Abstract This paper defines the critical aspects of the LosAngeleslabor movements of the early twentieth century. It also discusses the problem of unionizing workers and the construct of racism. The paper then discusses how this helped to create an "openshop" laborenvironment. The paper finally shows why LosAngeles became a haven for the poor and disenfranchised that sought to make a living in this particular city.
From the Paper "In conclusion, the basis for Open Shop in Los Angeles at the turn of the 20th century reveals the issue of race, class and unions that were present at this time. By understanding the heavy supply of workers and the openness of white business owners to allow them into these labor markets, wages were very low and union regulations virtually non-existent. This is the critical reason why Los Angeles became a haven for the poor and disenfranchised that sought to make living in this particular city."
Abstract In this article, the writer provides an essay regarding the history of LosAngeles and the Mexican influence. The writer discusses the history of the Mexican heritage. The establishment of LosAngeles is examined in this paper. The writer also looks at the "Zoot Suit" riots of World War II. Further, the writer discusses the ethnic diversity of LosAngeles.
From the Paper "Over the last several hundred years, Los Angeles has been a community filled with people from different nations and walks of life including the indigenous Native American population, the Spanish and Mexican populations as well as others. It has been the heritage of the Mexican and Spanish cultures however that has continued to make its presence and influence known up through to the ... "
Abstract This paper examines the major environmental problem of marine pollution in LosAngeles and Orange County. The paper discusses the causes and effects of marine pollution and includes maps of the area under discussion.
From the Paper "The southern California megalopolis, extending from Santa Barbara all the way to the Mexican border and centered around the City of Los Angeles, is widely recognized as the largest population and industrial center in the western United States and the second largest in the nation. According to the US Geological Survey, the metropolitan area fronts the Pacific Ocean along a coastline that is about..."
Abstract The paper relates that transportation played a large part in bolstering a sudden population explosion that made LosAngeles a major urban environment. The paper discusses how the railroads held a monopoly on land and transportation that caused LosAngeles to become a magnet for immigrant labor and migrating whites between the 1870s and the 1890s.
From the Paper "In the 1870s, the Southern Pacific Railroad Company was a major player in "boosterism" within the history of Californian urban development. For Los Angeles, the main aspects of population growth depended heavily on the ability of people to migrate across the country, as well as from San Francisco to the north. The power of Southern Pacific to own land is manifest in its control over this resource for building railroads on the west coast:"
""The Reverend Dana Bartlett, planning advocate and settlement house pioneer, battled the corporate "octopus" of the Southern Pacific Railroad (the largest floodplain owner) to reclaim the riverbed as a nature preserve (Davis 63).""
Abstract In this article the writer examines the architecture of the city of LosAngeles. In order to make this analysis, the writer discusses Reyner Banham's book 'LosAngeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies'. The writer looks at how Banham studies different environments, topography and collections of architecture within LosAngeles.
From the Paper "In his book 'Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies', Reyner Banham contributes to the literature on architecture by analyzing specifically the architecture of Los Angeles, a city known for its variety and sprawling dimensions. The author combines insights into the two by showing how the city can be divided into different sections on the basis of differing ecologies, by which he means different environments, different topography, and different clusters of architecture linked to each of the regions he considers. He offers four ecologies in his analysis, showing at the same time aspects of the history of the city and of the state of California, a history that helped shape these differing ecologies."
Abstract This paper looks at climate and topographical factors that have contributed to and intensified air pollution in Los Angelse, as well as those that have helped reduce it. Also discussed are the sources of water pollution in LosAngeles, as well as how both air pollution and water pollution adversely affect the people and environment of the city, both physically and economically.
From the Paper "Pollution in the giant and sprawling American metropolis of Los Angeles is nothing new. As a 1997 article marking the fiftieth anniversary of smog and pollutant cleanup efforts in the city notes, this problem started well at the beginning of the twentieth century. "Los Angeles suffered from smog well before World War II," states the article. "Industrial smoke and fumes were so thick during one day in 1903 that residents mistook it for an eclipse of the sun" ("Southland's War," 1997a). It was the city finally tiring of this ongoing pollution just after said world war that forced its residents, planners, and movers and shakers to investigate the problem and attempt to remedy it. This paper shall look at climate and topographical factors that have contributed to and intensified air pollution, as well as those that have helped reduce it."
Abstract This paper analyzes Mike Davis' opinion of LosAngeles as expressed in his book, "City of Quartz", and notes that Davis feels that the prosperous LA is about to collapse. More specifically, this paper compares and contrast Davis' view of LosAngeles to public perception of the city today, focusing on today's L.A., as defined by pop-culture media, the public's fascination with "young Hollywood", and the influence this generation has on society.
