Idea Truck In East LA

As I walked outside the building to unfold the aluminum flap that assures patrons that our site is a “Safe Haven”, I noticed a bright baby blue ice cream truck.  Driving down Huntington Dr. any day or night, the sight of a food truck is common, so what was so special about this little truck?

Well first of all it was empty.  Inside, I noticed a woman scrubbing the walls and floor.  Weird…. But then again, we normally get weirdos in the library, so I figured she was lost and maybe her colleague was inside getting directions.  I walked back into the building, threw my curiosity to the wind; holding my theory as a reasonable enough explanation.

I kept my observation from my coworkers because I gave up on pursuing my curiosity.  Focusing on my work for the following hour my concentration waned when I heard a little boy tell his mom, “I wish they had ice cream. Why would they have an ice cream truck if they don’t sell ice cream mommy?”  That is an interesting question: why wouldn’t an ice cream truck sell ice cream?  And, “They”? That meant the lady wasn’t alone.  But why were they still outside if they weren’t lost nor selling anything?  My curiosity peaked.

I walked out thinking it would be one of those situations where I have to ask these weirdos to stop bothering our patrons.  As I marched to the truck (I deliberately walk with my back straight, and sticking my chest out to look intimidating when I have to shush people away) my attention was on a small chalk board stand intricately placed on the sidewalk next to the truck, “Idea Truck”  It seemed to be a mobile art exhibition of some sort.

After searching the internet that evening I came upon this in Kickstart:

The plan is to drive Idea Truck around LA for 6 months and reach out to unsuspecting pedestrians.  Sit at plastic tables and chairs and feast on ideas, like: space ships should be purple elephants with rockets for feet (one idea already donated to the inventory).  Why do they have to be aerodynamic anyway, there’s no air in space?  Disagree?  Want to elaborate?  Then contact the idea maker directly from the email he or she leaves behind.  And on that note—what is an idea?  Are they a dime a dozen or are they a unique stamp of who you are?  Is an idea enough in this consumer-driven object making world?

Interesting enough, its nice to see that the arts are live and well!

An Unexpected History of Home: Young El Monte

I only worked a couple of hours and I mostly kept to myself on account of the sluggish mood I was in.  Work wasn’t busy, nor noisy, which was a surprise given that Monday Toddler Time Story Time normally fills the library with whelps and laughter by a dozen or so rugrats running around playing freeze tag.

After a week of cold weather and rain (cold being 50*, I live in LA, we’re spoiled) I welcomed the 80* weather.  On the drive home I opened up the sun roof, let the sun fry the unbecoming bald spot I inherited from my dad, and blasted the static-y music from my half broken iPod transmitter.  It was a beautiful day, but the sun must have gotten to me; giving me a slight headache.  Halfway through my drive, the blood pumping through the veins in my temples became more profound.  I just wanted to get home, lie down, and sleep off the sunlight.

Finally home and nestled in the perfect spot in the living room sofa, I heard an unfamiliar voice talking to my dad in English.  My dad doesn’t speak English, so of course, it meant my plans would be ruined.  Half asleep and completely frustrated, I walked out to the patio to find an older gentlemen holding a camera.  Confused and irritated, I did my best to sound polite.

He was a tall, pot bellied Caucasian, with balding white hair.  He wore a white and blue plaid short sleeved shirt.  Half his shirt was unbuttoned, making his sweaty white under shirt visible.  He had on dark purple lens- gold framed small aviator glasses.  He leaned in to shake my hand.  His smile put me at ease.

After exchanging greetings, he told me he grew up in El Monte and my house was his first stop.  Our home was his in-laws home for several years!.  Back in the late 60’s he used to drive up the same very street I do everyday, to pick up his then girlfriend, now wife!  He continued by telling me that things have changed since he lived here, about 30 plus years ago.

He remembered when South El Monte was still part of El Monte.  South El Monte was nothing but undeveloped land, full of walnut trees and cattle.  The now boarded up Chevy dealership on Valley Blvd. was the location of a Lutheran church where he attended primary and secondary school.  The 10 freeway wasn’t even complete!  After the road workers were done for the day, his father would drive him up to the incomplete freeway and teach him how to drive.  Since traffic was none existent at that time, the road was like a ghost town.  Imagine learning how to drive on the 10 Fwy!  Anyone who knows the 10 fwy, knows its one of the busiest and most congested freeways!  If you don’t believe me, Google it.

Before he left he took some photos and was exited to see that the place hadn’t changed.  Though his father in law passed away years ago, his mother in law is still alive.  He couldn’t wait to show his wife and her mother the pictures!  Before he left I told him to go to the Valley Mall, which I’m sure was the prime shopping area in town.  The old El Monte theater is now gone, remnants of the sign are still there.  I’m sure he wouldn’t even recognize it anymore given that The El Monte Legion Hall isn’t next door anymore.  Of course the Legion Hall known for being a concert venue, hosting some renown acts like Herman and his Hermits and The Beatles to name a few.

As I said goodbye and shook his hand I couldn’t help but think of the history of this town.  El Monte is celebrating their Centennial this year, and I can’t help but feel immense pride.

As he drove away and I waved goodbye, I felt this strong reinvigorating energy in my body.  This need to explore, to travel, to learn, to retrace, to get lost, to examine.

The Beginning

I feel that I should print a few words:

Though this website seems very simple in concept, I am very excited to begin writing.  I hope to provide myself with a piece of mind while entertaining and connecting with you in some plain.  Until then, welcome to the show!