Ronnie Contreras

Downey barber Ronnie Contreras hosted the first in a series of poetry readings at his business, Number 34 Barbershop on Florence Avenue, last Friday. The inaugural event of Hair Club For Poets included an "open mic" for the public, and featured Gerald Locklin, author of more than 100 books of poetry and professor emeritus at Cal State Long Beach. Locklin has also published a memoir of his close friendship with writer Charles Bukowski and was a mentor to Grammy-winning musician and songwriter Dave Alvin. Pictured, left to right: Ronnie Contreras, curator Roy Shabla, Gerald Locklin, poet John Blakley, and curator and Mt. SAC professor John Brantingham. ********** Published: February 2, 2012 - Volume 10 - Issue 42