Intersections: The South Los Angeles Reporting Project - Story Feed

Art center hopes to inspire South L.A. (Catherine Cloutier)

2010-08-31T10:27:56+00:00

The Center: South L.A. is fundraising to bring a brand-new, fully equipped arts facility to South Los Angeles

BREAKING: Alleged bomb threatens Manual Arts High School (Catherine Cloutier)

2010-08-25T21:15:20+00:00

[Updated:] Police responded to a possible pipe bomb found in a Manual Arts High School restroom.

High stakes teaching and the “value added” sham (Sikivu Hutchinson)

2010-08-25T08:00:45+00:00

A recent LA Times article stamped LAUSD educators “ineffective” or “effective” based solely on their students’ standardized test scores.

Poll suggests opposition to bringing back the Compton Police Department (Community Contributor)

2010-08-24T12:03:12+00:00

A citizens survey conducted on the social networking website Hub City Livin' aimed to glean public opinion on the issue.

Collaborators in South Los Angeles (Community Contributor)

2010-08-24T11:12:44+00:00

Working journalists are teaming up with community members in a bid to take "citizen journalism" to a new level and investigate the status of Marlton Square.

Urban Green plants seeds of change (Lauren Whaley)

2010-08-24T03:35:30+00:00

The new self-sustaining Urban Green kiosks produce healthy, organic food inspired by the motto "Waste Not, Want Not."

A Garden Grows in Watts (Lauren Whaley)

2010-08-18T17:09:02+00:00

A summer-long nature class run by the Watts House Project allowed neighborhood children the chance to see the natural beauty in their city streets.

Unemployed call for MTA to speed up transit plans and create jobs (Leilani Albano)

2010-08-17T18:20:41+00:00

The MTA's "30/10 Plan" would require borrowing $9 billion from the federal government to jump start construction of transit lines.

Fixing homes, building community: The Watts House Project (Lauren Whaley)

2010-08-14T16:00:13+00:00

Art and redevelopment team up to inspire a neighborhood next to Watts Towers.

Gay marriage advocates celebrate victory (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-08-06T04:00:09+00:00

California's Proposition 8 was overturned in a federal ruling, prompting celebration from the gay community in Los Angeles.

Students interview education officials in Sacramento (Community Contributor)

2010-08-06T03:40:46+00:00

A group of about 30 students from South and East Los Angeles high schools have examined the state of education in California. Read reflections from their trip to Sacramento.

Happy birthday Mr. President from Leimert Park (Amber Wright)

2010-08-05T16:25:28+00:00

Hosted by Organizing For America (OFA), residents of South L.A. gathered at Leimert Park to celebrate President Barack Obama’s 49th birthday.

Urban Media Foundation dedicates new media center (Willa Seidenberg)

2010-08-04T02:54:06+00:00

The Urban Media Foundation on Western Avenue has a brand new media center, courtesy of the Good News Foundation.

FROM THE WORKSHOP: The stories of Vernon/Central (Community Contributor)

2010-08-03T19:31:07+00:00

Vernon/Central residents young and old took part in a CDTech/Intersections workshop to learn how to tell stories multimedia-style.

Raising funds — and the roof — for Homeboy Industries (Community Contributor)

2010-08-02T22:08:32+00:00

Facing a financial shortfall of crippling proportions, Homeboy Industries held a musical fundraiser at the Colburn School of Music.

Los Angeles workers bus to Arizona to Protest SB1070 (Leilani Albano)

2010-07-31T02:41:24+00:00

Hundreds of L.A. unionists bused to Arizona at dawn yesterday to protest the new immigration law taking effect.

Slavery in Los Angeles (Leilani Albano)

2010-07-29T08:00:04+00:00

Domestic worker Nena Ruiz is one of the many "modern slaves" sharing a story in hope of changing the future.

Children urge Obama to end immigrant deportations (Leilani Albano)

2010-07-27T23:06:22+00:00

After a spike in immigrant deportations during the Obama administration, immigrant rights groups are worried about children losing their parents.

Skateboarding exhibit rolls into California African American Museum (Crenshaw High School)

2010-07-25T22:26:58+00:00

The six-month rotating exhibit will focus on past and present skate and surf culture as well as art in communities of color.

Relief and emotion at Grim Sleeper community meeting (Crenshaw High School)

2010-07-23T18:17:44+00:00

Councilman Bernard Parks held a meeting Thursday night to talk about recent developments in the Grim Sleeper case with community members and the family members of victims.

