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Forget Talk of Cost, Planned Lakers Parade Strikes Out on Route

By Eric Richardson
Published: Sunday, June 14, 2009, at 02:34PM
Figueroa Eric Richardson []

South of Downtown, Figueroa is lined with strip malls, auto dealerships and fast food.

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA title on Sunday evening, closing out the Orlando Magic in five games. Once the celebrations and stupidity calms down, attention will turn to the victory parade, scheduled for 11am on Wednesday.

Looking for 2010 parade info? Check out our story from the night of the Lakers' 16th NBA Championship win.

While much attention was paid to the cost of the parade, which the team and city will now split, little talk has been given to the route chosen, which starts at Staples Center and ends at the Coliseum.

Are strip malls and car dealerships really the visuals Los Angeles wants to feature in its celebration?

Despite the initial , it was always a given that someone would find the money for a parade. That is simply what cities do. If their team wins, they celebrate.

But is that stretch of Figueroa really the right venue for the hundreds of thousands of fans expected for a championship parade?

When the Lakers won their back-to-back-to-back titles in 200, 2001 and 2002, the celebrations were held Downtown.

In 2002, the celebration began with a ceremony at City Hall, then traveled south to 2nd street and through the tunnel before proceeding south on Figueroa to Staples Center.

In both 2000 and 2001, the DWP building at 1st and Hope was the starting point, with the caravan jogged over to Figueroa before heading south to Staples.

In each case, the parade route passed the sights one expects from a city: skyscrapers, plazas and a sea of people.

While the stretch of Figueroa south of Staples might someday be a vibrant connection linking USC to Downtown, it is far from that today. It's a stretch lined by car dealerships, strip malls and fast food.

That's a tired image of Los Angeles. Our city has made huge strides in its effort to grow up and act like a real, urban place. Why would we want to not highlight that progress?

Logistics also make the Coliseum route questionable. Downtown is the center of the public transportation system. The immigration marches of 2006 showed off the way in which the rail lines can get a massive number of people into the heart of the city even when the roads are backed up. We should be using that system instead of traveling away from it.

Steve Harvey has a great column today . He notes that the city named the southern steps of City Hall the Plaza of Champions during the celebrations of the 1980s.

The Lakers ... prefer holding their victory parties at Staples these days. If they win, their parade will start at Staples and fast-break south to the Coliseum.

Meanwhile, the Plaza of Champions at City Hall is largely forgotten -- not even a plaque marks the site.

It seems foolish to hold out the hope that plans could be changed at this point, but that is what I will do. This parade needs to happen, and it needs to happen Downtown.

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Conversation

Jana Sosnowski on June 14, 2009, at 02:48PM – #1

This was my first reaction to the proposed route for this year!

I came to the parade in 2000, and it was at a time when much was under construction and downtown was still a ghost town on the weekend. Five years later I moved downtown and live here still. I have seen such a dramatic transformation in the four years I've been here. It's an absolute shame that people will not be able to witness firsthand all of the works that has been done here. It's a disappointment for the downtown community.


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Brian on June 14, 2009, at 03:50PM – #2

I was thinking the same thing about the parade route - why would you end it at the Coliseum? What not the Staples Center/LA Live where they have spent billions of dollars for such events/happenings?

Also, I just read the article in the Times and laughed. I didn't see anyone complaining loudly when they city gives Hollywood a pass on security and whatever for the Emmys and Grammys. Now it's a big deal? Perhaps Ms. Perry just isn't a Lakers fan, but I bet you ten bucks she'll be at the celebration to get her picture taken!


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Rich Alossi on June 14, 2009, at 04:58PM – #3

This route would make a lot more sense if the Expo Line were already completed. Even if it were, however, Downtown is a much better locale anyway!


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Rich Alossi on June 14, 2009, at 06:30PM – #4

By the way, the economic impact of thousands of people dining at local restaurants, visiting local bars, using transit and taxis should outweigh the costs of hosting the parade anyway.

News coverage of the event (assuming it doesn't get out of control) would essentially be a national advertisement for Downtown LA. I'm sure local hotels -- whose occupancy has dipped to historic lows recently -- could use all the help they can get.


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William Melater on June 14, 2009, at 06:31PM – #5

1) There's less to damage at the Coliseum and the riot will break out at the end of the parade, not the beginning.

2) People will line the streets so the storefronts shown on television will largely be blocked from street level camera angles.

3) The Downtown skyline will appear in the background in most camera angles on the parade, should be an interesting wide shot from a helicopter.

4) The Lakers can afford to pay the bill for the parade. According to Civic leaders, the City cannot (otherwise it could put the money towards keeping people employed).


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Russ on June 14, 2009, at 09:32PM – #6

Why not from Staples, up Fig to Sunset and ultimately to the Dodger Stadium parking lot?


