The Gaslite

Parking: On Site
Karaoke, Live Music, Live Performances High Energy Bustling Private Parties Banquets

Retiree Joe Natoli is ticked off about the lack of accountability of local charities. Environmental activist Leslie Purcell is concerned about the development of the Ballona west bluff, where, she says, Indian burial grounds have been found. Psychic counselor Larry Skuce is upset about proposed changes to the state housing voucher system.

On a recent Monday night, Natoli, Purcell, Skuce and several others got an audience for their grievances. They all participated in the free weekly Blues, Booze & Views event at the Gaslite, a low-key, old-time bar in Santa Monica.

Claire Ragge, the bar's owner, started the Monday night forums last September.

"I wanted to do some community event, something good rather than just pumping alcohol down people," says Ragge. "A lot of the customers who came in, I would hear them talking. People seemed to be dissatisfied with what was going on in the world. I thought it would be good to give people a more formalized outlet, put everyone's heads together."

Since then, Ragge, with the help of Santa Monica peacenik Jerry Rubin, has booked dozens of speakers, including tree sitter John Quigley and Melissa Effron, a representative from Planned Parenthood. A majority of the speakers are involved with Santa Monica groups.

After each speaker, Ragge opens up the floor to questions and comments. Inevitably there is a little of both. But overwhelmingly, this is a left-leaning crowd. So there's a lot of agreement. Ragge said she doesn't get many "Rush Limbaugh types," referring to the conservative radio talk show host, though she'd like some, if only because it would fire things up a bit.

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