LA Photo

MLK Day Parade In LA

2012-01-16T13:59:00.000-08:00

The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in South Los Angeles.
Thousands of people lined up on MLK blvd. from Western to Crenshaw to watch bands and floats pass by.

Los Angeles Unified All District Band.

Parade watchers on MLK Blvd.

Korean dancers.

Tuskegee Airmen in their float.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and his motorcycle which he drove in the parade.

LA Sheriff Lee Baca on a low-rider bicycle.

Occupy the Hood on Western and MLK Blvd.

Belize float.

Parade participants.

Crenshaw High School band.

Parade watcher on MLK Blvd.

More fun than the Rose Parade.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2012

Join Me On January 14

2012-01-06T10:43:00.000-08:00

ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUST OCCUPY EXHIBIT
Christopher Felver and Ted Soqui, Just Occupy exhibit.

January 14 - January 28, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 7:00 – 10:00 pm opening night.
ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY Bergamot Station Arts Center 2525 Michigan Ave. / D5 Gallery Santa Monica, CA 90404
11 – 6, Tuesday – Saturday 310-315-1937 Email: info@robertbermangallery.com

ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY presents JUST OCCUPY - an exhibition documenting the Occupy movement featuring photojournalists Ted Soqui and Christopher Felver.
In the spirit of the Occupy movement, Robert Berman Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center will be holding a pop-up exhibition titled JUST OCCUPY featuring the photojournalistic, yet intensely striking photographs by Los Angeles photographer Ted Soqui. Soqui is a seasoned Los Angeles photojournalist, whose photographs were featured in the New York Times, LA Weekly and other international journals around the world.

Ted Soqui’s iconic photograph of the female protester with the 99% bandana, knit cap and shockingly intense eyes was chosen by artist Shepard Fairey for the cover of TIME magazine’s person of the year. The image is now the symbol for the Occupy movement, not only from Wall Street, but from Arab Spring to Athens to Moscow.

JUST OCCUPY will be the first exhibition and documentation of the Occupy LA phenomenon, which lasted longer than the Wall Street occupation, of which all images are intense, provocative and beautiful.
Also featured in JUST OCCUPY will be a series of photographic collages by photojournalist Christopher Felver, who is known for his documentary photographs of the beats, poets and musicians.These photos from his Ordered World series show a stark contrast to the narrative photos of Ted Soqui, yet have a different impact by showing the force of simple words when joined together such as: JUST PEACE, JUST WAR, JUST 99%, JUST OCCUPY.

JUST OCCUPY will open in conjunction with Photo LA on Saturday, January 14th, 2012.

LA Weekly Cover Jan 6-12, 2012

2012-01-05T21:35:00.000-08:00

Made the cover of this week's LA Weekly.
The cover was designed by Darrick Rainey and the story was written by Tibby Rothman.

Merry Christmas To All

2011-12-23T23:12:00.001-08:00

...and to all a goodnight.

Santa Ana Winds Visit LA

2011-12-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

Santa Ana winds, with gust as high as 70 miles per hour, race across Los Angeles county.
The Santa Anas, also know as "Devil Winds," knocked over a giant 100 foot tree in Glendale just in time for Christmas. Power and local services were shut down and some residents were evacuated due to a possible gas leak.

Before The Shot (Update)

2011-12-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

Here is a visual timeline of images right before "the shot" that was used to illustrate Time Magazine's Person of the Year 2011 "The Protester."
I started off with a wide angle lens and wasn't really feeling the image. Once Sarah Mason put on her bandana, which was soaked in vinegar just in case the LAPD decided to use tear gas on her and her fellow protesters, I knew it would have to be a tight shot. Immediately I switched to a 70-200 zoom lens and shot about 5 frames of Sarah close up. The "one" shot stood out to me instantly and I knew no more needed to be taken.

Update:

Found an image of Sarah marching in downtown LA taken a month before "the shot." Was going through my archives looking for another image and ran across this one.

One month before taking" the shot" at a protest in downtown LA. Sarah (L) marching. 10-15-2011

Wide angle.

Still wide.

Adding vinegar to their bandanas.

A wide tight shot, still not quite right.

Went wide once again.

Right before 'the image."

Time cover.

Year In Photos 2011

2011-12-15T15:45:00.000-08:00

Images from Los Angeles during one trip around the sun on our Earth. 2011.

2011 Year End Slideshow Images - Images by Ted Soqui

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011

Time Magazine Person Of The Year 2011

2011-12-14T13:22:00.000-08:00

An image I photographed of an Occupy LA protester made it on the cover of Time Magazine.
The image was adapted by artist Shepard Fairey and now represents Time Magazine's 2011 Person of the Year "The Protester."
I took the photo at a protest at the Bank of America building in downtown LA. There was a small group of protesters linking arms and making a human chain around several tents near the front of the building. I made a few wide angle photos, then realized a tight shot was going to be way better. There was only one photo where eye contact was made, and that's the shot.
The woman in the photo camped out at LA City Hall and was arrested during the LAPD raid and spent time in jail.

Lenin Head On La Brea

2011-12-13T16:38:00.000-08:00

A giant chrome Lenin head appears outside the Ace Gallery on LA Brea Ave.
The name of the giant sculpture is " Miss Mao Trying to Poise Herself at the Top of Lenin's Head," and is made by the Gao Brothers from China.

ECU of Lenin's head.

Miss Mao atop Lenin's head.

After The Rain

2011-12-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

After the rain in Los Angeles. Get to take this image about once a year, it always makes a nice way to end the year.
Click on the image to see larger.

