Thursday Miscellany: Notes from L.A.
Yes, I’m a bit behind schedule. My sister has been visiting for the last week, so I’ve given myself a bit of a break to relax and spend time with her. On Tuesday, we spent a few hours at the Getty Center Museum checking out some of the exhibitions. (We would have stayed longer but the café was closed for a private event, and we were getting peckish.)
JACKET (SIMILAR) | NECKLACE | TOP | BELT | JEANS | SHOES
My sizes: Jacket – Small, Top – Medium, Jeans – Petite 8
I wore lightweight layers, as it was warm outside but cool indoors. Comfortable shoes are a must, and I’ve been wearing these quite a lot lately. The jacket I’m wearing is from Quince and currently sold out, but I’d expect they’ll restock at some point.
There’s a little bit of everything at the Getty. We’d gone specifically to see the Decoding Medieval Manuscripts exhibit, which was interesting, but smaller than we’d expected. (And quite literally, too…some of the intricate manuscripts and books were pocket-sized, and we marveled at the amount of hand-drawn detail in those tiny pages.)
It’s an expansive, modern facility, with art from all periods, some antiquities, and rotating special exhibitions. If you’re a fan of the Impressionists, there’s a small but impressive collection, including VanGogh, Monet, Pissaro, and Berthe Morisot. Entrance to the museum is free, but parking is $25. Many people make a day of it, and spend time relaxing in the extensive gardens.
About what’s going on in L.A.
For those who have said you’d prefer not to read about “current events” here, I understand, so feel free to click away now.
But as someone who has lived in the greater Los Angeles area for over 30 years, and who calls it home, it feels irresponsible not to address the current situation.
First, if you take away nothing else, know that the demonstrations that have been happening since the weekend have been overwhelmingly peaceful. And confined to just a few square blocks of the downtown area. There is no “invasion,” no “insurrection,” no “rebellion.” With a few exceptions, just people exercising their First Amendment rights to speech and assembly.
No one condones vandalism or violence. The isolated acts of vandalism (as always) are amplified by the media, as they drive clicks and engagement. Back in the 1980’s a friend of mine who worked in TV news told me that fires always get covered and are often lead stories, because of the dramatic visuals. I think that’s still true.
Los Angeles is a city of immigrants. Regardless of status, most are here to work and try to make their lives better for their families. They are part of the community, and make it more vibrant. I’m not going to address the legal issues of immigration here, but from a human perspective, seeing people who have no criminal records rounded up and families torn apart, and children in zip-tie handcuffs is absolutely gutting.
If you haven’t seen it, this clip from Jimmy Kimmel sums it up well.
Thanks for reading.
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Thanks for being a voice of sanity. These days we need every reality check we can get. If you go on X or Facebook, you’d think LA is on fire with rampant looting everywhere! It’s ludicrous misrepresentation to score political points. And just think how many millions of millions of tax dollars it’s costing US to send in the military when the local police could have handled this on their own.
Thanks for commenting on the disturbance in LA. It is enlightening to get the perspective of someone who lives there rather than the entertainment network who is the mouthpiece for those who sell hate.
Thank you for being an example of exercising our First Amendment rights. I admire your calm, wise, and courageous voice.
Thank you for your thoughtful and informed comments on what is happening in LA.
Thank you for your comments about the current situation in LA. And you are correct, Jimmy Kimmel was spot on. We need to keep hearing and reinforcing the reality of the protests. While vandalism is not to be tolerated, we are allowed peaceful protest in this country without the Federal government getting involved without being asked.
Thank you for the sane, rational and truthful update on LA. And for the link to the Jimmy Kimmel clip.
Thank you for sharing your news about what is going on in LA. Ou friends in Santa Monica said the same thing.
And as always, thank you for sharing your news style tips and wardrobe picks. You have excellent taste.
