The Next Los Angeles, Updated with a New Preface

The Struggle for a Livable City

by Robert Gottlieb (Author), Regina Freer (Author), Mark Vallianatos (Author), Peter Dreier (Author)

Paperback

Price: $34.95 / £30.00

Publication Date: Aug 2006

Edition: 1st Edition

Title Details:

Rights: World

Pages: 304

ISBN: 9780520250093

Trim Size: 6 x 9

Illustrations: 19 b/w photographs, 8 line illustrations, 1 table

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About the Book

While most historians, journalists, and filmmakers have focused on Los Angeles as a bastion of corporate greed, business boosterism, political corruption, cheap labor, exploited immigrants, and unregulated sprawl, The Next Los Angeles tells a different story: that of the reformers and radicals who have struggled for alternative visions of social and economic justice. In a new preface, the authors reflect on the gathering momentum of L.A.'s progressive movement, including the 2005 landslide victory of Antonio Villaraigosa as mayor.

About the Author

Robert Gottlieb is Henry R. Luce Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Director of the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. Mark Vallianatos is Research Coordinator at the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. Regina M. Freer is Associate Professor of Politics at Occidental College. Peter Dreier is E. P. Clapp Distinguished Professor of Politics and Director of the Urban and Environmental Policy Program at Occidental College.

Reviews

“At its most lively, this book provides an intelligent insider’s account of the construction of Progressive Los Angeles Network, or PLAN, and the emergence of a powerful labor-Latino bloc that provides progressive L.A. with much of its heart and soul. But the book offers readers more, including details of a grassroots-driving progressive agenda and a revealing social and political history. . . .The authors don’t shy away from discussing problems and challenges. . . .A good starting point for any serious student of forward-looking municipal politics.”
— San Francisco Chronicle

“Far and away the best single book for understanding the politics of Los Angeles. In light of that city’s statewide influence, it is also a must read for those interested in the future of state politics. The book’s inspiring accounts of grassroots victories is perfect for getting activists in an upbeat mindset for the start of a new year. And that is something we all need.”
— Beyondchron.org

“Wonderfully thorough and useful. . . . Adroitly crafted and beautifully written.”
— New Labor Forum

"With this rich account of its community and labor struggles, the city of angels—and apocalypse—becomes the city of hope."—Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America

"This wonderful book, with its evocations of LA's alternative histories, and its bold templates for social and environmental justice, is proof that the American Left is alive and well, especially in Southern California."—Mike Davis, author of Dead Cities

"A rare book combining history, analysis, strategy and a platform – and it may well be carried out in this decade."—Tom Hayden, former State Senator, Los Angeles