Reasons Why I Would Hate to Leave Los Angeles

October 18, 2012 / Amador Jaojoco

So I figured I've done enough whining about leaving the Napa Valley since I've been forced to move down and live with my parents. Being 21 with two 4-year degrees, a matured portfolio and a lot of learning to do, I think I'm okay with this arrangement. If i put in the math, I can take my masters still graduate with that before the age of 24 -- which according to Art Center is the average age for someone starting a program in their institution.

While at home I've decided to treat LA as if I were a tourist (because things are way more fun as a tourist.) From this new point of view I've pinned down a few of my favorite places, events and communities that ultimately would make it difficult for me to say good-bye to this place I call home.

LA ARTWALK

This event has to be one of my favorite weekday events. Held every second Thursday of the month, it is the one day a week Los Angeles denizens pump life into the city's downtown area. Parking is affordable between a small group of friends, the streets are crowded with food trucks and, most importantly, galleries have their doors wide open with special exhibitions. Featured are a range of up and coming artists as well as established local artists who want to show off their new stuff. Local establishments hire DJ's

I've been going to this event every chance I've had. One of the more memorable moments was when I was caught in the middle of an Occupy Wall Street Riot involving chalk.

Here's some footage I caught while police were forming their barricades (bt-dubz, bike cops are awesome!)

SYRUP

There is a great dessert place on Spring St. and 7th called Syrup. It is delicious, affordable, trendy, and is open very, very late at night. Best place to have a midnight snack when you catch yourself in the city. I highly suggest the brownie sundae or any of the grilled cheese sandwiches. We usually hit this place up after roaming around LA Art Walk.

Gallery Nucleus

This gallery is located in the city of Alhambra. Located just down the block is a teahouse that I used to chill with friends at. Gallery Nucleus is a gallery that has a focus on illustration and low-brow art. They usually have great visitors from Dreamworks and Pixar, you know those big animated movie guys I wanted to be as a kid. They have a great store front filled with wonderful goodies. My favorite part about this gallery? Graphic Design books are almost always 25 percent off.

Downtown

I never really got to appreciate this city as much as I have while being shown around by @Leslie_Muse He knows this city back and forth by completely busting the myth that everyone in LA has to have a car. The civic center is an amazing place for a picnic, the gastropubs on 7th street are a must to visit. All in all, LA is in a state of constant flux. There will always be someplace new (if you know how to look for it.)

AIGA Los Angeles

This community is awesome. LA designers have the specific trait of being multi-disciplined. Everyone involved is doing it out of their hearts and are really wanting to push for enriching the design community with new knowledge, ideas and networking opportunities. I never have to feel like I'm attending an event "by myself", there will always be a familiar face and someone to talk to. We're here to help each other out and have a great time.

Mah Homies

Los Angeles will always be my hometown. Well, technically Downey is, but when you live in LA it doesn't matter if you were born in Irvine or San Fernando. We've all been stuck on the same freeways, we've all partied a little bit too hard in West Hollywood and we've all celebrated with LA County decided to get rid of camera enforced red light tickets.

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