I have been following you for a number of years and always appreciate your quirky fashion style and advice. But today, I have a deeper appreciation for you due to your heartfelt comments about the “riots” in Los Angeles. I live in Northern California and am appalled at what is and is not unfolding and the lack of humanity and truth in it all. So sad for you to witness in your own city. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in a clear and apolitical way.
Thank you very much for your perspective. I agree with you but I am not there.
I, for one, appreciate your perspective especially as you are a resident of Los Angeles. The misinformation and hyping up of the present situation is unconscionable. Unfortunately, one half of the population of this country is seeing something completely different than the other half. So thank you, Susan, for serving up a dose of reality. Ugh! How are we going to get through the next three almost four years?!
Thank you for both your local perspective and also for your humanity. To see good people and families being ripped apart is heartbreaking.
I have lived in Los Angeles for 70 years. I have lived through the Watts riot and 1992 Rodney King riot. What is happening here now is not, by any definition, a riot. It is a manufactured crisis, created by an unbalanced, power hungry resident of the WH, attempting to provoke violence from whom he can “rescue” us. 99.9% of Angelenos are not looters or Kardashian wanna bes. We are just like the rest of the country except the weather is better.
From another perspective, we don’t know how bad it could have become (think Minneapolis 2020) because of the presence of the National Guard. Attacks on law enforcement should NEVER be condoned…nor should lawlessness and looting. I for one, with financial interests in LA, am thankful that the looting and property damage was limited, and that no law enforcement officers were seriously injured.
The thing is, the National Guard can’t (legally) perform any law enforcement actions. They’ve been relegated to standing in front of one federal building, so far. And they arrived well after the LAPD had tamped down the vandalism. The LAPD is well-trained in crowd control (for better or worse) and these demonstrations (and the number of incidents of vandalism) were much smaller than past demonstrations, certainly nothing comparable to 2020.
Excellent reminder. IF the Mayor or Governor had thought it prudent, then either one of THEM would be the ones to call up the National Guard. As you say, for better or worse, the LAPD is very well-trained and able to handle situations much larger and very much worse.
These are the facts.
People who aren’t from LA don’t understand that LAPD deals with large, energetic crowds all the time – think about any time the Dodgers or Lakers win the championship and how wild their victory parades are. This is WELL within their competency and if there had been a need for the Guard then Governor Newsom would have sent them in since he was on the ground in LA and located in the incident room. LA is a major international city and so are the law enforcement agencies that protect her.
Thank you Susan for being the voice of clarity, calm and reason and putting the current situation in perspective.
Thank you so much for the link to the Jimmy Kimmel piece. It is spot on. I pray that our nation survives the next 3+ years.
Thank you for the first-hand and compassionate perspective. It’s so valuable and necessary.
Hi Susan: thank you for letting us know about the demonstrations in LA. I appreciate your perspective since you live there and have seen the demonstrations first hand. Wonderful outfit! I think your jacket must be the one that Quince was offering but the Tommy Bahama jacket looks quite similar. I have that same TB jacket in flax but think the olive green would be better. I should have snapped up the copper colored one from Quince when it was available (just got the 411 from Annie on Vibrant colors). I wish I could wear neat shoes like the ones you wear but I haven’t found any that are as supportive and cushioned as sneakers! I hope you had a wonderful time with your sister!
Thanks for the update. It is appreciated. It is very important for us to know the reality of the situation.
Thank you for talking about what’s happening (& what is not happening) in LA! I’m already a fan of your blog but this just solidifies my opinion of you! What’s happening in our country is not ok, and the current administration should be called out for their lies.
I have enjoyed reading about your travels for years and I adore your fashion point of view. Thank you for taking a stand on what is happening right now in this country!
Thanks for this “voice on the ground.” We need it and I appreciate your calm, straightforward description.
Brava, Susan.
Bravo to you addressing the situation in LA, and for letting us know what’s really happening, beyond what’s been shown on the news.
Thanks for addressing the situation in Los Angeles. I just returned from a week in the city. I was in the Valley, Midtown, the Westside celebrating graduations, attending parties. It was just as you said. The sun was shining and everywhere you went, people were out and about enjoying the first days of summer.
