :-)

And, oh yeah, it looks like we are about to have the most incredible president of our lifetime. Someone with potential to unite and inspire a nation that has been divided and apathetic for my entire adult life. If you missed future President Obama's (God that sounds good... President Obama) victory speech, please watch it below. I'd also like to add, I thought McCain's speech conceding the presidency was a nice touch of class after a horribly nasty campaign. It seemed both genuine and heartfelt (at least to these skeptic's eyes). Let's hope we can follow both of their suggestions of reaching across party lines and joining together united to try and get the American Dream back on track. Welcome to an amazing moment in world history everybody. I feel truly proud to be an American for the first time in a long long while. :-DGC

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:

Good Times Predicted at the Echo, Redwood, & Bar 107There are a bunch of parties going on around town tonight so you can shake your ass in glory to the news that a massive regime change is coming... unless the Repubs steal yet another election... then we can all hang our heads in shame and cry together before we riot in the streets.

First, I should say, I will actually be venturing outside of Downtown. Don't worry, it's only a short bike ride up to the Echo in Echo Park for IM Radio's Election Night Party.

IM Radio (www.imradionetwork.org), an internet radio station, was, until a couple months ago, broadcasting out of the MJ Higgins Gallery Space below the Alexandria Hotel. Sadly, when gallery owner Martha lost her lease on the space, the community-based activist station also got the boot. They are currently homeless and looking for another space Downtown (though still broadcasting "underground"), so if you have any leads, drop them a line.

Tonight IM Radio will be throwing a massive party at the Echo, in part a fundraiser for the station's quest for a new location. There will be three massive video projectors with live coverage of election news, free stenciling of t-shirts (bring your own), an election inspired art gallery, acoustic and spoken word performances, DJs, hundreds of people shaking booty and a full bar. Downstairs at the Echoplex, Abe Vigoda and Diplo will be playing among others. If you can't make it, I urge you to listen in at www.imradionetwork.com for up to minute news coverage and election results. The party starts at 8pm and goes till close.

If Echo Park is a bit too far out of Downtown for your tastes, we at the DTLF have also recieved news that legendary Mickey Champion will be making a rare appearance tonight, preforming with Deacon Jones and Kahau at the Redwood Bar. If you have never seen her performance, now is your chance, don't pass it up! Deacon Jones' mastery of the organ only sweetens this deal that much more.


And if for some reason you don't feel like listening to some incredible blues, from a living legend, head on over to Bar 107 for their big election night party... expect drink specials.

Have fun partying your pants off!

• The Echo can be found in Echo Park on Sunset at 1822 W Sunset Blvd between Glendale Blvd and Lemoyne (you can take the 2 or the 4 Metro bus out of Downtown and it will drop you off right there).

• The Redwood is located at 316 W 2nd St between Hill and Broadway.

• Bar 107 is located at 107 W 4th St between Spring and Main.

First, let me just reiterate a very important fact about voting rights that has been circulating the internet this morning. Voter lines are already long, with one of the highest projected turnouts ever. If you are in line, or inside your polling place before 8pm, and the polls close, STAY IN LINE. Do not get out. Your poll workers have to let you vote.

Alright, now that's out of the way, below are a few pertinent facts weened directly from a handy ACLU pamphlet providing a wealth of useful facts regarding the voting process and your voting rights in Los Angeles and Southern California. Read up and don't get disenfranchised (disenfranchization burns horribly and is the number two cause of irritable bowel syndrome).

When are the polls open?

• Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• You have the right to vote if you’re in line or inside your polling place when the polls close. Cal. Elec. Code §14401.

Can I get time off from work to vote?

• Maybe. If your work schedule would prevent you from voting in person while the polls are open, you have the right to take time off from work (up to two hours of which must be paid time off) in order to vote. If you know in advance that you’ll need time off, you must give your employer at least two working days’ notice. Cal. Elec. Code §14000.

Where do I vote?

