Yuppies and Locals -- Episode 24 comments thread from the main page

[David Spancer]

Episode #24 spawned a vibrant comment thread on the main page.  I'm moving it here to keep it going. 

The following ten or so posts are copied and pasted from the comments section. I'll put the name of who posted each comment in the subject line.

[David Spancer]

LOCAL ANONYMOUS - March 2nd, 2009, 9:56am

I must say that I stumbled across Eagle Rock Talk by mistake. Having grown up here and my family being Northeast Los Angeles residents for over 60 years I didn’t even know that your website existed. Ever since this real estate boom there has been an influx of new faces not just in Eagle Rock but Highland Park and other parts of the area as well. It really comes as no surprise that some of these businesses are closing. Why doesn’t anyone mention prices? These boutiques and such are really expensive! My wife and I try to support our local businesses as well but geez! who can afford $30 bucks for a toddlers cotton blouse? And economic downturn is why The Yarn Store closed? Please………..what town are you living in? Someone needs to set the record straight here. Eagle Rock is a working class Blue Collar town. Just because there has been a huge migration of yuppies and hipsters to this area does not mean that this is the type of person that has historically lived here. Sure it’s nice to purchase items locally but when you know you are buying something that is overpriced simply because it’s local, does that mean you should buy it? Example: My wife knits and crochets she went to That Yarn Store when it first opened and didn’t buy a thing because items were way overpriced. For most locals we have seen the writing on the wall. These businesses open by yuppies FOR yuppies. Same with Highland Park, I see these ads stating “Upscale Restaurant” Upscale Hair Salon”. Upscale? when you say UPSCALE, you automatically eliminate 75% or your business. NEWS FLASH - THERE IS NOTHING UPSCALE ABOUT NORTHEAST LOS ANGELES. Contrary to popular belief Eagle Rock or the Northeast community is not by any means a “wealthy” community. Sure entertainment people live here with there nice 6 figure income and they can afford to purchase overpriced yarn, or a $4 cup of coffee, or some really expensive kids clothes, or some inflated hand painted yard sale bric a brac from an eclectic store selling a bunch of useless crap. I mean let’s call a spade a spade here. Listening to this guy David Spancer, who are you? You talk about the Colorado Plaza, how long have you lived here? That place has always been EXACTLY the way it is now, businesses have been coming and going from there for years. Oh buy the way KUDOS to the owners of the new coffee shop next to the Rock Teen center. Now my teenage son knows where he can get a panini sandwich with his coffee after school………….. I remember several years ago hearing how this new crowd of people were upset about all of the auto related businesses in Eagle Rock, okay so now they are all gone, to be replaced by what? Coffee shops and expensive boutiques and a couple decent restaurants? I miss going into Williamson’s Auto Parts (now the Coffee Table) and having a beer with Gary or Tom talking cars or ordering parts. You new faces are a minority. I think us locals and long time residents liked the way it was. It “erks” me that you Newbies try to spin businesses folding in this area on the “economic downturn”, wake up! People who have lived here for ages have seen businesses come and go and will continue to see businesses come and go. The reality is the hype has died down, and like I said who can afford some of this stuff in these shops? Not to mention the increase in rents, I mean it’s understandable why these businesses charge what they do, look at Dr. Music, their rent was raised to something like $12,000 a month. Outrageous! They would have to have been doing at least $20 -$25 grand a month just to stay in business. That kind of money simply does not circulate throughout this area. The reality is this is a small town. There is no “blight”in Eagle Rock. It is simply business as usual. Oh can’t wait to buy my $5 yogurt……

[David Spancer]

atlasscaffold - March 2nd, 2009, 12:15pm

Wow, where does one begin in responding to a rant like this? No one is trying to change the history of Eagle Rock. A lot of us moved here because the neighborhood was safe and affordable. Now Eagle Rock is a mix of incomes and races, isn’t this a good thing?

No one can force you to buy local but take a moment and look at the big picture…when you shop at a big box store you are shopping yourself or another American out of a job. Maybe the first step is to focus on buying an American made product.

And I see you repeatedly mention yourself as being a “local”. My family has been in Los Angeles since the forties. And my ancestors have lived in America since 1630. So who is really a local and why does that give you any more right to decide how Eagle Rock evolves? We’re inherently a country of change and immigration (yuppies, newbies and hipsters included).