Susan, I appreciate your comments about the current events in Los Angeles, and the treatment of immigrants — and their contributions to our culture and society. More than politics, it is humanity. I am a long-time follower of your blog, and a first-time commenter.
I’ve lived in So Ca for fifty years. Thank you thank you for speaking out. Please consider joining RedWine and Blue.
C. Martinelli
Thank you for giving a REAL view on things going on in L.A. From the news coverage one would think the place is a war zone. The situation is heartbreaking to see.
Thanks for addressing the LA issue. So important for people to know how small and safe the protests are.
Thank for commenting on the situation. It’s important to tell the truth.
Well said, Susan. Jimmy Kimmel was spot on.
So happy you had a good visit with your sister, the Medieval Manuscripts Exhibition at the Getty sounds particularly fascinating, another reminder that access to public art via museums, television and online is absolutely essential and invigorating.
Thank you for for describing what is really going on as far as the very limited demonstrations. Truth and knowledge are powerful tools to counteract the ridiculous and dangerous narrative that some are trying to weave.
Thanks for today’s email Susan!!
It was valuable to get a report about what’s really happening in LA from a local. The video attachment was great!!
I have been following you for a number of years. I enjoy seeing your fashion choices and reading about colors ( even though I have yet to discover what season I am). Thank you.
And thank you sharing the video and for being the voice of reason.
Well said. Thanks for giving perspective on the situation.
Love the Jimmy Kimmel clip. Totally dead on.
We are preparing for the peace march in Sacramento. Sneakers for sure.
Thank you for this post.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on the demonstrations in downtown LA. And also, I was interested in your Getty Museum trip. Such a lovely place .
I am also from LA, and I agree 100% with your statement and I appreciate that you are using your platform to express your thoughts on this. The reality of what is taking place is not being shown and it is frustrating how pervasive misinformation is in many media outlets and online. I liked the Kimmel clip, and especially how it ended with the views that past presidents have had on immigration.
Thank you for commenting on “current events.” I have stopped reading bloggers/influencers who choose not to acknowledge what is happening in our country and in the lives of their readers.
Thank you for your comments. I am a third generation Angeleno and I am SICK about what is happening. My husband is an immigrant, who came here from a war zone to make a better life 40 years ago. Immigrants are the heart and soul of our city. The President is going to find out that we’re going to stand up for our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for commenting about the events in LA. It’s good to have news from someone who lives nearby and to remind us that most of the protests in recent months have been far more peaceful than what is portrayed in the media.
On a lighter note, I love the necklace!
Susan,
Thank you for sharing the Jimmy Kimmel clip and your perspective.
It’s dangerous to send in the military to quell peaceful protests that could be managed by local police.
I remember well the shooting of unarmed college students by the Ohio National Guard at Kent State University on May 4, 1970, 4 students killed and 9 wounded.
That memory gave me the shivers ! Being the same age as the students in 1970, and my first experience of this sort of thing happening at a peaceful protest, it affected me deeply. Did we not believe that lessons had been learned by now…in our 70’s . Apparently not!
Yes exactly. This mortifies me as a witness to the KSU massacre.
I, too, am a Kent State alumnus. It is just incredible that we may repeat the same tragedy.
Thanks for addressing the situation in LA. Some things cannot be ignored
I am a native Angeleno. THANK YOU Susan for your comments regarding Los Angeles current events. Your description of what’s happening and the news coverage is absolutely accurate and I could not agree with you more regarding the rest. Praying for more peaceful times, tolerance and humane problem solving.
I live in Canada and your description of the situation is the same as the reports we’re hearing. Take care, from your neighbours up north!
As a Canadian I share the same sentiment with Donna as lesson learned about the main stream media and their sensationalized coverage of the Trucker’s Convoy. -Brenda-
I’m grateful to have the perspective of a long-time resident, and someone who can differentiate between free speech/peaceful protests and riots/violent uprisings.