Outline:
Introduction
LosAngeles: The Land of Opportunity
Redefinition of Class Relationships
The Minority
Gangs
The "Chosen People"
Authority
LosAngeles's Primary Export
Dispersion of Power
LosAngeles as a Global City
Past, Present, & Future
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Aside from Hollywood, LA boasts of its nighttime hot spots such as Downtown LA and the famous Sunset Strip. The strip is popular for its clubs, restaurants, boutiques, and Hollywood night spots where celebrities, as well as celebrity wannabes and people-watchers, hang-out. LA is indeed the land of opportunity for those who dream of being the next big movie star, film maker, or pop icon. We live in the MTV generation where young people look up to the people they see on TV. The youth aspire to have a part of the showbiz life style. The sudden proliferation of reality TV shows provides these aspirants a few hours of fame. It has been noted that hundreds of adolescent runaway from home just to follow their dreams of becoming a Hollywood star but only a few of them would succeed due to the tight competition in the industry."
Abstract The paper discusses the writer's reading of "Fortress LosAngeles", an excerpt from Mike Davis' book, "City of Quartz". The paper explains the main points that Davis makes and the issues he brings up about the urbanization of LosAngeles. The paper also discusses some of the terms Davis uses when describing the parks and playgrounds in LosAngeles and the homeless population. In the conclusion of the paper, the writer offers her opinion of the book and notes that Davis places strong blame on the city and even more so on the LAPD for the urbanization of LosAngeles.
From the Paper "General Harrison Gray Otis is implicated as the first spatial militarist in Los Angeles. In the 1890's his Times building was the first building rebuilt as somewhat of a fortress in Los Angeles, fully outfitted with turrets and a bronze eagle. As an emphasis of his aggression General Otis added a functional cannon on the hood of his Packard. In 1910 the building was destroyed by an explosion, blamed on union subversives. To date, the martial spirit of Otis has permeated throughout the downtown area. Parks and playgrounds have been leveled to make way for skyscrapers. Towering buildings are connected by suspended walkways so that white-collared society doesn't have to concern itself with the blue-collared world in which it has invaded. Most days those people don't breathe the outside air until they exit their hermetically sealed offices to go to their company cars. "The goals of this strategy may be summarized as a double repression: to obliterate all connection with Downtown's past and to prevent any dynamic association with the non-Anglo urbanism of it's future".
Abstract In this paper, the writer discusses Mike Davis' "City of Quartz" that describes the history, economy and the relationships in LosAngeles society. The writer relates Davis' perception of racism, discrimination against blacks and minorities, gangs, the protection of the rich and the brutal police oppression of minorities and the poor. The paper then contrasts this view to public perception of the city today as one defined by pop-culture media, the public's fascination with "young Hollywood", and the opportunities this city offers.
Outline:
Introduction
LosAngeles: The Land of Opportunity
Redefinition of Class Relationships
LosAngeles's Primary Export
Dispersion of Power
LosAngeles as a Global City
Past, Present, & Future
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Development in Los Angeles started in the late 1880s. A railroad-sponsored promotion caused people from different places came to Los Angeles County in hopes of finding good fortune. After this sudden swarming of people, the county collapsed. The rich and prominent people, lead by Los Angeles times owner Harrison Gray Otis, needed to find a way to get the region back on its feet. They promoted Los Angeles to be the "land of opportunity." Again, the county was alive. People from the Midwest and East Coast migrated to LA and put their savings on buying real estates. (Keasbey) Investment on LA estates was the main attraction of the region before."
Abstract This paper focuses on the history of Mexican immigrants in LosAngeles and addresses how immigration policies both past and present have impacted Mexican immigrants and the poverty that encompasses them. By looking at the history of attempts made to rectify the problems of immigration and focusing on the failures of immigration policies, the paper examines the responsibilities of both the state and federal governments on policy implementation. The paper also looks at the unique urban community of LosAngeles and the Mexican immigrant population that lives there. The paper focuses on the issues that the city faces at the local level, which includes both social and economic ramifications, and looks at the role of social work in working with immigrants. In regards to social welfare needs of immigrants, the paper demonstrates the role social workers play in addressing the social welfare needs of the Mexican immigrant population in LosAngeles.
From the Paper "An integrated program of workplace enforcement and border control would provide a steady decline in the illegal immigrant populations. As a result of this policy attempt to reduce illegal immigration, state and local services for education, health, and social welfare services began to widely serve newly arrived immigrants and their unauthorized families in the early 1990?s. Suits were filed against the Federal Government and many people were upset about the fears that immigrants were draining the resources. California's Prop. 187 addressed earlier, paved the way for the implementation of the Welfare Reform Act, enacted by President Clinton in 1996. The Welfare reform bill limited immigrant's eligibility for Government assistance programs."
Abstract This paper details the lack of political action to proactively combat poverty in LosAngeles County. While many programs exist to fight against gang formations and crimes, these policies are reactive and do not help to solve the actual problem, only contain them. This paper describes why LosAngeles County epitomizes the situation of gross neglect by the government for poor families struggling to break out of the cycle of poverty. Lacking governmental aid or media attention, it is extremely hard for these individuals to gain the same level of equality that everyone else in America takes for granted. The problem of poverty has been a major effecting force in why LosAngeles County continues to experience more crime, violence and racial tension every year. The writer of this paper also looks at the LA county school system, which is the number one cause for continued poverty, as students are told both verbally and through the tacit actions of their teachers that they are worthless and destined for poverty. This paper discusses the dire need for aid and assistance in breaking the cycle of crime and poverty in L.A.
