Annoying Tech Workers Invade Los Angeles - Page 3

Annoying Tech Workers Flood Into West L.A. And Create Friction With Locals Residents That Are Losing Their Beachside Paradise

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Just today, I ran into a very old acquaintance from Silicon Valley at my favorite Venice coffee joint.  I had not seen him in 20 years.  He is a very swell person, but he now works for Google and it cannot be denied that he is part of the tech invasion.  What was he wearing on a Saturday morning out with his well-mannered, half-Asian offspring?  A Google t-shirt.  Yes, a company t-shirt on a weekend in the Westside.  This is precisely the sort of display of status and corporate tribalism that older Westsiders deplore.  We don’t even wear workout clothes with the names of our colleges.  If you went to a fancy school, you don’t advertise it.  We are individualists and free thinkers – or at least we were.

A little history is in order because the techies are not the first wealthy class to move into Venice and Santa Monica.  20 years ago, Venice absorbed the millionaire actors and baby boomers without losing all of its character.  Those newcomers appreciated the vibe and wanted to preserve it.  But these younger Googlers are too arrogant and career-obsessed to give it a second thought.  We are just refuse upon which they build their shiny new colony.

About 15 years ago, I used to walk by Anjelica Huston each day on her dog walks along the Venice boardwalk.  Her late husband, accomplished sculptor Robert Graham, contributed the gorgeous (and sexy) female statue on display in the heart of Venice – Winward Circle.  What would he make of these corporate types that have invaded his home?

This tech invasion will be the death blow to Venice.  For its part, Santa Monica will gentrify down to its last square foot of real estate.  Next will be the beach towns in the South Bay.  Did you know that 15 years ago little cottages in Menlo Park were selling for $1 million?  The same little ranch houses Gen X’rs grew up in.  It has happened.  The Westside has lost its cool.