2019 - Los Angeleno

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Contemplating Joker – Insight Into The Psyche Of Psychopaths And Sociopaths From A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Edgar Esparza October 24, 2019

Dr. Kate Wilson is bright, funny, and bold. She’s a highly experienced and skilled psychiatrist with extensive knowledge of mental disorders. She has quite a reputation and is known for treating aggressive criminals with severe mental illness, including patients like the supervillain character “Joker,” played by Joaquin Phoenix.

So indeed, she’s the perfect person to discuss the movie’s portrayal of mental illness. Right?

Our 90-minute conversation will give you a clear picture of how society treats or think about mental illness from Dr. Wilson’s point of view.

What Made You See The Film “Joker”?

I used to enjoy watching the Batman cartoon in college and thought of the Joker as the weirder version of Krusty the Clown with violent behavior. But I knew instantly that it was an origin story.

What piqued my interest in the movie was none other than Joaquin Phoenix. He’s one of the finest actors of his generation and is famously known for playing unconventional roles. So without much thought, I went to the theatre to watch it. He goes all in when it comes to playing a character, whether it’s gaining weight or looking mentally ill. No wonder he won an Oscar for his exceptional performance in the movie.

Some time ago, I came across an article where the director said he wanted the character of the Joker to be challenging to understand. But I can’t help it; I’m a psychiatrist!

So here I am going to read The Joker like a book!

Is The Jokers Laughter A Real Condition?

Sadly, yes! While watching the movie, I learned he has PBA (Pseudobulbar affect). This condition can happen to people with traumatic brain injury. Sometimes, people with Parkinson’s can also suffer from this disorder. I’ve never seen anyone act like that unless they’re seriously ill. Kudos to Joaquin Phoenix for portraying the character so well. Crying and laughing at the same time? The act was spectacular!

Usually, this illness can be controlled by taking Nuedexta, an FDA-approved medication. So I thought that if he had taken this medicine, things might have been different, and maybe he would’ve been a little better. The princess of pop, Britney Spears, seems to have this condition, and it’s extremely sad.

What About Joker’s Mother?

Not only was she delirious and mentally ill, but she was also diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissism is a personality disorder and cannot be treated. Narcissists are extremely selfish people who will never see any fault in them and can’t accept their wrongdoings. So if you address their mistake, they will try to prove that you’re wrong and display hostile acts.

Do you think the Joker was aware of his madness?

Most likely because he attends therapy and takes medication.

I almost teared up when he wrote in his notebook about how people expect you to behave. It was sad.

As A Psychiatrist, How Do You Portray Joker’s Unnamed Therapist?

Being relatable to patients is something that we focus on, and so I was somewhat relieved when his therapist told him about how people don’t care. They don’t care about you or me. What I appreciate in the movie is that the people who evaluated his symptoms were both black women. Is there a diagnostician better than a black woman? I don’t think so!

No wonder, without hesitation, she got straight to the point because that’s what we usually do, cut to the chase.

In One Scene, Joker Kills One Of His Cohorts And Allows The Other One To Escape. Do You Think Showing Compassion Is Normal In A Psychotic Person?

The answer depends on whether a person is a sociopath or a psychopath.

Joker’s behavior is distorted because his mentally unstable mother mistreated, neglected, and abused him. He suffered enough abuse as a child that it created a monster in him, thus the name Joker.

Is he a psychopath?

He definitely is because sociopaths are magnetic and have a very likable quality that would attract you toward them.

The perfect example of this would be the American serial killer Ted Bundy. He was a charming, intelligent man, so people would usually say that he could not do such things. But when he gets drunk, he becomes Mr. Hyde and behaves wildly.

Psychopaths are experts in wearing masks and using their charm to persuade you to get what they want, and sociopaths often display unpredictable mood swings.

Do You Think People With Mental Health Problems Like Joker Should Receive Treatment From Hospital And Asylum Or Prison Suits Them Best?

The answer would depend on the mental condition of the person. Because if a person’s illness is the root cause of his insane behavior causing him to commit a crime, he should be admitted to a mental hospital for treatment.

We have Twin Towers Correctional Facility in L.A., the country’s largest psychiatric hospital. They have a bunch of mentally ill patients and a full squad of psychiatrists. The facility has different floors and levels that accommodate patients depending on their mental condition.

I can say that mental hospital patients can improve a lot, so it’s best to send them to a mental hospital for treatment. Since it’s a place made for them, they sure can get better with time.

You Have Met People At The Twin Towers Correctional Facility Who Have Committed Heinous Acts. So How Would You Feel If You Met Them While Walking On The Street? Would You Feel Safe Or Get Scared?

There are several services available for people recovering from mental illness to help them get back on their feet. It can be a group discussion, exercise, yoga, training their social skills, etc., and these people take recovery very seriously because it’s no joke. There’s no room for error.

It’s because we tell them that living in a society is an honor because people like you could be kept in a mental hospital forever. So there’s no way I’d get scared or intimidated by their presence because they’re trying their best to recover and live in a society like a normal person.

Do You Think The Joker Wanted To Get Better?

Absolutely! He was aware enough of his mental condition and even went on to ask to increase his medication, but his therapist seemed unconcerned. I felt like stepping in for a moment because this guy wanted to get better; he was looking for help.

Seeing someone searching for help and consistently going to appointments was heartbreaking. But society doesn’t care at all, and we are all to blame.

What more? People with behavioral or mental disorders don’t have the same societal value as those people who don’t have disorders. That’s the sad reality. Most people avoid receiving help or delaying treatment for fear of being treated differently in society, and this discrimination is a huge problem.

People with mental illness are discriminated against in many ways that create a barrier among people.

Society doesn’t care about the mentally ill person at the grocery store, park, or anywhere and treats them as nonexistent. Reality is heartbreaking, and this movie portrays it perfectly. He didn’t get the chance he so desperately wanted.

What Do You Think Is The Cause Of Mental Illness? Is It Hereditary? Is It Associated With Trauma? What Do You Think Is The Reason For This Disorder?

Some mental disorder is genetic and can run in families, but this does not guarantee that you will develop the same illness. Researchers are yet to find the exact cause, but genetics play a major role. Besides, mental illness can also result due to upbringing.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentions that mental illness can be caused due to several factors, such as drugs, alcohol, traumatic experiences, loneliness, and brain abnormalities.

At present, there are no genetic tests that can help determine your gene combinations to know if you’re susceptible to any mental illness. However, your family history may be able to provide you with clues. If a close family member has a mental condition, you might also be at possible risk.

Understanding and recognizing the risk may help you stay alert and diagnose the illness early.

Is mental illness curable?

Mental illness is treatable, but it cannot be cured. The best you can do is receive medication to alleviate the symptoms to function and work normally. There are various effective treatments available, and they can significantly help improve the symptoms and prevent any danger.

