Aloha Everyone,
J.J. and I watched a thought provoking program on KCET.
SoCal Connected is KCET's weekly news magazine. The program investigates and reports on the issues that affect Southern California. Last night's program was called "The Rise Of Silicon Beach." Silicon Beach refers to
to the beach cities of Santa Monica, Playa Vista and Venice.
According to the report, "The area has now become home to more than 500 tech startups along with incubators and accelerators. Big tech firms including YouTube, Google, Yahoo, BuzzFeed and Snapchat. But what makes Silicon Beach distinct from Silicon Valley is the confluence of hi-technology and the entertainment industry."
Last night's program was the final segment of the 3 parts special where communication journalist, Cara Santa Maria, explored the impact that hi-tech companies has on the Venice area.
Because of the influx of hi-tech firms into Venice, home prices have soared and long-time residents are angry with what they refer to as buildings of McMansions.* They feel that these huge homes looking down on neighboring properties are disrupting and annoying.
Volunteer organization of “Save Venice” are fighting the effects of "gentrification" in an effort to save Venice from alteration of character and existing lifestyle.
J.J. and I have personally experienced "gentrification" of communities in Hawaii as well as in towns and cities across the United States. While one must accept that change is inevitable, whenever money is the motivating factor in development, one party seem to get the short end of the stick. J.J. and I would be most interested in learning if there is a win-win solution to this complex, social-economic situation.
*a large modern house that is considered ostentatious and lacking in architectural integrity.
Aloha -- Cathi
