Guest on September 26, 2010, at 03:45PM – #1

Hurrah!

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:24PM – #2

Congratulations to the people of Downtown and LA, the Galleries and businesses for People Power! It took a Tsunami of Protest.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:32PM – #4

I for one agree that it should be moved to a different time slot. Preferably on the weekend. I live here and work 6-3, M-F, so not only do I miss it every month due to having to retire early/rise early for work on Friday, but often the noise level can get really out of hand on a work night.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:36PM – #5

Ginny you have supported Bert, so as a supporter of Bert what can I reply to you?

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:37PM – #6

I'm with Ginny. Read the press release posted on Eric's earlier post and it sure sounds like there was never any plan to cancel the October event.

The board could have/should have issued the press release on Friday and a lot of craziness posted online could have been avoided. Also, we wouldn't have had to re-hash Kim Cooper's crazy ranting about events in the past.

Time for everyone to move on, support downtown businesses and galleries and get on with living here. All week, every week not just once a month.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:41PM – #7

I don't know Ginny or Bert Green but what does her comment here have to do with any previous support of anyone? It doesn't seem like the board ever intended to end the October event so the crazy rantings didn't impact anything.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 04:42PM – #8

Guest #4 Sure, ROFL.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 05:30PM – #9

Yeah Finally!! Thank you Eric for getting the story straight. Funny, Jay Lopez gets 'fired' while Bert Green and Edgar Varela are not mentioned. Once again showing how the snakes will let another take the fall and they slither away. Thankfully, we can still read the postings to find some sort of truth. Kindergarten sandbox fight...over...for now! I'm grateful - I think it's brought us all closer as a community. (cheeky but true) Maybe next time we can have a proper community meeting in a real building instead of a blog. :)

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:09PM – #11

Downtown Art Walk Board of Directors: (Most of whom were appointed by Richard Shave/Kim Cooper) David Hernand Bonnie Tseng Wicks Walker Marc Lodge Andre Miripolsky Pamela Huntoon

FYI, Bert Green resigned several months ago.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:16PM – #12

Hopefully there will be some real discussions about the real challenges facing Art Walk and some possible real solutions that address needs of various stakeholders soon so that the benefits of Art Walk can continue to flow to the community of beneficiaries without worrying about a sword of Damocles.

Is it clear yet what will happen with Art Walk November, among others, or how that will be decided?

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:19PM – #13

So the second Thursday evening of the month goes back onto my calendar as to avoid the Historic Core? No problem.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:32PM – #14

BTW: Jim is a very good friend of Bert's and has also participated in harrassing people via e-mail, social media etc. in DTLA.

Blog Downtown went to Bert regarding the announcement. Hummm...wonder why? Because he had the answers and was involved? Bert expressed his full support of the change. His word carries weight because he ids himself as the sole founder of Art Walk.

A fair and open public hearing will settle speculation from fact. You're on the wrong side of DT history and events, yet again.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:50PM – #15

According to blog downtown itself the board disbanded, now they are back issuing statements?

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:57PM – #16

I'm totally puzzled why Jay Lopez felt he could unilaterally act the way he did. Or why he was so motivated to do what he did in the first place.

Was it a personal whim based on his preferring a weekend event instead of a Thursday one so he wouldn't have to wake up as early the next day? That would make sense.

His phone number remains posted to the website he changed without formal authorization:

http://www.downtownartwalk.org

Has anyone covering this story, particularly Eric, attempted to contact him?

I also wasn't aware that the Art Walk organization already is a non-profit entity, and that Bert Green no longer is on its board. So another assumption I made previously was not correct. However, the reason Mr. Green so far hasn't responded to this debate is because of what? Is he traveling or too busy doing other things to know what really happened on Friday?

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 06:59PM – #17

This statement from Friday's article would not indicate the board had disbanded, just made no formal statement until today. I work at a restaurant in downtown LA where the board had there meeting 2 weeks ago. So I know they were in existence then.

"The board of the non-profit set up to manage the event has not made any statement, but board members have told blogdowntown that the release was not authorized by the group."

