That area of Midtown is becoming what Washington was a few years ago, all the ******s have migrated there. I would avoid Proof as well. Bartenders refuse to let females close out their tabs and treat their customers like garbage.
Although I've never had an issue with Gaslamp. I've seen plenty of white people being charged a cover there (I never have, mostly because I don't dress like a vagrant). My gf is Mexican, as are most of her friends and they never get charged.
Everyone said this same stuff about The Drinkery a couple years ago, and now that's died down. Seems like people are just adding on to the narrative...but that could be my "white privilege" talking.