Zepeda 1

Karla Zepeda
Professor Topf
English 114B
20 April 2014
Rough Draft
We do not chose in what family we want to live with, where we grow up, where we come
from, where we first get to see our perspectives of the world, we are born into it. We are not born
with the mindset of knowing what is right and what is wrong, how we are supposed to act and
behave, we are taught that. And over the course of time, we begin to add value and meaning to
things and in the world. We are influenced by the environment we are surrounded by, we mimic
what we see and hear others do. So when deciding how we want to live our life, we use what we
were taught to help in our decision making process. Society is different for everyone, not
everyone is taught the same thing. The norms and values of society change by the location of a
place and the types of people.
Within the United States there are 3 different types of laws; Federal, State, and city laws.
Federal laws are laws that apply for everyone who live within the U.S., State laws vary between
states and only apply to those who live within the state or commit a crime within that state. Local
laws (also known as city laws), are specific laws within a city and each city has different laws
and what may seem as such an important norm in one city can have a different value within
another. Just like each country has different norms and values, both culturally and religiously, so
does each city. The two places I decided to visit were 2 beaches; Venice Beach and Seal Beach.
Each of these beaches are located in two different counties; Los Angeles and Orange County.
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And as I stated before, each city (including counties) have different sets of norms and values and
in the two beaches I saw a lot of differences.
Humans help to shape this world. We have the canvas in our hands and we do with what
we please and make with it. Being that we live in a democracy, we vote and our vote counts. Our
votes are our voices. As stated earlier, local laws depend in city, the laws are voted by the people
who live in the city and not all people are the same. One of those examples could be used is
graffiti being viewed as art or vandalism. By definition, art is the quality, production, expression,
or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than
ordinary significance. What may be considered as art in Venice is considered as Vandalism in
Seal Beach. [search up view points/article- analyze/support argument]
Another value that can be discussed is marijuana. Venice beach is home to many of the
biggest pot heads with over dozens of Medical Marijuana shops. Although Seal Beach does have
medical shops, the norms are taken differently. Los Angeles voted to not pass the law of
legalizing marijuana, but being prescribed marijuana is accepted. This law of selling marijuana
and not having a medical card is strictly enforced, or is it? On Venice beach you can see anyone
smoking and asking for hits. [Search up view points/article- analyze]
According to the 2010 Census, Orange County had a population of 3,010,232, with the
majority being white and second majority being Hispanic. In Seal Beach there was a population
of 24,168 people, with the race of white being the majority of 20,154. Asians were the next
highest population of 2,309 and so on. While at Seal Beach I saw it was both hot and windy. The
sun was shimmering so bright and the rays felt like hot flaming kisses on my skin, the wind
sending whispers in my ears and an ever so gentle touch on my hair. There were many (but not
so many) people there enjoying the beach. I saw kids bring kites. The kites were painting the sky
Zepeda 3

in bright colors. Along with that, I saw many surfers. The surfers seemed to dance with the
waves, creating a beautiful piece of art. A classic stereotypical Californian beach as you would
only see in the movies. People walking their dogs, a pier not so packed. Everyone was so
friendly. There were rules such as not going to far deep into the water or not being able to sit in
front of the lifeguard hut. Children were to be watched at all times to ensure safety and there
were many cops patrolling. I noticed as well in the type of people, majority if not all were white.
There are many beach homes so most of the families and people came from their house, an area
just so clean and secure.
The 2010 census for Los Angeles had a population of 9,818,605, with the majority of
people being white and second majority being Hispanic (just like O.C.). Venice is within Los
Angeles and isnt its own city but rather a neighborhood. But, it is estimated that there is roughly
a population of 28,241. Beautiful sunny Venice beach, home too man. As EVERYONE many
know, Venice beach (especially on hot summer days) is packed a filled and looking like a
colorful masterpiece. The boardwalk is filled with hordes of people. The beach even more filled.
The buildings, apartments, walls all covered in LA art, the art in which Venice is famous for; so
many different colors, not only on the walls but in the crowds of people as well. The place is so
diverse with many different types of cultures all wanting a taste of LA. I hear the beating of
drums, a type of beating where a story is being told sending a shiver down my spine. There are
so many homeless here as well. Hoping to find the good in others and asking for a second
chance. There are stores and restaurants here. The beaches are filled with life and activities. No
surfers to be found. The norms here seemed to be the same but not taken in much value. People
set their things in wherever they could find a space even if it wasnt aloud. The beach is bigger.
There are palm trees and a sweet sweet ocean breeze that when smelled is filled with
Zepeda 4

mouthwatering desires. The smell of marijuana begins to creep in; I take one deep breath
knowing that this right here is Venice.
Every person is brought up differently; adding different value to things. Seal Beach is
dominantly a whit neighborhood; Venice is as well, but not so much. My brother works in Seal
Beach so I feel like an outcast and stared at when I go because of my race. This is your classic
white rich neighborhood. When I got to Venice beach, I dont feel like an outcast. Although, yes
living at the beach does require having a good income, it isnt necessarily the same. At Venice
beach you have the visitors, the residents, and then the people who live there. Venice beach is
such a diverse community. Being that it is home to the famous muscle beach, and right next to
the famous Santa Monica pier, so many people come and visit (the visitors). The boardwalk is
always packed with people, never seeing a new face. Los Angeles its self is such a diverse
community. Then you have the residents who might as well live there since they are there all
the time. They are the vendors who are always there selling souvenirs, the beach bums who are
always at the beach because they love it that much, the street performers, basketball players, etc.,
Then those who actually live in the beach homes. [explain how it helps, add more information]
[conclusion?????]
Zepeda 5



Bibliography (later turn into Works Cited)
http://censusviewer.com/county/CA/Los%20Angeles
http://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/90291/zip-code-90291-2010-census.asp
http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/fall07/Sanchez/art.html
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Graffiti-is-it-art-or-vandalism/28040
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/features/graffiti-street-art-ndash-or-
crime-868736.html