Intersections: The South Los Angeles Reporting Project - Story Feed

South LA car wash workers unionize (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-22T17:04:03+00:00

Car wash workers in South LA score a victory... They're now among the first to be unionized in the City of Los Angeles. For years, car washes have been considered one of the most exploitive businesses, with long hours and paltry pay.

Miramonte teacher pleads not guilty (Andrea Kowalchik)

2012-02-22T16:54:40+00:00

The former Miramonte Elementary School teacher accused of lewd acts with students pled not guilty at his arraignment today.

Girl in drowning case remains on life support for now (Contributor)

2012-02-22T04:06:30+00:00

Five-year-old Marian Taque is still on life support until doctors can remove her organs for donation.

Thousands attend American Dream event (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-21T03:37:42+00:00

An estimated 15,000 people rushed to the L.A. convention center hoping to save their homes. For some South LA homeowners, the American Dream event gave them hope that they would end their mortgage nightmare.

OpEd: L.A. radio show’s Whitney ‘crack ho’ comment should be wake-up call to Black America (Jasmyne Cannick)

2012-02-21T02:27:32+00:00

Before Blacks condemn John and Ken Show for offensive Whitney Houston comment, some self-reflection is needed

OpEd: Are truancy tickets marginalizing South LA students? (Sikivu Hutchinson)

2012-02-20T16:09:50+00:00

One LA City Council Member is proposing a change to the current laws to make them more culturally responsive.

Redistricting changes for South LA one step closer (Molly Gray)

2012-02-17T15:00:49+00:00

The Los Angeles Redistricting Commission has voted to make changes that will drastically affect South Los Angeles city council districts.

South LA mom in drowning case under psychiatric evaluation (Contributor)

2012-02-17T05:32:50+00:00

Lorna Valle, the South LA mother arrested on suspicion of drowning one daughter and attempting to drown another is under psychiatric evaluation. We have special coverage of the story, including an interview in Spanish with the Consul General of Guatemala who talks about his conversation with the mother.

Mom jailed for murder and attempted murder (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-16T17:10:08+00:00

A South Los Angeles neighborhood is reeling after a baby girl was drowned. Her sister is in critical condition and the girls' mother is under arrest.

Mortgage help offered at Convention Center this weekend (Molly Gray)

2012-02-16T16:59:04+00:00

Homeowners in South Los Angeles who are struggling with their mortgages or being threatened with foreclosure can seek help this weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Leimert Park pays tribute to Whitney Houston (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-15T18:16:33+00:00

Fans mourning the loss of music icon Whitney Houston gathered at a vigil in Leimert Park on Monday night to celebrate her life.

Health care providers petitioning hospital costs (Kira Brekke)

2012-02-15T18:05:44+00:00

Health care workers and community leaders gathered today in front of the Centinela hospital in Inglewood to sign two ballot initiatives that would eliminate high hospital cost and expand charity care for the needy.

Fremont High School teacher arrested (Erin Leiker)

2012-02-15T17:11:16+00:00

Another LAUSD teacher has been arrested on suspicion of sexual contact with a student, marking the third such arrest for the school district in as many weeks.

South LA protest over early education cuts (Rebekah Valencia)

2012-02-14T18:15:13+00:00

Parents, educators and students hold a protest against LAUSD's proposal to severely cut early education programs.

Crimes against Miramonte students may lead to immigration benefit (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-13T20:35:56+00:00

With the LA Sheriff's Department conducting the investigation, Miramonte parents worry about immigration status checks.

South LA educator Kinects with Crenshaw High students (Laura Santana)

2012-02-10T20:00:34+00:00

Daphne Bradford was awarded an all-expenses paid trip to learn about innovative teaching technology at Microsoft's headquarters, and now she wants to invite other South LA teachers to apply for this invaluable opportunity too.

Parents protest as Miramonte Elementary reopens (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-10T15:03:27+00:00

With police officers present, parents voice their opinions on the upheaval.

Lawsuits filed in the Miramonte scandal (Nick Edmonds)

2012-02-10T07:01:50+00:00

In the midst of shocking allegations against former Miramonte Middle School teacher Mark Berndt, more and more alleged victims are coming forward. However, several victims come from families with undocumented immigrants, who fear that testifying will lead to their deportation.