Have always enjoyed your posts and believe you have a good point of view. But I wish you had not veered into the political arena. Is there no place safe from commentary? Even a style-fashion site?!
That’s why I gave people who are not interested the opportunity to click away.
I certainly appreciated your update! After reading what you posted, I heard from friends and family in LA saying the same thing. I know media depictions are so, so misleading, and now it’s all worse with social media and AI, so Susan reporting reality is very much needed!
Exactly.
Of the many commentaries I’ve read about the LA situation, yours is among the the fairest and most sensible. Thank you for sharing your much needed perspective. This is why I look forward to your thoughts every time you post.
You live there. Why wouldn’t people who follow care how things are from your perspective? We all know you live in the area, and I know I thought, “Gee, I wonder how close Susan is to all this.” Thank you. No one had to read beyond, “feel free to click away now.”
Glad you’re safe, and glad to hear your POV. On all matters, style and beyond.
I appreciate your sharing comments on the
peaceful demonstrations in Los Angeles and perspective on the immigrants who live there and contribute to the vibrancy, culture and economic health of the city.
Thanks for sharing your perspective of the ongoing protests. I think it’s important for people to hear from people they trust!
Thanks you for your perspective of what is happening in LA. It was a kind, compassionate update which I very much appreciated.
Thank you for speaking out. We can all do better and maybe take a step back to better understand the totality of it all. Thank you again.
Just…thank you for making many of us feel more heard and connected. Heading out on Saturday for No Kings Day!
Thank you for the firsthand information. I will be protesting June 14th. Be peaceful and safe out there everyone.
Thanks so much for your post today! I love the shoes and will order a pair.
Most importantly, thank you for speaking up. My family came to the US 400 years ago as refugees wanting a better life. If we do not treat people with decency and compassion then we have the answer to “what might have I done in 1930s Germany?”
Thank you for speaking up about issues critically important to all Americans. If we can’t stand up for democracy and stop the craziness coming from the President we will lose our national identity. I tire of those that say that they read fashion blogs as a diversion and do not want to read political posts. We have the luxury of following fashion blogs because of the long term stability we have enjoyed in this country. That stability is at risk. We need to speak up now.
If we can learn one lesson from this chaotic time in history, it should be to always seek out the facts and consider the resources. Thank you for speaking up for those who are severely affected by this current situation. I’m trying hard to remain hopeful for our country’s future.
Several years ago my husband and I did a Great Lakes Cruise. When docked at Cleveland Ohio we didn’t debark from the boat in the early morning with the rest of the guests. We were in our room when we heard our names paged to present ourselves at the dock. Three members of ICE were there at a small building along with two local police officers. We were sternly asked questions about ourselves. Once it was determined that we were upstanding American citizens with no ill intentions, all were affable. I’m thinking “What! Our open Southern Border is a joke?!” Here we were two retirees who have contributed to our Country and are now being sternly questioned. Anyway, I’m just saying. America voted for this.
Some of America. California did not.
And there are many more of us individuals who did not as well.
Only 31 % of America voted for this. I’d like to think that today that percentage of support would be even smaller.
“If it Bleeds, it Leads” use to be the saying. LA has been peaceful. Thank you for being honest and reporting the truth. Truth will win.
Susan, I appreciate hearing your insider perspective on the current events in LA. Thanks for sharing. Mary.
Thanks for the update on LA. Glad to have clarification on what is actually going on. On Saturday I’m going to my second demonstration regarding the current events in our government. Feel very patriotic exercising my right for free speech.
Jane
Thank you for addressing current events. I agree with you. It would have felt uncomfortable to ignore what’s happening. I enjoy your LA content almost as much as the fashion! 🙂
Thank you for the link to the Kimmel clip. These are not times to be silent, and the more of us who speak out in any way we can, who hit the streets, who say “not in our names,” the more likely we can slow and stop this terrifying march toward fascism. Thank you again for speaking out in the forum available to you. A faithful reader.
