I started this blog seven years ago intending to expose the wickedness of business improvement districts in Los Angeles using three powerful weapons: mockery, shaming, and the California Public Records Act. After all this time I’ve learned far more than I expected to about how the CPRA works, and far, far more than any sane person ought to know about LA BIDs. But by now I’ve said what I have to say on the topic, not just about the BIDs and the City that creates them but also about the effectiveness of records-based journalism as a strategy for activists. So I’m not going to write this blog any longer. My work here is done.
But I’m not in the least done with records-based activism! I’m planning to work with the Los Angeles Sunshine Coalition on lawsuits, legislation, and, most importantly, teaching other activists about the CPRA in the service of building a happy, healthy, human City which works for all Angelenos. To this end please get in touch if you or your org needs help or advice or sympathy concerning the CPRA. I’m happy to give formal presentations, answer questions, consult, whatever helps.
I’m also planning to write a couple of books over the next twelve months. One on the CPRA and how to use it in Los Angeles, the other on business improvement districts in Los Angeles focusing on why and how to eliminate them. Meanwhile, of course, I’ll leave the blog up as a resource. Let’s see what happens next!
I can understand why you are moving on, and sympathize. In writing weekly articles for CityWatch, the powers that be dislike me sufficiently to either respond to a CPRA with “no records found”, or not respond at all. I don’t have the resources to sue them every time (or at all, I don’t get paid). Interested in anything you do regarding us gonzo journalists being able to force the powers that be to comply with the law.
(Great blog, too)
I have always appreciated your willingness to drag your huge bright light into the dark alleys of city government for the public. Thank you.
An you’ve amassed quite an important archive, that should be preserved by Annenber and the Library of Congress .
WTF?!? Well, thanks for your hard work since The Beginning, and for substantive and helpful involvement in Venice-related issues, which were my focus until the 2016 election’s minor diversion to the national battle front. Keep pushing that ball up the hill!
Thank you for inspiring me to get online & charge my batteries often, because it was there that I could view Sanitation sweep schedules, which I am still receiving daily.
Thank you for helping me learn how to be an effective self-advocate & for introducing me to the villains STILL keeping unhoused people from being able to access housing in L.A.
I miss your updates, but refer to this blog quite often, like now! I hope you’re doing fabulously!
Hi there! I just wanted you to know that this blog continues to serve as an important record and resource for us activists. I hope you are doing well!