Occupy L.A. Final Slideshow

2011-12-09T21:33:00.000-08:00

Occupy Slide Show - Images by Ted Soqui

Occupy L.A. Moves On

2011-12-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

The Occupy movement moves on in to a nation wide effort to take over and protect foreclosed homes.
A crowd of a couple hundred protesters from Occupy L.A., clergy, and unions move in and protect a home in South Gate, CA owned by the Casas family. The Casas family has owned their home since 1975 and now are being evicted by Wells Fargo bank. The Casas stated they have made every payment, but are now facing $3000 per month balloon payments from a loan modification.

The Casas home.

Rebecca Casas.

Occupying.

Occupying South Gate.

Santa Ana Wind Damage (Updated)

2011-12-02T11:51:00.000-08:00

Santa Ana winds gusting up to 100 mph wreck havoc at the San Gabriel Mission.
Statues of Jesus, Mary, and John the Apostle were damaged when a giant eucalyptus tree fell up on them, turning the Jesus statue upside down and hanging by it's feet.
The statues are about 70 years old and are located in the mission's cemetery. The mission has already received promises of repair from an art director in Hollywood.

The Highland Park area got hit hard with the Santa Ana's too. On Ave 57, several large ficus trees fell and crushed a couple of vehicles. Crews were on hand clearing the downed trees and wires. Most of the area is without power, cable, or land phone service. The Stoplights on Figueroa were also without power.

Not 3 wheel motion.

A large ficus tree on top of a Ford van.

Red car and toppled tree on Ave 57.

Jesus and Mary.

Jesus statue.

The right arm of Jesus broken off.

The wind cries Mary.

L.A.P.D. Raids Occupy L.A.

2011-11-30T04:12:00.000-08:00

The camp at Occupy L.A. located at L.A. city hall was raided by several hundred L.A.P.D. officers. The officers entered the part with lightning speed, carving up the park with lines of officers in riot gear.
I didn't see any incidents between the officers and demonstrators, and very few have been reported so far. Journalist were allowed to report and photograph inside the park for about 20 minutes during the raid, then the pool took over coverage for the arrest and park clean up.
The L.A.P.D eventually took over the streets around city hall, forcing any lingering protesters out of the area.
As the protesters left the area, they chanted and clapped in unison. I heard one officer clap along with them.

The raid.

LAPD officers inside the park.

Demonstrator watching the raid.

LAPD officers looking at the trees in the park for protesters.

A barrier was set up at the park entrance.

LAPD motor officers on 1st street.

A demonstrator sleeping on 1st street.

Protesters holding a candle light vigil during the raid.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Morning Light

2011-11-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Walt Disney Concert Hall bathed in orange sunlight this morning at 6:45am.

Shadows of palm tress on the Walt Disney Concert Hall this morning.

LAPD Attempt To Move Out Occupy LA

2011-11-28T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of L.A.P.D. officers were lined up and ready to move out the occupants of Occupy L.A. in downtown L.A. last night. Hundreds of Occupy LA demonstrators took over First Street for most of the evening, stopping all traffic in the area.
L.A.P.D. officers asked the demonstrators to move out of the street and back in to the park at L.A. city hall.
The eviction notice that was ordered by L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa was supposed to take affect at 12:01am Monday evening.

Occupy LA protestors at LA city hall.

Resting on First Street.

Occupy LA demonstrators on First Street.

Occupy LA demonstrators link arms around city hall park.

City hall park.

LAPD on first Street.

LAPD officer on First Street.

Occupy L.A. Last Afternoon

2011-11-27T18:08:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of tents and members of Occupy L.A. are still entrenched on the lawn outside of L.A. city hall. Many have vowed to be arrested, and will not leave voluntarily.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has set a deadline for all occupy L.A. occupants to be gone by 12:01am Monday morning, or risk arrest for trespassing. L.A.P.D. Charlie Beck has stated that the L.A.P.D. will not rush in to the park directly at 12:01am.

Tents on the north lawn of L.A. city hall.

Occupy L.A.

Gas mask vender.

Occupy L.A. demonstrator.

Occupy L.A. demonstrator in a tree at L.A. city hall.

Dex, a homeless man on the north lawn of L.A. city hall.

San Pedro Falling In To The Sea (Updated)

2011-11-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

A huge landslide fell in to the sea at San Pedro.

The coastal road, Paseo Del Mar, was closed last month as it developed cracks and began to sink. Heavy rains and coastal erosion finally got the best of the road, and it was pulled down in to the Pacific Ocean.

Panoramic image. Click to see larger.

Before photo from Google Maps

Paseo Del Mar.

The landslide.

Paseo Del Mar.

A lone palm on the edge.

Sixth Street Bridge To Be Replaced

2011-11-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

The L.A. city council voted to replace the 79 year old Sixth Street Bridge.
The iconic bridge that connects east L.A. with downtown will be replaced with a new $401 million dollar design that would begin in three years, if the bridge holds up that long. The bridge is infected by an alkali silica gel that expands the cracks in the concrete, and the giant looping iron supports are rusting away, making the bridge susceptible to failure during an earthquake.
Preservationist wanted to have a replica design of the Sixth Street Bridge, but city engineers felt it was not feasible.
The new bridge design will utilize cables and towers to support the bridge, and will take up to four years to build.

Last chance to use in your noir film.

Natalie Wood Press Conference

2011-11-18T11:51:00.000-08:00

L.A. county Sheriff department investigators held a press conference about new details surrounding the death of Natalie Wood.
Sheriff's officials stated Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood's husband, is not a suspect at this time. No exact details were released on why the investigation has been re-opened and assigned to new Sheriff detectives.
Natalie Wood died on a yacht off the coast of Los Angeles 30 years ago to the day, her death was ruled an accidental drowning.