[David Spancer]

erOG - March 3rd, 2009, 10:16pm

You’re right atlasscaffold. No One is trying to change the history of Eagle Rock, but all of you yuppies and hipsters are trying to change the face of Eagle Rock. You are trying to make it something its not and that it won’t be. Eagle Rock isn’t Silverlake, nor will it ever be. You say ” a lot of us moved here because the neighborhood was safe and affordable..” Then explain to me why all of you have moved into Highland Park as well.. Highland Park isn’t exactly the safest neighborhood but yet all of you yuppies have infested it…You obviously haven’t lived here long because Eagle Rock has always been a mix of races and incomes. All of you hipsters and yuppies are just turning it into a predominantly white neighborhood.

You are 100% right. No one can force me to buy local, or anyone at that. That should be apparent to you by the fact that these stores popup and close down within the same year. When you shop at a “big box store”
you are saving money…Shop local and you are paying out of your a** for something that is half the cost at a “box store”.

When “Local Anonymous” refers to himself as a local, I am almost positive that he is referring to himself as a local of Eagle Rock. Someone like myself. Someone who has grownup here, someone who has lived there life in this town. Someone who has driven up and down Colorado Blvd. and Eagle Rock Blvd. countless times. Someone that has kids that attends the schools. Someone that has kids that work in the community. Thats what a local means. So I guess when it comes down to it. We are the locals and you are just another yuppie hipster that wants to turn this town into Silverlake. Oh yeah, what should give me more right to decide how Eagle Rock evolves? Maybe the fact that I was born in this town, raised in this town. What should give all of you hipsters the right to come into a place where you aren’t really wanted and turn it on its head?

[David Spancer]

atlasscaffold - March 4th, 2009, 1:45pm

This seems to have become a discussion of race which is unfortunate. Eagle Rock is not predominately white, it’s about 30% white. Eagle Rock has always had race fluctuation. From the Tongva Indian tribe to the Spanish settlers in the 18th century. Then white settlers in the late 1800s. Then Latino and Filipino throughout the mid to late 20th century. Eagle Rock is still predominately Latino and Filipino.

Having been born and raised in Los Angeles, I have always been faithful and vigilant in defending this city which is often under attack by transplants who view us as less cultured and flaky. I always considered myself a “local” of Los Angeles. So to come under attack by other Angelenos was very interesting and forced me to question my own hard headed thinking about me being more of a local because I was born here. I laughed at a recent Venice resident because he said he was a local now that he’s lived there for ten years. So, I guess I got a taste of my own medicine.

Stores and restaurants closing in Eagle Rock are proof that the neighborhood has not become a hipster haven. But I don’t think anyone from blue collar to elite likes to see empty graffiti-ridden storefronts. Empty streets at night, a playground for taggers and racers. Blight effects all of us. Eagle Rock Pharmacy moved because a big box store called Walgreens opened across the street. I don’t view the Eagle Rock Pharmacy as a hipster boutique. When I said buy local, I wasn’t referring to only hipster boutiques. When I see Tommy’s and Casa Bianca and Fatty’s packed on a Saturday night, this makes me happy, this is inclusive not exclusive. And I personally prefer Casa Bianca over Fatty’s so I may be more on your side than you think. So my Angeleno sibling, I apologize if I offended you in any way. I am not a yuppie or a hipster, but an Angeleno and proud. These are tough times, we need to stick together and make sure our community stays safe most of all.

[David Spancer]

localmom - March 4th, 2009, 2:02pm

Yuppy here, but I agree with erOG and Anonymous. I’ve only been a homeowner in the neighborhood for 5 years. When we moved here, my husband and I loved that we’d found this little slice of neighborhood paradise - we couldn’t wait to be homeowners and start a family here. We instantly became friends with our neighbors and felt like a welcome addition to the neighborhood. We now have a son that goes to school with many of the other neighborhood kids. We loved that we could walk to Auntie Em’s in the morning and have breakfast and quickly discovered the other gems in the neighborhood - the Italian Deli on Colorado, Colombo’s, etc.