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 07:05PM – #18

I wish bert green would go away...for a very long time. Bert if you're reading this, you are not the Jesus of downtown. Others are welcome to come here even if you dont like it. Maybe you should go away until january 2011. Downtown is bigger than you and just because it's rebirth is growing out of your grasp and control, it doesn't mean it's a negative thing.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 07:30PM – #19

Jay Lopez is no longer executive director of Art Walk? Good riddance. Him and his crew of "art guards" are unknowledgable about non-profit leadership nor contemporary art for that matter.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 07:32PM – #20

A understanding of Bert's MO: he has other people do his bidding. He pulls strings like a puppet master. Indeed he resigned but he leads the pack of this small aggressive and totally self protecting group of followers. This is common knowledge. He feels I believe, that he is the king maker. He continues to tout and push his weight against anyone with a view(s) other than him. He has not been inclusive of different views and has spread some rather vicious gossip about those that take him to task. The "word" on the street is that he has been planning an escape from dtla.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 10:22PM – #22

Ugh. I was really hoping the recurring thursday nightmare of bad art and drunken fools was over.

Guest on September 26, 2010, at 10:50PM – #23

Here's a thought: Why not charge a $10 cover charge. you get a stamp/bracelet and that's your pass into the galleries. without it, you can't get in. It's also your bar pass. With one artwalk you pretty much pay the bills for cleanup for the year, yeah? It's also your pass into the afterparty that Edgar throws....I think half of that monthly 20,000-plus crowd will stay away, we'll make $100K for the ArtWalk non-profit (hmm, are they trustworthy?), and we all stay happy. Change the name to ArtFest (because you have to pay). How about it? I think it's a better idea than canceling until January, and then coming back as a quarterly event (which will kill it). The art's district quarterly "Loft Tour" is barely attended over on Traction Ave -- is that the goal of ArtWalk? If not, then kill that stupid quarterly idea. I'm just glad the October ArtWalk is a go. And hey, ArtWalk leaders, call a stinking community meeting. Let us contribute our ideas. ArtWalk is bigger than you.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 02:56AM – #24

I had no idea art walk was so big. 20,000 people, that is half of the population living here. Yeah, I imagine that could get a little noisy.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 07:23AM – #28

kim cooper, burt green, julie rico, jay lopez, russel brown, richard schave- GO AWAY! you have all caused so much trouble. don't you ever get tired of the drama you create?

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 07:57AM – #29

It seems really easy to throw Kim Cooper and friends under the bus with your comment guest 16. But that is what rumors are all about. It is easier to believe a rumor than find out the truth.

Watch the video. Read the information that Kim and friends have put forth. Kim was right all along. It is important that people like her are around. Otherwise this town would be run by Bert Greens and Russell Brown-oh yeah he is still Tom Gilmores best bud-Jay Lopez and Edgar Varela. Oh yeah these guys essentially still run the show. Even with all of the in your face antics. Jay did get kicked out though! One down 3 to go. We know that Tom will not get rid of Russell though. Russell is his muscle. Better to have a strong arm than a smart arm, Tom Gilmore, eh?

Just because #16 you are weak. Do not pull everyone else down with you. It is important that the truth about this situation is revealed.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 10:03AM – #32

Tom Gilmore's little Main Street posse got out of control. He needs to go and stop manipulating our community. He comes off like the local baron and the rest are the serfs. We need a clean sweep ...all the way.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 10:35AM – #35

Check out the activities of Hal and Russ too. The BID is also run like a fiefdom. More than one business owner has been sold a "bill of goods" from Hal & Co. and lived to regret it, to the tune, in one case, of over a 1M loss. Can we please get some honorable people in dtla?

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 10:50AM – #36

Alexandra, The artwalk was going to go to higher more organized levels under Kim Cooper and Richard Schaves care when they were summarily dismissed by Bert Green and Russell Brown from their newly formed non-profit for the artwalk. They are rooted in the real art community downtown. They are computer experts and PR experts. They were doing the right thing to put the non profit together. They need to be placed back onto the board asap. This is their website http://www.esotouric.com/ There were heavy politicians trying to control it for whatever reasons, greed, ego, idiocy. Tom Gilmore is keeping one of the main culprits in power here, Russell Brown. So not much is going to change till there is a big change downtown politically. The people that have been getting dissed are not bad just honest. Be strong and try to get the right people into office in the downtown community. Write letters to Tom Gilmore. Write letters to Jan Perry but if there is no action on the part of everyone then everything will stay status quo. Really I cannot see anything changing without action by the community. Be optimistic but be action forward too.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 11:32AM – #37