Second Wetlands Park opens in South L.A. (Rosalie Murphy)

2012-02-10T06:48:12+00:00

Councilwoman Jan Perry cuts the ribbon on a new community space.

Adult education faces elimination by LAUSD budget cuts (Lucas Alexander)

2012-02-10T01:54:05+00:00

Over 400 citizens surrounded the LAUSD headquarters this afternoon, showing their displeasure with the new budget.

Reward offered for information in homicide case (Molly Gray)

2012-02-09T06:49:14+00:00

Sketches have been released to help find the two men suspected in the stabbing death of a man late last year.

Foster Youth fights to protect children in court (Devin Altschul)

2012-02-08T16:44:46+00:00

Organizations concerned with the care of foster children joined the effort to repeal an order that would make juvenile court hearings open to the public.

Miramonte scandal affecting teachers (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-08T16:39:04+00:00

A second arrest of a member of the elementary school's teaching staff prompts a drastic response from its Superintendent.

Watts youth yoga group changes lives, one breath at a time (Contributor)

2012-02-08T14:00:38+00:00

Disheartened by the rising teen incarceration rates in California, Y.O.G.A. for Youth was founded in South Central Los Angeles by Krishna Kaur in 1971.

Woman denied humanitarian visa to visit dying sister (Melissa Runnels)

2012-02-07T05:42:20+00:00

The process to get a humanitarian visa proves to be an uphill battle for one woman.

LAUSD and ECC adopt attendance plan to raise low attendance rates (Heather Ritchie)

2012-02-07T05:42:08+00:00

LAUSD teams up with the Education Coordinating Council to boost attendance in the district.

Chano’s restaurant: surviving the recession (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-06T16:05:26+00:00

The recession has hit many South LA businesses hard. Chano's restaurant is no exception. The owner talks to Intersections South LA about how he's been able to survive the recession and what he foresees for the business in 2012.

Opinion: LAUSD continues its broken promises (Jose Lara)

2012-02-04T14:29:27+00:00

Social Justice Educator Jose Lara feels the LAUSD has left a trail of broken promises that affects the community in several ways.

People Power Assembly sets out to organize South LA community (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-04T02:12:01+00:00

South LA community members seek political empowerment and a chance to help their neighborhood thrive.

Consistent job growth inspired re-imagined Crenshaw business district (Rosalie Murphy)

2012-02-03T16:00:05+00:00

Despite new jobs maintaining notoriously low pay, Crenshaw residents feel that new shops benefit the neighborhood.

Council redistricting outrages council members (Josh Woo)

2012-02-03T14:30:58+00:00

Draft maps of the new boundaries upset council members, who feel that they fail to reflect community issues.

Miramonte Elementary holds parent town hall after teacher’s arrest (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-02T03:23:56+00:00

During a town hall meeting with parents at Miramonte Elementary, school officials offer more information and counseling, while investigators explain why teacher Mark Berndt wasn't arrested sooner.

How shutting down the CRA will impact South LA (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-01T20:45:41+00:00

The California Redevelopment Agency ceases to exist today. Dozens of projects in South LA will be affected, but will it be the end of economic development in the area?

Teacher arrested for molesting children in school (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-02-01T07:11:39+00:00

A school teacher was arrested after a year-long investigation that uncovered sexual abuse of 7 to 10 year children at Miramonte Elementary. Parents react with shock at discovering children were molested on school grounds.

South LA homeowners urged to do energy upgrades (Molly Gray)

2012-01-30T18:07:11+00:00

A new program, Energy Upgrade California, is urging South Los Angeles residents to participate in their rebate program for energy efficient upgrades that could decrease their monthly energy bill.

Greuel addresses government waste at Urban Issues Forum (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-28T05:41:16+00:00

City Controller Wendy Greuel talks about how her audits have helped expose wasteful government spending during the first Urban Issues Forum of 2012.

Clinic to expand services in South L.A. (Molly Gray)

2012-01-25T23:29:15+00:00

St. John's Well Child and Family Center broke ground Wednesday morning for an expansion project for two South LA clinics.