From the Paper "The problem of poverty has been a major effecting force in why Los Angeles County continues to experience more crime, violence, and racial tension every single year. Poverty leads to desperation, and when people are desperate they are willing to do anything and everything to survive. The only way to better the overall state of Los Angeles is to break the cycle of oppression that poverty stricken families face. Although it may be hard to cure all of the ills of the poor in our current generation, many steps can be taken to help future ones. In order to examine the problem at its roots, a thorough analysis of the causes behind poverty in Los Angeles County must be conducted. One of the causes of poverty in this area is the racial segregation of communities."
Abstract The paper gives a grade to a number of novels, books of short stories and plays about LosAngeles, showing how each is seen in literary terms. The paper then considers how each one comments on LosAngeles and relates as well to a view of the nation as a whole. The paper concludes that most are set in LosAngeles, show much about the social order of that city and show interests that affect the rest of the country as well.
From the Paper "The literary criteria used for this evaluation include a clear theme to which all the elements of the work relate, characterizations that are both interesting and meaningful in context, a degree of originality, and overall coherence. In this case, the way the work exposes aspects of Los Angeles life and relates to American life is also given importance. Books of short stories are judged on overall effect rather than by giving a grade to each story. Steve Abee, The Bus B: In this novel, the author takes his main character on a bus trip across Los Angeles, tying together the different parts of the city and the different populations and showing how they fit into the city as a whole. The panorama of the city is like that of the country as a whole, with the different ethnic neighborhoods being reminiscent of similar enclaves in other cities."
A discussion on the article "Cities and the Wealth of Nations" by Jane Jacobs with the use of the LosAngeles City region as an example of her theories.
Abstract This paper reviews Jane Jacobs' article, "Cities and the Wealth of Nations" and discusses her theories of import-replacement - that cities became self reliant and powerful through the forces of social construction and expansion including markets, city jobs, technology, transplants and capital - in turn creating economic expansion. The author lists LosAngeles County as the perfect example of the import-replacement theory. The paper provides a short write up of the geographical range and economic influence of LosAngeles County and explains why LosAngeles is a city region that has successfully implemented Jacob's theory of import-replacement.
From the Paper "While many residents had never visited the devastated areas, these disasters reshaped the cities around them and the dominant social consciousness. In addition, the turn of events affected distant cities and regions. As businesses left the Los Angeles area, other cities were positively affected by the influx in economic prosperity. They responded as passive economies."
Abstract This paper examines how prostitution is slowly invading each nook and corner of LosAngeles and how a reformative solution is needed to give the people caught up in the ring of prostitution a new way of life. It outlines the present scenario in LosAngeles and details the problems and possible solutions. It evaluates how educating the deserted and outcast children on the issue would go a long way in preventing the birth of another generation of prostitutes and how rehabilitation by providing them with new opportunities to make them economically stable is the best method to eradicate prostitution from society.
From the Paper "Henry Pegeron, an experienced Los Angeles County Sheriff opines that effective control of the prostitution menace is only possible by a combined effort on the part of the cops and the local community. From his experience Pegeron recounts that invariably the prostitute is associated with other kinds of illegal activities like drug trafficking and selling. Henry also points out that in majority of the cases people are unwilling to get themselves involved in cases against the customers of the prostitutes and hence refrain from giving information to the cops. Unless community policing helps the cops get some concrete evidence of the illegal prostitute activity and their customers it will be of little use in eradicating prostitution."
Abstract A twentieth century event that was sparked by racial controversy was the LosAngeles riots following the not guilty verdicts of four white officers accused of beating black motorist Rodney King. The paper shows that the riots in April of 1992 caused extensive damage totaling in the hundreds of millions and caused the deaths of at least 45 persons. By far it was the worst civil unrest of this century, surpassing even the Watts riot of 1965 in terms of destruction and lives lost. The paper shows that beyond the physical and economic damage to L.A., was the damage to race relations caused by the riots. Even though the events of the Rodney King beating involved white officers and a black man, the riots knew no racial boundaries as almost every race was affected by the violence, looting and destruction of LosAngeles.
From the Paper "The officers justified their actions by stating they thought King was on the powerful mind-altering drug, PCP, but tests showed he only had alcohol in his blood (Wall, 2). In light of all this evidence, the all-white Simi Valley jury determined the officers were not guilty of any wrongdoing in the beating. Even though King may have resisted arrest and attempted to attack an officer, no human being or animal deserved such a beating. The television viewers; black, white, Latino, or Asians who saw the videotaped beating knew that this was excessive use of force and that King's civil rights had been violated by these officers."
Tags: George, Holliday, Simi, Valley, racism, Soul, Brother