A National Day Of Action In Los Angeles

2011-11-17T19:38:00.000-08:00

Images from a 'National Day Of Action' in Los Angeles.

"The Peacewalker" in downtown L.A.

99 percenters at Bunker Hill.

99 percenters staring down the L.A.P.D

Flying the flag at Bunker Hill.

L.A.P.D. in downtown.

L.A.P.D. with flowers.

CSUDH student/teacher strike.

The Must See Cars of The 2011 L.A. Auto Show

2011-11-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

The sleek, new, and colorful rides of the 2011 L.A. Auto Show held at the L.A. Convention Center.

A 2012 Chevrolet Camaro Hotwheels concept with green crome paint.

BMW i8 Concept.

BMW i8 concept.

Audi e-Tron Spyder concept. 107 mpg.

Mercedes Benz C 63 AMG Black Series.

Jaguar C-X16.

Cadillac Ciel Concept with suicide doors and no top.

Doking 3 seater XD.

Audi R8 GT Spyder.

Breaking Dawn Tent City Occupation Day 2

2011-11-11T12:36:00.000-08:00

A tent city of over 545 people have taken over the courtyard at the Nokia Center in downtown L.A. This is the 2nd day of the occupation and it will end on it's fifth day, this Monday, when the film "Breaking Dawn" is set to have it's black carpet premier. Several fans travelled from Central America and Mexico to participate in the tent city camp out.

Edward.

New Tom Bradley Terminal At LAX

2011-11-10T20:31:00.000-08:00

Construction efforts of the new Tom Bradley West International Terminal at LAX.
The $1.5 billion dollar structure will encompass 1.24 million square feet, and will be able to service the new giant A380 Airbus aircraft. The project used enough steel to construct 5 Eiffel towers, and borrows design cues from the Sidney Opera house in Australia.
The first opening of the new terminal is scheduled for December 2012.

Occupy L.A. Day 39

2011-11-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

Day 39 at Occupy L.A.

Day 39.

Michael Jackson Verdict

2011-11-07T16:00:00.000-08:00

The mob scene outside the Criminal Courthouse building in downtown L.A. as hundreds await the verdict in the case against Dr. Conrad Murray.

Daniel Moore celebrating the verdict.

Joe Jackson entering the courthouse.

Waiting for the verdict.

Media mob.

MJ fan.

Magic Johnson 20 Years Ago Today

2011-11-07T09:48:00.000-08:00

20 years ago today on a late afternoon at the Forum in Inglewood, Ervin Magic Johnson announced to the world that he will retire from the L.A. Lakers due to contracting the HIV virus.
Magic also said "I'm gonna deal with it, and my life is gonna go on," and "I'm gonna be a happy man."

Magic.

Occupy L.A. One Month Old

2011-11-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Occupy L.A. is one month old today starting with only 40 tents.
Tents are still popping up like mushrooms, and number somewhere around 500.
The city erected a protective wooden cover for the Frank Putnam Flint fountain early in the morning. Taggers have already sprayed the 20 foot tall cover. The general assembly will take up the issue of what to paint on the wooden cover this evening. The city has given it's blessing to Occupy L.A. to use the wooden structure as an art canvas.

Occupying the Frank Putnam Flint fountain cover.

Tent flag.

HCB tribute.

Overton H. Mennet marker on the south lawn of L.A. city hall.

L.A. city hall marker on the south lawn.

Occupy L.A. Day 29

2011-10-29T23:11:00.000-07:00

Day 29 at Occupy L.A. at L.A. city hall.
A wedding ceremony was held on the south steps for Jason Pennell and his bride Narchisha Bricoce.

Newlyweds.

Saying his vows.

Ring ceremony.

Ring ceremony Occupy L.A. style.

Photos by Ted Soqui

Ai Weiwei Zodiac Project Heads At LACMA

2011-10-26T17:28:00.000-07:00

Artist Ai Weiwei's Chinese zodiac animal heads at LACMA. The twelve animal heads are re-creations of one's that adorned the Yuan Ming Yuan Palace located in Bejing, China back in 1750.
The original heads were looted by Anglo-French troops in the opium wars of 1860, during the destruction of the Yuan Ming Yuan Palace.
Ai Weiwei was detained on a visit to China last April and charged with tax evasion, he is currently on bail in Bejing where he must remain while on trial.
This is Ai Weiwei's first major public sculpture exhibit.

Tiger

Rooster

Horse

Sheep

Rat

Presidential Protest On Wilshire Blvd.

2011-10-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

Protestors from Occupy L.A., Ron Paul, and pro-Obama supporters, waited on the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Highland Ave for President Obama's motorcade to drive by.
The group of about 50 were disappointed, as the President made a last minute change to his route. He decided to stop at Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle house on Pico Blvd. for some food.

Waiting for the President.

Writing a phone number for legal help if arrested.

Om chanting on Wilshire and Highland.

An Obama mama.

Anti-Obama.

Occupy L.A. Day 18

2011-10-18T21:11:00.000-07:00

Day 18 at Occupy L.A. The nightly general assembly meeting held on the south steps of L.A. city hall.

Occupied at night.

Occupy L.A. Day 17

2011-10-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

Most of Occupy L.A.'s active protesters head down to Long Beach today to support an Occupy Long Beach action. Occupy L.A.'s camp is in recovery mode today, after Saturday's mass rally.

Mike "Peacewalker" Oren on city hall steps.

An address on a city hall tent.

Just sayin'.

Occupy L.A. Day 15

2011-10-15T15:35:00.000-07:00

Thousands of Angelenos march from Pershing Square, through Bunker Hill, to L.A. city hall. Today is an international day of protest, with hundreds of cities around the globe holding simular Occupy styled demonstrations.

On Broadway.

