From “Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one Trying to Gentrify this Neighborhood” in The Onion:

When I moved into this neighborhood, I fell in love right away. Not with the actual neighborhood, but with its potential: It’s affordable, there are nice row houses all around just waiting to be filled up by my friends, there’s lot of open space to be exploited, and plenty of parking. Plus, this area has got a great authentic feel and, with a little work, it could be even more authentic. Perfect, right?

So why am I the only one doing anything about it?

I am always telling my other struggling artist, freelance graphic designer, and independent T-shirt-maker friends that this is the neighborhood to take it to. It’s the next big thing. Sure, it’s an hour from my day job and right next to a stinky canal and a power station, but that’s the whole charm—it keeps the yuppies out…

I’ve tried being proactive. But none of the locals I’ve talked to about bringing in a co-op health-food grocery store have seemed excited at all. Nor have I gotten any of them to take part in my community open-house idea for hip young people to come see what this neighborhood is capable of. What did they do instead? They had a barbecue. With very loud music…

It’s getting to the point where I feel like I’m tilting at windmills. But I can’t give up—I know this neighborhood would benefit from the diversity of more people like me moving in. If you need a good place to live, come check out my ‘hood. It’s quirky, but it could use a few more creative types to get it jumping. But no developers—those guys just ruin it for the rest of us.

Read the whole thing. It’s damn funny… and so true to Los Angeles style. Speaking of, someday i’ll have to post a piece I read recently on architect Frank Gehry’s plan for revamping downtown Los Angeles, it’s infuriating and offensive to say the least.

Thanks to AngryBrownButch for the link.