Post #293097 by Son-of-Kelbo on Mon, Mar 19, 2007 11:53 AM

Enough of the long-winded posts from Son-of-Kelbo on this thread. Okay, one more. This one to send out a mighty Mahalo Nui Nui to those who could make it to Trader Vic’s 90210 last Saturday night, to all who wanted to be there, and to everyone who hopes we won’t see the place resigned to the wrecking ball.

Libby and I arrived early on, and, along with our “civilian” friends Chip and Rachel, we toasted VampiressRN, SwampTiki, BigBroTiki, Kona Chris, Dibroc, PrimEx, and all the TC’ers who couldn’t make it that night, and a hoisted a general toast to those who’ve cast their V-Votes and were with us in spirit. We soon linked-up for a good portion of the evening with SoccerTiki & WooHooWahine, and Tigerlily, who called VampRN in Emeryville to connect with the faithful there. We may not have been a huge gathering, but we certainly lit the bar lounge up with a great deal of good cheer that was contagious to the parties nearby. Happy BD again to SoccerTiki, and I’m sure I’m risking a black eye next time I see him at the Tonga Hut, but I must say his wife really gave me a wonderful lei. (Alright, I should say she gave everyone in the group a wonderful lei, but before I certainly get a black eye, let me say they were a beautiful green-and-white, the perfect St.Patty’s Day–Polynesian accessory…)

It was my great pleasure to meet Tom Slick and his lovely companion (though I oughtn’t say how lovely, lest my own lovely companion take the war club to me) in person, and share some perspectives about TV’s history and how we might continue the effort to save the joint. A stand-up guy, Tom, and a fighter the campaign can be glad to have in the war canoe. I’ll look forward to our next pow-wow.

Thanks to Jay Platt for representing the LA Conservancy, in association with the ModComs, who are even now seriously rolling up their sleeves for this battle, have started a focused meeting process, and are preparing their own (no doubt vastly more experienced and competent) campaign to avert Trader Vic’s doom. And with their track record, I’m sure this will evoke a serious twinge from the Demolitionists, er, I mean “Developers”...

Thanks to Ojaitimo Tim for taking pics; let the well-meaning ‘Ohana send him a collective kharmic smile for the shots he took last night and at last month’s TV’s BH gathering (as well as all the events he photographically chronicles). (And there’s no truth to the rumor he’s ready to spring his archives on anybody running for public office in the future…)

Thanks also to Mike Hanttula, looking like a cross between Darby O’Gill, King Brian, and The Cat-In-The-Hat in his Kelly-green rave-hat (that somehow ended up on Libby’s mane for part of the evening), escorted by the fighting Irish contingency representing the survivors of the ’07 Hanttula Liver & Kidney Challenge Marathon. Not only still standing by the height of the evening, but, having done-dere-dooty by TV’s 90210, were off to support the staff of another establishment, with an hour or so left of St. Patty’s Day to go... One can only marvel at the dedication and training behind this crew’s legendary stamina…

Although the TC contingency wasn’t quite as large as some of us hoped for, there was a steadily-growing “civilian” crowd that reached the usual lively din as the evening progressed, and virtually everybody we handed a “Save TV’s 90210 V-Vote” sticker to was glad to get one (they looked mighty fine on all those tuxedos!), and without exception they were alarmed and dismayed to hear the place that they were celebrating, partying, lounging, and just-plain-drinking in was threatened with impending demolition. Their opposition to the destruction of Trader Vic’s 90210 was unanimous, and we’re hoping they’ll carry on the V-Vote beyond the life it began on TC.

Will Trader Vic’s 90210 be saved? The odds, long though they may be, improve with every effort made to save it. Most surprising to me was how few of the people there that night, enjoying themselves in the fine high style the place is famed for, knew of the threat to its existence. But what was certainly heartening was their instant dismay upon hearing about the demolition plans, and willingness to take some information with them about how they could raise their voices in protest.

The Developers don’t want people to know what’s going on, and if they do, they want to push the “this place has seen its day” spin. Knowing that, then a grassroots counter-strategy can go something like: Yes, a Special Interest is threatening to demolish Trader Vic’s 90210, and, No, far from having seen its day, this Trader Vic’s is still very much a thriving link to our legendary past – a past we’re all a part of every time we stop by to share it.

Cheers and aloha,
SOK

"Don't let it be forgot,
That once there was a Spot,
Where Blowfish all wore sunglasses,
and Tiki-times were hot..."

[ Edited by: Son-of-Kelbo 2007-03-19 12:15 ]