Marching to Bunker Hill.

Occupy L.A. at city hall.

Chevy Chase

2011-10-14T23:38:00.000-07:00

Chevy Chase at the Clinton Foundation Gala held at the Hollywood Palladium.

Chevy Chase.

Photo by Ted Soqui

Occupy L.A. Day 13

2011-10-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

A small group of Occupy L.A. protesters held a noontime march from L.A. city hall to the Bank of America building in downtown L.A.
They held a small, peaceful, and loud rally on the steps of the giant Bank of America building.

Occupying B of A.

Occupy L.A. at B of A.

The "Dude" conducting in the background.

Occupy L.A. Day 12

2011-10-12T18:11:00.000-07:00

The L.A. city council voted 11-0 in favor of supporting the Occupy L.A. movement.
Meanwhile in 100 degree heat hundreds of people from Good Jobs L.A. marched to the Royal Federal building in downtown L.A. They were protesting the U.S. Senate's vote against President Obama's American Jobs Act.

Occupy L.A. noontime speaker on the steps of city hall.

Occupying L.A.

100+ degrees, and Good Jobs L.A. marches on.

Biker and bike near city hall.

Occupy L.A. Day 11

2011-10-11T18:38:00.000-07:00

Day 12 at Occupy L.A. Mostly a slow hot day at LA city hall. Some protesters are getting upset about getting their photos taken, although most are cool with it. Should be interesting by Friday.
Met Lucy Horowitz, a 83 year old protester. She told me she is looking forward to getting arrested for protesting at city hall. Lucy was in the audience when Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech in D.C. She has been arrested several times for political protesting, mostly during the Viet Nam War era. Lucy also escaped the Nazi occupation of her homeland of Austria.
Saw my friend Damian, he has a huge black eye from a bike accident at cicLAvia, at least he wasn't camera shy.

Camera shy masked protestor at L.A. city hall.

Tree grafitti

Playing a drum in a tree at L.A. city hall.

Lucy Horowitz, 83 years old, not camera shy.

Pauvre cito, Damian and his black eye.

Occupy L.A. Day 10

2011-10-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Day 10 at Occupy L.A. The tent count is now 269.

Day 10 at Occupy L.A.

Camping at City Hall.

Pumpkin carving contest.

Broadcasting to the net.

Impromtu performance on the city hall lawn.

Needed support.

Occupy LA Protest In L.A.'s Financial District

2011-10-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

A couple of thousand protesters, including union members and Occupy LA protesters, marched in to L.A.'s financial district. The march weaved it's way through several banking institutions located on Bunker Hill, and stopped at the Bank of America on Figueroa and 7th.
Several protesters made their way in to the bank for a sit-in protest, and were arrested by L.A.P.D.

Marching at Bunker Hill.

Marchers at Citibank.

Angelenos watching the march on Figueroa.

Bank workers watching the protest at Figueroa and 7th st.

Protester arrested at Bank of America on Figueroa and 7th st.

The Faces Of Occupy L.A.

2011-10-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

The faces of Occupy L.A. at city hall on a rainy day.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011

Occupy LA Portraits - Images by Ted Soqui

Nicole Alvarez

2011-10-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Nicole Alvarez, former girlfriend of Dr. Conrad Murray, walking on Temple Street after testifying in court. She actually stated in court "maintaining my instrument," she being the instrument , was her fulltime job.
Alvarez's home address was used by Dr. Murray to receive packages of Propofol, the anestesia that killed Michael Jackson.

Nicole Alvarez dogged by TMZ.

Occupy L.A. Day 4

2011-10-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

L.A. City Councilmen Eric Garcetti and Bill Rosendahl give their support to the Occupy LA movement. Both of them spoke briefly to a small crowd of protesters, many of whom spent the last couple of nights sleeping in front of LA City Hall.
Councilman Rosendahl said he would enter an official resolution to support the Occupy LA movement, during Wednesday's council meeting.

Occupy LA.

LA City Councilman Eric Garcetti speaks to the Occupy LA protesters.

LA City Councilman Bill Rosendahl shakes hands with a Occupy LA protester.

Occupy LA.

Downtown Rain Day Views.

2011-10-04T14:08:00.000-07:00

Views of Los Angeles from the 27th floor observation deck of L.A. City Hall.

Bunker Hill with the LA Times Building in the foreground.

The Police Administration Building.

Giant bell hanging on the observation deck of L.A. City Hall.

Bunker Hill.

Occupy L.A.

2011-10-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

The occupation of Los Angeles at L.A. City Hall.
Hundreds of people are camped out in tents and sleeping bags to protest corporate greed in America.

The occupation of Los Angeles.

Occupy L.A.

City Hall lawn.

Signs of the time.

Occupy L.A. at City Hall.

Occupy L.A. lunch time protesting.

Occupy L.A. protesters.

A Double Rainbow in L.A.

2011-09-30T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ooh, a double rainbow in Los Angeles. Shot in the mid-city, on a iPhone4.

What does it mean?

President Obama At The House Of Blues

2011-09-26T22:23:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama held a campaign event at the House of Blues on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. About 800 guest were in attendance and each paid a minimum of $250 to get in.
Rapper B.o.B and the Gay Mens Chorus of L.A. were the musical guest.
A visibly tired President was heckled by a man yelling something about Jesus Christ and calling the President "the anti-Christ." The President quipped back at the man telling him "first of all, I agree Jesus Christ is the Lord, I believe that." The Secret Service escorted the man out of the room as he continued to yell at the President.
The Sunset Strip was shut down to all traffic except for emergency vehicles during the President's visit at the HOB.

President Obama.

The Sunset Strip shut down to all traffic.

B.o.B.