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Rich Alossi on June 14, 2009, at 09:36PM – #7

On second thought, forget the damn parade. We're not ready for that kind of crap here.


Eric Richardson () on June 14, 2009, at 09:45PM – #8

Russ: The Dodgers have home games starting Tuesday.


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nanorich on June 14, 2009, at 09:55PM – #9

City Hall to Staples.


Alex Brideau III on June 14, 2009, at 10:22PM – #10

Eric: Dodgers vs. A's with free parking, no less!


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Russ on June 14, 2009, at 10:23PM – #11

Rich is right.... as I watch the news, forget the parade does come to mind. In the meantime, LET'S GO DODGERS!!


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Sid on June 14, 2009, at 11:08PM – #12

I think city hall to staples would be the way to go.


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Norman on June 15, 2009, at 12:10AM – #13

I think you're forgetting that in , there were empty parking lots accross from Staples that could accomodate 500K people...those lots aren't there anymore. It would be a logistical nightmare to squeeze almost 1 million people into the streets of downtown Los angeles, especially when most fans won't be able to get a view of the Lakers in Nokia Plaza (which is probably where the final stop would have been).

Having the parade at the Coliseum affords most fans the opportunity to actually SEE the Lakers in person, something that most don't have the money to do at Staples Center during Lakers games.


Qathryn Brehm on June 15, 2009, at 12:17AM – #14

Agree..the proposed route is like 'Anytown USA', but we have knuckle heads who take the opportunity to act up, so this is the best route to contain their actions.


Robert Banuelos on June 15, 2009, at 12:30AM – #15

I agree with Norman, the Coliseum would best allow fans to see the team in a commencement ceremony of some sort. Where as the City Hall to Staples, though exhibiting downtown redevelopment would not provide as much viewing space for fans. PLus, A parade from city hall to staples? its hard to imagine that downtown residents, wont start whining about the parade and people blocking traffic, not to mention the last moments notices.


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Rich Alossi on June 15, 2009, at 12:33AM – #16

Yeah, you're right, Robert. I assume you'd love it if people started rioting and looting in YOUR neighborhood. Maybe we should stop "whining" and let the looters smash the rest of the windows that they didn't get to tonight.


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dwla5 on June 15, 2009, at 05:22AM – #17

Sorry, fans. This city simply does not have $1 million to spend on a parade. Let the rich people who pay thousands to sit on the sidelines pay for it. Come one, Jack, pony up. You got the dough!


Guest 1

Ian on June 15, 2009, at 07:22AM – #18

Nice article, but you miss the point..

The point of a Lakers parade isnt to show some facade of Los Angeles, it's to celebrate the Lakers' championship. And, honestly, this route works quite well because it represents the heart of the Laker fan base - blue collar, hard-working regular people that patronize those various businesses that you mention like theyre some eyesore.

Not to mention, LAPD is going to deploy a MASSIVE amount of officers at the Coliseum to make sure everything is fun, yet civil (which I expect no problems since there has never been any unrest at the three previous parades). So, there shouldnt any questions of riots or safety.

The parade route works. It's a relatively short route and allows folks to walk an easy trek from wherever folks may be along the route to the ending point. And of course, the Coliseum provides the perfect venue for what is expected to be 100,000 Lakers fans in attendance. Tell me where Downtown could that same number be managed without logistic problems or incident.

I think everyone appreciates the article's sentiment, but honestly, it just seems like an opportunity for someone to once again cry foul about their personal dissatisfaction. But, I'll be happy to remind everyone reading that this article should not be about the author's feelings and more so about the facts that the Lakers are World Champions and the City of Los Angeles wants to celebrate their victory within the heart and soul of where much of the team's support derives.


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Rich Alossi on June 15, 2009, at 08:21AM – #19

Ian, you're kidding me, right? After last night's debacle, with looting and smashing and arson, not only do we not deserve a parade this year, I will work as hard as I can to make sure a Lakers parade never happens in Downtown again.

Do you know how much it costs to replace a plate-glass window? How about three of them in one business?

Not to mention the tagging that's literally everywhere in Downtown this morning. This mess is going to cost the city millions of dollars in overtime and we haven't even held a parade yet, and the cost to small businesses and residential buildings is high too.

If you want a parade, that's fine. But until Lakers "fans" can compose themselves in public without destroying everything in their path, I say forget the parade.

The worst part, though, is that the mainstream/local media barely reported on any of the events. Twitter was the only avenue people had to figure out what was going on in their neighborhood.


Guest 1

Sid on June 15, 2009, at 08:22AM – #20

After watching the news last night this city is not mature enough for a parade


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nanorich on June 15, 2009, at 08:48AM – #21

Kind of a broad brush you are using there, Rich.

Would you care to post the racial data on the arrests before assuming that the drunks who went out and made trouble also are the people out there doing tagging.

