Ferris Rules!

The Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier was finally opened last night. The new Ferris wheel replaces the last one which was auctioned off on eBay for $132, 400 USD. This new and improved version features over 160, 000 lights and is solar powered. It is 130 feet tall at it's highest point , has 20 gondolas which hold 6 adults, and cost $1.5 million USD. Rides were free to the public along with popcorn and cotton candy for all. Overall it was an amazing night and everyone who exited the wheel had a smile. A rare night in LA (Santa Monica).

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Another Senseless Shooting In The HLP

A 14 year old girl sitting in her families car was struck in the head by a stray bullet when two gang members got into an argument near a Rite Aid parking lot at York Blvd. at Ave 64 in Highland Park. One gangster produced a gun and shot the other twice in the arms, one bullet strayed and hit the girl. She was pronounced brain dead and will probably not make it according to LAPD authorities (she has now died). Several people in the area were arrested. The area where the shooting occurred has a red hot gang problem. Gang graffiti goes up faster than it is taken down and LAPD are overwhelmed by the gang plague. The local city councilman, Jose Huizar 14 District, is oblivious to the gang plague and has done nothing effective to slow the tide. Sadly there is another big box-pharma store opening on the corner of York Blvd. at Eagle Rock Blvd. There are now four within 6 miles of each other, the third is at Figueroa St. at Colorado Blvd, and the fourth is at Colorado Blvd at Eagle Rock Blvd. I went into the Rite Aid at York Blvd. and Ave 64. The biggest selling item was 12 packs of cheap beer. Theses big-box-pharmas are just gloried liquor stores. The city councilman should produce legislation, too late now, that would limit the amount of these big-box-pharmas and not allow them to flood the Highland Park area with cheap hooch. They homogenize a wonderful historic neighborhood .

Memorial Day 2008

In memory of Staff Sergeant David Soqui Urias.

Keeper Of The Flame, Cornell Capa 1918-2008

Founder of the ICP, international Center For Photography, and legacy keeper of his brother's photography, Robert Capa, died last Friday at his NYC home. His dedication to photojournalism was rarely matched by anyone. Cornell's was often conflicted by "concerned photography", a term he coined that referred to his personal and emotional engagement he often had for his subject. The end results gave Cornell a glimpse into his subjects that was seldom found by others. 

Photo by Cornell Capa /ICP Photography Collection 1960

David Cook American Idol 2008

What a night at the Nokia Theater. No one in the building thought David Cook would really win over wunderkind Archuleta. Even the normally quiet press room broke into a loud roar of "OH MY GODS", screams, and applause, bringing the old rule of no cheering in the press box to an end. David Cook finally made it down to the press photo room after the show and was congratulated by many elated photographers. One photog told Cook she voted for him 30 times last night. The gracious Cook looked a bit tired from his wild journey but posed for every photog and seemed to enjoy his time in the spot light.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

More American Idol Hawaiian Style

Was just in Kona, Hawaii and spotted this message on a lava field. Personally, I don't think Clay Aiken sucks. Guess the Hawaiians feel different and strongly enough to put it on a lava field for all to see. Clay Aiken, born Clay Holmes Grissom, was runner up in the 2003 American Idol season 2 singing competition. Wonder if he gets out to Hawaii much?

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Battle Of The Davids

2008 American Idol finalist David Archuleta and David Cook battled it out with song tonight at the Nokia Theater located in Downtown LA. Archuleta performed flawlessly and outshined Cook with every song. The winner will be announced tomorrow at the Nokia in a 2 hour show. Who did you vote for?

Photos By Ted Soqui c 2008

Uncle Teddy

It was reported today that legendary lawmaker Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. He is expected to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment. Survival rates for this type of cancer are sadly dismal, and the treatments are often debilitating. My prayers and well wishes go out to Senator Kennedy and his family. I was also named after the Senator. Ted.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Bellisima!

Over 100 of the world's most beautiful driving machines were on display in Old Town Pasadena last Sunday. Ferrari owners from the Ferrari Club of America southwest region, showed off their vintage and contemporary bella Ferraris to the public on Colorado Blvd. The total value of Ferrari on display was listed as $100,000,000 by the club. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

May Day March

Several thousand marchers and protesters paraded up Broadway to 1st Street in downtown LA. It was a mostly peaceful event. I was only shoved by a couple of over zealous photographers and had my toes run over by a few street vendor carts. Otherwise it was an great march sans the popo beat down.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

16 Years Ago In LA

It's been 16 long years since the LA Riots. Have we changed much?