• On Election Day, you have to vote at the polling place to which you’re assigned.

• Your assigned polling place will be listed on the voter registration card that you should receive in the mail when you register.

• If you don’t have your card, you can contact your county elections office or visit http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_ppl.htm to find out where to vote.

Can I bring voting aids with me to the polls?

• Yes. You can take written or printed voting aids with you as long as they’re for your own use in casting your ballot. Examples include a sample ballot, a voter information guide, a copy of the voter’s bill of rights, this card, or other similar explanatory materials to assist you in casting your vote.

What if my polling place is not accessible?

• If you find this out before Election Day, notify your county elections office right away and ask for an accommodation. You have the right to an accessible polling place and an accessible voting machine. Or, if you prefer, you can vote by mail.

• Curbside voting must be available at your polling place if it remains inaccessible under the Guidelines promulgated by the California Secretary of State. Contact your county elections office to find out.

• You also have the right to bring up to two people to assist you. You have the right to have anyone you choose assist you as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union.

Can I get a ballot in my native language?

• If you vote in California, you have the right to a ballot and instructions in Spanish. Some counties in California are also required to provide ballots and instructions in other languages. Contact your county elections office before Election Day to find out what’s available in your area. Poll workers in places where language assistance is required should offer this assistance to you. If they don’t, tell a poll worker that you want assistance in one of these languages. You’re entitled to a translation of all ballots and other election materials. Cal. Elec. Code §2103(c).

What if I need help in the voting booth?

• If you need help because of a physical disability or because you can’t read the ballot, tell a poll worker when you get to your polling place. You have the right to vote on an accessible voting machine. You also have the right to have anyone you choose assist you in the voting booth, including a poll worker, as long as the person is not your employer, an agent of your employer, or an officer or agent of your labor union. Cal. Elec. Code §14282.

• If you need language assistance, bring an interpreter with you to the polls. You have a right to bring an interpreter with you to communicate with poll workers and to translate the ballot as long as the interpreter is registered to vote in your county.

• If you need instructions on how to use the voting equipment, ask a poll worker for help. Poll workers are required to help you at any time you ask—even after you’ve entered the voting booth.

Do I have to show ID?

• Probably not. Most voters DO NOT need to show ID at all.

• You only need ID if:

1. you’re a first-time voter in your county;
2. you registered to vote by mail; and
3. you didn’t provide any identification when you registered.

What are the accepted forms of ID?
• Accepted forms of identification include a current and valid photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.

What if I don’t have any ID?

• If the first-time-voter ID requirements apply to you, you can cast a provisional ballot even if you don’t have ID. Cal. Elec. Code § 14310.

What if I’m not on the voter list?

• First, ask a pollworker to check the list again and to confirm that you’re at the right polling place.

• If you’re at the right polling place but your name isn’t on the voter list, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if your name isn’t on the voter list, as long as you’re willing to swear that you believe you’re registered to vote. Cal. Elec. Code §14310.

What if I go to the wrong polling place?

• Go to the right polling place. You can ask a poll worker to help you find the polling place where you’re registered, or you can call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for assistance.

• If you can’t figure out where you’re registered, go to the polling place that you think is most likely to be the right one, and if you’re not on the registration rolls at that polling place, ask for a provisional ballot. You have the right to cast a provisional ballot even if you’re not at the right polling place.

What if someone challenges my right to vote?

• A poll worker will ask you some questions and rule on the challenge. Cal. Elec. Code §§14243-14247.

What if someone tries to intimidate or harass me?

• Tell a poll worker right away. If the poll worker is the problem, tell a poll watcher, call your county elections office, call one of the election hotline numbers listed at the end of this card, or make a complaint online at http://www.votingrights.org.

What if I make a mistake on my ballot or the voting machine malfunctions?

• Tell a poll worker before you cast your vote. If you spoil a paper ballot, you have the right to up to two replacement ballots as long as you catch your mistake before you cast your ballot. If your voting machine malfunctions, you can request a different machine. Cal. Elec. Code §14288.

