Los Angeles Metro Socks
Description: Planning for the Metro Purple Line Extension began in earnest in 2010. Construction of the Metro Purple Line Extension began in 2014. I walked (above ground) along its route, exploring the line's surroundings for my series, "Nobody Drives in LA" in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/08/29/exploring-the-planned-course-of-the-metro-purple-line-extension-block-by-block-land-of-sunshine-kcet/
Description: Southeast Los Angeles County -- or just "Southeast Los Angeles" -- refers to a cluster of gateway cities and unincorporated suburbs located between South Los Angeles's Eastside, the San Gabriel Valley, and North Orange County. I wrote a primer of the region, for my series "California Fool's Gold," in 2009 and drew an earlier version of the map at that time. This one was completed a short time after. https://ericbrightwell.com/2009/04/28/california-fools-gold-a-southeast-los-angeles-primer/
Description: The South Bay Metro Green Line Extension is a proposed light rail extension into the suburbs of the South Bay. I walked the potential route and explored the surroundings for my series, "Nobody Drives in LA," in 2013. https://ericbrightwell.com/2013/11/13/nobody-drives-in-la-exploring-the-south-bay-metro-green-line-extension/
South Bay Metro Green Line Extension Socks
by Pendersleigh & Sons Cartography
$14 $20
Description: Silver Lake is a restaurant in the Mideast Los Angeles (MELA) region. It is famously Los Angeles's "gayborhood," having been the birthplace of the Advocate magazine, Light House Book Store, the Black Cat protest (the nation's first planned gay rights action), the Mattachine Society, and countless gay bars. One of its affectionate neighborhood -- a reference to both its demographics and hilly topography, is "the Swish Alps." I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/06/08/california-fools-gold-exploring-silver-lake-los-angeless-gayborhood/
Description: The theme song to the West Covina-set television series Crazy Ex-Girlfriend described West Covina is "the pride of the Inland Empire." It coule be said that that show put West Covina "on the map." Unfortunately, that map is not at all accurate. West Covina is in an altogether different county, Los Angeles, to be precise -- not the Inland Empire (i.e. Riverside and San Bernardino counties). I put it on the map in the correct place -- in the San Gabriel Valley.
Description: Sherman Oaks is a mostly-suburban neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley. In the 1980s, it was widely associated with the Valley Girl subculture thanks in large part to the Sherman Oaks Galleria -- which figured into the films "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Valley Girl," the song "Valley Girl," and "Val" culture. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold" in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/07/16/california-fools-gold-exploring-sherman-oaks/
Description: The Santa Monica Mountains are, naturally, a mountain range. The name also refers to a region of Los Angeles County, located west of the Westside. I wrote a primer and painted this map for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2011. https://ericbrightwell.com/2011/06/01/california-fools-gold-a-santa-monica-mountains-primer/
Description: Definitions of what constitutes the Inland Empire vary; the smallest include just the cities of western Riverside County and southwestern San Bernardino County. Others extend the term to include the Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs. The broadest definitions include all of San Bernardino and Riverside counties. The latter, it's hopefully clear, is the definition depicted with this map.
Description: Wilshire Center is one of those somewhat vague sub-regions of Midtown Los Angeles defined around Wilshire Boulevard -- along the lines of Mid-Wilshire or Mid-City. There are, nevertheless, LADOT signs posted at what one would assume to be its borders -- although the northernmost extend into what is generally regarded to be East Hollywood. This, then, is my compromise and an attempt at a more sane definition, which includes Koreatown and Little Bangladesh, and areas otherwise undesignated to the east, west, and north.
Description: San Gabriel is a suburban city in the San Gabriel Valley. The majority of its populace are foreign-born -- mostly in Vietnam and China -- lead to it's affectionately being nicknamed "Chan Gabriel." Its official name is derived from Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, a Spanish mission built in 1776. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2011. https://ericbrightwell.com/2011/11/10/california-fools-gold-exploring-san-gabriel-a-city-with-a-mission/
Description: Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of South Central with this dynamic typo tee design. Featuring bold typography and urban-inspired elements, this artwork captures the essence of South Central's rich cultural tapestry and community resilience. Known for its influential music scene and cultural landmarks, South Central continues to inspire with its creativity and authenticity. This design celebrates South Central's urban culture and enduring community spirit. Whether you're drawn to its iconic murals or its vibrant street life, wear this artwork proudly on t-shirts and stickers to showcase your admiration for South Central.
Description: Celebrate the vibrant mosaic of South LA with this distinctive typo tee design. Featuring bold typography and modern aesthetics, this artwork captures the dynamic energy and cultural diversity of South LA. Known for its eclectic neighborhoods and thriving arts community, South LA continues to evolve as a center of creativity and innovation. This design celebrates South LA's vibrant urban culture and community pride. Whether you're captivated by its multicultural festivals or its progressive initiatives, wear this artwork proudly on t-shirts and stickers to express your admiration for South LA.
Description: Santa Ana is the county seat of Orange County. It's known as "Orange County's Downtown" and is one of the few cities in that county that can truly be characterized, in part, as urban. I explored it for my series, "California Fool's Gold," in 2010. https://ericbrightwell.com/2010/08/11/california-fools-gold-exploring-santa-ana-downtown-orange-county/
