We wouldn't be dishin' it up right at Recession Cafe if we didn't say something about International Workers' Day, also known as May Day.
On May 1, in cities all over the world, working people took to the streets to say yes to good jobs, healthcare, education, and all things workers need and no to cut backs, war and racism. In Los Angeles, I attended a march and rally organized by the ANSWER Coalition and Hermandad Mexicana Nacional, and the National Lawyers' Guild, among others.
I was pretty excited about this particular march and rally because it focused a lot on immigration. After all, it was the issue of immigration, in the form of a massive mobilization of millions against the Sensenbrenner bill in 2006, that put May Day back on the map here in the United States. Before May Day 2006, at least during my day, it seemed that no one took the slightest note of the day that marked the incident at Haymarket in Chicago, or the fight for an eight hour day.
I guess it took the most oppressed people to remind the rest of us that this day belongs to us. Round about 1:30 p.m., I headed out to the event with my friend Natascha of Shoe Fever fame. At first, we thought we'd take the city bus for $1.50 each (OW); but, Natascha got to looking at Best Parking, the nifty parking app on her iPhone; and, she located several $4.00 lots right around our destination: Olympic and Broadway. Needless to say, we opted to drive.
As we left her car at Joe's Parking, on the south side of Olympic, right near Olive, it began to be progressively clear that I had a problem.
It had been mighty hot and humid a few days prior to the event, and I’d taken to wearing a real cool pair of yoga shorts that feel just great. I did the same that day; but, as Natascha and I started heading east on Olympic towards the gathering site, I realized I was going to be real cold in just about a minute.
Lucky for me, Victoria's Style was just around the corner at 1007 S. Hill Street.
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Natascha and I met up with a couple of other friends while we were there. By that time, we were all really hungry. Grub was in order. We decided on the Grand Central Market at 317 S. Broadway. I have to admit, I was pushing for El Pollo Loco; but, back at home that night, I was still munching on the second half of the amazingly large amount of beans and rice I got from La Adelita in the Market for only $2.60. Tasty!
Over and out on this summer day, where the barometer reading fluctuates every day. Whatever is up ahead, we'll keep right on dishing up the best information and inspiration we can find.
Jennifer Caldwell is a an actress who got off the boat from New Mexico back in 1989. She's an active member of SAG-AFTRA, serving on several committees. She is a published author of short stories and several news articles. Her column at www.RecessionCafe.wordpress.com is dishing up good deals, recipes and food for thought. Jennifer can be reached at [email protected].