@#29.... what i have learned is that everyone of the people i named have been responsible for some crazy drama at one point or another. as a resident and business owner of downtown i am fed up with all of them and their bickering ways.... it is apparent that you are at least a kim supporter (if you're not kim or rico themselves). that's great, keep siding with drama.

i for one want a new guard. people that actually care about the community and less about being "right" about everything. grow up- the past is the past and can't be changed. get with what is happening now and care about the community instead of saving your friends reputation- you are part of the problem.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 11:35AM – #39

Sure. Bring back drama to art walk. RETURN KIM AND RICHARD! Right that's a great suggestion.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 11:42AM – #40

Here's another idea: have a respected community leader step in and help set things right. How about General Jeff, Brady Westwater and Don Garza? For a leading artist, how about Man One or GronK?

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 12:41PM – #41

bigfatcatlover- i beg to differ. everyone i know still comes to see art an be inspired by it. do they always buy it, no- but who can that night. the artists get recognition and the galleries too. stop whining about the way it "used to be". it isn't now, be appreciative that so many people are interested to see the art. or would you rather a handful that actually collected? i am inspired that so many people come and enjoy all the different art.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 12:51PM – #42

I say change the name to Downtown Street Festival. Close off the streets like Tom Gilmore did during the OBD ten year anniversary party and allow smaller merchants to set up booths. 15,000 attendees once a month is amazing..that is 180,000 people every year, many whom never would come Dowtown and spend their money if it were not for the Art Walk. As far as all the bickering...I have no clue what has gone on in the past but stop all the complaining and enjoy life again! There is a lot to celebrate in the part of Downtown Los Angeles.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 01:15PM – #44

bigphatcatlover-

". But I've become disillusioned and disappointed with the "entitlement" attitude of many who "attend" the event and turn our neighborhood into a bar brawl. Last month's event resulted in fights, injuries and arrests in front of my building. Not exactly what "Artwalk" was meant to be"

--sounds pretty whiney to me. thanks for suggesting i reread your post.

and no, i am not an entitled brat who starts fights, but a business owner who doesn't see the bad outweighing the good. what you are discussing is about 5% of what ArtWalk is.... you can't make an omelete without breaking a few eggs. with 20,000 people there is bound to be a problem or two. it isn't out of hand and it isn't a disaster.

since i don't partake in the party, you can't label me as the "only me" catagory. i work all night and then head home when i close up. i'm just sick of people getting bent out of shape because people are enjoying themselves in downtown. it's actually good for the community and good for business.

as far as your daytime art event... ever notice how none of the galleries are actually open during the day save a very small few? most people can't actually see the art in the galleries if it isn't artwalk night!

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 02:21PM – #45

Artwalk didn't start getting out of hand until Jay was in charge. The main complaints have been the unruly visitors that trash the neighborhood as of the past 6 months... Under Jay's command. But just look at him, he hangs out with Edgar Varela all the time, and they both look like scrubs, NOT successful art minded professionals.   They think they can say or do whatever they want and The rest of the world can just deal with their mess... empty headed underaged drunks will fill whatever they put on, giving the semblance that there are "attendees." Well, you're not considered successful in the community because you can pack a "club" with lame bodies. I've never seen such horrible people as those that Edgar brings to anything that bears his name. They are all cronies, thriving on each others BS.   Jay is always with Edgar and Edgar pays rent to Bert Green inside his "gallery" which closes early on Art Walk.  Coincidence? prolly NOT! End this old regime of bottom feeders! Not that Kim or Richard had a clue either, but I have confidence that things will get better without the terrible 3.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 02:46PM – #48

bigphatcatlover-

"hello, kettle, this is the pot- your black."

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 05:28PM – #49

Heaven,

heaven is a place,

a place where nothing,

nothing ever happens

Talking Heads

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 05:51PM – #51

Or perhaps a multilateral directorate comprising various stakeholder groups - local large businesses, local small businesses, local landowners, gallery operators, CD 9 representative, etc.

Perhaps the Art Walk effort is now too big to be administered by DLANC?