Food Closet feeds hungry, homeless students (Leilani Albano)

2010-07-23T10:07:42+00:00

A stash of food at UCLA is helping cash-strapped and homeless students fill their rumbling bellies.

Los Angeles closes the book on local libraries (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-07-19T23:19:56+00:00

City libraries will now close Sundays and Mondays — a decision that has some librarians and patrons up in arms.

New Lynwood superintendent has mountains to climb (Amber Wright)

2010-07-19T18:02:34+00:00

Facing a district on the edge of the financial precipice, Edward Velasquez has a heavy work load ahead.

Summer program keeps children off the streets (Christine Trang)

2010-07-10T03:44:32+00:00

Summer Night Lights, a late-night program intended to fight crime and violence, will spread to 24 Los Angeles parks, up from 16 last year.

Bringing business back to Marlton Square (Emily Henry)

2010-07-09T15:58:28+00:00

The long decaying area is closer than ever to redevelopment, according to officials. But how close is close after two decades?

BART officer convicted of involuntary manslaughter (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-07-09T00:10:33+00:00

After two days of deliberation, the Los Angeles jury found former BART officer Johannes Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter for shooting Oscar Grant in the back.

West Adams Panthers baseball team calls for funds (Community Contributor)

2010-07-08T00:57:10+00:00

The team at West Adams Preparatory High School is short over $8,000 for uniforms and equipment for next season.

Grants to gang prevention programs announced (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-07-01T20:16:08+00:00

In the midst of a severe state budget crisis, Gov. Schwarzenegger said he believed turning students into productive citizens will pay off in the long run.

South Central Neighborhood Council election brings residents to the polls (Christine Trang)

2010-06-28T08:25:13+00:00

South Los Angeles residents visited polls to vote for community members who will sit on the South Central Neighborhood Council.

Visitors enjoy art, music at Leimert Park Art Walk (Christine Trang)

2010-06-28T04:08:27+00:00

Hundreds gathered at Leimert Village to celebrate African American art and culture. Some danced, while others painted and shopped.

Town hall meeting held on racial profiling in Torrance (Community Contributor)

2010-06-26T00:10:11+00:00

Earl Ofari Hutchinson believes the profiling to be a concerted reaction to demographic change in Torrance.

South Central Neighborhood Council holds election Saturday (Emily Henry)

2010-06-25T10:21:01+00:00

The council aims to bring neighborhood issues to the fore. But does the neighborhood know about it?

Mayor speaks at Markham Middle School graduation in Watts (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-06-21T23:58:47+00:00

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa addressed the 326 graduates, telling them that "no matter how big you dream, occasionally you'll trip and fall."

Fans celebrate Lakers victory with parade (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-06-21T22:15:43+00:00

Unlike the rowdy celebrations following the Lakers' win, the parade downtown was largely without incident.

“Catch” explores the beauty of a tough existence (Lauren Mueller)

2010-06-21T19:53:44+00:00

Exploring the banes of coming-of-age in South Central, “Catch” runs at Art Share LA’s Streetlamp Studio June 18th-27th

South L.A. teacher Jose Lara versus Fox News (Emily Henry)

2010-06-18T01:41:43+00:00

Local activist and Santee teacher Jose Lara appeared on the Bill O'Reilly show to discuss the Arizona immigration law SB1070.

South L.A. schools failing to prevent dropouts (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-06-16T16:32:02+00:00

A new report says schools are suspending too many students, effectively forcing them out of school.

OPINION: Not knocking on heaven’s door: Black atheists, urban America (Sikivu Hutchinson)

2010-06-15T18:28:11+00:00

Black religiosity is a formidable influence, and Christianity still has a powerful hold.

VIDEO BLOG: Protesting the Arizona immigration law at Dodger Stadium (Jose Lara)

2010-06-09T22:46:31+00:00

The Boycott Arizona Los Angeles Committee protested the SB 1070 law by rallying at the Diamondbacks game.

South Los Angeles sees low voter turnout (Christine Trang)

2010-06-09T04:33:21+00:00

Exact numbers are not in, but the Los Angeles County Registrar expects low voter turnout. A Field Poll also predicted only about one-third of voters will cast ballots.

Youth learn about media and its impact on stereotypes (Community Contributor)

2010-06-08T14:00:25+00:00

The Youth Media Education Conference held at Cal State University Dominguez Hills debated issues such as self esteem and sexual identity.