President Obama waiving bye to the H.O.B.

Six L.A. Art Legends

2011-09-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

Had the recent opportunity to photograph six legends of the Los Angeles art scene for the L.A. Weekly.
Brought my standard gear to each shoot, but ended pulling out the iPhone4 and used it as a camera with the Hipstamatic app.
I liked the Hipstamatics portraits so much more, and the L.A. Weekly ran several of them in this weeks issue.
So here they are.

Ed Moses and his cactus garden.

Billy Al Bengston at his Venice home.

Chris Burden at his studio with a new creation.

Barbara T. Smith at her Venice home.

Eli Broad at his Venice Foundation.

Michael Govan at LACMA.

Two Fullerton Police Charged In Kelly Thomas Beating Death

2011-09-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Two Fullerton police officers were charged today with second-degree murder, involuntary murder, and excessive use of force, in the beating death of Kelly Thomas by the Orange County District Attorney.
Thomas was beaten, tased, and eventually had his throat crushed by up to eight Fullerton police officers on July 5. 2011. Thomas was a un-armed mentally ill schizophrenic homeless man living on the streets of Fullerton.

Ron Thomas, Kelly's father, delivering the news of the 2 FPD officers arrest to Kelly's Army.

Kelly's Army listening to the DA's press conference.

California Republican Party Convention

2011-09-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

Historic re-enactors today at the California Republican Party Convention at the Marriott Hotel in downtown L.A.

Abe Lincoln.

Ben Franklin.

Either Alexander Hamilton and/or George Washington.

The founders of the U.S.A.

Michelle Bachmann In The OC

2011-09-16T16:46:00.000-07:00

Republican presidential candidate and Tea Party member Michelle Bachmann held a rally at the Orange County Fairgrounds today.
A crowd of 50, mostly Tea Party members, attended the rally.

Michelle Bachmann and her "titanium spine."

Unsafe at any speed?

A Tea Party member.

Fab Four Bandits

2011-09-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Fab Four as bandits on LA Brea Ave.

Thomas Hank McVicar Wall Memorial

2011-09-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

Spotted on a fence in Santa Monica, a memorial to Thomas Hank McVicar who died in a solo traffic accident on 1-3-2011.
Hank was the son of B&B star, Daniel McVicar.

Charlie Sheen Roast

2011-09-10T23:42:00.000-07:00

A model painted to look like a marble statue sits out front of the Charlie Sheen Roast at the Sony Studios.
Charlie showed up along with a bunch of his friends including Ron Jeremy, Steve-O, Mike Tyson, and Dog The Bounty Hunter.

Only in Hollywood, and Culver City.

Burningman 1997 Unplugged

2011-09-09T19:12:00.000-07:00

Burningman back in 1997. An unplugged view of the festival in the Nevada desert.

Burningman Festival 1997 - Images by Ted Soqui

Republican Debate At Reagan Library

2011-09-07T23:50:00.000-07:00

Rick Perry gets in to Ron Paul's face during a commercial break.

Eight republican presidential candidates, Michelle Bachmann, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Jon Huntsman Jr., Ron Paul, Rick Perry, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum faced off in a debate today at the Reagan Library.

The candidates.

Michelle Bachmann

Mitt Romney and Rick Perry.

Rick Perry, Ron Paul, and Herman Cain.

Pre-spin room.

Elephant topiary.

LA County Fire Firefighting Aircraft

2011-09-06T14:02:00.000-07:00

LA County's firefighting aircraft fleet is now fully ready to handle fire season.

Royal with cheese.

Canadair Superscooper CL415T.

Le Big Mac, Erickson Air-Crane.

Le pilot, Carl Villeneuve.

A County Firehawk.

Two Canadair Superscooper aircraft on lease from Quebec, Canada recently arrived and will remain in LA till the end of December.
The Superscooper aircraft saw duty and made quick work of the fire yesterday, just north of Mandeville Canyon.
The Superscooper can literally scoop up 1600 gallons of water from a lake or ocean in a matter of seconds. The Air-crane can suck up 2200 gallons of water from a pool, lake or ocean, and the Firehawk can load up to 1000 gallons from a lake, ocean, pool, or firetruck.
Also on display today at media day were an Erickson Air-Crane "Helitanker," and a County owned Sikorsky Firehawk.

Photos By Ted Soqui © 2011

Circa Political Coverage

2011-09-03T17:45:00.000-07:00

Circa Political Coverage - Images by Ted Soqui

Battle For Malibu Lagoon

2011-09-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Took this photo of a snowy white egret, hunting in the Malibu lagoon, for a story on the lagoon that appears in this week's issue of the LA Weekly.
"The Battle for Malibu Lagoon" is written by Hillel Aron, and is about the controversy on wether or not to drain and re-make the lagoon.

Snowy white egret.

Beach Flooding In L.A.

2011-09-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

High surf washed out part of the bike path between Playa Vista and Dockweiler beach, creating a giant pond of water on the beach. More high surf is expected till the end of week. Venice Beach pier was also closed today due to the heavy surf.

Bike path/pool.

Six Years Ago In New Orleans.

2011-08-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

New Orleans - Images by Ted Soqui

Ronald Reagan Bust At CA. State Bldg.

2011-08-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

A bust of former U.S. president Ronald Wilson Reagan at the Ronald Reagan California State Building in downtown L.A.

Ronald Wilson Reagan.

JTA

2011-08-27T17:25:00.000-07:00

War Of The Worlds 2011

2011-08-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

For the sci-fi aficionados.

War Of The Worlds in downtown L.A.