How do I make a complaint?

• First, ask for an election supervisor at your polling place. He or she can handle most routine complaints that arise on Election Day. Candidates, political parties, and nonprofit groups may also have poll watchers at your polling place who might be able to assist you. In the alternative, you can call 1-866-OURVOTE to report any problems you encountered. If any of those people ask you who you voted for, or if they can’t resolve your complaint, call your county elections office or the California Secretary of State.

For the pamphlet in its entirety, you may download the PDF by clicking this link.

I would also like to add, you don't have to fill in every single field on your ballot. If you feel you don't have enough information to make a qualified decision, please leave that section blank, your other votes will still count. It's my personal belief that a misinformed vote is worse than not voting at all.

Now go get your party socks on and go VOTE!

Part 4: Don't Forget to Check Your Resources
Poster from Obey by Shepard Fairey.

To round out our series on the upcoming election I thought it would be a good idea to give you a few more really good resources to help guide you in the right direction tomorrow at the polls.

The Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) "gets California ready for November 4, 2008 with Voter Minutes — straightforward, nonpartisan one minute video explanations of the statewide ballot measures." This is an AWESOME resource if you just want to get the basics, or you can get deeper as you explore the site: http://cgs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=177&Itemid=90

If you're into getting your information via audio, KPCC's Larry Mantle hosts the very informative show Airtalk. You can listen to episodes for free from NPR's website. On today's episode he was joined buy the CEO of the Center for Governmental Studies, Tracy Westen, to clear up any questions Angelinos may have on tomorrow's ballot measures, it's an hour long, and they field phone calls from around LA. Great listen: http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast.php?id=510128 (Look for Monday, Nov 3rd episode, Hour-2 for detailed proposition coverage – direct link to mp3 file)

If you're a fan of the wiki-format, ballotpedia.org is a handy resource that gives brief descriptions of ballot measures and provides the links to the pro and con sites: http://ballotpedia.org/

If, for some reason, your are still undecided on who to vote for for president, or if you just want the down and dirty facts of what's going on in the presidential race, I strongly urge you to go read Norvig's FAQ: http://norvig.com/election-faq.html

And here's the official County Registrar site for all your official voting needs: http://www.lavote.net/

If you have any sites that have shed enlightenment to how you plan to vote, or any you would like to add, don't be afraid to leave them in the comments below.

Now, don't forget to vote tomorrow! If you want to avoid lines, people are recommending you go during work hours. Pollsters are expecting large turnouts in the early morning prior to work, and after people get off.

UPDATE: I can't believe I left off this great site from the League of Women Voters of California Education Fund: Smart Voter. This site is an invaluable resource. It's has loads of info to help you make your decision regarding judges and representatives among all the other voting questions you may have: http://smartvoter.org/ca/la/

Part 3: Where the DTLF Stands on Our Los Angeles County and City Measures

Well, I've said it before, and I'll say it again, we here at the DTLF always encourage you to make your own decisions, but just make sure you research those decisions. That said, I'm here to let you know how the DTLF will be voting on the local measures on tomorrow's ballot. Hopefully it's not too preachy, and the following will help, not bully, you in making your own choices.

MEASURE R: TRAFFIC RELIEF. RAIL EXTENSIONS. REDUCE FOREIGN OIL.
Measure R is proposing a half a cent sales tax increase that would send money MTA's way for some much needed projects.

Yes on R. Why? Well, the argument against R is this: people are worried that Measure R will not help outlying communities of Los Angeles where more people actually use MTA and more buses are needed. They claim that R is nothing more than an ego satisfying project for Mayor Villaraigosa, that will only put money up for a "subway to the sea." This is a very worthy argument, if, in fact it was true, however, it's not.