If You Were The Joker’s Psychiatrist, What Would You Do?

The Joker has a bipolar disorder type 1 characterized by maniac episodes and also suffers from a neurological condition called Pseudobulbar affect (PBA).

Luckily this condition can be treated with medication. To control his mania, he should take a mood stabilizer and antipsychotic medicine to help reduce his delusions. He would also need to take Nuedexta to treat his pseudobulbar affect.

Moreover, he needs therapy to help him deal with his emotions due to his traumatic childhood experiences.

Strange Days

Famous Silver Lake Foot Sign Saved

Calvin Dobbins September 27, 2019

Silver Lake and its town people saw a feat and an action so close to their hearts the day their infamous and favorite silver lake foot sign was saved from apparent theft. On a fateful evening, Markus Spencer, the store owner, of “Quirk this way” at Los Feliz by Vermont Avenue, had an idea that something sinister was afoot.

Markus wouldn’t be easily convinced that two men in their black sedan were screeching their car tires. As Markus observed these men further, they were unfazed by what they seemed to be doing. They were unscrewing one of the letters from the silver lake foot sign. Markus stated, “I know when something is fishy, I own a quirky store myself. I know when something is weird.”

In his store, ‘quirk this way, ‘ Markus sells weird-looking antiques to t-shirts with worms on a skateboard design. Markus also sports wall frames with views overlooking silver lake town and the picture of the silver lake foot sign at sunset. Markus Spencer is the kind of man everyone knows and is fond of. The way he makes the city his home is seen from the measures and steps he takes to save the silver foot sign as though it were his own. The town’s people, including Markus Spencer, have long become fond of the iconic silver lake foot sign.

The Silver Lake foot sign first made it’s spin dating back to 1985. Ever since then, the sign twirling around the sunset rays of Sunset Boulevard has become the town’s favorite and signature. So, Markus did not waste any minute when he sensed something odd and fishy about these two men. Upon questioning them under whose order they were doing what they were doing, still, the two men did not respond to Markus. He, therefore, contacted the motel and alerted the town people on his Instagram and in a public community group on Facebook.

The motel contacted Dr. Sam Terry, who is the owner and the podiatrist of the Silver Lake foot clinic. Dr. Terry then confirmed that no order was issued for these two men or anyone to take the foot sign away. At first, it must’ve occurred to some bystanders and onlookers besides Markus, who might’ve thought nothing was wrong because there had been news that this foot clinic would be relocating to a new place. But for Markus, it was a feat he couldn’t stop himself from doing since he has been with Dr. Sam Terry since the start of a well-documented plan for this relocation.

Markus recalls the situation when he questioned the two men unscrewing the panels about who they were working for, and they couldn’t seem to answer his queries. Markus added, “It was too unamusing to see their confusion and the silence that followed after the questions.” But the unwavering effort of a local person like Markus saved the sign that entirely symbolizes the sunset boulevard of Silver Lake.

Markus decided to sit under the sign in the hopes that extra help would soon arrive while he tried to hinder the two men from continuing their uninvited service of theft. Eventually, Spencer could do what he was hoping for, and his effort finally paid off, and the town’s iconic sign stood still.

The town people were all happy to have their favorite old sign back. A man and his wife strolling commented, “we were scared and sad thinking we might never see the iconic sign of the town again.” Another woman with her child outside their house stood in awe and commented, “I mean, it’s as old as my house. I was in shock to see the chaos around the sign earlier.” After the situation was brought under control, there were questions arising. Markus Spencer, in his success of saving the sign, was so excited to tell the story to the people and answer the questions.

Dr. Sam Terry seemed so much at ease and relieved knowing his foot sign was saved from possible robbery. Dr. Terry and along with the co-owner of the clinic and the property, proposed to keep the sign with Markus Perry at his store before further relocation to the new location. At this, Markus was all the more willing to accept the proposal to keep it in his store. Markus added, “I have a soft spot in my heart for silver lake foot sign and being able to keep it safe will definitely keep my heart full.”At this, Markus was all the more willing to accept the proposal to keep it in his store. Markus added, “I have a soft spot in my heart for silver lake foot sign and being able to keep it safe will definitely keep my heart full.”

Dr. Sam and the owner of the property, Mr. Ricky Kelly, were so grateful and at ease knowing that their property and the sign were both far from being destroyed. Dr. Sam, the podiatrist of the clinic, was planning on relocating the clinic to a new location in the historic Filipinotown, and, therefore, Markus was helping him out in taking the measurements of the sign, arranging the pick-up trucks to help in the shifting of the clinic.

Due to this close association with the clinic and especially during the relocation process, Markus was aware of the people helping him and the doctor with the clinic’s shifting process. Therefore, when he saw the two men in their black sedan trying to unscrew the panels while looking extremely unfazed, yet it was not a show to be missed out on for Markus Spencer. The faces of the two men were not familiar nor were they able to answer the questions.

Markus commented, “They looked like they were not bothered or maybe that was their plan to seem unfazed at their actions to avoid any commotion but Markus knows when things are weird.” The whole situation alarmed the people of the town, and almost all the people living in a close proximity to the clinic came rushing as Markus was quick to alarm the people through his social media accounts.

Silver lake town saw something they never thought would happen in their lives where a sign that has been a part of the city for a very long time will undergo through something like a theft. Markus Spencer became the talk of the town as well as a hero who bravely saved the sign from the thieves. In all his quirkiness, Markus was excited to narrate the story to the town people, who were all very curious to know the details as to what actually happened.

The headlines in the news the next day read, “Los Feliz Store Owner rescues the famous Silver Lake Foot sign from Thieves,” and Markus couldn’t help but feel super proud and happy. He felt a sense of true belonging to the town he had been calling home for so many years.

The thieves were trying to escape the scene, but the motel Markus alarmed first was also quick enough to report a possible theft to the nearby police station, and so the police were able to arrest the two men before they could escape from the scene.

In what first seemed like a sudden situation of chaos and confusion, it finally came to a good and successful conclusion where the sign was saved, and the police nabbed the thieves.

Dr. Terry commented, “I am so happy not only because my clinic was saved but to see the corporation of the people. This is what I call a good community.”

He further added to the loyalty of Markus and the rest of the town people how they sincerely took ownership of something which is not in their possession. Dr. Terry was deeply moved by the action of the people.

Markus Spencer also gave a massive shoutout to the manager of the motel he first alarmed of the situation for his willingness to help and not doubt the problem that was going on.

When asked the motel manager what his first reactions were, he replied, “I sensed a great deal and sense of urgency as though my own house was in danger.”

The reactions and the way all the concerned people in the scene reacted and their successful outcomes only teach us the lesson that you need to be accountable for your existence and your being.

“The selfless act of doing and being never goes to waste,” said Markus Spencer as he stood beside the clinic shaking hands and hugging the people of the town, who were all appreciative and thankful for his service that day.

