The Observation Deck

chris richards wrote:Let's not forget too that "ilk" or, "their kind" often refers to homosexual populations.

Chris

Again my term was "ilk" not theirs. I am sure that LakewoodAlive, nor many in Lakewood think that way. While there might be some bumps in diversity in the Lakewood roads, "lifestyle" I am pretty sure is not one of them any longer.

I would like to believe that Lakewood has no "gay bars" because we do not need them. All bars in Lakewood are comfortable places to meet, and enjoy conversations with friends. Where people are treated like people.

I might have issues with some, but I could never accuse them as bigoted, or against human rights.

I might also argue, I doubt if Lakewood has the same population we once had in the 70s. The good news is that many, from many different lifestyles, are once again moving to Lakewood and even more importantly moving back to Lakewood.

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While I feel comfortable going to many of the "straight" bars in Lakewood, there are some that I do bother me. As well, I have taken several of my friends to bars that I love, but they felt so uncomfortable that they will never go back.

I was just mentioning this observation and the things I've heard while on the topic of gentrification.

Actually Chris, we do have one, it's pretty new and I don't know if they're keeping a low profile or not, so I'm not going to put it on the board.

I'll pm it to you.

And Jim, the tolerance level is not what you may think it is. I'm not getting into it like I did last summer.

Many in Lakewood are wonderful and accepting people. We still have bigots. Please refer to the board discussions from the summer before last.

Chris

I really want this understood, and it is coming from a person that is as open and liberal as they come in Lakewood. I can understand why some would feel insecure and even threatened in a Lakewood bar, but I am willing to believe it is more "behavior" creative then pure bigotry or hate related. I have felt very uncomfortable by straight couples and behavior, and can see how a gay couple might feel the pains of glares and even comments. I had said to more than one straight couple, "how about getting a room."

I have worked on a couple "gay" clubs, and in my nightclub days even hit a couple of them. Twiggys was one of my favorite dance clubs after closing down the Piccadilly Lounge, for dancing and drinks. At 6'4" I have felt threatened as have some of my friends. I could say the same for Traxxs and Euphoria, both places I did work on.

THAT SAID, I HAVE NEVER HEARD A WORD OF HATE OR BIGOTRY BY ANY MEMBER OF THE LAKEWOODALIVE BOARD, on any level. Not towards race, religion, sexual preference, even economic. I do not think they think that way privately or in public. As this is a LakewoodAlive thread I want that to be clear.

I have never heard anyone connected with LakewoodAlive talk about too many Section 8, to few wealthy, or anything like that. I have not even heard them talk of gentrification, though the outcome of many of their "programs" could lead to that directly or indirectly.

My major complaint is not with LakewoodAlive but a couple "officers" that seem incapable of being forthcoming, and found it easier to attack LO members, then answer 4 simple questions that have grown to 8 or more. What burns me up even more, is that these people find it far easier to call others to "calm me down," more back channel BS, then to answer the questions and offer an apology to those members. That to me speaks volumes of those individuals. Remember how they were outraged by the someone questioning their transparency? I would hope that the LA Board thinks about this long and hard. I might be wrong, but the Lakewood Observer has never turned down a request for help when LA has called us.




Sharon

Bigotry is everywhere, we will never rid the world of that. However I have to believe that Lakewood, is one of the more accepting cities, I have ever called home.


FWIW


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Jim, you are defending accusations that have not yet been made, at least not in this thread.

Gentrification is a part of the topic of this thread. It may not have to deal directly with LA or it's policies. But it was mentioned by way of your comments about the LA town hall style meetings. And while you stated that they did not come out and say that is why they would like Art Districts, you did say that is the impression with which you left those meetings.

And this has nothing to do with pda. It is a vibe places put off.

chris richards wrote:Jim, you are defending accusations that have not yet been made, at least not in this thread.

And this has nothing to do with pda. It is a vibe places put off.

Chris

Just making sure out of the box, everything is clear. With the number of people reaching out to the "Irish Kabuki Street Warrior" I may be a tad over sensitive now.

I cannot comment on vibes, as I have had moments in many bars over vibes.

I would mention that I know of 4 liquor licenses for sale or lease in four very good spots. One spot with a good business plan, and some financing in place would be willing to help anyone with a good idea open their business.

Might be a good opportunity for a creative person looking for a business opportunity.

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