Measure R does support the idea of extending the Purple Line which currently ends at Wilshire and Western to Westwood (not the sea). I see no problem in that, it's stupid to end only two stops from the Red Line in the first place; however, Measure R doesn't just support Purple Line extension, it provides funds for extending the Green Line to LAX (yes please!) and the South Bay Corridor, extends the Exposition Boulevard Light Rail Transit from Culver City to Santa Monica (that's the line to the sea – not a subway), extends the 24 mile Gold Line Foothill Extension to Claremont, develops a West Santa Ana branch transportation corridor, and a rapid transit option through the I-405/Sepulveda Pass. Hardly just a "subway to the sea." Yes, I agree with Measure R opponents, and my fellow bus riders, there are quite a few communities left out, but the positives are heavily outweighing the negatives in this situation. They are improving the system in general. Let's take what we can get while we can.

Beyond the above plans, money will also be used to put more clean-air buses on lines where they're needed, repair pot-holes and bridges, create 200,000 new jobs, synchronize traffic lights to help alleviate traffic, and all this costs the price of half a tank of gas per person per year (estimated people would pay only about $25 a year). Not to mention, these funds will help ensure that fares will stay low for seniors and students. I'm sorry, but to me, it's a no-brainer, just because your community may be getting overlooked, doesn't make this a bad plan.

Traffic is pollution, and pollution is a problem of enormous proportions in the Southland right now. It's extremely important to focus on getting away from our roads, out of our cars, and onto the rails – the sooner the better. Los Angeles has made so many horribly fucked up decisions in our past regarding our rail system, and those decisions have had a momentously negative impact on our communities and how they are connected. It's time we bring our city up to par with every other metropolis in the world by getting our rail system together. Yes, it is going to be a difficult battle because we are so far behind so late in the game; however, the longer we wait the worse it's going to get. We need 2/3 of this vote for it to pass, so please, please, please vote yes on Measure R. This is so important for the future of our city, please don't let neighborhood to neighborhood bickering influence your vote on this. More rail transit, more buses, more jobs, for the meager $25 a year is worth it no matter what part of the city it focuses on, it effects us all.

Just look at what our Metro system could look like (full PDF here):



MEASURE J: LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE CLASSROOM REPAIR, PUBLIC SAFETY, NURSING and JOB TRAINING MEASURE.
Measure J proposes issuing $3.5 billion in bonds at legal interest rates to improve conditions on local community college campus'. There's very few opponents of this measure. Our community colleges are in need of some help with recent buget cuts, and this measure will provide that needed help. It's got applauded oversight along with specific plans for carrying out the improvements. Yes on Measure J.


MEASURE Q: SAFE, HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOOD SCHOOLS MEASURE
In essence, Measure Q wants to bring the older schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District up to par with the new ones by approving a $7 billion bond. A great idea. Beyond the benifits this measure will bring to the kids in our communities, it doesn't raise taxes, earmarks $450 million for independent charter schools (to get them on par with regular schools) and will provide an estimated 850,000 in new jobs which will stimulate our local economy. Thumbs up from this guy.

On the other hand, unlike Measure J, critics cite the vagueness of this plan. Opponents are saying it lacks specifics on how the money would be spent. Those opposed are also quick to point out that LA has already alotted $6 million in unused bond money from previous measures.

I'm of the opinion that we should be putting more money into schools than anything else. So what if the plan for getting this ball rolling is a bit vague, we'll have to trust that our elected officials will work something out and get the money going to the right places. That's what we voted them into office for in the first place, right? And if they don't get the job done, we vote them out.

A good education is the number one biggest contributing factor for a secure future. Nothing wrong with kids getting resources they need for a good learning environment just as there's nothing wrong with a bunch of genius little kids saving the world one day. Yes on Measure Q.


PROPOSITION A: CITY OF LOS ANGELES SPECIAL GANG AND YOUTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION, AFTER-SCHOOL and JOB TRAINING PROGRAMS TAX.
Measure A is proposing a $36 a year tax increase for property owners that would in turn create after-school and job training programs designed to keep kids out of gangs. It will require 2/3 of the vote to pass.