The people of silver lake town were so happy they could retrieve back one of their favorite signs. The silver lake foot sign gives you the feeling of being at home for the town’s people. As many of the people grew up seeing the sign when it was first put up. And for the rest of the older generation, it feels like a sign of good old days, recalling when they were a little younger, a little stronger.

Besides the fact that a possible robbery was going to take place in this peaceful neighborhood, we also saw the beauty of a community that comes hand-in-hand in times of trouble.

People

The Unforgettable Experience At Popeyes During The Chicken Sandwich Madness In Summer

Edgar Esparza September 26, 2019

The employees at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen must’ve probably gotten tired of picking up the call and hearing the same question again and again: is that chicken sandwich back?

It was a crazy summer for the employees at Popeyes, and the reason was their new fast food item, the crispy fried chicken sandwich. This new item on their menu instantly became so popular that everyone wanted a bite. It’s no surprise that people all over the country would swarm at the restaurants to get a taste of their delicious crispy chicken sandwich.

But it’s worth mentioning that behind the scenes, the employees worked tirelessly with no days off, even on weekends, to cater to the customers. Their dedication was commendable!

Since this famous chicken sandwich was available in over 3000 locations across the U.S., it was successful in satisfying the demands of hungry customers even though it was on the menu only for a couple of weeks.

It was one of the best decisions that Popeyes ever made to entirely create a new chicken sandwich, as it was a total hit. Sure, they weren’t ready for the overwhelming demand and positive response to their new fast food item. Even The New Yorker couldn’t get enough of Popeyes’ tasty sandwich chicken that was highly praised.

The magazine described the chicken sandwich as having the perfect combination of every ingredient, and every bite was full of flavor and so balanced that it was worth the hype.

Popeyes In Hollywood

It was in the middle of August when the chicken sandwich obsession began in Popeyes’ restaurants across L.A.

In locations like Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard, hungry customers would start lining up an hour before the store opens. Businesses located at Hollywood Boulevard would place orders in advance, and on La Brea Avenue, endless lines of cars were waiting to order their chicken sandwich at the drive-thru.

It was so popular and tasty that everyone wanted to try Popeyes sandwich chicken at least once. This fast food became instantly famous and remains a favorite among fast food lovers.

Sarah Miles, the general manager of the Hollywood and Cahuenga Boulevards restaurant, said customers were ordering about 50 to 100 sandwiches at one go and selling over 1000 chicken sandwiches in a day. Now, you can picture the madness at Popeyes during the rush!

Though Miles was able to console the long line of hungry customers by handing out water and licorice, one person she couldn’t please was the psychic next door. She was not okay with the long waiting line of customers past her business. Truth be told, that’s understandable, but it was out of their control.

Even now, customers won’t stop calling to ask when the chicken sandwich will be back in stores.

So, what’s the reason behind the delay? Running out of chicken is not an option. So, did they run out of sauce or other items?

Miles says that a unique ingredient is used for their signature sandwich, which is not used for any other food item, including a special sauce that’s equally tangy and spicy.

She further says that the recipe cannot be replicated as it has a distinct flavor and can easily identify a fake one.

When the demand for chicken sandwiches was at its peak, all the employees at Popeyes across L.A. had to work double shifts, and managers were working 70 to 80 hours a week. As a result, employees in some locations couldn’t handle the workload and backed off, which was a struggle for the remaining crews.

Soon enough, the chain ran out, and sold-out signs were put up on the restaurant doors and drive-thrus and are now replaced by corporate signs.

Popeyes In Western Avenue And Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

If you ever visit the Popeyes on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, you’ll be impressed by how clean the place is. It’s comfortable with efficient space and is nicely decorated.

You can enjoy ambient music playing through in-ceiling speakers and bask in the sunshine from the large open windows as sunlight pierces through the glass panels. You’ll love it here!

Of course, it’s not a new thing seeing a homeless woman on the streets of L.A. digging through trash looking for food. So, when the store’s general manager, Stella Jones, strictly tells her that digging through someone’s thrash is not allowed, the woman buzzes off with the leftovers.

Jones has been working there for quite a long time, and like most store managers, they were the first ones to try out the new signature sandwich before it was added to their menu.

She said it tasted delicious but had no idea that people would go crazy over their chicken sandwich. The demand was extraordinary, and sales went through the roof.

Jones further says they’re preparing to bring their instantly famous chicken sandwich. The only reason for the delay is that they want to hire more people and give them proper training to be well-prepared to face the challenge.

Last time, some employees couldn’t handle the pressure and called it quits. This increased the workload for other crew members who had to work double shifts. So, this time, they want to be fully prepared to bring their most in-demand chicken sandwich back to stores.

During the mayhem, the Popeyes King store faced some dreading challenges. By saying this, accidents occurred at the location, and customers threw thrash around, even banging on the glass. For this reason, they lost some of their employees as the situation went out of control, and they decided to leave.

The cashier, Mark Roberts, said that although it was chaotic, it was a thrilling experience.

Roberts said he usually clocks out at 5:00 p.m., but when the demands skyrocketed, he had to work overtime.

During that time, his shift started at 4:00 p.m. until 2:00 a.m.

He said people would still be lining up at 4:00 a.m. to order chicken. It was that serious!

Even the store’s general manager, Jones, worked for 14 days straight, multitasking several responsibilities. She was answering calls non-stop and was figuring out where to store 40 racks of buns while a room full of angry and hungry customers kept staring at her.

At last, she admitted that it was challenging. But then she says that’s a part of her job and has to jump in when she has to because that’s the responsibility of a store manager. However, she gets no overtime for her extra efforts. So she’s hoping that the franchise owners will send some good news and expects to receive a bonus because she deserves it!

Jones hinted about the possible return of their famous chicken sandwich during the winter but said that some stores might bring it sooner.

She also said that the store at Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard has just gotten some exclusive sandwiches. So, this curious reporter went there straight away!

Popeyes At Slauson Avenue And Crenshaw Boulevard

At the Popeyes on Slauson Avenue, the first thing you’ll notice is a big flat-screen T.V. running either sports or news channels, and no one seems to be bothered by it. The customers are not there to watch the T.V., and the crew is too busy working on orders to care about which network is on. No one is interested in changing the channel, neither do I.

Jack Brown manages the store at Slauson Avenue, and he’s been running the place for over 25 years. So, no wonder he proudly says he can immediately identify new guests.

He says the store has been peacefully running for decades and has never had any issues except one night when he tolerated disrespect because one woman was highly irritated for receiving too many pickles. But that was it. Other than that, there are always long lines of customers in the lobby and drive-thru eagerly waiting for orders.

Do they love the chicken sandwich?

