Monthly Archives: January 2012

BUSINESS: Kelvin Anderson and World Famous VIP Records

I’ve been spending time lately with Kelvin Anderson, owner of World Famous VIP Records in Long Beach, a ferociously independent record store. Anderson’s store is a landmark, one of the places where rap began in Southern California, and a store … Continue reading

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Filed under Business, Los Angeles

MIGRANTS: Zeus Garcia, the Michael Jordan of Oaxacan Indian basketball

I had lunch the other day with an old friend, Zeus Garcia. In his day, Zeus was like the Michael Jordan of Oaxacan Indian basketball – this in the mid-1970s. He and his brothers and cousins formed a basketball team … Continue reading

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Filed under Los Angeles, Mexico, Migrants

Pay Phone Virgin – Broadway & 42nd

Another in my campaign to shoot every Virgin of Guadalupe in LA. This one protects the last pay phone in town.  

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Filed under Los Angeles, Mexico, Migrants, Streets, Virgin

MIGRANTS: Wan Joon Kim

I’ve spending time with Wan Joon Kim and his son Kirk. Mr. Kim was a gangster rap empresario in Compton, selling records, then cassettes, of the rap pioneers from that town when no one else would, and operating it all … Continue reading

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Filed under Migrants, Uncategorized

Fire Dog Lake — chat at 2pm PST today

I’m hosting a chat at 2pm PSt today on Fire Dog Lake, with Sylvia Longmire, author of “Cartel: the Coming Invasion of Mexico’s Drug Wars.” Check it out…. Sam    

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Jaripo, Michoacan

Speaking with people from Jaripo, Michoacan comes news that the small town now has a cell of the La Familia camped out and controlling access. They apparently drive around armed and with walkie-talkies, questioning any who enter the town. This … Continue reading

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Filed under Drugs, Mexico, Migrants

Welcome …

Hey there! Welcome to my new blog. It’s been a long time in conception, but something I think all reporters need to have these days — if only to offer a peek into how they work. I hope it’s a … Continue reading

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