Thank you for your perspective from LA- and for the Kimmel clip. These days I feel so incapable of helping…
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. We are planning a trip for later this summer. I appreciate your assessment of what is really happening there.
Thank you for your words about what is going on in LA. Very much needed
Thank you for your comments on the distortion of the news regarding LA. It is sadly true that the motto for most media is “if it bleeds (or burns) it leads” and most media doesn’t even try for any context when reporting.
Thank you so much for your perspective. I had seen the Jimmy Kimmel clip yesterday, and, YES, he is so on point!! I will be protesting on the 14th–for the first time in my life!
Thank you, Susan!
Thank you for sharing your observations on LA right now. I think it’s important for everyone right now (no matter how you feel about politics) to understand that what we see in the news is chosen for its value in driving viewership.
Thank you Susan for speaking out. I will be attending a No King March this Saturday to protest the Donald Trump presidency. This cruel, authoritarian and unconscionable way of governing our country is not a true representation of America’s values and character. I am distraught at what is happening.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on what’s happening, Susan. I was hoping you might, and appreciate your taking the time to do so. For anyone wanting to read more about what’s happening, from a calm source, Cup of Jo’s Joanna Goddard has a good post.
p.s. I hate when museum cafés are closed unexpectedly! I always need at least a cup of tea and a snack, if not a proper meal at some point mid-visit, in order to be able to make the most out of my visit to any museum.
Thank you for that report from the ground in LA—I have read other such accounts that say the same thing you….I appreciate you addressing this as I am all about current events.
Thank you for sharing !! Myself and many friends…all retired ..will be attending a No Kings walk and rally this Saturday. We will not be bullied and intimidated by an obviously mentally sick bully.
We all have to do our part, and if this is all I can do I’m going for it !
PS I’m wearing comfortable shoes ..cute jeans and my Ruth Bader Ginsburg tee shirt !!
Love that jacket on you, but love your analysis of what’s really happening on the ground in L. A. even more. I hope the no kings protests this Saturday are huge and uneventful.
Susan,
I couldn’t agree with you more about the LA situation. I try not to watch news all day because it is so upsetting. We are in real trouble in this country and I pray that this will end. I have always respected our former presidents no matter their party. Sadly that’s no longer true.
Thank you for having the courage to express your true feelings. This still is a free country.
What’s happening in Los Angeles and indeed around the country with ICE sweeps is heartbreaking. It’s terrifying for our immigrant neighbors and their families. We live in Sonoma where many migrants do backbreaking work. If they sweep here the wine industry will collapse at harvest if not before. I still teach in TK and Kindergarten and I worry for my students and their families.
And bringing in the Marines and National Gard only escalates the potential for violence. For my part I will be peacefully and silently, sign in hand standing downtown on Saturday.
Susan –
As an Angelino, I so appreciate you sharing what is really going on in our City. Well reported. I will be out peacefully protesting this weekend.
Thank you Susan for your honest update on what is happening in LA, as well as thank you for all your posts whether on fashion, travel or just life.
First, enjoy the time with your sister. Frankly, enjoy your time, period. Blogs should be fun for the reader and the author.
Everyone has an opinion about what lifestyle blogs should cover. Here is mine: They should cover life. Women of a certain age are about an entire spectrum of quality of life issues. This includes fashion but is not limited to it. I appreciate the fact that you give fair warning when leaving the lanes of beauty, fashion and travel so readers can take the next exit should they choose to do so.
I could write so much about the sad darkness of our times, but it’s outside the boundaries of your blog. “Heartbreaking” is my final word on the subject.
Right on point Susan BK ! I watched the Jimmy Kimmel clip …and also reflected back to Kent State in 1970 with an earlier post from Kathleen.
It’s a distressing time , and up here in Canada ‘s Vancouver Island, I watch and read as much as I can take in …just to keep up…most often on PBS…but there’s a bottomless pit of misinformation out there that so many believe. My thoughts are with you as you all negotiate through this , with hopefully with some positive results. An important weekend ahead. I will be watching.
