Steve Lopez analysis:

'60s Still Alive on a Corner in Echo Park : http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez17oct17,1,3304383.column

In this article, Lopez tells us about Art Goldberg, a "lifelong rabble-rouser" who runs a law office for people who dont have a lot of money. Goldberg is also an avid anti-war and free speech advocate since the 60s. The way Lopez tells this story is more like painting a picture rather than reporting the news. He picked an interesting person and wrote about him descriptively, telling us things like Goldberg's office being above a Vietnemese bakery and how Goldberg likes the moon cakes there. These things may seem (and may very well be) unnecessary, but they give both Goldberg and Lopez a face. A more interesting and personal read makes the story more powerful and lasting. The fact that Goldberg protested the Vietnam war and is now protesting this war from above a Vietnemese bakery is something better than fiction. It is a fact. By telling us about this person who has a lot to say but may not have much power, Lopez is telling us far more than his less than 1000 word article appears to. By telling the story in this way, Lopez makes us observe ourselves in a way. This article in particular was almost a call-to-arms, giving us a look at the past, the present and ourselves. We need to "cause enough disruption and chaos to make a difference." This quote is taken from the most powerful part of the article. Lopez is able to say such powerful and volitile things because he is speaking through his subject. Lopez turns reporting into an art and his reporting becomes more effective and powerful for it.