Without a doubt gang violence is a major issue in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. With an estimated 40,000 kids in gangs, and those numbers on the rise, LA residents have expressed serious concerns regarding how gang related issues effect their children and today's youth. Measure A proposes a number of gang prevention programs and services aimed at getting kids out of gangs and into after school programs and young adults into job training and apprenticeship programs.

Surprisingly, there are several people opposed to this bill. One issue cited by opponents is that there is not enough oversight for where the collected tax money goes. Another is that it further confuses the several programs we have in place already. And still another is that the proposed program doesn't outline any concrete solutions at all. People are looking for proof that the proposed plans will work and not just funnel tax money into the hands of government officials who will squander it.

What I really think the opposing arguments come down to, is that the word "tax" is even nastier than normal with the ugly economy in a downturn. People are apt to scrutinize what their money is going towards when they're having problems paying the bills, and they're worried that this bill is going to be money down the drain, and rightly so.

Look, despite all the backlash, the DTLF is still supporting this plan with a "Yes" vote. Let me try and convince you.

Jeff Carr, a strong supporter of Prop A, and director of Gang Reduction and Youth Development in LA, made a wonderful point (among others) in the Daily Breeze, "80% of prison inmates [are] high school dropouts. Studies have shown that after-school programs like LA's Best, LA Conservation Corps and the Boys and Girls Clubs have a proven track record of dramatically reducing dropout rates and improving academic achievement." It's a proven fact that after school programs such as these help keep kids off the street, out of gangs, and as a result out of prisons.

On the prison tip, to quote Police Chief William Bratton, "We simply cannot arrest our way out of the current situation." So true P.C.W.B. So true. The measly $3 dollars a month this plan is asking for is nothing compared to the amount of money tax payers would save by keeping these kids out of gangs and subsequently out of prison. Reportedly Los Angeles County spends over $1 million for each gang murder. That's one million dollars per murder. One million dollars per murder vs $3 bucks a month for property owners... not to mention, less gang members means less gang murders, and less gang murders is less murder.

All the nay-saying and skepticism aside, even if this plan doesn't work as intended, it is the DTLF's personal opinion that it is worth the three bucks a month to find out. Yes on A.


PROPOSITION B: UPDATE OF LOW RENT HOUSING AUTHORIZATION. Los Angeles City Prop B is asking:

"Shall existing voter-approved authorization for low rent housing be revised to remove impediments to the federal and state funding requirements not compatible with current housing needs, and authorize the development, construction or acquisition of low rent housing by public entities in the City of Los Angeles, maintaining the previously authorized voter-approved level of 3,5000 units per Council District, subject to the availability of funding and all City development requirements?"

The answer to that question is, "Yes." Without raising taxes a bit, this measure would potentially create 52,000 much needed low income housing units (according to the LA Chamber of Commerce) across the city.

It's time to change the current outmoded system we have that limits the amount of affordable housing city-wide. Every person, from every walk of life, deserves to be able to live near their job and their children deserve to live near a good school; affordable city-wide housing will help make these dreams a reality. Currently developers are locked up in bureaucratic red-tape, restricting them to only build new homes that cost more than most people can afford. This measure will allow community organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, to build homes that families on fixed incomes can afford. Supporters cite that it levels the playing field between rich, middle-class, and lower income developers.

Any qualms people have, such as the rumor that this measure will change zoning laws, are completely unfounded. From everything I've read, all zoning restrictions outlined by their communities will remain the same. Please vote yes on Proposition B, and get people the affordable housing they desperately need.

So that's it for our local and county measures. Hoped that helped you out. Stay tuned for Part 4 of our 2008 Voting Guide where we provide you with a list of a bunch of great resouces to help you make that decision tomorrow in the polling booth a little easier.