Rev Jesse Jackson Joins Grocery Workers

2011-08-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Reverend Jesse Jackson along with local clergy and unionized grocery workers spoke with a district manager of Ralph's supermarket today in South L.A.
Jackson hoped to keep contract negotiations between the union and management moving along, before a Friday strike vote deadline.
The sticking points of the new contract surround increased out of pocket expenses by union workers for healthcare coverage, while supermarkets are reporting record profits.

Rev. Jackson.

Rev. Jackson and local clergy walking inside Ralphs Supermarket.

Union supporters.

Dodgers Show Up, Fans Not So Much

2011-08-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

The L.A. Dodgers made quick work of the Astros of Houston this weekend, beating them soundly in a two game home stand.
Dodger fans have yet to show, many seats and sections of the grande stadium were left vacant this Saturday and Sunday, during the most mildest summers we have experienced in a long time.
Entering and leaving the parking lot was a breeze, many fans drove away happy with the wins.

Dodger Stadium at night.

Lots of empty seats at the stadium.

Fans not showing up.

The Dodgers getting hits.

John Schwada Day In Los Angeles

2011-08-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles City Council decreed today John Schwada Day in Los Angeles. John Schwada was recently let-go by his longtime employer Fox 11 TV in Los Angeles, despite his stellar work in investigative and political reporting.

Read his thoughts about his firing here.

John Schwada sin press credential.

LA Daily News writer Rick Orlov at city hall off to file.

Gone Today, Hair Tomorrow

2011-08-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

Anna's Hair Studio on Wilshire blvd.

L.A.P.D. And L.A. School Police Stop Suicide Attempt Atop L.A. High School

2011-08-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

L.A.P.D. officers from the Wilshire division assisting L.A. School Police subdue a suicide attempt suspect on top of a car port at L.A. High School on Olympic Blvd.
The suspect appeared to have some mental problems, and would not listen to any commands given to him by the police. The man held a sharp spear up to his abdomen and threatened to impale himself or jump off of the roof. L.A.P.D. officers gradually surrounded the man and shot him six times with non-lethal bean-bag rounds from a shot gun. The suspect seemed un-phased by the bean bag rounds and attempted to stab himself with a spear. LAPD then fired a taser round which immediately stunned the suspect long enough for officers to subdue him.
He was hoisted off the roof of the building by L.A. Fire and taken to a local hospital.

L.A.P.D. officers with the suspect.

L.A.P.D. air support.

The suspect hoisted off of the roof by L.A. Fire.

L.A.P.D. officer with the suspect's spear.

The suspect on his way to the hospital.

Happy 50th Mr. President

2011-08-04T08:23:00.000-07:00

Route 66

2011-08-01T19:22:00.000-07:00

A skewered armadillo viewed from the bike lane on Santa Monica Blvd, route 66.

Route 66 armadillo.

Vintage LA

2011-07-30T00:33:00.000-07:00

Vintage L.A. viewed with a Hipsatmatic iPhone4.

Mt. Lee

Excalibur at Vons.

Motorhome in the Fairfax district.

Car ride at CVS.

Sea monster ride at CVS.

Curt Flood

2011-07-25T17:27:00.000-07:00

A couple of portraits I took of Curt Flood back in 1996 are now featured in a HBO Sports documentary "The Curious Case of Curt Flood."
Curt Flood was a center fielder for the Saint Louis Cardinals back in the day, winning seven Golden Glove Awards for his stellar defensive play, and two World Series.
He took on the Major League Baseball's reserve clause, which kept all baseball players beholden to their original teams for life, even after satisfying their original contracts.
Flood felt this was a form of paid slavery to the team owners, he took Major League baseball to court after the Cardinals attempted to trade him. No active ball players supported Flood in his endeavor, a retired Jackie Robinson was one of the few notable players that did. Flood is credited with creating "free agency" in team sports including the NFL.
Curt Flood died in Los Angeles in 1997.

Curt Flood 1996.

Mitt In NoHo

2011-07-20T20:09:00.000-07:00

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney stopped by a dilapidated outdoor shopping mall in NoHo to criticize President Obama's handling of the economy.
Local politicians claim it was a cheap shot, and the area's economic collapse was caused by 8 years under the Bush administration.
About 50 supporters lined up at the photo-op to shake hands and take photos with candidate Romney.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011

Mitt and media.

Angry Californian.

Angrier Californian.

Mitt and supporters.

Mt Lee

2011-07-19T20:12:00.000-07:00

Mt. Lee with the Hollywood sign. Viewed from Trash Truck Hill in Griffith Park.

Mt. Lee

Buh Bye Carmageddon, See You Next Year

2011-07-18T11:31:00.000-07:00

Carmageddon and come and gone.
Here is my friend Jonathan Alcorn planking California style, on the 405 freeway during Carmageddon.

Planking Cali sytle.

Carmageddon Day For Mulholland Dr. Bridge

2011-07-16T18:16:00.000-07:00

Widening and partial destruction of the Mulholland Drive bridge began in the early Saturday morning hours. Twin jack hammers, each installed on a long crane, resembled long neck giraffes hungrily tearing away at the bridge's concrete and rebar, sending large chunks to the tarmac below. Other parts of the bridge were met with a hot oxy-acetylene torch that quickly sawed in the bridge.
Destruction is expected to last until this Sunday.

Sunrise over the Mulholland dr. bridge.

Fence meet oxy-acetylene torch.

Chipping away.

Full on bridge assault.

An empty 405 near the Skirball Center bridge.

Carmageddon Panographics

2011-07-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some panos from the tarmac of the 405 near the Skirball exit. The media was allowed on to the freeway for about a half hour today, not sure why.
Click on each image to see at a larger resolution.

Media photogs on the 405.

Media on the 405.

View of the 405 with the Mulholland Drive bridge.