South LA business center promotes: Be your own boss! (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-25T19:04:13+00:00

A free entrepreneurial training program sponsored by the City of Los Angeles seeks to give residents the tools to build small businesses and spur job creation.

CicLAvia tours Watts to build crowd-sourced neighborhood map (Erin Leiker)

2012-01-25T18:00:04+00:00

Cyclists participating in CicLAvia's Watts ride were treated to a biker's view of the community, and helped map it for others as well.

Bernard C. Parks invites you to be heard (Erin Leiker)

2012-01-25T16:23:45+00:00

The Citizen's Commission responsible for drafting district maps of Los Angeles will reveal their first draft this afternoon, and Parks wants you there.

“Three Weeks in January” art project strives to end rape in LA (Laura Santana)

2012-01-23T21:59:06+00:00

Councilwoman Jan Perry presented an intergenerational community dialogue about ending rape in Los Angeles.

OPINION: Stop holding us back (David Lyell)

2012-01-23T14:30:05+00:00

Group encourages incorporating student test scores in teacher evaluations, despite the 25% error rate.

Music legend and South L.A. native Etta James dies at 73 (Laura Santana)

2012-01-21T05:25:16+00:00

Legendary singer Etta James died today from complications from leukemia. She was 73.

Does your neighborhood determine the quality of your produce? (Meryl Hawk)

2012-01-20T14:59:59+00:00

Lower quality produce in South LA does little to combat higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in the community.

The Two Gilbertos: Creating Community Through Yucatan Cuisine (Cara Rifkin)

2012-01-20T14:30:05+00:00

Chef Gilberto Cetina and his son, Gilberto Cetina Jr., create a community that celebrates food, friends, and family.

Grand opening for Trinity Street Elementary’s community-park (Community Contributor)

2012-01-20T03:54:08+00:00

People for Parks helps park-poor neighborhoods by developing community-school parks. And they're opening their first one and the end of January.

Tenants score victory against slumlord in South Central (Community Contributor)

2012-01-18T14:30:29+00:00

One tenant tells his story of banding together to defeat a slumlord.

City Year’s fifth annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service (Rebekah Valencia)

2012-01-18T03:45:10+00:00

Volunteers gather for a Day of Service at Los Angeles Academy Middle School.

Kingdom Day Parade Spotlights King’s Anti-Poverty Efforts (Community Contributor)

2012-01-17T05:52:06+00:00

Parade-goers gather to celebrate advances in Civil Rights, while recognizing there's still a long way to go.

Narcocorridos: The Drug War in Song (Omar Shamout)

2012-01-16T14:30:03+00:00

The violence in Mexico takes flight in Mexican-folk music.

MLK parade route (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-16T06:06:41+00:00

The annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade is set to begin at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 16 at MLK Jr. Boulevard and Western Avenue in South LA; head west to Crenshaw Boulevard, then south to Vernon Avenue, concluding at Leimert Park, where a festival will be held.

Remembering Raymond L. Johnson, Sr. (Michael Katz)

2012-01-14T04:02:04+00:00

Members of the community gather to honor the influential lawyer.

Child care providers demand full pay from the state (Molly Gray)

2012-01-13T16:49:39+00:00

Providers of subsidized child care services in South LA gathered at the Center for Children and Family Services to demand the pay they didn't receive last year.

Residents receive green oasis in heart of city (Subrina Hudson)

2012-01-13T16:30:47+00:00

Amidst the urban sprawl of South Los Angeles, a 10-acre plot of land is being converted into a much-needed green retreat.

Remembering Jorge Negrete (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-11T17:35:15+00:00

If you’re a fan of Jorge Negrete and enjoyed golden era Mexican cinema, don’t miss the last days of a photo exhibit at Mercado La Paloma.

How young girls are enslaved in the sex trafficking trade (Rebekah Valencia)

2012-01-11T14:30:39+00:00

January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States, a problem that plagues our own South L.A. neighborhoods.

How to plan for retirement (Shay Olivarria)

2012-01-11T14:30:27+00:00

Advice for saving money in times of trouble from financial expert Shay Olivarria.