Thank you for your comments on the immigration issue. Gutting is the right word.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your informative and wonderful blog.
Yesterday I spoke with my mom’s former caregiver. She is a naturalized citizen
and I asked her to carry with her a copy of her papers, to prove she is a citizen. She was so wonderful with my mom. She is so vulnerable and it is difficult emotionally for me to deal with how vulnerable people are. Even US citizens are being picked up illegally and held.
Again, so many lovely blog posts and thanks for the discussion about the actuality of LA. I do want to see the Manuscripts exhibition! I love the Hammer museum as well (but live in Northern California).
Thank you for telling us what it’s really like in LA. We need to hear it from someone who lives there.
And I really appreciate the Jimmy Kimmel clip. It’s perfect!!
I presume Pajamama is referring to the January 6, 2021 assault on the capitol by a mob of supporters of Trump when many peace officers were injured and much property was damaged.
Support you & your fellow Angelenos 100%
Thank you, Susan, for today’s comments
For those who believe fashion bloggers “should stick to fashion,” perhaps these same people should consider the human beings who are working in factories in Los Angeles and around the world, and who are cutting, sewing, and producing the clothes that we buy and wear.
I will be honored to be among those peacefully protesting on June 14th, No Kings Day.
I am grateful to have two reliable sources of information from LA, both saying essentially the same thing and coming from very different backgrounds. Thank you for being one of them, and for providing a sensible perspective on the tendency of various media and politicians to fan flames that don’t actually exist, sometimes tossing in a few lighted matches. At least I understand why the media do it (yes, if it bleeds, it leads) , and unfortunately I think I also understand why the politicians do as well – and am frankly more angry with the politicians.
My heart breaks for those being separated and detained by people in masks. It’s happening on the east coast too and I’m sure the small amount of violence will be used as an excuse for repression for all of us.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on what’s happening in LA right now. Your experience mirrors what I’ve heard from friends as well as from other people online: the violence is getting covered while the protests are largely peaceful. I wish, during these challenging and inflammatory times, the media would be more responsible. And I wish the federal government would stop trying to make things worse than they are.
When something is so wrong you HAVE to speak up. Thank you
Well said. Thank you for putting a real-time perspective on the situation.
Thanks for speaking out, the TRUTH, Susan. And thanks to Jimmy Kimmel for also explaining truly what is going on in LA and showing clips of our whatever-he-is full out LYING, as usual!
Susan, thank you for your assessment of the downtown LA situation; it feels like some are condemning those who feel the need to gather and demonstrate about their preferences and are exercising their 1A rights. Calm assessments are necessary and appreciated!
I really enjoy your posts; especially when you include tips for us “cool” women!
Susan I appreciate your observations about what is happening in LA. I have been wondering how it is affecting you and it would be very strange for you not to comment. I don’t live in the U.S. but what happens in your country affects the world. I am reassured to know that so many of your followers are speaking out.
Thank you Susan for the update on the protests currently going on in L.A. As an immigrant myself it just saddens me to no end that this is happening in America.
I’m heading to England and France next week to visit family, and your travel/packing posts have been very helpful.
Paula
Thank you for your post. I agree that it would seem weird not to talk about what is going on in LA since we all know that is where you live. I particularly liked the comment from one of your readers pointing out that fashion encompasses the people who design and make the clothes we wear, and the effect of the present actions in this country on those people is well within the subject of your blog.
Kimmel’s comment about it being more violent when celebrating a sports victory is spot on. The only time I’ve seen a car burning in the streets was when Michael Jordan’s Bulls won their first championship.
We went to the Getty a few years ago. It’s lovely and not as crowded as the museums in Paris.
Thank you for all you do every day and for acknowledging that we readers of your blog live in the place where this is all happening. I want to identify my views with those of your community. I also want to express sympathy to the national guard members set up in opposition to their fellow Californians.
