Suzanne Rico discovers Skid Row

Suzanne Rico, the former morning co-anchor on Channel 2 who hit the road after losing her job two years ago, is back living in the Los Angeles area and blogging. Her latest entry chronicles her discovery of San Julian Street in the heart of Skid Row, and encounters with some of the realities of Downtown. "A man wearing a lime green hat and eating a banana stares into the camera lens," she writes. "He does not smile and he does not frown. The money offered for the privilege of taking his photograph disappears with a magician’s sleight of hand. He doesn’t speak but endures the camera patiently. The banana’s brilliance is out of place, too perfect and lush for this inner city armpit."

Another man, his pants tied high and tight around his waist with a length of rope, skinny legs and arms flapping in random, agitated motion, moves to stand in front of the Audi. Whatchudoinheregirrrl? he asks, but it’s more a threat than a question. The wedding ring twisted around and curled into a palm to hide its shiny diamond suddenly feels heavy and glaring. The scent of fear is added to San Julian’s stench, but then an L.A.P.D. police cruiser slowly turns the corner and the man scowls and moves to the sidewalk. Shaking hands grip the Audi’s steering wheel and unsteady legs press the accelerator to move slowly away from him. San Julian Street is no place for anyone.

She titles her post Where Angels Weep.

Photo: Suzanne Rico