Then it happened… it was the “Next Silverlake”. Everything we hated about the eastside followed us here. And, it seemed like everything was not targeted for the residents of Eagle Rock, but rather for the hipsters that drive in from their apartments in Silverlake because it’s “cool”. An overpriced sushi bar opened down the street with VALET!! What the hell is that about!? We can no longer walk to Auntie Em’s on the weekend because there is always an hour long wait for a table - AND all the hipsters park on our street making it IMPOSSIBLE to park our cars all weekend long. Having just had a baby, I decided to check out the local kids shops - holy cow! I couldn’t afford anything there, why even bother!? My son doesn’t need a $40 Iggy Pop t-shirt! I read the article in the Times about the businesses here that closed recently because of the ‘economic times’. For a moment I felt sad that it was a reflection on the state of the neighborhood - but I quickly realized they were all overpriced obsolete stores that I never once shopped at or had any interest in. Anonymous, you’re right - we don’t need $5 coffees and $30 toddler tshirts - I know I can’t afford them and never could! I’m a total newbie - I admit it, but the things I fell in love with are the things all the long time residents treasure as well. My husband and I love to support our local merchants, but only the ones we that we can afford, and the ones that feel relevant.

I feel protective of this neighborhood, and want to see it thrive, but not forced to become something it’s not. We left Los Feliz for a reason. I don’t think there is anything wrong with business owners trying to bring something new into the neighborhood, but it is still a blue collar, predominately Hispanic and Filipino area - it’s not Sunset Junction - let’s get real!

[David Spancer]

bailee - March 4th, 2009, 3:15pm

Who are these so-called “hipsters” that are ruining Eagle Rock ?? Is “hipster” code word for something ? Is this some kinda thinly veiled class war ? or do you really have a problem with trendy people with good fashion sense ? Cause, if that’s the case, you’re giving Silverlake waaay too much credit.

[David Spancer]

R3 - March 4th, 2009, 10:17pm

I am one of these new guys who purchased a home in the area 6 years ago. My wife and I moved here from Mid Wilhire area because it was affordable and w love the neighborhood feel. We are a mixed couple with two addorable kids. We love that this area is open and doesn’t have these tired class wars that we moved from. I take offense to the tone about these so called yuppies. We are young families who have found an area in Los Angeles that allows us to own a home have access to amazing parks and friendly people. We don’t feel superior to anyone else and we sure don’t feel the need to bad mouth someone because of there social economic status. My home is in Highland Park (you know that gang invested area).We find the people to be good working class folks who want the same things out of life that you and I want. The fact that they are new businesses opening up in both neighborhoods is a good thing and there will be some which fail. If you don’t have a good business model it will happen. This is just common sense so this talk of us vs. them is tired and old.There is no reason to rant about us outsiders changing this fine neighborhood. We love it here and appreciate both the new and old local flavors that makes this place a real jewel in our city. So stop with the class wars. We are not trying to turn this into the next Silver Lake or what ever. Where you need to assign your rants are to the local and national press who love to spin and create hype.
you

[David Spancer]

Dawn - March 6th, 2009, 8:02am

This conversation is great. I suppose I fall into the ridiculous category of “hipster” — a term that is outdated and lame, and frankly I have no idea what it means. I have style? I appear to have money because I have style? I like a cool hair cut and good shoes?
More importantly, I am a mother of two, a wife, a sister, a friend, a daughter…These are a list of identities that mark me more than anything else. Enough of the exclusionary tone of some of the posts! Old-timers or new-timers — we’re all here. For myself? I don’t buy $30 children t-shirts or $4 lattes because I can’t afford them. But, I don’t resent the shops that offer over-priced goods. I just don’t patronize them. Right now, what I see is empty store fronts which is depressing to look at and wasteful of space in a thriving community such as ours. There are plenty of spots open for more affordable new business. So, Old-timers/New-timers/Renters — what do you want to see go in there? Nothing? Something? If something, then what? Let’s make this conversation productive. I love the small town vibe of Eagle Rock — but I would very much like to see it grow respectful of ALL of us Eagle Rockers. I will raise my children here — I am invested. And, for the record, the Colorado Plaza has not “been like that forever.” It was once a one hundred year old building of historical significance that, in the 80’s, was torn down in the early hours of morning while one woman from Eagle Rock stood on top of it trying to save it from demolition. She was jailed for a day. And look what took its place. A nasty looking strip mall, littered with cigarette butts, and trash — with an accident prone parking lot. So, change is inevitable, whether we like it or not. What we need to think carefully about and discuss, is what kind of change we want to see and get together as a community to make it happen. I vote for a bagel shop — located in the aforementioned crappy strip mall, or on ER Blvd. Affordable and yummy.