Brown says they enjoy the sandwich so much that they keep coming for it frequently. He smiles and says the store opens at 10:00 a.m., but people start lining up at 9:00 a.m. because they can’t get enough of it. They want to get their hands on it before it’s sold out. Also, they wouldn’t get one but would order 5, 10, 15 at one go.

So, not only out of curiosity but also equally hungry, an order for the most in-demand chicken sandwich was placed. As the crew prepared the sandwich, payment was made, and finally, this journalist was ready to savor the delicious chicken sandwich.

Was it worth all the attention and noise made on social media about this fast-food item? Absolutely, and for all the right reasons. With a combination of the generous sauce spread on the fresh bun and the crispy and moist chicken breast, the taste was heavenly.

Finally, understood why people would line up for hours and hours to order this chicken sandwich. It’s simply addicting!

People

Uber Drivers Say “No Thanks” To AB 5: Flexibility Is Better Than Becoming Employees

Calvin Dobbins August 29, 2019

Rideshare drivers show massive displeasure after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s assembly Bill 5, designed to reclassify independent contractors as regular employees.

Although coming with good intentions, AB 5 fails to consider the ground-level repercussions, ultimately making things more difficult for gig economy workers.

We’ve seen several protests and anger over the widescale ill-treatment of drivers by rideshare giants like Uber and Lyft. But when it comes down to it, most drivers prefer having the flexibility and freedom to choose their own timings over becoming employees. Let’s explore why.

Why Drivers Reject AB 5

On paper, the AB 5 bill seems to give gig workers a cushy deal on a silver platter. The new reform would bring positive changes like paid sick leaves, health benefits, and stringent minimum wage rules. So why is the bill met with a scoff and a general thumbs down?

It’s very simple; drivers can turn on the app when they want to work and switch it off when they’re done. It makes things like dropping their kids off at school and picking them back up an easy task. What’s more, no one can stop them from taking a month off, or even two for that matter. Right now, the companies they work with don’t have the power to control them, and that could change with the AB 5 bill.

Of course, plenty of other companies claim to offer flexible hours. But it’s nothing like the freedom you get when driving for Uber or Lyft on your own terms and timings.

With all this to consider, we aren’t surprised that drivers aren’t the least bit interested in letting all that go to become full-time employees of a company that never really bothered about their problems in the first place. And that’s why most drivers would rather quit.

A Night At An LAX Lot

We traveled to an LAX holding lot, where we interviewed several drivers waiting for their next rides. The consensus amongst these drivers is that they prefer flexibility over anything else. Choosing their own working hours is the biggest reason they do this, and no amount of benefits can replace it.

Amidst the sound of planes flying overhead, we spoke to Hayk, an Uber driver with severe concerns over the new bill. “They (Lawmakers) don’t live our lives,” he says as he patiently waits for the next ping.

Hayk lives in a two-bedroom apartment for which he pays $2500. His wife works a full-time job, so he has to take the kids to school and pick them up afterward. He emphasizes that no other job with particular shift timings will allow him to do all that. Being an Uber driver is the only way he can take care of his personal chores and work at his convenience.

When asked about the health benefits, Hayk sneers and voices his skepticism. He doesn’t believe the benefits are worth giving up his freedom and signing up as an employee. “Any time they change something, they make it worse.”

“If you’re not driving over 50 hours a week, you cannot make any money”, Says Brain Lee, a Pasadena-based driver with over two years of experience. Lee usually drives approximately 50 to 60 hours weekly, and the new law might prevent him from doing so.

You see, the moment Lee becomes an employee, his company would have to pay him overtime for the extra hours. It might sound on paper, but it’s not practical when you think about it.

The app won’t send him trip requests after he crosses the 40-hour threshold. Beyond this point, he would need special permission to keep getting requests. It will force him to moonlight at a different company if he wants to make up for the remaining 20 hours.

And then there’s the question of companies simply cutting down on the number of available drivers. That’s something employees won’t have any control over, unlike now. Becoming an employee puts them at the company’s whims and brings the possibility of getting fired due to downsizing, budget cuts, or any other factor.

An Arcadia chef, Joel Turk, speaks to us with a soft-spoken charm. Turk would have been open to getting health benefits six months back when his wife was a contract worker. But ever since she got a studio job with health benefits, Turk isn’t enticed by the offer anymore.

The Smokey-Robinson look-alike owns several large vehicles, which allows him to make small deliveries for UPS and work as an XL category driver for Lyft and Uber. He also uses his cars for his catering company.

As a father of four kids who attend four different schools, Turk needs the time to drop off and pick up all his children. His cooking and food preps also make his work (driving) timings very particular. Considering all of the above, there’s no way he would agree to become a ride-sharing company employee that would make him conform to stringent work timings.

Lyft Driver and Orange County resident, Kent, seems more relaxed on the matter than his peers. He believes it will take years for any change to come through, and he’s not exactly wrong. There will obviously be many court hearings and appeals before anything solid occurs. Plus, several delivery startups and rideshare companies already plan on fighting the bill tooth and nail. All of this indicates a lengthy and expensive trial.

“They’re willing to spend $30 million to fight it? Just pay us that $30 million.”, Kent jokes. He used to drive for Amazon some years back and had plenty of criticism regarding the ever-decreasing ride fares. Kent believes that companies keep trying to make rides cheaper through pool systems. He compares it to public transportation and claims it will ruin things for everyone.

After all, what’s the point of bringing down prices to $2 per ride if nobody makes any money in the end? Ride-sharing is convenient for people; if they wanted to go on the bus, they would spend $2 over there instead.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 06: Uber vehicles are lined up at the new ‘LAX-it’ ride-hail passenger pickup lot at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 6, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The airport has instituted a ban on Lyft, Uber and taxi curbside pickups as airport construction increases during a modernization program. Passengers have complained of long wait times and confusion at the pickup area, especially during peak hours. Passengers must depart their terminal and then ride a shuttle bus or walk to the separate pickup lot. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Analyzing The Real Problem

By this point, we’ve understood that the AB 5 bill brings many problems for the people it aims to help. Forcing companies to pay a regulated minimum wage and provide health insurance sounds like the noble thing to do. However, we must also ask where the money for such policies will come from.

We’ve already seen the downsides of the $15 per hour rule. Rather than help employees, it ended up with many losing shifts and jobs, as smaller companies couldn’t afford to pay these wages. As a result, many businesses had to downsize just to make a profit. We fear the same will happen due to the AB 5 bill.

Harry Campbell runs a popular podcast and blog called the “Rideshare Guy” and offers us some fascinating insight over the phone. According to him, turning freelance drivers into employees can solve rideshare companies’ oldest problem: driver retention.

Companies constantly have to spend tons of money just to replace the drivers they have lost. Looking at a leaked report from 2017, we can confirm that only 4% of drivers stayed with a company for more than one year. It is mainly because the work is incredibly stressful, highly demanding, and less profitable than people think.

