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Crushed Groove?

In the days before we could legally drink Ketel One sodas and martinis at Lola's, we'd often find ourselves in the tight quarters of The Florentine Gardens on a Friday or Saturday night. As one of the few venues in Los Angeles that pumped hip hop through the speakers while only requiring you to be 18 to get in, it has been a haven for young folks desperate to drop it like it was hot and maybe find a new person to make out with. It is of particular interest to the minority communities living outside the 323 wanting to venture into Hollywood but also wanting to be in a space that they felt comfortable.
Well that unique rite of passage may dissapear. The LA Times reports that "Los Angeles officials are considering plans to shut down the club to make room for a fire station."
What's a self-respecting hip hop loving kid supposed to do in this town these days? Can't bomb the Belmont Tunnel anymore and soon can't dance at The Florentine Gardens? What's next, Power 106 is shut down and turned into an adult contemporary format?
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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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