Former Highland Park NC President, Forever NELA Activist
Angela Gonzales-Torres is the perfect native Angelena to discuss our changing neighborhoods and what we should do
Gentrification is a tough topic to talk about because on one hand we all want our neighborhoods to improve, modernize, and provide new services for our ever-changing needs.
But on the other hand we don’t want wealthy conglomerates to steamroll into town with their deep pockets and political power and destroy the charm and unique quirks of what made the ‘hood different just so they can build over-priced one-word restaurants, bars, and boutiques that doesn’t fit the scene.
Throughout the years this podcast has bopped around LA talking to the OGs. Among our 126 episodes, we have met people like Mike Bravo, Ryh-Ming, and Lynne Crandall, who have held a spotlight on the negative aspects of gentrification when their neighborhoods were stripped of culture, affordability, soul and style.
Highland Park, for many reasons, has been ground zero for the push-and-pull of developers, brash business interests and realtors who see the mostly-Latino neighborhood as nothing more than a prime spot to put their own mark on because they see nothing more than profit.
HLP has access to the Gold Line; it’s close to DTLA, Pasadena, and Dodger Stadium; and its main drag, Figueroa, has many delightful places to eat drink and be merry.
If there are changes to be made, perhaps those who grew up there and currently live there should be the ones whose voice should be heard to make the choices that will affect the neighborhood? Is that an outrageous theory?
Today’s guest, Angela Gonzales-Torres, invited me into her beautiful home not far from Fig. Her bookshelves are neatly lined with classic and modern novels, Bukowski’s poetry, and feminist must-haves. Next to her front door are four skateboards, but don’t ask her to pose with any of them because she doesn’t want to come across as a poseur.
But what’s so delightful about Angela is she is the furthest thing from a fake. She’s the real deal and such a lovely example of the 57,000+ residents of the neighborhood.
We talked about Billie Eilish, KDL, vegan tacos, and a particular knock on her door when she realized she had struck the nerve of someone who should regret crossing that line.
Angela is someone we should all dream of having as a neighbor and a leader and we are so happy that she is now the fifth episode of this vital neighborhood.
Other Highland Park episodes:
Willie Christie + Ysabel Jurado + A’magine + Jason Reedy
Follow Angela on Instagram at bloomagitate
How great was Angela? When you stoke us you’re saying: Thanks for showing us truly good people like him. “Here’s a few sacks of cash that fell off the back of a truck. Use it in good health.”
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Shout out to our Angel-enos!
Angelenos: #1 Ali Miller, #2 George Wright #3 Rita Joanne #4 Jason Sutter #5 Grant Haughton #6 Rob Baker #7 KevCheng #8 Brenda Garcia #9 John Griffiths #10 Lisa J. #11 The Plum Dahlia, #12 Shawn Atlow #13 Steve G. #14 Sunana #15 Seana #16 Steve
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Music and music supervision by Jordan Katz.
Special thanks to Cindy for creating the logo, Jen for inspiring this,
and people who go to and run neighborhood councils.
Thank you, patriots!