What’s glaringly evident is that companies will face increased costs in the wake of employee benefits. Campbell suspects that this will result in a slight increase in fare prices, approximately $2 per ride.

The multi-talented persona reveals that customers didn’t have to pay the full price for rides until now. Companies deliberately decreased fare prices to get more customers while spending millions yearly on bonuses to get drivers to continue working.

He also points out that most company losses are subsidized, thanks to venture capitalists. As a result, customers, corporate employees, and investors walked out with a fantastic deal. However, things have always stayed the same for drivers or gotten even worse. Campbell claims that the only supporters of the AB 5 bill are the same drivers who have faced the worst scenarios so far.

Conclusion

The AB 5 bill will be closely watched by everyone at this point. As of now, most drivers don’t seem to support the bill and state they would rather quit than be forced to become Lyft or Uber employees. Freedom is the most important thing for these drivers, and we can’t really blame them.

Our investigation has brought to light several issues with the AB 5 bill, which presents itself as a noble fix and solution for the plights of millions of gig workers in the country. Forcing companies to reclassify gig workers as “employees” might increase costs, ultimately making things worse for the drivers. If profit margins are threatened, companies will simply terminate a large portion of drivers or have to increase ride prices, ultimately leading to fewer customers. After much analysis, it’s clear that the AB 5 bill is far from perfect, and as the sun rises over Los Angeles, we are left wondering, who does the AB 5 bill really benefit? Definitely not the drivers.

Strange Days

Revisiting The Mysterious Battle Of Los Angeles 1942

Cheyenne Grippa July 18, 2019

The 1940s Los Angeles holds a tense atmosphere. Anxious and fear looms across the country after the Imperial Japan attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The United States was at war, and making the situation even more critical was the news of UFO sightings! Imagine the chaos in people’s minds back then.

Los Angeles is not only home to Hollywood’s telltale but also has storytellers and fabulists. There are also a good number of conspiracy theorists who would love to delve into what happened in L.A. in the 1940s.

The “Battle of Los Angeles’’ as popularly named by contemporary sources, has a lot to unwrap. It’s based on the rumored attack by Imperial Japan on the United States continent but was shortly confirmed as a ‘false alarm.’

All these events led to the birth of conspiracy theories around it. Even more so with stories of people witnessing the sight of unidentified objects. Who wouldn’t be invested, given the tense atmosphere back then?

How It All Began

The “Mysterious Battle of Los Angeles” simply didn’t get its name. Going by the theories and related sources, it’s understandable why some people still revisit this event.

Let’s go back to how it all started. The year is 1942, and spring is around the corner, yet the country’s atmosphere is gloomy. After the shocking attack by Imperial Japan on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, there was a sense of anguish across the country.

There was also heightened fear and anxiousness, and the skies were highly monitored. The first case of UFO sightings happened in Santa Monica and Culver City in early February 1942.

After hearing the incoming aircraft sirens, the residents of Los Angeles came out of their houses, thinking it was another attack from Japanese fighters. Only when they went out, they were surprised by what they had witnessed. UFO sightings instead of Japanese fighter planes!

On February 23, there was a bombing from a Japanese submarine near Santa Barbara, firing thirteen shells. It created panic and fear among the residents. Given this attack, the U.S. coastal defense was ready for a potential attack.

It’s also reported that on February 25, 1942, an unidentified object was caught in the U.S. Army radar off the coast of L.A. Seeing this, orders were given to air defenses to be fully manned, and a total blackout across the city was issued. However, hearing the warning sirens, many residents got out of their homes, totally ignoring the rules.

The smoke from the shells began to form in the sky, causing fear and panic across the city. It’s been reported that three persons died of cardiac arrest, and there was also a report of traffic fatalities.

Para troopers and civilians admit to seeing enemy planes. There were also claims that a Japanese aircraft crashed in Hollywood. In short, it was pure chaos! A Japanese invasion was what many had expected by the next morning.

However, to everyone’s surprise, there was no sign of Japanese aircraft or ships. All these led to the origin of the mysterious battle of Los Angeles.

What Really Happened on February 23, 1942 In L.A.?

One may never get a definite answer about what happened on February 23, 1942. People that night witnessed something mysterious or strange that has only become some sort of lore or an urban legend.

The military officials put the responsibility on meteorological balloons, which were instilled in lights and silvery. It was released that day before the incident. But then comes the question, why attack these balloons?

A study by the Air Force History of this event in 1983 concludes that the military defenses back then were anxious. Before the incident, there was already an attack by a Japanese submarine. Given the tense situation and high alertness, they might have mistaken the balloons for an aircraft and attacked impulsively.

UFO expert Bill Birnes, in an interview with P.R. Newswire, reveals that it wasn’t Japanese bombers. He explains that the object was flying too high, and people that day swore it was neither a balloon nor an aircraft. He said the thing glided and floated, concluding it was an unidentified foreign object.

What made the matter even worse was opposing narratives by the Navy and Army. It only let The LA Times print an editorial with the headline: “This Is No Time For Squabbling.’’ Here is an excerpt from the editorial piece:

“What baffled historians may later describe as the great Los Angeles Air Raid mystery showed some signs yesterday of developing into a squabble between the Army and Navy over the question of whether there actually were any enemy planes, unidentified planes, or planes of any kind over this area between 2 o’clock and daylight Wednesday morning”.

Some even question whether it was all just to cover up the embarrassment of shooting a balloon. In fact, a soldier reveals that he was told to keep his mouth shut and go with the Japanese plane’s story. He was warned that if he talks about shooting a balloon, he will be put behind bars.

Locals who have witnessed this incident are revealed to have said different things. Some said it was a blimp, while others saw fifty planes. Also, many have rubbed it off by saying there was nothing much.

The Aftermath And Rise Of Conspiracy Theories

After much squabbling, when it was clear that it was nothing significant, the backlashes were furious. In fact, Representative Leland Ford demanded an investigation, as per the L.A. Times.

It’s been reported that around six people died the following morning. Some died of heart attacks, while others succumbed to car accidents. Additionally, many wardens were received with injuries from falling shells. Also, some Japanese Americans were arrested on the pretext of being a spy.

The incident overall has impacted innocent civilians, causing some to lose their lives. A Pasadena local who has witnessed the blackout reveals that she will never forget that night. She was in a hospital undergoing labor when the incident happened. The halls were pitch-black, and the mothers were anxious while the nurses were handing out the babies.

She went on to say that she will never know if the baby was her but retorts that it’s of less concern. However, it questions the maternity nurses whether it was an ethical or humane thing to do.

This event also led to the rise of conspiracy theories. Despite officials and professionals stating that it was a human error, the lore ensues. Even with a rational explanation, it didn’t stop UFO enthusiasts from delving into this event. In fact, many theories began to circulate over the years.