Just some thoughts.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 05:56PM – #52

Except Guest #7 it hasn't been administered by DLANC. It's been "administered" by a separate non-profit board and it's director (Jay Lopez) and not very effectively.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 05:57PM – #53

Perhaps Art Walk is no longer a mom&pop garage operation.

Perhaps Art Walk has matured to a level of complexity requiring a different type of management.

More complexity is a natural progression for some organisms.

I might be prudent to recognize that Art Walk is in a new phase now, it's not a baby anymore?

Just some thoughts.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 06:06PM – #54

Couldn't agree more #7. It needs to be run by a group who has the budget and or/ willingness to effectively raise the budget to properly manage the event. If anyone thinks an event with 20,000 people descending on downtown LA doesn't require money and strong people to manage it (and by manage I mean both the event/activities as well as logistics (including security and cleaning up afterward) they are dreaming. If someone/some organization doesn't step up to the plate soon it will get more out of hand and then there are risks of it blowing up completely.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 06:07PM – #55

My point is that since, as far as I know, the members of the non-profit are volunteers (correct me if I'm wrong) it seems like Art Walk may now be too complex to be directed (budgets, logistics, politics, marketing, etc.) by a single volunteer director with a day job. I'm just suggesting a team of volunteers, representing all the stakeholder groups, may be something to consider moving forward. Maybe a coalition approach has already been tried?

Just an idea.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 06:11PM – #56

Good ideas number 7. As I understand it part of the problem is that the current board doesn't have any money and therefore other organizations (HDBID, DCBID, etc.) have been absorbing the growing costs.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 06:18PM – #58

Perhaps the benefits are worth the costs.

Part of management may mean understanding the costs and their trajectory and the benefits and their multiplier effect.

This is starting to sound like a business.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 06:28PM – #59

I think this whole debacle has shed some light on a very important matter. Jay Lopez, who was named director had no background in non-profit leadership. He dabbles in real estate and is the director for DKRM Gallery. Did this qualify him to lead the largest monthly Art Walk in the country? Absolutely not. The Art Walk board needs to take a good long look at finding an Executive Director that can (along with much more help from the BOD): 1) Monetize the Art Walk so that it's self sustaining and doesn't put a strain on the Historic Downtown BID and other organizations 2) Listen to the needs of various civic groups, galleries and stakeholders in DTLA 3) Lay out a long term plan for keeping Art Walk safe, clean, and with little impact to residents as possible. Jay Lopez has no name in the real art scene and has no experience in non-profit leadership. He has only polarized the DTLA community even further.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 07:24PM – #60

Guest #12 Excellent statement. Thank you for posting this. Right on the mark. But he was joined by others in his "independent" action. We also need to know the how, what, when, where & who of it all so we don't walk down that path again.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 08:09PM – #61

Instead of picking on people, since artwalk will happen, why don't we all spread the word on making artwalk cleaner & safer? Dont crowd the sidewalks by taking the whole sidewalk up, walk single file BEHIND each other, not parallel. Be courteous. Throw trash away in garbage cans, not the street. Don't cross the street in front of cars. It is not necessary to bother everyone trying to walk with your stupid bike or skateboard rolling over their feet. Having a bad night? Stay home instead of tagging or breaking stuff. Remember, ITS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT YOU! It won't kill you to let someone pass. To be friendly & courteous.

Only in moronic selfish LA do folks have to learn how to function cooperatively in a big city. That's what keeps it behind the times & from being a world class city. Let's get the word out about how making artwalk better comes from every visitor.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 08:15PM – #62

Has even a peep been heard out of Jay Lopez or Bert Green, or both, since well after the announcement was made on Friday? So far, the web site of downtownartwalk.org remains in a state of being dismantled---apparently without authorization or proper vetting.

Kim Cooper, I recall the back and fro you had with Mr. Green in a thread at this site several months ago. Based on his credible, reasonable sounding rebuttals to you, I could have sworn you were a -- and I'm being honest here -- silly, eccentric gadfly. Maybe even a bit unhinged. That's how much credibility I associated with Green's name but not yours. My apologies!

The tables certainly have turned, and I'm stunned at how I misread everything a few months ago.

