LA is fucked. So it seems to me. I was born there & lived all over the city until 1994. I returned occasionally to visit. 2012 seemed like a high point. Downtown in particular was amazing. Boutique stores in the P&E building!? Skid Row had contracted. Regular tax-paying folk hung around MacArthur Park. Hollywood, especially around Hollywood Bl & Highland looked great.

Then, a couple months ago, I was back. Road trip. I could have stayed longer, but didn't have the heart to. Homeless all over, especially Echo Park. Downtown looked decayed, vacant. Worst of all the International Newsstand on Cahuenga was closed down, permanently, I guess (& so too, I hear is the Pacific Dining Car).

I noticed, starting roughly around 2010 how LA is no longer the default setting for so much film & TV. I realize much of this is economic & technological. Quality films & TV no longer require as much technical support. Without film, where is LA's future?

I fear it's becoming the next Detroit.