The conspiracy theorists used doctored photos released by the L.A. Times at that time as proof of UFOs. They even went on to explain that this floating object was able to withstand gunfire as it was immune to all these.

Skeptoid’s podcast host Brian Dunning reveals that conspiracy theories escalated in 1987 with the release of Majestic 12 documents. The documents are now discredited, but one of them is shown to be an official document of the government.

It turns out to be a “Marshall/Roosevelt Memo’’ dated March 5, 1942, where it claims two alien aircraft were retained from the battle of Los Angeles. Here is an excerpt from the document:

“This Headquarters has come to a determination that the mystery airplanes are in fact not earthly and according to secret intelligence sources they are in all probability of interplanetary origin”.

With this discovery, one can only imagine the excitement among the UFO community and the conspiracy theorists alike. Although the FBI has deemed these documents as bogus, it is highly regarded among UFO enthusiasts.

There is a possibility that people might have seen foreign objects that night. It’s also less likely that there was release of a seaplane over Los Angeles from a Japanese submarine. Whether one accepts it or not, the ‘Battle of Los Angeles’ was more of a human error.

It’s understandable, given the situation back then. Everyone was on high alert, and there was fear. With the imminent attack from Imperial Japan back then, it’s understandable to act without thinking if there is any sign of threat. To err is human, and in this tense environment, it’s likely to happen.

Unfortunately, it happened, resulting in the loss of lives of some civilians and injuries. The officials would have come clean but instead, there was strife among themselves. Despite the clarification from the officials, it didn’t stop the conspiratorial minds.

So much about this battle has been documented that it only allows conspiracy theorists to raise questions. Although official records may say otherwise, the mysterious Battle of L.A. will continue.

This event might be a human error, but it has led to the rise of the UFO community. It has sort of become a reference for conspiracy theorists. However, it shouldn’t deter away from the fact that this whole incident was a human mistake. Many may agree it or not, but the truth remains nonetheless.

Places

Unveiling LA as a Theatre District: Lesser-Known Theatres

Della Ford May 21, 2019

These unsung indie theatres across the city promise enthralling shows, proving that LA’s theatre scene offers captivating experiences beyond the bright lights and glamour of Hollywood.

LA continues to bear the false impression that its theatre industry is not at par with high-end drama districts in other parts of the US.

Of course, New York remains the country’s theatrical district thanks to Broadway. Cities like Minneapolis and Chicago are not far behind with their performing arts industry comparable to the best in the world. On the other hand, the glitz and glamour of the silver screen dominate the LA scene to such a degree that live theatre often takes a back seat and goes unnoticed.

The truth is that LA’s thriving theatre industry rivals the top playhouses in the country. This thriving theatrical landscape attracts and invites countless performers, directors, writers, and singers to the city, hoping to make it big in La-La-Land. Most of today’s star performers on the big screen have inspiring personal histories of hustling, grinding, and perfecting their craft at these underrated joints and destinations.

However, locating the right local theatres can get confusing with attractions like Hollywood, LA’s beaches, theme parks, and the rich blend of pop culture in the city. The challenge of finding a quality playhouse is real for locals and visitors alike.

Here’s a handy list of unheralded theatres and playhouses to catch show-stopping performances and spectacular encores!

The Antaeus Theatre Company

Fans of classical theatre should visit this destination to experience a sophisticated theatrical experience while relishing the finesse and intricacies of classical plays. You’ll catch a Shakespearean play or works by playwrights like Arthur Miller, Samuel Beckett, or GB Shaw on any given day.

Masterpieces of the past like Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” or “The Wedding” by Anton Chekov are examples of the timeless classics to witness here. Grab tickets for one of their Classic Sundays, where traditional plays meet excellent artistry.

The Antaeus isn’t just oldies and classics, though. Their shows often include dynamic renditions of modern plays and stories composed more recently. Postmodern productions like “Downstairs” by Caryl Lesley Churchill and “The Lonesome West” by Martin McDonaugh often grace the stage in this elegant theatre.

Broadcasting station KCRW 89.9FM calls the team “the strongest acting ensemble” in the whole of Los Angeles. So, lovers of the performing arts in LA should not miss out on the exclusive shows presented by this company.

The Antaeus Theatre Company operates from Kiki and David Gindler Performing Arts Centre which is located at 110 East Broadway. Don’t wait till you’re around Glendale to check out this place. Go through https://antaeus.org/ and see what upcoming shows grab your attention.

The Sacred Fools Theatre Company

The Sacred Fools Theatre is a company not afraid to throw seeds on the ground and see what takes root. They love experimenting and giving most ideas a try to see what resonates with their audience.

LA Weekly described them as the most “whimsical” and “provocative” troupes to ever grace the theatre scene in the city. Their distinct standards of performing arts have not gone unnoticed. Sacred Fools boasts over 100 recognitions and almost 200 nominations in different theatrical categories, with the most recent win being the award for Sustained Excellence by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle.

Comedic musicals like “LOUIS & KEELY: Live at the Sahara” are now popular acts at mainstream centers like the Geffen Theatre thanks to the premiers and visibility the show got through Sacred Fools.

Since 2016, they’ve occupied a new lot in Hollywood’s Theatre Row, making them even more accessible.

Sacred Fools also organizes a recurring Summer Theatre Camp that young people can attend to pick up acting chops, improvisation skills, and playwriting techniques.

Located at 1075 Lillian Way, this one’s another must-see theatre in the City of Angels. Check out http://www.sacredfools.org/ for show details and tickets.

The Hollywood Fringe Festival

Theatre fans wondering what trends lie at the frontier of modern theatre should check out The Hollywood Fringe Festival at least once! The festival remains a melting pot of diverse productions and presentations across over a dozen venues, mainly located along Santa Monica Boulevard.

Hundreds of live shows run across diverse venues along the boulevard. Many of these plays run simultaneously. So, it’s wise to check the festival’s live schedule online and plan your day accordingly.

The festival typically falls in the summer months of June or July. Visitors enjoy a wide selection of shows that range from remade classics to avant-garde productions that push the boundaries of theatrics. It’s a destination where hundreds of new artists and productions converge to create a den of spectacular and unforgettable performances.

The magic of this festival comes from the diversity of performances that make it to the stage without strict curators filtering the applicants. Expect unseen sights and one-of-a-kind presentations that will keep the LA theatre community abuzz for the remainder of the year.

Check out the https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/ for how to get started!

The Echo Theatre Company

If you want to see future theatrical successes developing in their nascent stages, The Echo Theatre Company is the place to go!

The company has an unmatched track record of spotting and showcasing potential stars in the making, whether it’s star performers on stage, exceptional musicians, or talented writers; the Echo Theatre Company has a knack for identifying unseen diamonds in the rough when it comes to the theatre industry.

There’s a good chance some of your favorite playwrights and performers got their beginnings from Echo Theatre’s sprawling stage.