Carmageddon Arrives

2011-07-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

Mulholland Drive bridge demolition begins.

An empty 405 freeway.

405.

405 construction.

Will and Kate In L.A.

2011-07-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Prince William and his wife Catherine drove up to the Hancock Park home where they will be staying during their L.A. visit. This is Kate's first visit to the U.S.

Lady Kate.

Will and Kate in the Rover.

The Witch's House

2011-07-07T17:35:00.000-07:00

The Witch's House in Beverly Hills.
It was built in 1921 to be used as a film set in Culver City, the house was moved to Beverly Hills in 1926 and is now a private home.

Will And Kate's L.A. Lodging

2011-07-06T17:15:00.000-07:00

Prince William and his wife Catherine will be staying at the British Consul General's Hancock Park residence during their three day visit to the Los Angeles area.
LAPD will cordon off the street and arrest any trespassers. A small viewing area will be set up for the public at the NW corner of June street and Sixth street, just far away enough not to see the home.
Traffic in the Hancock Park area will be Carmaggedon-lite for the duration of the Royals visit.

The British Consul's humble abode.

The Royal entrance.

LAPD en garde.

La Brea Tar Pits

2011-07-06T11:45:00.001-07:00

Afternoon at the La Brea Tar Pits.

405 Preparing For Carmageddon

2011-06-28T18:36:00.000-07:00

The 405 freeway preparing for a 2 day closure, from July 16 and 17th, lovingly referred to as "Carmageddon" by KNX news radio. The 10 mile closure, from the 10 to the 101, is expected to wreck traffic havoc upon Los Angeles, and residents are asked to stay away from westside.
Local bars and area near the 405 are offering specials to entice residents to stay off of the roads and have a place to hang out.

Pre-Carmageddon.

Say goodbye to the Mulholland Drive bridge as we know it.

Prepping the Mulholland Drive bridge for demolition.

Snake warning near the Carmageddon epicenter.

Whitey's House

2011-06-25T14:08:00.000-07:00

Outside views of the Santa Monica apartment building where fugitive Whitey Bulger and his girlfriend Catherine Grieg were living.
The couple used the names Charles and Carol Gasko to hide their identity. They also paid the $1145 dollar rent in cash every month, and lived there since 1996.
The FBI found $800K cash along with 30 firearms inside the apartment. Whitey Bulger and Catherine Grieg are now in federal custody back in Boston.

Whitey's house.

Boston sticker on a car parked in the driveway.

The Gasko's, Whitey and Catherine, in apt. #33.

Feds Seize Mongols Logo

2011-06-20T15:25:00.000-07:00

A federal judge in L.A. ruled in favor of the U.S. governments efforts to sieze the trademarks of the Mongols motorcycle club. The Mongols were involved in racketeering, drug trafficking, hate crimes against blacks, fire arms violations and assaults.
In 2008 the ATF and FBI arrested 61 Mongol members, under "Operation Black Rain," and shut down their operations. As part of the indictment against the Mongols, the Justice Department seized the Mongols intellectual property including their logo. Wearing or displaying a Mongols logo or "colors", a Ghengis Khan character riding a chopper, would now be illegal.
The Mongols formed in the L.A. area in the early 1970's and are mostly comprised of latino members.

Federal property.

The Rio Hondo

2011-06-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Saw this cool looking horse back rider on the Rio Hondo trail, while I was riding my bicycle.

Phonehenge West (Updated)

2011-06-10T16:38:00.000-07:00

Alan Kimble Fahey, creator of Phonehenge West, was taken into jail by order of a L.A. County Superior Court Judge today. Fahey was convicted last month of 12 misdemeanors including building code violations for building un-permitted and un-safe structures on his property. He also failed to comply with court orders to stop all work on his property and turn off the power after the convictions. Prosecutors argued that Fahey was ignoring the law and acted as he was above the law. Supporters of Fahey felt the court acted too harshly, and believe the one-of-a kind structure's mechanical issues could be resolved.
A bail hearing is set for July 27.

The creator of "Phonehenge West," Alan Kimble Fahey, was convicted of three misdemeanors today, for not complying with the building and safety codes of Acton, CA., a small desert community just north of Los Angeles.
Fahey was repeatedly cited over the last few years by Acton building and safety officials to cease construction of his massive structures, many of them considered unsafe by the officials.
The "Phonegenge West" compound has taken Fahey over 30 years to construct on his sprawling 20,000 foot California desert property. Fahey is now facing prison time along with fines for the misdemeanor convictions, and the structures may have to be torn down. Supporters of the "Phonehenge West" project believe the buildings should be saved, and consider them works of art. Most of the structures are constructed with telephone poles and other strange industrial materials.
Prosectors in the case may file more charges against Fahey, he will be sentenced on July 8, 2011.

Phonehenge.

Phonehenge structure.

A giant crane and black widow.

Phonehenge

Phonehenge.

Angeles Crest Highway Re-Opens.

2011-06-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

A seven mile section of Angeles Crest Highway re-opened to the pubic today, after a 18 month closure due to heavy rain and damage from the Station Fire.
Took a drive up and down the newly repaved section today and shot this video.

Video by Ted Soqui Films © 2011

John Edwards Indicted

2011-06-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Former presidential and vice-presidential candidate John Edwards was indicted today for federal campaign charges today by a Federal Grand Jury. Edwards was charged with 6 counts of conspiracy, receiving illegal campaign contributions, and making false statements. The case was tied in with a sex scandal involving Edwards, his campaign manager attempted to cover it up with campaign money.
Edwards is expected to plead not guilty.

Photo by Ted Soqui © 2007

John Edwards

Spring Wave Day In LA

2011-06-01T18:42:00.000-07:00

Surfrider beach wave.

