The devil's playground

I think it is safe to assume that you guys know that I was born and raised in San Pedro (pronounced PEE-DRO for all you out of towners) but in fact I have moved around Cali here and there. In 06'/07' I lived in the LBC aka Strong Beach aka Long Beach. LB is a HUGE city that maintains a blossoming downtown district while still preserving that small neighborhood beach community feeling. Long Beach is definitely a melting pot (I can't help but think of the Bay when I use that phrase but in context LB is not as cool as SF).

Bars are bars. I have done my fair share of boozing in damn near all of them while living in Long Beach. The watering holes that are tucked away off the main drag are usually pretty cool finds. Alex's Bar is a true gem, like stepping into a mini version of hell: red painted walls, cheap drinks, horrible service but live rock and roll almost every night. This weekend Alex is celebrating his 10 year anniversary with a sick lineup of the Adolescents, Mike Watt and Riverboat Gamblers live on stage.

In these tough economic times it's great to hear that the small businessman is still alive and kicking. But then again, recession or economic boom, people will drink regardless. Cheers and I'll see you in the pit!

Bare your soles

The folks in Haiti have been on my mind ever since I heard news of the devastation caused by the 7.0 earthquake last Tuesday. So, with this tragedy weighing in heavy, (and after having made a monetary donation to CARE.org) I found myself wondering how the peeps over at TOMS shoes might be responding.

As you may know, TOMS was started by Blake Mycoskie back in '06. The premise, basic: for every shoe purchased, another pair would be donated to a child in need. TOMS, working in conjunction with Partners in Health, is in the process of filling an order for 30,000 pairs of shoes, all to be delivered to children of Haiti in need by the begninning of February. The guys at TOMS have it right, by "using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good." Great mission, great public works.

For more warm fuzzy reading: check out how just this past October, Element and TOMS teamed up to make the first Board-Shoe drop ever. So awesome to see how two other SoCal based companies have come together to launch their efforts in a one-to-one giving campaign. What a righteous display of collaboration.

Growin' on Trees

Another day, another meeting with an interested investor in all things Cavotu. It's looking like we are still firming up the business plan and working out figures, so there is a follow-up meeting scheduled for next week. It'll be great to get some real backing that will allow for me to get some serious product out.

Other meetings on the Cavotu agenda: meeting with a hat sales rep. to check out some product samples and color/fabric swatches. Puff embroidery vs. all-over print, wool vs. acrylic blends, fitted vs. flex fit -decisions, decisions.