Well-known industry writers like Rick Cleveland, Sara Ruhl, and David Lindsay Abaire found their first opportunity to showcase their abilities at The Echo Theatre. Author, screenwriter, and Pulitzer finalist Adam Rapp also contributed to his first production at this company.

The Echo Theatre is among the few smaller companies to nurture award-winning productions from the grassroots to coveted destinations like the Geffen Playhouse. They did it once in 2003 with the epic symphony “War Music,” they repeated this accomplishment with “The Cake” in 2018.

For running shows, tickets, and information on their events, check the company’s site at https://www.echotheatercompany.com/.

Theatre of NOTE

This theatre is far from the sprawling, decorated spaces of the Orpheum on Broadway or the El Capitan on Hollywood Boulevard. However, what it lacks in physical spectacles, it makes up for taking artistic risks and emotional honesty in performances.

They also focus on premiering world-class productions that have not appeared in LA before. So, expect novelty and new plays when you head to their premiers. Many of the Westside’s latest entrants and premiers choose the Theatre of NOTE as their preferred premiering playhouse.

The company also hosts a wide range of developmental projects aimed at skilling up young talents for the industry. The Voices of Note is a series of trainings that help budding writers find their creative groove. The NOTEworthy projects focus on finding undiscovered plays and productions that deserve a bigger audience and broader market.

Located at 1517 Cahuenga Boulevard, the Theatre of NOTE remains a breath of fresh air that’s secluded from the loud and vibrant centers on Broadway and Hollywood Boulevard.

If you’re an aspiring writer or creative, you can sign up for their programs at https://www.theatreofnote.com/ or browse their upcoming shows to book a spot.

The Celebration Theatre

Housed at The Lex on Hollywood Boulevard, the Celebration Theatre epitomizes diversity, inclusivity, and equality, standing tall in LA’s theatre landscape.

The company is known for promoting and reaching out to LGBTQ theatre community members in LA and beyond. The theatre is also aptly named, given its culture of celebrating artists of different orientations, lifestyles, and inclinations.

They host remakes and revivals of established productions like Finn and Lapine’s “A New Brain.” Expect progressive plays and new-age productions that break traditional barriers in performance and reach out to new frontiers in artistic thought.

The Celebration Theatre is a recipient of Margaret Harford’s Award for Sustained Excellence and multiple GLAAD and NAACP awards. Today, it’s almost an institution that champions the rights of equality and inclusiveness amongst queer performers and serves as a venue for showcasing sidelined LGBTQ performers and writers on a mainstream platform.

You can catch The Celebration Theatre’s latest updates at https://celebrationthe atre.org/. Their website also includes updated news on ticket prices, shows, and events around the corner.

Rogue Machine Theatre

If you’re tired of CGIs and the limits to artistry on the big screen, live plays at the Rogue Machine Theatre may just be your ticket!

Oscar-nominated pictures like “Oppenheimer” come alive in this theatre’s dynamic performances and emotional recreations. Plays like “Dutch Masters” relive the spectacle of live shows on the Rogue Machine’s hallowed stage. These and countless other productions await visitors and guests at this exceptional but lesser-known theatrical destination.

The LA Times reported that Rogue Machine continues to display the most extravagant and memorable seasons from other theatres in the city. That’s a huge compliment coming from a source critical of under-performing production companies in LA.

It’s not just shows and productions, though. The Rogue Machine’s “Rant and Rave” series brings together the most talented writers and authors for deep conversations that engage and enlighten attendees regularly.

Their “Days of Giving” events include food drives and other philanthropic pursuits that leverage their visibility to find ways of giving back to the community.

There are countless reasons why Rogue Machine deserves the attention of theatre lovers, and world-class productions are only one of them! Discover how you can get involved or book your tickets at https://www.roguemachinetheatre.org/.

The Actor’s Gang

Theatre fans in LA may already know The Actor’s Gang, thanks to its notoriety as a no-nonsense, creative base for upcoming and established performers. But this theatre’s distinct style and identity warrant a mention.

For the uninitiated, this troupe is directed and supervised by Academy Award winner and veteran actor Tim Robbins. Robbins initiated the company back in 1981 as a space for creatives to present and capture the intricacies of live theatre that are often absent on the silver screen.

Holiday classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and other well-known plays are frequently presented on stage here. The team also dabbles in innovative plays that offer social and political messages under its wings. The “(Im)migrants of the State” is an epic story and an example of such message-bearing productions.

The company also presents plays written in-house by the Actor’s Gang writing department. So, you can expect original works never seen in other theatres and likely never appear again in mainstream production houses. The playhouse also hosts star performers like Helen Hunt and Jack Black, who have graced its decorated stage on more than one occasion.

The Prison Project is a unique initiative started and nurtured by The Actor’s Gang. They reach out to convicts and prison inmates, helping them pick up theatre skills or hone existing performing abilities. The initiative is an effort to allow released inmates to rejoin society with better social aptitude and potentially more employable skills.

The company functions from its theatre located at 9070 Venice Boulevard. You can learn more about the troupe and its activities at https://theactorsgang.com/.

Zombie Joe’s Underground

The Zombie Joe’s Underground theatre is about as indie as it gets to niche theatre scenes. Fans of ghoul-like and spine-chilling live plays will love the horror and grim depicted on stage at Zombie Joe’s Underground.

Their shows aren’t meant for the light-hearted or the squeamish. Excellent makeup and performances characterize their remakes of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”; meanwhile, productions like “Possession: An American Serial Killer” promise to keep you at the splitting edge of your seats throughout the play. “Blood Alley Christmas” is a gruesome production meant for spectators who don’t mind the sight of fake blood on stage.

Zombie Joe’s Underground also hosts an exclusive event called the 50-hour Drive-by Festival. It’s an event where troupes of talented writers and performers create, produce, and act out a play within a span of two days. During this festival, you’ll see some of the best improvs and creative talents showcasing their work.

One of their most provocative productions is “Urban Death,” a haunted tour of terror that promises to shock and terrify even the most unflinching spectators at the front of the theatre. The joint is located at 4850 Lankershim Boulevard. And you can catch updates on their horror shows and events at http://zombiejoes.com for more information.

Places

The Paul Smith Pink Wall Instagram Landmark Costs $60,000 Per Year To Maintain

Cheyenne Grippa March 8, 2019

Paul Smith had one thing in mind as he created the Instagram-famous Pink Wall; to be as recognizable and appreciable as the Eiffel Tower. Trademarked with Pink, the Iconic Wall stands vibrant and forever “Instragamable.”

Droves of people flock and keep leaning against the dazzling pink wall of Paul Smith’s Flagship store on Melrose Avenue. A group of friends, all women, wearing heavy makeup, dressed in expensive mini-skirts and stylish bucket hats, leaning into each other. They pose, putting on their best model faces as a group member extends her long arm to get that perfect We-fie.