Success of major Urban League renewal plan in question at halfway mark (Neon Tommy)

2010-06-08T03:20:50+00:00

Neon Tommy's special report finds that the Urban League and its partners have made some gains and suffered some setbacks in its $25 million, five-year plan to turnaround Crenshaw High School and the surrounding neighborhood.

Comcast-NBC merger debated in Expo Park (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-06-07T23:23:58+00:00

Critics worry that the proposed merger of two of the media's largest companies could have a negative impact on diversity in the industry.

Freedom Friday sets the stage for artistic community (Community Contributor)

2010-06-07T16:25:16+00:00

The open-mic night brings together artists from all walks of life to share their creative work.

Residents worry about activity at Inglewood park (Lauren Furniss)

2010-06-03T06:38:14+00:00

Edward Vincent Jr. Park, known as a community playhouse, is home to cruising, a term used for random or prearranged sexual encounters.

Los Angeles County votes to boycott Arizona (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-06-02T23:10:32+00:00

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-to-2 to boycott Arizona in protest of its new immigration law.

Teen summer reading club starts through LAPL (Emily Henry)

2010-06-02T16:13:29+00:00

The Los Angeles Public Library's teen summer reading club is underway, with a promise to reduce, recycle and READ!

VIDEO BLOG: Busing to Arizona for immigrant rights (Jose Lara)

2010-05-31T16:59:34+00:00

Jose Lara interviews students, teachers & community leaders just before they take a caravan of buses to Arizona to protest the SB1070 law.

Nonprofit provides safe, meaningful play for children (Christine Trang)

2010-05-28T07:24:36+00:00

Playworks, a nationwide organization, transforms recess into a positive learning experience for children at low-income schools.

LAUSD students demand dignity in schools (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-05-27T09:43:01+00:00

A coalition of students, parents and activists say schools should be places to learn, not gateways to prison.

Bus riders protest MTA hikes (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-05-26T22:08:08+00:00

Members of the Bus Riders Union are fasting to call attention to fare hikes that they say will disproportionately hurt the poor.

Commissioners push for change in local police department (Christine Borrmann)

2010-05-26T15:00:52+00:00

Inglewood's Citizen Police Oversight Commission was established in 2006, but has little to show for its efforts.

Local high school matches students with colleges (Kelly Williams)

2010-05-25T15:00:58+00:00

Animo Inglewood Charter High School has created a supportive atmosphere for students who want to focus on academics.

Light rail line raises concerns in local city (Amanda Smith)

2010-05-24T15:00:41+00:00

Some Inglewood residents do not feel comfortable with the Crenshaw Transit Corridor, a proposed light rail line, running through their neighborhood.

The media and the murder of Aiyanna Jones (Sikivu Hutchinson)

2010-05-21T15:00:32+00:00

When a little white girl goes missing, we get up-to-the-minute stories on the victim. But when a little black girl goes missing, the community has to make sure the story doesn't fade.

Garden connects local students to community (Christine Trang)

2010-05-21T07:30:13+00:00

The Empowerment Community Garden is run by students at Morningside High School. The goal is to provide a positive alternative to some issues students face.

Local students accept offer to attend University of Southern California (Josanta Gray)

2010-05-20T00:33:32+00:00

Two students from Inglewood High School will attend USC in the fall.

Design flaws in new Inglewood school gymnasiums (Christianna Kyriacou)

2010-05-19T04:47:47+00:00

Two gyms at Inglewood middle schools were built with Measure K money. Read on to find out why students at Monroe and Crozier can't play regulation basketball in them.

Inglewood’s Darby-Dixon neighborhood turns around (Sarah Moore)

2010-05-19T03:05:36+00:00

The Darby-Dixon neighborhood of Inglewood used to be known for gang violence, drug use and gunshots. But a partnership between a community group and police have turned the area around.

Construction of Inglewood senior center delayed (Lauren Robinson)

2010-05-18T02:36:35+00:00

Senior citizens in Inglewood are growing weary of waiting for a long-promised senior center.

South Los Angeles program reaches out to foster youth (Christine Trang)

2010-05-17T07:26:36+00:00

Living Advantage, Inc., a non-profit organization, develops partnerships with individuals, organizations and elected officials who can provide support for foster youth. A first-of-its-kind luncheon honored some of these people.

