Report from the Front Lines
So far, so good. I had a business meeting in Downtown Los Angeles this morning at 10:30 am. I left early, and had a speed run all the way in. The freeways were emptier than normal. Got there in plenty of time.
On the other hand, I live on the Westside (Anglos, Asians and Middle Easterners mostly) and traveled into the business/financial district, which is on the other side of Downtown from where the protesters are.
One of the local news stations is covering the rally now going down at City Hall. Lots of United States flags, very few Mexican. The early morning coverage showed some Mexican flags, but I suspect that peer pressure and/or the organizers got the people to stow them.
The commentators are noting that the rally has almost a fiesta air, rather than a serious protest might. No reports of violence or excessive police activity.
I only saw one business near me that was closed. Downtown was up and running (at least in the business/financial district). I heard that many stores along Broadway (the rally route) were closed, but that area is heavily Mexican.
Street vendors showed up at the rally, selling sodas, food, etc., but I heard reports that potential customers were getting pressure from other protestors not to buy anything (it is a boycott, anyway, right?) There are many Chinese restaurants near the general area of the protests. One of the local radio commentators said that they were doing business hand over fist.
Another rally is scheduled in theMid-City area at 4:00 pm PDT. (It is now a bit past 2:00 pm.) That one may prove to be a bit more interesting&