Point Dume.

The Bu.

Point Dume.

Point Dume looking south.

A decent sized and rare springtime south swell is hitting the beaches of L.A. County this week, producing some fine waves. Hundreds of surfers took to the water from Will Rogers to Point Dume. The swell is expected to last till late Thursday, and a deep marine layer should also hit the coast tomorrow according to KCBS weathercaster Jackie Johnson.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011

New Era For The L.A. Lakers

2011-05-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

The L.A. Lakers announced their new head coach today, Mike Brown, who was signed to a three year contract with an option for a fourth year. Details of the contract were not disclosed.
Brown was introduced by Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak, he answered questions from the media.
Brown told the media that he would not run the triangle offense anymore, and would introduce more defensive play. The offense would still run through Kobe, with more penetration in to the painted area to get more offensive options.
The press conference was held at the L.A. Lakers practice court in El Segundo.

Mike Brown.

Jim Buss, Mike Brown, Dr. Jerry Buss, and Mitch Kupchak.

World Championship trophies watch over the press conference.

On the walls of the practice court.

Dr. Jerry Buss' Rolls.

Art In The Streets @ MOCA

2011-05-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Graffiti and street art from the "Art In The Streets' show at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The show runs from April 17 through August 8, 2011, and features some of the world's best street artist including Banksy, Sheppard Fairey, and Retna.

Banksy

Neckface

Mister Cartoon

LAPD Still Confident

2011-05-26T14:43:00.000-07:00

Chief Beck and his detectives.

Wanted poster on Mariposa Ave.

Ramirez and LAPD sketch.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck faced the media today and stated he is confident that Giovanni Ramirez is still one of the main persons responsible for beating Giants fan Brian Stow. Although Chief Beck is now calling for more investigation in to the case against Ramirez, who was arrested last Sunday.
"A score of detectives" are still investigating the beating case, along with "700 clues that are coming in from the public" claims Chief Beck.
Ramirez faced a line up yesterday, and Chief Beck stated he was satisfied with results, although he would not clarify the results.
Ramirez has lawyered up and states he was at home with his 10 year old daughter at the time of the beating on March 31, 2011. He is also willing to take a police polygraph to prove his innocence. Ramirez is being held for a parole violation and for the vicious beating, with bail set at 1 million dollars.
Two other suspects still remain at large, one woman get away driver and one male latino.

Photos by Ted Soqui © 2011

Highland Theatre Re-Lit

2011-05-17T21:29:00.000-07:00

The 502 light bulb sign above the Highland Theatre building was re-lit today. The lighting was part of a project to help preserve signage along Route 66. Hundreds of HLP residents watched along Highland Park's Figueroa Ave., and joined in on a impromtu countdown as the sign was lit by city officials.
The local high school band from Franklin High provided their musical talents during the ceremonies, and a local baker gave away samples of his red velvet cake.

Photos and footage by Ted Soqui © 2011

The Highland Theatre sign re-lit.

Franklin H.S. Band.

HLP Color Guard.

Long time HLP resident enjoying some red velvet cake.

Snotty Scotty & The Hankies Play At Save Dave

2011-05-15T07:51:00.000-07:00

Snotty Scotty & The Hankies performing at the Save Dave Melrose event in Altadena.

Three Arrested In Connection With Ktown/Wilshire Crime Spree

2011-05-13T16:40:00.000-07:00

An emotional LAPD Chief Charlie Beck read a brief statement from the family of Gabriel Ben Meir who was slain by three robbers last Sunday. Gabriel Ben Meir, a TV producer for MTV, was found dead on a sidewalk in the early morning hours near his mid-Wilshire home last Sunday. Chief Beck also commended the men and women of the LAPD, who worked around the clock to capture the three murder/robber suspects.
Arrested are Richard Edward Anderson of Reseda a 33 year old male black, Destiny Young of L.A. a 29 year old white female, and Jabaar Vincent Thomas of L.A. a 26 year old black male. All will be charged for multiple counts of robbery and murder.
The three suspects committed at least 11 crimes with a shotgun between the dates of 4-29-11 through 5-10-11, many of the robberies only yielded small amounts of cash.

LAPD Chief Beck

LAPD map of the 11 robberies and homicides.

Shotgun Crime Spree In Koreatown

2011-05-11T21:55:00.000-07:00

A series of nine armed hold-ups have occurred in the Koreatown/Harvard Heights/West Adam section of Los Angeles since 4-29-2011. LAPD officials believe three suspects are responsible for the crime spree, and a tactical alert was called in the Ktown area as LAPD searched for the suspects.
They are described as black males around 5'9" tall in their mid 20's, one suspect was detained then arrested today in a supermarket parking lot near Washington blvd. and Tenth Ave.
The suspects used several different single barrel shotguns and rifles, firing and killing one victim, another victim who fought with the robbers was shot at but not injured.
So far the LAPD has not tied in the recent murder of Gabriel Ben Meir, a beloved MTV producer, who was killed on a sidewalk near his mid-Wilshire home. Ben Meir was shot in the head execution style with a shotgun around 1:30am, neighbors found his body around 6:30 am Sunday morning.
Most of the robberies have occurred in the early morning hours, with two in the evening.

Press conference at LAPD Olympic station.

LAPD map of the nine robberies, minus the Ben Meir killing.

LAPD map detail of robberies # 2 and 3.

LAPD map detail of robbery #4 with an image of one of the robbers.

Indonesian Dancing

2011-05-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Burat Wangi perform Javanese dance and music at the California Institute for the Arts.
This video was shot on the Canon 5D Mark II camera.

Video by Ted Soqui © 2011

5-1-2011

2011-05-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Mission Accomplished!