City of Champions no more (Jonathan Kendrick)

2010-05-16T22:38:38+00:00

The city once nicknamed "City of Champions" may soon be looking for a new moniker, as professional sports in the city of Inglewood comes to an end.

Barber College offers more than haircuts (Michelle LaRue)

2010-05-13T20:15:23+00:00

The American Barber College is a unique family-run barber shop and barber college that has been in business for almost 45 years.

Compassion, literacy and tutoring (Tracy Oppenheimer)

2010-05-13T18:22:50+00:00

Some kids go to tutoring because their parents tell them to. But some go because they need a safe and welcoming place to go after school. A new tutoring center in South Los Angeles is helping.

Amid a history of failure, dreamers struggle to stay hopeful (Jessica Flores)

2010-05-11T03:33:51+00:00

After a year of campaigning for the DREAM Act, L.A. undocumented students aren't sure they are any closer to the bill that will legalize them.

Crenshaw digital media team goes straight to the top (Willa Seidenberg)

2010-05-07T17:01:42+00:00

Apple Distinguished Educator Daphne Bradford has spent the last year working to get her students at Crenshaw and Dorsey High Schools an invitation to the White House. Now they are a big step closer.

OPINION: Yes on Proposition 15: Elections Should be Won, Not Bought (Community Contributor)

2010-05-06T14:15:39+00:00

Proposition 15, the California Fair Elections Act, changes the way we finance election campaigns.

May Day protesters voice frustration with Arizona immigration law (Jessica Flores)

2010-05-02T17:53:14+00:00

Tens of thousands marched in downtown Los Angeles to call for immigration reform and to protest the anti-immigrant Arizona law.

Martin Sheen reflects on May Day Rally (Jessica Flores)

2010-05-01T23:54:25+00:00

Martin Sheen was among the protesters at the May Day Immigration Rally. Our Jessica Flores caught up with Sheen to find out what inspired him to participate.

USC students demonstrate against Arizona immigration law (Sixth Sun Media)

2010-05-01T16:35:08+00:00

The SB170 bill allows police to investigate the immigration status of anyone they suspect to be illegally in the U.S.

New ordinance promises to hold banks accountable for foreclosed homes (Jenna Zwang)

2010-04-30T00:15:11+00:00

L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti wants to hold banks accountable for maintaining houses they have foreclosed upon.

Mayor pushes for boycott of Arizona as Angelinos protest controversial immigration law (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-04-29T23:49:05+00:00

L.A. city officials are criticizing a tough new Arizona immigration law. They say Los Angeles should boycott Arizona until the law is repealed.

Toni Morrison’s Bluest Eye re-visited (Sikivu Hutchinson)

2010-04-29T22:52:00+00:00

Morrison's story about the warped development of identity for young black women is still loud and clear in modern culture.

Fox Theatre celebrates 61st birthday (Catherine Cloutier)

2010-04-28T15:59:59+00:00

The Fox Theatre opened in Inglewood in 1949 and closed 40 years later. Now, preservationists are trying to reopen the historic theatre's doors to the public.

Tattoo removal business thrives on second guessing (Michelle LaRue)

2010-04-28T00:28:51+00:00

An increase in laser tattoo removal treatments can actually mean an increase in revenue for tattoo parlors.

Free health clinic at the Los Angeles Sports Arena draws large crowd (Contributor)

2010-04-28T00:15:06+00:00

Tuesday was the first of a seven-day health fair and clinic put on by L.A. Remote Area Medical.

History of Japanese Americans in South Los Angeles (Catherine Cloutier)

2010-04-26T20:11:24+00:00

Rev. Masao Kodani, the priest of the Senshin Buddhist Temple on West 37th Avenue, describes Japanese American community's path to and from South Los Angeles.

Man arrested for hit-and-run that killed Compton teenager (Emily Henry)

2010-04-26T16:38:55+00:00

Juan Garay, 22, was arrested on suspicion of a DUI and hit-and-run that killed 16-year-old Chanel Lenard Sunday night.

Activists travel to Arizona to protest controversial immigration bill (Karen Marcus)

2010-04-23T00:21:02+00:00

Angelinos urge rejection of bill that would require authorities to check status of undocumented immigrants at routine stops.

Earth Day brings a new garden to a local elementary school (Amanda Herman)

2010-04-23T00:05:28+00:00

Los Angeles Galaxy and Home Depot team up to get Compton students to read.

