Abbot Kinney keeps a-changing

A woman walks past street art on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Over recent decades the street has increasingly attracted tony stores and restaurants that are drawing tourists from around the world but are pushing out some longtime residents and businesses. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Oct. 25, 2013 2:18 PM PT

Some longtime merchants and residents say Abbot Kinney’s change from gritty to glitzy over recent decades is not all for the better.
Read more: Abbot Kinney Boulevard’s renaissance a mixed blessing

Arlene Tucker, left, and daughter Michele enjoy the fresh evening air at First Fridays on Abbot Kinney, a monthly event when food trucks park along the street and people from all over flood the area for a night out. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

The lights of upscale store Velvet glow as people stroll Abbot Kinney. The arrival of higher-end establishments on the street has been pushing out some old mom-and-pop shops. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Food trucks pack any empty lots and parking spaces at Abbot Kinney’s monthly First Friday street event. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Street vendor Shameka Banks, left, helps fasten a bracelet on Cori Clymens’ wrist during First Fridays on Abbot Kinney. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

Alexandra Hoover, left, looks over jewelry with Carol Tantau, owner of Just Tantau, at the store. It has been on the now-popular Abbot Kinney street since 1982 and is set to close because of the rise in rent and change of clientele. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

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Abbot Kinney keeps a-changing

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