Inglewood school reopens after reconstruction (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-09T18:53:16+00:00

After two years in portable classrooms, students at La Tijera K-8 school move in to their new school

South LA couple battles ongoing prostitution (Melissa E. Leu)

2012-01-09T14:30:23+00:00

Taking matters into their own hands, Will Jones and Evie Smith join the efforts to clean up the streets of their neighborhood.

Voices of 90037: Iona Diggs (Melissa E. Leu)

2012-01-06T19:00:25+00:00

Iona Diggs is a member of Voices of 90037, the neighborhood council that represents the area north of Watts. This audio piece is part of a weekly series to profile the members of Voices of 90037.

Community joins fight against retired teacher’s foreclosure (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-05T22:34:08+00:00

79 year-old Faith Parker is not giving up her home without a fight – and Occupy LA is helping her.

Concerns arise as Inglewood Oil Field plans for increased activity (Kaitlin Parker)

2012-01-04T18:00:08+00:00

Some South LA residents fear adding more oil wells in the Inglewood Oil Field could pose a health risk for nearby residents.

Wesson, Reyes take over Council leadership roles (Veronica Villafañe)

2012-01-04T14:30:55+00:00

The first city council meeting of 2012 ushers in new leaders.

Obie Anthony: Life after 17 years in prison (Gracie Zheng)

2012-01-02T19:00:17+00:00

The story of one South Central native's struggle to overturn his wrongful conviction.

Pocket parks to come to South LA (Sarah Golden)

2012-01-02T19:00:14+00:00

The City of Los Angeles has launched an initiative to build more than 50 pocket parks in dense residential neighborhoods. At least nine of the parks are planned for South LA.

South LA wishes for 2012 (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-31T01:04:12+00:00

Intersections South LA asked members of the community to share their hopes and goals for the new year. These are the changes they hope they can bring about in 2012.

Voices of 90037: Kenneth Ward (Melissa E. Leu)

2011-12-30T19:00:47+00:00

Kenneth Ward is a member of Voices of 90037, the neighborhood council that represents the area north of Watts. This audio piece is part of a weekly series to profile the members of Voices of 90037.

Seven tips for buying a used car (Shay Olivarria)

2011-12-28T18:00:41+00:00

Buying a used car can either save you money or cause you headaches. Shay Olivarria writes about how to avoid the problems.

Daisies in the concrete (Kiran Kazalbash)

2011-12-26T19:00:53+00:00

Kenneth Hahn State Park is an oasis in South LA with hiking trails, lakes and wildlife.

Voices of 90037: Angelica Cookson (Melissa E. Leu)

2011-12-23T19:00:38+00:00

Angelica Cookson is a member of Voices of 90037, the neighborhood council that represents the area north of Watts. This audio piece is part of a weekly series to profile the members of Voices of 90037.

Watts market helping those stranded in “food desert” (Molly Gray)

2011-12-23T14:30:43+00:00

With little or no access to fresh produce in their community, farmer's markets prove to be a vital resource

Karen Bass gives 2011 year-in-review (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-23T01:07:11+00:00

Congresswoman Karen Bass met face-to-face with over 100 of her constituents on Wednesday afternoon to share what she had been up to during her first year in Congress representing the 33rd District.

South LA mother starts “Deaf Latinos” group (Laura Santana)

2011-12-21T18:00:56+00:00

Irma Sanchez’s three sons were all born Deaf and must communicate using American Sign Language (ASL). Inspired by her journey to learn ASL, Sanchez started the group “Deaf Latinos” – a free weekly class at her South Los Angeles home where she teaches ASL in Spanish.

Compton business owner sets up a shop with style (Kaitlin Parker)

2011-12-21T16:59:59+00:00

Jai Hawkins loves fashion and creative clothes but hated to leave her hometown to shop. Now she's opened a store where fashionistas can shop right in the heart of Compton.

Community celebrates contaminating plant closure (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-20T02:54:38+00:00

Local residents from the 28th Street Elementary School community look forward to revitalization after the closure of Palace Plating.

Is marriage just for white people? (Ariele Pratt)

2011-12-19T19:46:17+00:00

Author Richard Banks' latest book looks at how race plays into African-Americans' likelihood to get married.

