I was walking through the Firestone Mall when I heard the voice of Karen Carpenter.
"Long ago and oh so far away..."
Just a few blocks from the "Close to You" apartments she'd owned with her brother Richard - by the high school they'd both attended - one of her song's had come up in the mall background music.
Why is it every time I hear a Carpenter's song playing on the radio in Downey, it's always the song Superstar.
10:43 PM
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Johnnie's Broiler is not just a building on Firestone Avenue. The Downey diner with the big neon sign has appeared in numerous movies.
What's Love Got to Do With It (restaurant fight scene)
Short Cuts (where Lily Tomlin works)
Reality Bites
Unstrung Heroes
What's funny is it isn't even a diner any more. It's a used car lot. They've just kept the famous "Johnnie's Broiler" neon sign.
8:57 PM
Monday, April 17, 2006
"Gangs Out of Downey" is still vigorously pursuing their mission. But I was surprised that their web page lists this accomplishment.
Purchased a computer system for the Downey Police Department, enabling the Department to 'network' gang information with cities nationwide.
Does that mean that before this charity came along, the Downey Police Department didn't have a computer system?