[David Spancer]

atlasscaffold   - March 6th, 2009, 1:42pm

Please don’t resent the shop owners or feel that they are intentionally gouging the neighborhood. I’m a small business owner and understand that there are a number of reasons why they come to a certain price point. Whether or not that price point will work in this neighborhood is another business discussion altogether. But it seems as if there is an implication of price gouging that isn’t happening.

The recent shop owners and restaurants moved into the neighborhood during a time when rents were escalating. Most are paying a premium price per square foot for this area considering the level of foot traffic. They have invested quite a bit of money into upgrading and maintaining their shops. I know for a fact that many of the shop owners have existed in the red or make about 30K a year for many years and still remain dedicated to the neighborhood. Many live in the neighborhood. Many sell goods that are hand made or made in small runs by Americans or are “green”. These shops do not benefit from bulk purchasing power. There are many factors that come into play when determining price point. One acid etched graffiti tag will ruin a storefront window that can be $800 to replace. And the more empty storefronts there are, the more this will happen. It has a snowball effect.

What exactly is a hipster or a yuppie? My plumber makes $100 an hour. If you knew what he did for a living you’d say he was “blue collar”. If you go by what he makes, I guess that makes him a “Yuppie”.

Walgreens moves Eagle Rock Pharmacy. Kragen Auto Parts kills off Williamson’s Auto Parts. The new small shops benefit the neighborhood. They are SMALL business owners, many have spent their life savings on their little shops. They work without pension or health insurance. Trust me on this, the chain stores don’t give a cr*p about this neighborhood in the long run. Compare their executive salaries to the salaries of the small shop owner. I shop at all types of stores, big and small. When I buy for myself, I’ll buy at Target. When I buy a gift, I’ll go to Rockin’ Kid. I make an effort to spread the wealth around.

[sinner]

I dont really care about the whole hipster/yuppie vs. locals argument, it's old, but who in their right mind thought it would be a good idea to open a friggin yarn store? Open that shit in a retirement community somewhere in south florida, geez.

[EagleRockLocal]

Being a Los Angeles local for all your life is not the same as being an Eagle Rock local.
I suppose only a life long local from Eagle Rock can understand that.

[RNiederlander]

Being a Los Angeles local for all your life is not the same as being an Eagle Rock local.
I suppose only a life long local from Eagle Rock can understand that.

What sort of "being" does a life long local from Eagle Rock understand?

[fugly]

       i came to eagle rock back in 1973 when a lot of white families were leaving due in part to mexican families like mine supposedly ruining the area so i feel kinda bad that i now feel the same way about the new arrivals. my main issue is with people moving here and and right off the bat talking about all the "sketchy" places that need to be pushed out to make room for "upscale" businesses  and i dont think im alone. fat chance of eagle rock going upscale now though so im feeling a lot better about my new neighbors hehe

 ps -  when the hell did silverlake become the eastside 

[arobyn]

       i came to eagle rock back in 1973 when a lot of white families were leaving due in part to mexican families like mine supposedly ruining the area so i feel kinda bad that i now feel the same way about the new arrivals. my main issue is with people moving here and and right off the bat talking about all the "sketchy" places that need to be pushed out to make room for "upscale" businesses  and i dont think im alone. fat chance of eagle rock going upscale now though so im feeling a lot better about my new neighbors hehe

 ps -  when the hell did silverlake become the eastside 

Hi Fug,

And I wasn't even born in 1973 and I come from an east coast hood where the white people were leaving because black people like my family were moving in. I came west, went to college, got one of those "good jobs" my mom told me to get then...

I bought my house here in the Rock because I liked the neighborhood but suddenly, it's worth about 25% less than when I bought it!!! I'm afraid to move though, because I think all these white people are just playing financial jokes on me to get me to move. As soon as I head to Crenshaw and Slauson, ER will be back up to $450 a square foot.

(Jokes, people. But, Fugly I understand your points completely.)

But wow, I really need someone to decode these hipster vs old school wars.  Can we all get baseball uniforms and battle it out at ER park?