Part 2: The Big Picture (as seen by Big Cali Media)

The other day, our good friend Sam sent out and email detailing (via web-links) the way five major California newspapers were voting on the statewide propositions. It's a great resource for seeing exactly who thinks what of what, and which of which propositions catch their fancy. Of course, we here at the DTLF urge you to MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS ALWAYS, but hopefully the following will be some good insight into helping you make those decisions.

Without further hub-bubbery, here's Sam's email:

Hey all,

For those of you who may want some info on the state initiatives, here is a handy breakdown of 5 California News Rags, with links to their endorsements and arguments, and a chart showing where each of them stands, because you don't want to inadvertently vote YES on the "Happiness" initiative, only to find out that it has got chunks of "Sadness" written into it.

Go Obama.

San Jose Mercury News:

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10706959?nclick_check=1

LA Weekly:

http://www.laweekly.com/2008-10-30/news/election-39-08-voting-guide-endorsements-from-a-free-thinker-no-on-8-yes-on-11-and-a-nod-to-mark-ridley-thomas/

San Francisco Bay Guardian:

http://www.sfbg.com/entry.php?entry_id=7262

Los Angeles Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-endorsements-new-2008,0,2229623.htmlstory

The Daily Californian:

http://www.dailycal.org/article/103301/endorsements_propositions

Here is a chart denoting the various positions of the 5 papers mentioned:

Thanks again Sam!

Stay tuned for the next installment of our 2008 Voting Guide where we break down the local Los Angeles County and City Measures.

Part 1: The Basics
That's right, the 2008 election is tomorrow, Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 – make it a holiday and go out and vote. We at the DTLF decided to put together a couple brief resources to help you along in the process which can often be confusing. This is the first part of three and covers the basics of voting in Los Angeles. Enjoy.

WHEN: Polls are open from 7am - 8pm

WHERE: There are places all over our fair city, to find yours, check your sample ballot that came in the mail. It will be printed on it. If you didn't get a sample ballot (or lost it) go to this website (https://lavote.net/SECURED/VOTER_REG/) and enter in the requested information. In the field asking for your house number, that's your street address number, not your phone number (for instance, if you live at the Alexandria, you would enter 501 in that field).

The DTLF recommends, before going to the polling place, you familiarize yourself with your sample ballot. You don't want to end up in the polling booth without a clue, or worse, voting for the wrong thing. Here's a couple of very useful PDFs for your downloading pleasure:

SAMPLE VOTER BALLOT: http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/BALLOT/566/221.pdf

VOTER INSTRUCTIONS: http://www.lavote.net/VOTER/PDFS/Instructions_Voters_At_Polls.pdf

That should keep you busy for a little bit, download those PDFs, get comfy, and await part two... which is basically just a really useful email we got from our good friend Sam.

For complete Los Angeles voter information, why not go straight to the horse's mouth: http://www.lavote.net

A shitty picture of Jane's Addiction fans forming a line outside of La Cita.

I just walked down to Ye Old Taco House Numero Uno to grab a burrito and was greeted by a line of people. "WTF?" I thought, "Did some film crew just get off work and everyone got a wild hair up their ass to come get a cheap burrito?" I would quickly learn the answer to that question was, "No."

Turns out, no one was in line for the cheap Mexican food, and, in fact, everyone was in line for something going on at La Cita tonight... four hours before doors would open. After questioning one of the people queued, I promptly discovered that none other than Jane's Addiction will be playing a "secret" show, way down low where the streets are littered, at La Cita. Tonight. 9 o'clock (or 10, couldn't get a straight answer). $5 bucks supposedly. Is this something set up by Dance Right, the normal Thursday La Cita gig? No fucking clue. Pretty incredible though.

My advice, get there now if you want to get in. The line was growing when I left.

UPDATE: Supposedly the show is "sold out." Here's a link to the Reuter's article: http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSTRE49M3OZ20081023

I'd also like to take a moment and brag that I guessed and told a friend La Cita holds about 400 people, according to the above article it's a 390 person capacity. [/self grats]