Bravo to you. We were in Egypt during the revolution in 2011 when Mubarak was thrown out of office. We were sitting in a tour bus on a Cairo street when the rebellion started down the street from us. Students were peacefully protesting, marching only. Then Mubarak sent in thugs who started beating the protesters. The next thing we saw was tanks in the streets. When I see the photographs of troops in Los Angeles, I am reminded of that terrible moment in Cairo. The media loved making the protest the source of violence and from what we saw, it was not. We watched CNN and BBC from Egypt and the coverage was amazing. CNN anchors were breathlessly reporting on escalating violence and the BBC was very calmly telling what happened and then moving on to other stories. We had quite a lesson on media coverage of events.
Thanks so much for updating us on the current situation un LA!
Hi Susan, thanks for the clip re the situation in LA. I live in New Zealand and the news media shows us a very bad situation. It’s nice to have some balance. Regardless, I hope it all calms down very soon for you all.
I adore the word “peckish” and 100% recognize the feeling!!
Thank you for your thoughtful comments. They are very appreciated.
Thank you, Susan, for corroborating what responsible news outlets are reporting, regarding the limited scope of the LA protests. I lived through this kind of misrepresentation when my former hometown of Portland (OR) experienced violent protests which were in reality EXTREMELY limited in scope and size. Networks continually replay the same vehicles on fire, making things look far worse than they really are. They feed dishonesty and amplify the problem, IMO.
I value your travel, fashion and lifestyle posts but also appreciate that you are an honest reporter of the world you – and we- live in. Thank you (& enjoy your sister time!).
Thank you for commenting. That person in the Wh is jus ramping up the hysterics and causing more problems. Today’s arrest of Senator Padilla is the crossing of another red line. I cannot believe it has been only 5 months. what will this country look like after 4 years? I told my husband when he was elected that California would be the first state he would do these immigration raids. I was correct.
Thanks for addressing what is happening in LA right now. The histrionics and the lack of accurate media coverage is ridiculous. The behavior of our current administration is obscene, completely unnecessary, and dangerous. Jimmy Kimmel was spot on.
Very brave of you to post this because you are ‘out there’ and people can be quite unkind.
However, I see a lot of positive comments and that is because this is so well written. Thank you for telling the truth and for standing up for those people who cannot stand up for themselves.
I’m a fellow Californian, with a daughter who lives in LA, so I can confirm that what you’ve written here is correct, in case anyone doubts you.
Merci mille fois!
Thanks Susan. I have been following you for years and i believe you are an intelligent honest individual. I really appreciate your insight, as a local, for your area’s current situation. Love love love your style!
I appreciate you even more for speaking out. I don’t know how people can just ignore what is happening so I am grateful that you took the time – even though it may be risky – to share with us your on the ground experience. I recently joined because I like your style and I absolutely feel good about it! I will keep reading!
Susan, thank you for everything you do. Special thanks for clarifying what’s really happening in Los Angeles.
Hello Susan, I’m so glad that you addressed this – it’s great to hear from someone ‘on the ground’. I saw Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue and have shared it around. It’s so important to try and wade through all the misinformation. I’m glad that you had some quality time with your sister.
I agree with Patricia and appreciate your column and your candor. We have experienced this one sided news reporting about peaceful protests in Seattle both in the past and I expect we will be targeted like LA soon. Like LA, the actions were within a small radius. As a former history teacher, (45 years prior to retirement), I can say beyond a doubt, immigrants built the US. We are all descended from immigrants. This is not the first time they have been treated horribly. Anti immigration quotas and raids were rampant 100 years ago.
Sadly, history books in this country conveniently omit that the enslaved also built the U.S. Slaves helped to bolster the American economy for hundreds of years.
Thank you for the real life perspective. Stay strong, California!
Really appreciate your comments about L.A. We all have to speak out when and where we can, and you have stated it so well.
Thank you for your comments – I like to hear from people who are actually witnessing/experiencing these events. I also agree with you wholeheartedly.
