Friday, June 29, 2007

Black Helicopters....

Wondering about all the helicopter activity lighting up the night sky? I have it from a friend who's former military that they are military training exercises. They are either SEALs, Airforce or Marines practicing urban assault maneuvers. Simulating landing on rooftops and dropping off or picking up crews. I first noticed them a week or so ago and saw what looked like landings on City Hall East. Then I saw a fleet of them over the old cornfield. Sounds like the pilots are practicing flying in/around urban skylines.

Sunday, June 3, 2007

I would like to thank all of the little people . . .


We at Downtown Hound were shocked and amazed to learn that our blog was nominated for best blog in the "Best of Downtown LA" contests.


I am not sure how we were nominated, but we are grateful -- although I think all of us at Downtown Hound would agree that we are not worthy.


We will try to keep our blog more up to date in the future, but in the meantime, I think everyone should vote for Blogdowntown. Eric has maintained the most interesting and informative blog in Downtown and he clearly deserves everyone's vote. Eric also has a great piece in the current issue of Downtown News. Eric has helped lead the online conversation about Downtown and all its happenings.


To vote, click here. Please do.

Bad Samaritan Hospital


Two weeks ago I read in the Downtown News that the Good Samaritan Hospital on the West Side of Downtown was having a blessing of the bikes. While we should all support bike safety, and the Hospital should be commended for the publicity such events bring to bike accidents, I thought the readers of this blog should know that the Good Samaritan Hospital is a bad place.


I understand from friends that Good Samaritan has been engaged in an all out war with its employees for the past 4 years. I went over to the hospital when the Union that represents the workers brought Reverend Jesse Jackson into the Hospital to witness some of the anti worker and anti union activities of the Hospital. I heard workers talk about the CEO, Andrew Leeka, as an ego maniac. Supposedly he has his picture placed on the screen savers of the computers throughout the hospital. He must be insecure.


In my experiences, workers at Good Samaritan hate their jobs. Management is ruthless and the workers feel beaten down. The workers can also tell you some pretty outrageous stories about patient care problems inside the joint.


While going to a hospital is never a pleasant experience, I would recommend that readers go elsewhere. I know California Hospital in Downtown might not be the nicest place to go, especially given its proximity to Skid Row, but in my experience (I had to utilize the Urgent Care Center one time) I found the place to be fine and useful.


Great job Good Samaritan in your publicity around bike safety.

Shame on you for being such a bad employer.