The longer that Jay Lopez and Bert Green (and perhaps a few others) remain quiet, the worse they're going to look and the more validated you're going to look.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 08:24PM – #63

#10 It takes a BIG BIG BIG person to make this kind of apology. You are the (Wo)man! Doing the right thing, what a bright idea!

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 08:38PM – #64

Does the non-profit that administers and manages the 2nd Thursday Art Walk have regular meetings that can be attended by the public? When is the next one?

Shouldn't the Board of Directors of the Art Walk non-profit act responsibly and explain, at that meeting or otherwise, how the accidental statement from last Friday was published and what the real plan is after October Art Walk?

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 10:15PM – #65

Who or what entity is going to allow/hold a public meeting for the community? I believe it's high time for inclusion, not the past exclusions of various voices and opinions.

FYI: A number of people left the Arts committee (DLANC) because of Bert's "manners" towards any voice but his. Sad, but true. Now things are brighter. To know what not to do in the future we need to know what happened and why, in the past. The 2 ex-board members have seemed to have disrespected our community for the last time. And Bert's "Close friend" (Quote Ressell Brown)... Russell? What was his role? A tidy group it was! Seemingly trying to be seemless in their blatent power plays in DTLA.

Guest on September 27, 2010, at 11:07PM – #66

perhaps some consideration should be made for the future management and direction of the Downtown Art Walk to be led by a diverse team of equal representatives from the community; downtown art galleries and business, residents and artists, even frequent visitors...with support from each of the BIDs impacted by the event, as well as LAPD. employ a professional Executive Director without ties to the community, yet understands the critical issues, is unbiased and works to help all sides find success in this awesome event.

yikes! it's like a regular Melrose Place up in here. xoxo-Gossip Girl

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 07:46AM – #69

Or perhaps the art walk website wasn't updated regularly. With the way it seems art walk was managed would it surprise anyone if there was no one updating the website.

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 08:33AM – #70

Kim Cooper is my hero. For a woman to come forward with all of this new information, well new to me, all the while being attacked by a crony crew of Bert Green and Russell Brown. Well it just goes to show you that women can be brave. I hope you get to run the show Kim again. If there could be a purple heart in everyday life Kim you deserve it. This is a nasty bunch. You handled yourself in a professional manner throughout all of this. The truth does hurt. I am sorry to see on this blog that people are not coming forward more to support you. There is a video tape people! Americans have become so apathetic speaking up for a real cause, that can help thousands of people in a downtown that was a barren landscape for decades, becomes not important enough to even write a letter. Kim again you are my hero. Without people like you the world would be a bigger mess than it already is. See http://www.kcet.org/socal/voices/downtown-artwalk-off-then-back-on.html

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 09:31AM – #71

"I take full responsibility for causing the high temperature today. I spent many weeks in Arizona early this year collecting 115º samples which have now been unleashed on Los Angeles. However, Russell Brown was not involved in this, please do not sully his reputation with such nonsense."

I see this as a clumsy attempt to make a lighthearted and comic comeback to downtown society. It's fitting for a clown.

......but, Kim, how is it misogynistic?

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 10:14AM – #73

Kim Cooper is your hero? Wow,staggeringly low expectations.

No matter what your opinions are of the Board, Bert or any of the players in this game DO NOT be fooled in to thinking this sheds good light on Kim and Richard.

These two are opportunistic nasty people. In a hands in the air moment they may seem like a better alternative but in this case, with these two their "better" still isn't good nor what the Art Walk needs.

Kim has more than once shown what a malicious,nasty and unrelenting shrew she can be when she doesn't get what she wants. Neither her nor Richard can be trusted to operate with any sort of objectivity once their precious egos have been bruised.

If Downtown knows what is good for it- it will keep these two at an arms length, for good.

Enough about them though. I am certain in mere minutes we will have to sit through a Chaucer length response from Kim so I will spare you an additional tome.

This is about Art Walk.

The talk needs to not be about the WHO - it needs to be about the WHAT- what does Art Walk aim to provide? It seems as if it is a matter of getting the priorities settled. You know what I hear about the most on Art Walk nights? Food and Bars. Art comes in 3rd. Now if that is the new frontier then just call it "Food,Bars and Oh yeah, some Art Walk".

However,to get the event in focus and shine a light on the content and not just the Art Walk product,changes must be made.