Thank you Susan
THANK YOU for giving a calm, clear explanation of what’s happening in LA. You might get some pushback so I really appreciate you stating the facts.
Thank you so much for speaking up and out Susan. It helps remind those of us from other countries that not all Americans support this administration. Such a scary time for those Americans and for the rest of the world.
Thanks for the insight as someone who lives there. Living in NM and TX, immigrants are part of the fabric of our communities. Very distressing what is happening now.
Thanks for this, Sue. I think that your assessment carries even more weight because while your politics can be read by a discerning follower, you tend to stick to the topics most of your readers are here for. I really appreciate the straightforward, measured way you describe the situation from your perspective as a longtime Los Angelena.
I’ve only been to your city once (in about 1998 for an academic conference at UCLA), but one of the things I did in my three days there was go to the Getty. The collection itself is relatively modest and idiosyncratic in the way that private collections tend to be, but the architecture and landscaping, the hovertrains, the beautiful seating, the bathrooms, etc. Design to think about at every turn.
Thank you for addressing this issue, Susan. It is so helpful to get info from someone who knows the area and is on the ground there.
I appreciate your speaking up about the LA situation. I too find the while issue “gutting”
Thank you for your comments about the situation in your area. We need to hear the truth.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on what is happening in your city. It’s so important for us to connect as humans and to be mindfully aware of events as they occur. Prayers for safety for all involved.
Here, here, Susan! Thanks for adding a sane perspective to the unrelenting nonsense on the news.
As a longtime resident of Santa Monica, I wholeheartedly agree with your statements about the overwhelmingly peaceful protests in LA County.
I also plan to go to our No Kings protest tomorrow. No President needs to spend upwards of 35 million on a parade for him/herself.
Love me an influencer with integrity! Thank you!
Bless LA. Hope Trumps gives up hurting the people of California soon. I love California and this is just not right.
Thanks for your link to Jimmy Kimmel and your post. I am a CA native vacationing in Europe and right now in Croatia. Most outside of the country know what this whole thing is about (diversion, division, distortion, a power grab, revenge?) and what our President is really after. It is a sad state of affairs. People in my family with generations born here in CA but who look like targets for ICE are carrying their birth certificates with them at all times now. This is so upsetting. Thanks also for your recommendations regarding Heather Cox Richardson. She is a great resource and a pretty brave lady! And…your fashion advice is my daily escape from everything which is most appreciated!
Thank you for your commentary about the situation in LA and the clip from Jimmy Kimmel. My perspective is somewhat unique: I grew up in Kent Ohio and although I did not live there at the time of the riots, I did move back there just afterwards. I now live in Minneapolis just 3-4 miles from the site of the riots there. In both cases there have been lasting changes in the community in the aftermath. Those changes can be positive only if we can take a hard look at ourselves and what led us to this point (Minneapolis is not quite there yet). My granddaughter will go to UCLA in the Fall, so once again the aftermath has a personal aspect for me, but the reality is that we should all relate to these incidents, wherever they happen
Thank you for speaking out when so many seem afraid to do so. Your thoughtful and kind comments are appreciated. Jimmy Kimmel was spot on with his commentary.
Thank you for sharing what is actually happening where you live. I’ve heard from other residents who say exactly the same. Mostly peaceful protests….
The way these people are treated is horrible beyond words.
Greetje
Thank you, Susan, for your wise, sensible commentary posted on June 12th regarding the demonstrations in LA. (And, of course, the always hilarious,
Jimmy Kimmel assessment of our world!). I love your courage in speaking up about your real-time views of what’s happening.
Thanks for the Kimmel clip. I have had to tell people I know from other states and countries that the news footage they see is not what is happening in California.
Thank you, Susan.
Another thing for people to keep in mind is that LA is the garment production capital of the US, and most of the workers who make clothing in the city are immigrants from Latin America and Asia.
Thanks for your comments about LA, the peaceful protests, immigrants’ role in society, and the Jimmy Kimmel clip.