[SuchFriendsAreDangerous]

The Battle For Los Angeles was a record that symbolized a turning point in LA. It was the final point when the high water of vitriol and racism had started to finally recede after the Prop 187 bullshit. Gang violence was finally declining after a decade of civil war and martial law on LA streets. An entire generation of "Rock the Vote" folks had entirely come of age and were finally and legitimately stepping up to the dinosaurs.

However, it seems we stepped down, backed off or backed out. The corporate take-over of Los Angeles is cross the threshold and point of no return. We can't even have street art anymore, it gets zoned as commercial signage and is pursued by Clear Channel lawyers to get shut down. The new LA Metro will have systematic scheme rather than the LA tradition of street art at Metro stations. In fact, the original street art commissioned for every single stop along the first four MTA light rail lines makes up one of the largest street art networks in the world. Now? Nothing. We used to have cultural gatherings. Now we have corporate events. We used to have rallies and demonstrations, which peaked with the 2006 May Day rally which was one of the largest in American history. Now? We are all pushed by police brutality and extreme legal punishment to stay way from any kinds of protests. The city has had a plastic face lift, but none of the core and systemic problems have been rightfully addressed, most have been pushed aside. To issues of education reform, resolving gang violence, police brutality, civic responsibility, affordable housing, green public space, street art and murals, community events, and removing corporate take-overs of public lands, properties, services, and functions, the city has become largely indifferent and apathetic. I think the phrase to describe LA community activism and awareness in post-2010s is "Meh.."

Did we still have a chance Los Angeles? Or is this battle finally and utterly lost..