Strip it down to basics and return the art to the forefront and get the focus BACK on Downtown- not all the one night only people who scuttle in to peddle their goods,food and so on.

I am a devoted Downtown dweller and am sincerely looking forward to opening the doors of my business next year and I embrace the energy of Art Walk. But,even I-as someone who will benefit from the traffic,feel there needs to be changes so that it can go forward and continue to be profitable and productive for Downtown.

*and yes, I did post anonymously because the last thing I want is that nasty little woman getting her teeth in my ankle.

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 02:37PM – #80

Glad to hear that the festivities will still go on. The Gallery Row Art Walk was a great way to visit many galleries and see and meet people. The new Neighborhood Block(s) Party is tons of fun and so valuable to our city. It seems to me that much of the trouble is mainly Growing Pains. I was raised in Manhattan, and there is no way that this event could ever take place there. The police would break it up in a New York minute. Sidewalks are public thoroughfares, the cops would make sure that everyone kept moving, not standing still, blocking pedestrian traffic. Disorderly conduct would be busted. Those disturbing the peace would be fined or jailed. Of course, if all this took place on private property like at a mall or Burning Man, the rules are much looser. In a public place, the ENTIRE community has to be considered. Not an easy task.

In my opinion, the developers and business owners (profiteers?) need to step up and spend the money to significantly fund and organize a smooth flowing family safe activity. The galleries moved in for cheap rent and spent considerable time and money to establish something. The developers and their backers were thrilled (and they did help, too) that others were promoting there investments. Now that the area has been somewhat gentrified, the rents are much much higher, which pushed out a bunch of the pioneering galleries, like Bank, as an example. The parking structure between 5th and 4th originally lowered their prices to encourage attendance. Nowadays the parking rates are just about doubled on party night. Can't blame the business operators for trying to maximize their returns, but they, too, have to pay to play. After all, local business people were the beneficiaries of several million dollars worth of organic, free promotion. And let's not forget the artists from all over southern California who glommed on to the efforts of the locals, blocking the sidewalks with their wares. Guerrilla Capitalism never passes up an opportunity for rent free profits.

Hopefully, 2nd Thursdays won't lose its identity and charm when the City and the Suits run the show. I just pray that my car doesn't get towed away at 9:01 pm, again. -Michael Salerno

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 07:38PM – #81

Guest: The comment that Kim was referring to was deleted for being inappropriate.

I noticed you also removed her post about a link to a screen shot image of that comment found at her Twitter page. If I hadn't seen it for myself I wouldn't realize just how obnoxious that posting was. And in light of what's happened since Friday -- and how that person has to be fully aware that fingers are pointing at him -- his comments truly are the epitome of arrogance and obnoxious gall.

He must be in a race with Julie Rico to win the title of "Person With the Most Tarnished, Trashed Reputation."

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 07:53PM – #82

I was raised in Manhattan, and there is no way that this event could ever take place there.

But how does that explain Times Square?! If anything, since sidewalks in that part of New York City have been extended out onto former streets, the outdoor scene now is made up of crowds of people milling about and hanging around.

Unfortunately, none of this comes as much of a surprise to my husband Richard Schave or myself.

I'm still stunned at what the past few days have revealed about the person you were alerting everyone about. It has taught me to never take anyone at face value unless I know everything and everything about that person.

Can you imagine how really bad the cast of characters would have been if a huge amount of fame and fortune were up for grabs?!

Guest on September 28, 2010, at 08:08PM – #83

Hey remember Guest 10 Bert Green was the initiator of the bad rap Julie Rico got. I guess you are still believing the hype. Get the facts. Guest 10's remark: "It has taught me to never take anyone at face value unless I know everything and everything about that person." Unless Julie Rico has had an intimate relationship with you, well.

Guest on September 29, 2010, at 10:26AM – #84

Hi Guest 10. Times Square has kind of been turned into an actual square, which it just great. For 2nd Thursdays do something similar would require permits and all the administrative red tape addressing numerous concerns. Rerouting buses, safety, and on and on. It can be done. Perhaps should be done. But who will spend the time and money is the core issue. -Michael

Guest on September 30, 2010, at 02:19PM – #85

Ditto #10

Guest on October 03, 2010, at 07:18PM – #86

Everyone take a deep breath. We're all going to survive.