Los Angeles Indymedia : Activist News

On April 25, supporters of the South Central Farm held their third demonstration outside Forever 21 in Old Town Pasadena. (Background information can be found here.) The turnout was high: between 20 and 30 people, and the demonstrators were vocal and lively. . . .

This campaign is country-wide. However, not all of Forever 21's stores have the same name (even within Southern California). The names tend to be variations on Forever 21, like Forever Fabulous.

Report back and photos: Never Forever 21: Round 3 by RP

A creative group of transit activists staged theatrical performance on the Palms overpass of the 405 freeway for a captive audience of drivers stuck in traffic last Friday, March 13, 2009. As passengers stuck in the usual gridlock looked on, a giant 100 foot banner was hung from the overpass, urging motorists to advocate for more public transit, and less freeways. The sign read "If we had trains, you'd be home by now!"

Press release: Mass Transit Advocates Action: 100 foot banner drop over 405 Freeway by A

I thought Fuel was very well-made, important, and informative--there's a lot to absorb. I don't agree with every point of view expressed in the film, but I realize the movie has to communicate to diverse people. . . . Still, the movie features a lot of provocative ideas like vertical farms (skyscraper-like farms that would exist in the middle of cities and other places where space is scarce), and there is some great historical information. For example, details of Rudolf Diesel's sudden and very suspicious death is discussed as well as the long and insidious history of Standard Oil (which was broken up 100 years ago but is now reunited as Exxon-Mobil). Also, a compelling case is made that Prohibition was really about stopping a car that Ford put out that ran on ethanol. As soon as Ford gave up on this car, Prohibition was lifted.

. . . I was glad to see depictions of monorails in the film (though they're never discussed). I think they could be a solution to some of our problems (at least until our population crisis is dealt with--if it is ever dealt with), as they have been in other countries for a century. . . .

Article: "Fuel" (review) by RP

In a crucial attempt to protect a densely populated Latino neighborhood in Los Angeles, environmental justice advocates and community residents filed an appeal in court on March 3, 2009, seeking to overturn a decision to build luxury homes on a fragile hillside in El Sereno. The development on Elephant Hill would endanger residents and strip the community of its last open space.

"The community of El Sereno needs parks and open spaces, not McMansions," said Tim Grabiel, project attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Elephant Hill is a greedy project pushed forward by developers at the risk of jeopardizing the health and safety of residents and the environment."

Story: Groups Appeal Elephant Hill Ruling by Hugo Garcia

February 2, 2009: Another demonstration took place outside the Forever 21 in Old Town Pasadena. The turnout was even higher than the previous action of December 13, 2008. One demonstrator reported giving a leaflet to someone entering the store. This person looked at the flier, turned around, and exited. Many other passersby showed interest. Participants were asked to contact other Forever 21 outlets (see the list following this article) to remind them of the boycott.

Story and photos: Actions Against Forever 21 Continue by RP