I could swear there were a bunch of white drunks downstairs from me at at Casey's were more assholic than usual. Oh, right...they are SC students, they don't count. Just don't be out there walking your dog during closing time.

I am really getting tired of the casual racism which is being posted here.

It is really beneath what would have been expected.

Y'all might want get on the google and find out how often this stuff happens after Laker wins...

before you decide your neighborhood is to good for the hoi polloi.


Guest 1

Rich Alossi on June 15, 2009, at 09:09AM – #22

Nanorich:

Racist? Please point out where I mentioned anything about race, explicit or implied. I said "Looters," "rioters" and "arsonists." I even mentioned taggers.

If you think one race or the other has a larger propensity for tagging and rioting, you're the one with the racial bias.


Robert Banuelos on June 15, 2009, at 09:32AM – #23

rich i understand your fustration with what happened last night, but you have to understand that what happened was the actions a small group of thugs, That do know represent the millions of Laker fans.

The City of Los Angeles, the Laker organization and the fans should not be depraved of the moment or a celebration due to the actions of a small group of thugs. The city has endured a lot of during the last couple of years (recession, corruption, scandals, and what not) but now we have a moment to celebrate some good. Something that brings this much pride and joy should not be be brushed aside. Just taking a walk through any community the last couple of weeks and you should have seen Lakers gold and purple everywhere from the top of the US Bank tower to ur local bar. Families everywhere are wearing Lakers clothing. Lakers car flags everywhere. The city that so often seems divided on everything has mostly come together to cheer on the LOS Angeles Lakers. Yes things may have gotten out of control downtown last night. But elsewhere in many other communities, many more fans where flying laker flag and honking their cars when the drove by a person waiving a lakers flag and then here a burst of cheers as they did so. Peacefully celebrating the moment

Aside from Obama's election and inauguration, when was the last time the City of Los Angeles enjoyed so much pride. This victory is a blessing on city moral that has been so down over the last couple of months. Why would anyone what to subdue that pride and joy? Not only does the city deserve this, it needs it.


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Rich Alossi on June 15, 2009, at 09:33AM – #24

Wow, even some Downtown LA residents got in on the looting too: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/06/lakers-riot.html

Does their race matter here too, Nanorich?


Guest 1

Linda Lubbeck on June 15, 2009, at 12:02PM – #25

WHAT A SHAME! I WAS EXPECTING TO TAKE A GROUP OF LITTLE GIRLS TO THE PARADE 1) TAKE THE METROLINK 2) GET ON THE RED LINE AND GET OFF AT 7TH & FIGURORA - NO NO NO I WILL NOT TAKE THESE LITTLE GIRLS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWN - WHAT BRAINLESS PERSON CHANGED THE ROUTE? I THINK THE ABOVE COMMENTS ARE ON THE MARK - WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CITY L.A. SKYCRAPERS AND ALL - SOMETIMES I WONDER - WHY L.A. CAN'T DO IT RIGHT.


Robert Banuelos on June 15, 2009, at 12:54PM – #26

Linda whats so different about the "other side of town". Is it not part of Los Angeles? what is the difference, no skyscrappers?


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ME on June 15, 2009, at 12:57PM – #27

Rich we want Angelenic back. I hate Twitter.


Guest 1

Bill on June 15, 2009, at 01:25PM – #28

I work at USC and have to park in the structure at Fig/Expo. I'm hoping we have enough campus security to keep the Laker crazies off the campus and out of the parking structures. After what I saw last night, there seems to be a fine line between fans and hoodlums. It's one thing to celebrate...but there's no excuse for setting fires and vandalizing buses and cars. The Lakers Organization should pay for every penny of the parade, the police overtime, and the damage to local businesses. It's their party...they should pay for it.


Guest 1

Jon on June 15, 2009, at 01:43PM – #29

Good point re the area around Staples no longer being able to accommodate the expected size of the crowd. If the Grand Avenue Project were somehow already completed, I'm sure the parade would start at Staples and end at the new park in front of City Hall.

As to Linda, it's a shame those two girls won't ever get to experience the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center and the Rose Garden, all of which are located in "the other side of town."


Eric Richardson () on June 15, 2009, at 01:49PM – #30

It's unfair to criticize Linda in regards to public transportation to Exposition Park. On Wednesday, the options you would typically use to get down that direction will be disrupted, and very crowded if they are running.

Buses simply don't have the same capacity for moving a large crowd. It would be a different story in a few years once the Expo line is running.


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Maxmilian Ramirez on June 15, 2009, at 03:44PM – #31

Doesn't Matter what anyone thinks... The victory parade is going to happen from the already designated route to the Coliseum... Don't think they will change their minds anymore. Go LAKERS!!! and Boooo all Laker Haters and Faker Fans.


