H.N.I.C.

Its been a minute, but I just wanted to take a second to acknowledge what happened on Nov. 4th. Of course I voted for Obama (and Michelle Martinez) and felt more involved in politics than I ever have in my life. I voted for Bill Bradley in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004, but this was the first time I actually volunteered, gave time and money, and made phone calls for ANY candidate. Last year I got so passionate about city politics and the primaries that I tried to become a politico in my own right (under the name Saint Chris) and started speaking my mind on some political blogs. However I feel this is something better left to those who have a true passion for politics (and who aren't smoking blunts daily... whoops!) As for me, im just happy that my man Barack will be painting the White House black like MC Breed this coming January, and that this damn thing is finally over so I can get back to writing rhymes.

-Erst

Clinging To Guns And Religion

Classic.

Is Your Child A Backpacker?

OK, gotta admit im late on this, but it frightens me that the city of Santa Ana is apparently more worried about B-boys (and students with a penchant for hip hop) than gang members:

Check it out: http://www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/pd/Graffiti.asp

Still confused? Never fear, the city of SA has provided a handy-dandy diagram!

The only thing I gotta say is, if anyone out there writes "Graffiti" or "Stencil"...

SAPD's got your number.

-Erst

The Return of SanTana Winds

I deleted this blog a couple months ago. Not like I really wanted to, its just that I had only made 2 entries within the span of 6 months. Even worse, I started it with some pretty lofty ambitions that never got fufilled. Insult to injury. Did it have something to do with the blunts, booze, dead-end relationships, shitty jobs, losing sight of my dreams and being ok with not being ok?

(The short answer: uh... yeah.)

I moved back to Santa Ana (my hometown) about 3 years ago, fully intending to enroll in school, finish my art degree, launch my rap career, and enjoy life. I know, I know: there's much better schools than SAC, better hip hop scenes in Long Beach and LA, and much nicer places to live than "SanTana". But that's not why I moved back here.

I fucking love this city. I loved downtown when I was a kid, when it was sketchy and run down and the Artist Village wasn't so much as a glimmer in Don Cribb's eye. I love the history and the old architecture and neighborhoods. I love the cruising on Bristol and Burrell's BBQ. I love the fact that people on the street might not smile, but if you make them laugh, they laugh HARD. I love the hipster spots, even though sometimes I hate the hipsters, and I hate how the elected officials are so corrupt... but at least their dependable, right?

Anyway, you get the point. And if you don't, stay tuned. There's more to come like Johnny Carson.