Photos circa 1992 by Ted Soqui c

The Americana At Brand Press Preview

Developer Rick Caruso gave the press a tour of his new development, The Americana At Brand. It is a mixed-use urban development built in the middle of Glendale, CA. The Americana will have 75 stores and boutiques, indoor and outdoor eating, a movie theater, and luxury apartments and condos. A two-acre grass and tree lined park which features a small pond with dancing fountains is set in the middle of the development. There is also a 65 passenger trolley, built in Iowa by Gomaco Trolley Corp., that will roll on 1800 ft of track around the Americana. The Americana cost 400 million dollars and was built on schedule. Opening day is Friday May 2, 2008.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

OMFG!

Signs of our times. Billboards on La Cienega and gas prices in Brentwood.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Fire Season Begins 2008

A 500 acre forest fire in the rugged and very steep hills of Sierra Madre, California marks the beginning of LA's fire season. Fire crews made fast work of knocking down the flames and didn't lose any significant structures. Over 1000 local residents were asked to leave their homes because of the fire. Inmate labor was used to fight the flames and dig fire breaks in the brutal 94 plus degree heat. Aircraft from Aero Union-P3A , LA County-firecopters, along with a CDF firecopter fought the fire from the air.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

The LA Weekly Moves

LA's best newspaper, The LA Weekly, finally moves to it's new digs in Culver City. The move should be completed by Monday.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

Plane Crash In The CPT

A twin-engine Cessna 310 crashed in to two homes in the 500 block of West Cypress Street in the City of Compton. Two people on the plane and two on the ground were initially reported to be in critical condition. A fifth victim reported feeling ill after the crash but all are expected to survive. The plane was finally pulled from the house it landed on. NTSB officials have yet to figure out the cause of the crash. The plane was scheduled to land at the near by Compton Airport.

Funeral Procession For LAFD Firefighter Brent Lovrien

Thousands of Firefighters attended the funeral procession and services for fallen LAFD Firefighter Brent Lovrien. The procession marched from LA City Hall to the Our Queen Of Angels Cathedral. Firefighter Brent Lovrien was killed on duty last week while working an electrical explosion near LAX. Lovrien was a hazardous material specialist from station 95. His station engine, number 95, carried Brent's bright fire engine red casket to the Cathedral passing many thousands of saluting Firefighters from all over the country. Brent will be buried at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008

Coolest Editor Ever! Steve Appleford

LA City Beat fired LA's best and coolest editor ever last week. I have no word on why he was "replaced" yet. Steve had a high respect for photographers, because he is one. He also resisted following the trend of replacing professional photographers with amateurs and iphotographers, while still recognizing new and younger talented photographers. Steve would often be seen in the field taking photos as well, often shooting film instead of digital. He is the founding editor at City Beat. Steve, thanks for running my pictures.

Photograph courtesy of David Markland c 2008

Senator John McCain Speaks to LA Worlds Affairs Council

Senator John McCain spoke to the LA Worlds Affair Council about his foreign policy at the Bonaventure hotel in Downtown LA. Mr. McCain gave his views on the Iraq war, the G8, and Latin America. He also tried to distance himself from President Bush by telling the crowd how he hated war. Yet Mr. McCain said he would not withdrawal troops from the 5 year long Iraq bloodbath.

Photo by Ted Soqui c 2008

"When 'Barry' Became Barack"

This is a photo from Barack Obama's senior year at Punahou High School in Hawaii back in 1979. Newsweek assigned me to photograph the image for their latest cover "When 'Barry' Became Barack." Turns out "Barry" first attended college in Eagle Rock at Occidental College. He was often seen at a famous local eatery Casa Bianca eating his favorite pizza, Hawaiian Style.

Circle Of Life

A plaque was dedicated at the spot, 2120 Fith Ave, where Jamiel Shaw was shot and killed by a 18th street gang banger. The plaque is to be placed next to a tree in which Jamiel planted with LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa three years ago for the Million Trees Initiative. Mayor Villaraigosa payed tribute to Jamiel and spoke about how he impressed him. The Mayor also ended his speech by saying "the circle of life, a truth without question." City Councilman Bernard Parks also spoke about Jamiel and how his family will have to deal with the pain and struggle every birthday and holiday for the rest of their lives. He said he does after losing his granddaughter to a senseless street shooting. Councilman Herb Wesson, Anita Shaw mother of Jamiel, and Jamiel Sr. his father also spoke at the dedication. Anita Shaw is a US Army Sergeant serving in Iraq. She is expected back to the middle east early next week, first to Kuwait and then Germany, to finish out her service. The Army has denied Anita Shaw any furlough from service. LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and several LA City Counncilpeople have written letters on Anita's behalf to have her Army service closer to home so she can take care of her younger son, 9 year old Thomas, and to attend the trial of her son's killer. 

Photos by Ted Soqui c 2008