Disability rights advocates fight against budget cuts (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-04-22T23:39:33+00:00

People across the country are celebrating Earth Day today. But far away from the forests or ocean, disability rights advocates are holding a different kind of Earth Day protest.

Councilman Bernard Parks discusses city’s financial crisis at town hall meeting (Community Contributor)

2010-04-22T23:26:15+00:00

The budget crisis and recently deceased former LAPD Chief Daryl Gates were among the topics covered at a town hall meeting in Leimert Park.

Inglewood cop teaches by example (Sarah Moore)

2010-04-22T14:59:16+00:00

After 30 years on the force, Sgt. Robert Richmond shares his experiences as one of Inglewood's finest.

Inglewood CFO announces resignation (Sarah Moore)

2010-04-21T21:41:06+00:00

Jeff Muir will be the third Inglewood city official to resign this year, as he leaves his position for one in Culver City.

Earth Day run raises awareness about water scarcity (Jessica Flores)

2010-04-21T17:11:37+00:00

Hundreds of Southern Californians, including Melissa Etheridge, gathered at Exposition Park on Earth Day to run the 6k Dow Live Run for Water.

Queen of civil rights movement dies (Ariele Pratt)

2010-04-21T03:30:00+00:00

Dr. Dorothy Height, the premiere female voice of the civil rights movement and long time president of the National Council of Negro Women, has died at the age of 98.

Jan Perry receives national award for South L.A. wetland (Contributor)

2010-04-21T02:48:43+00:00

Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry traveled to Washington D.C. to receive an award for spearheading a South L.A. wetlands and park project.

Inglewood boxing program targets at-risk youth (Amanda Smith)

2010-04-20T17:06:48+00:00

After school, the boxing room at Rogers Park becomes a training ground for determination and a sanctuary from the streets.

Students protest on National Tax Day of Action (Sharis Delgadillo)

2010-04-16T22:47:52+00:00

South and East Los Angeles students came together outside of the University of Southern California to rally for the increased investment of tax money in public education.

YMCA wins Lakers Pride Poster Contest (Christopher Pisar)

2010-04-16T16:39:49+00:00

The Weingart YMCA won the Lakers Pride Poster Contest, receiving a $1,000 gift card from Staples and a visit from Laker Andrew Bynum.

City hopeful about new hires at Inglewood Police Department (Jonathan Kendrick)

2010-04-16T16:09:31+00:00

The scant Inglewood Police Department has taken on 12 new officers this year and increased efforts to make the job more financially appealing.

Intersection plaque pays tribute to public activist (Contributor)

2010-04-16T04:05:33+00:00

The contributions of a local public activist is now memorialized at a South Los Angeles intersection. Ninth District Councilwoman Jan Perry paid tribute to Ezekiel Mobley, Jr. who died in 2006.

Day laborers hope victory in court will encourage others (Ariel Edwards Levy)

2010-04-16T00:48:22+00:00

Two day laborers are finally getting the wages they earned, after years of court battles. Advocates hope others will follow suit.

Training the next generation of minority media professionals (Community Contributor)

2010-04-14T16:00:14+00:00

The Urban Media Foundation instructs inner-city youth in multimedia communications, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Academy gives youth a taste of the Big Leagues (Michael Green)

2010-04-14T16:00:14+00:00

The MLB Urban Youth Academy gives Compton baseball players a chance to play with professional equipment and wooden bats.

Haiti Forgotten: L.A. activists raise funds for ruined Haitian orphanage (Ariele Pratt)

2010-04-14T01:21:25+00:00

When Haiti was rocked by a deadly earthquake, the whole world took notice. Unfortunately, short attention spans and more recent seismic activity have shifted attention away from Haiti.

Fremont High School to close five days early for summer (Fremont High School)

2010-04-13T20:02:31+00:00

Teachers at Fremont High School voted yesterday and agreed to end the school year early to help alleviate budget problems.

Some residents push for underground light rail line (Christine Trang)

2010-04-13T15:00:14+00:00

Plans are under way for a light rail project from Los Angeles to El Segundo. But some residents who live along the line do not favor the street-level project.

The 50 million pound challenge comes to Compton Unified School District (Contributor)

2010-04-13T01:17:00+00:00

CUSD is encouraging employees to lose weight and fight a culture of obesity.

Compton program shoots for success (Michael Green)

2010-04-12T21:21:48+00:00

Educated Ballers, a program that will begin mid-April, will tutor children in basketball and academics to keep them on the court and off the street.