Another woman in her early twenties, influenced by the latest pop culture, dressed in fancy sweatpants and baseball hat, strikes a pose tilting her head to the side, throwing up the popular mini heart gesture as her friends takes pictures of her.

Well, it turns out the women have come all the way from South Korea to do their own pink wall shoots. Makes you wonder how on earth they discovered Paul Smith’s iconic Pink Wall.

Fortunately, “Instagram,” they yelled simultaneously while giggling to their heart’s content.

It’s estimated that there are at least 100,000 or more people who journey to the store’s pink wall a year, all to take grandiose shots and upload them on Instagram. With how famously celebrated and globally recognized it is today, the pink wall is truly only second to the Great Wall Of China in terms of being photographed, as Paul Smith claimed.

But while the iconic “pink wall” may as well be the center of attraction, Paul Smith’s own Flagship store, which sells suits for men and houses a collection of photography and sculpture for dreamers and art lovers alike, lies beyond it.

“I actually thought it was a makeup brand. Boy was I wrong,” exclaimed the clueless young adult from China who was so familiar with the “pink wall” yet had no idea what the store stood for. But can you blame her? Most people just come for the aesthetics and leave as soon as they take their picture. Would they be surprised if they discovered that it’s one of more than at least three hundred retail store locations representing Paul Smith’s menswear label since his first store in 1970?

It’s known that the brand hasn’t exactly embraced nor done much to have reached this height of popularity, other than a few comments you’d find on various social media platforms. But one thing’s for sure, they have always refused to comment further.

While the brand wouldn’t have predicted that its iconic “pink wall” would’ve blown up on social media a decade ago, Paul Smith already had dreams of this building becoming a social media phenomenon.

“From all sides, Paul always wanted a building that would be remembered like the famous Eiffel Tower,”- Richard, Paul Smith’s assistant manager.

Paul Smith’s assistant manager added, “He is an intense Mexican architect, Luis Barragan’s admirer, and the color for the pink wall comes as an inspiration from Rosa Mexicano, Barragan’s signature pink.”

The Famous Rosa Mexicano is splashed across Mexico City and at the museum, which once was the former residence of Luis Barragan. Still, the thing about beauty is, it is without imperfections! No photographs are allowed inside the museum.

Even the man Luis Barragan himself was known to be color blind, and his lover/assistant chose this shade of pink, making the color even more special. It’s been said that the shade was specifically chosen to bring light to the surface, which was an old visual trick that lit up buildings that relied on skylights and windows for light.

The inspiration wasn’t taken for granted since Smith’s work was up to his icon’s class; picture takers can easily create the perfect depth they aspire on their photographs, moving forth and back.

“Our iconic pink wall has the perfect vibrant background and is placed perfectly facing the sun and light’s direction, making them hit faces while capturing moments.” Richard adds. “The brand’s color pink, pink ladies, is also trademarked meaning it cannot be ordered from any paint stores without a code which only I have”

The Birth of Instagram shortly came after five years into Paul Smith’s move to Melrose Avenue, and by then, the pink wall had garnered all the attention since picture takers glowed spectacularly on their posts.

“The pink wall was meant for great heights and basically reached it overnight,” Richard explains. “It’s a gift and a curse that most of us in retail never get to experience, not that we hate it, but the cons outweigh the pros.”

The man Smith basically spends, give or take, $60,000 a year to maintain and preserve the iconic pink wall. It’s been said that they have to repaint it every three months, and since the wall needs cleaning and hosing it down is not an option, their janitor, named Patrick, cleans it by hand.

With all the money spent each year and the attention it attracts, anybody in their right mind would think that the brand worships the wall and is used as the greatest marketing tool ever, and yet it couldn’t be further from the truth.

While the pink wall may be getting all the attention, the store is practically empty. But it’s not shocking since picture takers are generally teens and younger adults who can’t afford luxury clothing. Most of the shoppers are fancy car owners who walk straight into the store and back without giving any clout to the iconic wall bringing a whole new level of a gift and a curse.

“I’m that person the janitor calls at any time of the day with literally any issues, so if there’s an act of vandalism and such, I’m the first on sight,” says Richard. “Since the multiple graffiti incident and other issues that needed fixing, we’ve started taking measures to stop it from happening again.”

A street artist who went by the name Thrasher had graffitied the wall multiple times, and the last incident took place at 2 am in the morning on the 12th of September 2018. “Go Fuck Your Selfie,” was the words sprayed all across the wall.

The meaning behind the graffiti that Thrasher so violently sprayed was to empower and tell young women that they didn’t need any approval from social media or society. The idea, in a nutshell, was, “You’re all beautiful, don’t let no individual tell you otherwise.”

“Paul received an apology by Thrasher’s manager, and they even offered to pay for all the damage they’ve caused,” Richard says. “Although Smith refused and said that he wouldn’t be taking anything from them except their promise that they wouldn’t do it again, he followed it up with criticism.”

“No man should be telling a woman what is acceptable.” Richard added as he gave a quick laugh.

To prevent any such incidents, the brand established a couple of rules to protect the iconic pink wall and hired security personnel to enforce these rules. Some of the rules the wall strictly enforces are individuals are not allowed any props, costumes, or professional cameras and prohibits any feet from touching the wall.

There’s a sign put up that lists all rules, and with it, it has the Instagram handle of the brand, their preferred hashtag, and geotag. “We need to live by rules if we want good things to stay good,” Richard adds.

“The popularity and success the famous pink wall has gained throughout the years are monumental, and to leave without a picture leaning against the wall would disappoint culture.” With a rough estimation, Richard states that the visitors in the majority, approximately 70 percent are from across the pond.

Given the number of international visitors, it would be a shame to just stick with expensive clothing; even though some tourists, who appreciate Paul’s work, are delighted to purchase goods, most visitors don’t. So to cater to all types of tourists, the store decided to sell various souvenirs and other merchandise and dish out free postcards and pins.

Even the hospitality shown at the store knows no bounds. “In good faith, the brand’s staff provides water to people taking pictures at the Instagram-famous pink wall if they come inside and certainly allows each one of them to use their restrooms.”- Yelp comments.

With people from all over the globe visiting this iconic pink wall, the traffic the street attracts is truly glorious, and all the other stores surrounding the wall have claimed that they reap the benefits as well.

“Been working at the Carrera Cafe for years now, and one thing I can positively say is that having the pink wall near your business is frankly a blessing in disguise,” says a barista.

But the attention couldn’t be more well directed since the picture-takers visiting the monument, pink wall, have free Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and a place to charge phones at the cafe. It’s almost like it’s heaven for models and influencers blooming on various social media platforms.

While there have been myriads of offers for Paul Smith to advertise various brands on their wall, they have been adamant on turning each one down.

Year: 2019