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Jon on June 15, 2009, at 03:46PM – #32

If Linda's complaint was aimed at the lack of public transit for Wednesday's parade, then she has my apologies and my agreement.


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Tommy P. on June 15, 2009, at 04:23PM – #33

So if the Lakers beat the Celtics next year I guess we can expect deaths.


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Oscar on June 15, 2009, at 04:43PM – #34

I second Rich's seconds (alhtough I not always agree with him)...

Why don't they just throw a celebration at the Colliseum? Why do they have to have a parade? Why does the city have to pay for it? If the fans want it so much why don't they have a cover fee at the colliseum to pay for the bill? Teacher's salaries and social programs will get cuts because of a budget deficit and yet the city will spend 1M in a lavish celebration, what is the point?

And nano, I write this in the most respectful, friendly non-agressive way, this isn't the first time you jump to a conclusion or distort another bloggers opinion (never one of mine by the way), I think you read too fast, I would've been the first person to jump at Rich, but he doesn't mention any race in his post... please don't read so fast, give yourself some time to digest...


Guest 1

Ian on June 15, 2009, at 06:54PM – #35

The parade is happening and it's happening from Staples down Figueroa to the Coliseum. Get over it. There is no wretched "other side of town" to speak of and this route is no more or less safe than if the route was from the DWP building on 1st & Hope (where it usually starts) to Staples.

And keep in mind that LAPD is deploying A TON of officers for this.. and I mean A TON. USC will be safe, as will the folks attending, unless they take it upon themselves to act an ass. Besides, there has never been any type of unrest or violence during a Lakers victory parade and anybody that says or wants to insinuate something different is just looking for a reason to complain.

As far as the damage goes, again, get over it. It sucks people had their businesses looted and windows smashed, but shit happens. It's unfortunate, but it does. People steal and they break things for no reason.. its what thugs and idoits do. This is why you have insurance. I'm not defending anyone's actions, but rather pointing out that foolishness is a part of life and we have to consider such things, without letting them dictate how we live.

My post might encite some people, but I dont really care. We have entirely too many people that think theyre above or better than others, in that activities that arent on their side of the freeway or dont cater to their social demographic are somehow lessened by those same uppity assumptions. If you have a problem with the Lakers parade, then dont go. It's that simple. Dont dont start spewing your rheteric trying to make others see your distorted view of reality.


Guest 1

Jon on June 15, 2009, at 08:20PM – #36

I think Eric's point is that the chosen route won't showcase the tremendous strides downtown has made since as recently as the last Lakers champsionship. Unfortunately, as others have noted, downtown probably can't accommodate Wednesday's expected crowd -- one of the few drawbacks of losing acres of parking lots. If the Grand Avenue Project is ever completed, then we'll finally have a venue for these types of civic celebrations. And we'll all have something to cheer about.

And I'm sure Eric would be pretty pleased with the current route if the proposed Figueroa corridor improvements were already made (including capping the 110 north of Adams with a park). Maybe someday...


Guest 1

Vero Queero on June 15, 2009, at 08:40PM – #37

Oh, that melee was for the Lakers? Judging by the embararssing immaturity and primitive behavior, I thought the Oakland Raiders won.


Guest 1

Tommy P on June 15, 2009, at 09:28PM – #38

Imagine if LA had a football team? Damn.


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outmywindow on June 15, 2009, at 11:37PM – #39

what is it a million bucks to hop from one street to another ... who cares the sky is falling on City Hall and all the kings horses and all the kings men can't put LA back together again ... all the kings men are on furlough with layoffs waiting in the wings. The Union bosses probably have front row seats for the parade. how much do bball player make a year? if each player cut 1 % that might pay for the parade. we need a hero to rise up from these streets ... where is Batman, Spidie, Superman ... Russ Brown


Robert Banuelos on June 16, 2009, at 12:59AM – #40

the Lakers organization is paying over a million dollars. Plus, private individuals have contributed to pay a portion of the city's expenses to hold the parade.

although i am sure people will still bitch and whine about something else


Guest 1

Kate on June 16, 2009, at 12:23PM – #41

LA doesn't need PR so talk about skylines and historical preservation efforts in publicity photos borders on ridiculous.

I didn't move downtown to sell it as a neighborhood.

Happy to have those monkeys far from my house.


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Jon on June 16, 2009, at 12:52PM – #42

Hmm.. It appears that the Coliseum will open at 9:30am for a ceremony that will begin at noon. I sure hope they don't plan on selling alcohol in there.


Eric Richardson () on June 16, 2009, at 01:59PM – #43

Jon: They won't be selling any alcohol at the Coliseum.


Guest 1

Steve on June 16, 2009, at 06:45PM – #44

We should use this parade as a reminder to Arnold Schwarzenegger that the Coliseum is a historical landmark deserving of a celebration fit for champions.



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