Amplify Media
Founder and Executive Editor of Amplify Media, which covers the event and live entertainment industries; former Managing Editor of Venues Today, an independently owned, print and web magazine published out of Huntington Beach, California
Who Gets the Greek Theatre? The Greek Theatre is one of LA's iconic venues and the biggest money-maker for the Department of Recreation and Parks. Now it's embroiled in a political battle scheduled for resolution tomorrow by the full City Council. Dave Brooks is founder and executive editor of Amplify Media , which covers the event- and live-entertainment industries.
Who’s Really In Charge at LA’s Greek Theatre? In August, LA’s Greek Theatre staged 21 concerts—more than Staples Center, the Forum, Nokia Theater and the Hollywood Palladium combined. But a more important performance may be coming on Thursday as LA City’s Board of Recreation and Parks Commission decides who should run the venue for the next 20 years. Two of the world’s biggest promoters have filed reports running thousands of pages.
Coliseum Scandal Casts Spotlight on Rave Culture Last Friday, two former executives of the Memorial Coliseum, two rave promoters and two other contractors were indicted on 29 counts of bribery, embezzlement, conspiracy and conflict of interest. Today's LA Times reports that one of the contractors is still at large and may be out of the country. District Attorney Steven Cooley says millions of public dollars were stolen and that prosecution will be conducted "aggressively." Jointly run by the City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County and the State of California, the Coliseum has hosted two Summer Olympic Games, John Kennedy's nomination as President, several world series and Super Bowls, and a mass conducted by Pope John Paul II. But since 2005, almost all the events there have been raves, also known as "electronic dance concerts."
Governor's Race Debate A debate between Gavin Newsom and John Cox hosted by KQED.
As sidewalk gardens grow on Skid Row, homeless residents lose a sidewalk In a city with tens of thousands of people living on its streets, sidewalk space can be a hot commodity. Businesses want to keep the sidewalk clear for customers, but the city’s housing crisis means that for some people, the sidewalk is home. Some property owners have reportedly used sprinklers or private security guards to make sure no one sets up camp outside their doors. And in recent months, people living on the streets have noticed a new tactic – business owners effectively occupying a portion of the sidewalk themselves.
Timber Troubles California has 4 billion trees, and it’s time they took some responsibility for their actions.
The Asian American voter in OC In Orange County the population is changing. While the numbers of most ethnic groups have grown slowly over the past 10 years, the number of Asian Americans is up 41 percent since 2010. And don't think the politicos haven't noticed. What kind of impact will Asian American voters have on Orange County's representation in Congress? Will they help keep the county Republican, or could they turn Orange County blue?