Giuliani Gives Up 1-30-08

Ex-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani gave up his bid for the Presidency of the United States at a press conference held at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. The State of Florida reminded him a campaign of fear and hate will not resonate with them or the rest of the country. Mr. Giuliani gave his support and endorsement to "his friend" Senator John McCain who's campaign of hate is on track and resonated with the Republican voters of Florida.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Republicans Rearrange Deck Chairs of GOP Titanic

The Republican candidates running for US President met at the Ronald Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Candidate McCain and Candidate Romney slugged it out while completely ignoring Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee. Spotted in the crowd, Nancy Reagan, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Fred Hayman, and Lee Iaccoca.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

The Cover Of LA City Beat Vol 6 Issue 5

Got the cover of this week's LA City Beat. It's a photo of our next US President, Barack Obama. 

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

John Edwards Drops Out 1-30-08

Presidential hopeful and my favorite candidate up to now is dropping out of the race for the presidency. He will make his announcement in New Orleans, the same place where he launched his campaign. John Edwards always acknowledged that it was a two person race, Clinton and Obama, and tried to compete. His campaign for the working persons of America never really caught on. Edwards was the only candidate to visit, support, and picket with the WGA outside of the NBC studios in Burbank. 

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

40K Hits On Flickr 1-29-08

This photo received 40 thousand hits on my Flickr page as of today. It was taken on PCH during the first day of the Southern California firestorm. 

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Steve Grayson, Gone Too Soon. Rest In Peace.

Steve Grayson fellow photog died last week from an a possible heart attack. Steve was one of the last classy photographers around. Steve was known to all for his great photographic work and awesome personality. I met him back when he worked for the LA Herald Examiner. He was always friendly and great to work with. Steve, you will be missed.

Today Was A Good Day 1-26-08

The view of downtown Al Lay from Kenny Hahn's Park up in Baldwin Hills. "Today I didn't have to use my AK. I got to say it was a good day." Quoting Cube.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Larchmont Lagoon @ Lake Rossmore 1-25-08

Heavy winter rains fell in Los Angeles causing minor flooding on Rossmore Ave. in the Larchmont area of Los Angeles. A LA City official stated that over turned trash cans along with the heavy rains caused the street to flood. More heavy rain is expected along with mud slides over the next couple of days.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Smiling in Eagle Rock 1-24-08

Seen on N.Figueroa ave. today in Eagle Rock.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Federal Agents Raid LACMA 1-24-08

Federal agents raided four southern California museums and an art gallery as part of a multi year investigation in to illegal smuggling of south eastern Asian art and artifacts. The targeted museums were the LA County Museum of Art, the Bowers Museum of Cultural Art in Santa Ana, the Pacific Asian Museum in Pasadena, and the Mingei International Museum in San Diego.

Photos by  Ted Soqui c 2008

New Logo For 2008

Here is my new logo for '08. 

Ahnold and Bloomy In LA 1-18-08

CA Gov. Anrnold Schwarzenegger, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Penn. Gov. Edward Rendell held a press conference under the 110/105 freeway interchange. The called on the Federal Government to help pay for badly needed US infrastructure repair. Mayor Bloomberg noted recent infrastructure failures from New Orleans' levees to Minnesota's bridge falling in to the Mississippi River. They also called on the private sector to help out. Gov. Schwarzenegger also stated that he would not endorse any presidential candidate. Mayor Bloomberg also denied that he is running for US President. Governor Schwarzenegger wore the most amazing pair of boots to the press conference.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Hillary at CSUN 1-17-08

On the 14th anniversary of the Northridge earthquake Senator Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop at CSUN. She held a town hall style meeting and spoke of her economic plan which included a 90 day freeze on home foreclosures and then freeze interest rates for 5 years on high interest ARM home loans. She also said that she would have all of the troops back home within sixty days of taking office. Mrs. Clinton finally looked and sounded very presidential.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Barack In The SFV 1-16-08

Presidential candidate Barack Obama held an informal economic roundtable in the backyard of Los Angeles resident Mimi Vitello. He met with four LA residents and discussed high interest rates on credit cards, the recession, and the high cost of fuel and healthcare. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008 

Britney And K Fed custody Battle

The Britney and K Fed show came to the Superior Court building in Downtown Los Angeles. Hundreds of media persons showed up to cover the arrival of Britney, but scared her off when they rushed her after she exited her Black Cadillac Escalade. She decided to go shoe shopping instead.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Hillary In Los Angeles 1-11-08

Hillary Clinton made a campaign stop here in Los Angeles today. The event was held at the IBEW Electrical Training Institute. She spoke on how she would turn the economy around and reform health care. The event was well attended and she spoke for over an hour taking questions from the audience. Chelsea Clinton was also in attendance along with LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and LT. Governor John Garamendi who introduced Mrs. Clinton.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

photo l.a. 2008 Opening Night

photo l.a. 2008, the 17th annual international LA photographic art expo, opened at it's new huge 35,000 foot location the Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport. It is a major improvement from the previous location. The food was provided by LA's best restaurants including Chaya, Milk, and my favorite Susina Bakery. LA photo icon Julius Schulman was honored by the host of photo l.a. Stephen Cohen, and presented with a proclamation from the City of Los Angeles. Photographer Howard Bingham was also in attendance. photo l.a. will run from January 10-13, 2008 at the Barker Hanger  at 2081 Airport Avenue in Santa Monica. It is the best photo l.a. yet!

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant 1923-2008

The Honorary Mayor of Hollywood Johnny Grant has passed away. He died at his penthouse suite located in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. He was the only full time resident of the Roosevelt. Johnny Grant was 84.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2007

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson Drops Out

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson drops out of the Presidential race. He came in a distant fourth in the New Hampshire primary and Iowa Caucuses. He was expected to do well in next months California and Nevada primaries due to the large support he has from latinos. Governor Richardson is latino and the sole latino in the race for the Presidency. 

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2007

Southland Civic Leaders Endorse Barack Obama

California civic leaders declared their endorsement for Barack Obama's run for President. The civic leaders included Rep. Adam Schiff, Rep Mel Levine, Assemblyman Ted Lieu, LA City Councilman Bernard Parks and Eric Garcetti, West Hollywood Mayor John Duran, LA County Supervisor Yvonne B. Burke. The lightly attended event was held on the First street steps of Los Angeles City Hall.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

The Comeback Children of New Hampshire 1-9-08

What a night. It ain't over till it's over.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2007

Snow Day In the Mountains Above LA

Up to three feet of snow fell upon the San Gabriel Mountains located north of Los Angeles. It was great to get up to the mountains for something so wonderful instead if the dreaded fires of 2007. The snow should last a couple of days before turning into mud, pleanty of time to get up there and make a snowman. Mount Wilson Road was closed due to the heavy snow fall. Was only able to get up to Red Box rest area. The Weather was awesome, 43 degrees and clear. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Happy 2008!

Happy New Year! 

Photo of the Watts Towers by Ted Soqui c 2008