Leimert Park envisions free Wi-Fi (Briana Ward)

2011-12-19T18:00:45+00:00

Leimert Park Network envisions a time when Wi-Fi is free to everyone in Leimert Park. Maybe that time will be this month.

South LA residents join Occupy ICE protest (Community Contributor)

2011-12-16T22:30:48+00:00

Marching in downtown LA, protestors call for an end to threats of ICE raids in response to demands for workers' rights.

Voices of 90037: Carol Black (Melissa E. Leu)

2011-12-16T14:30:24+00:00

Carol Black is a member of Voices of 90037, the neighborhood council that represents the area north of Watts. This audio piece is part of a weekly series to profile the members of Voices of 90037.

The best low-cost gifts this holiday season (Shay Olivarria)

2011-12-15T04:26:31+00:00

If money is tight this holiday season, read some tips from finance expert Shay Olivarria about how to give gifts that really mean something.

Meet Edison’s new principal (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-14T19:15:35+00:00

The title is officially new, but Pedro Garcia is no stranger to students, parents or teachers at Edison Middle School.

Discovering a piece of Black LA history (Community Contributor)

2011-12-13T23:02:48+00:00

Community contributor Walter Melton made an amazing discovery while covering the groundbreaking of the Dunbar Hotel.

Dunbar Hotel takes a step toward renovation (Community Contributor)

2011-12-13T13:58:36+00:00

Councilwoman Jan Perry and others broke ground on the Dunbar Village project, which includes renovation of the historic Dunbar Hotel on Central Avenue.

Clinton Middle School Winter Festival gathers community (Camille Houphouet-Boigny)

2011-12-12T21:39:12+00:00

More than 500 people attended the first annual Winter Festival at William Jefferson Clinton Middle School in South Los Angeles on Saturday, December 10.

Creating healthy neighborhoods (Eddie North-Hager)

2011-12-12T14:30:14+00:00

The second in a series examining how a lack of parks, public transportation and usable sidewalks affects obesity in South L.A.

L.A. Black Porsche Club hosts 16th annual toy run in Compton (Community Contributor)

2011-12-12T13:30:38+00:00

Perry to testify at D9 redistricting hearing (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-09T21:55:16+00:00

Councilwoman Jan Perry will join community members and stakeholders at the first public hearing of the City’s Redistricting Commission to be held in the Ninth District on Saturday, December 10.

How South LA equates health to human rights (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-09T19:24:19+00:00

South LA residents attend a forum to address inequalities in health services and human rights.

OPINION: Teachers are the real 1%: Didn’t you know? (David Lyell)

2011-12-09T14:00:45+00:00

David Lyell, a 13-year veteran LAUSD teacher and Secretary of United Teachers Los Angeles, recently read a report on teachers' pay. And, based on his experience, it's all wrong.

West Adams neighborhood opens its doors for the holidays (Erin Leiker)

2011-12-07T14:46:43+00:00

The Silver Jubilee walking tour offers visitors a glimpse of the past and present of a West Adams neighborhood.

South LA residents join coalition calling for responsible banking law in LA (Community Contributor)

2011-12-07T14:29:59+00:00

Activists call on LA city leaders to hold Wall Street banks accountable.

Take Back the Capitol aims to get the attention of representatives (Community Contributor)

2011-12-07T14:00:22+00:00

South LA resident travels to Washington, D.C. as part of “Take Back the Capitol,” aiming to track down congressional representatives.

South LA residents go to DC to “Take back the Capitol” (Veronica Villafañe)

2011-12-06T02:45:31+00:00

A group of South LA residents are in Washington, D.C. to demand passage of a jobs bill and to hold elective representatives "accountable."

Free College and Career Convention comes to South LA (Laura Santana)

2011-12-06T01:52:10+00:00

A free College and Career Convention will take place on Wednesday, December 7 and Thursday, December 8 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Activists “occupy” foreclosure auction (Community Contributor)

2011-12-05T21:29:30+00:00

Activists disrupt auction of foreclosed homes in a protest organized by Occupy LA and Good Jobs LA.

Obesity epidemic hits South L.A. harder than most (Eddie North-Hager)

2011-12-05T14:30:40+00:00

South L.A.'s lack of local parks, limited public transportation and broken sidewalks contribute to the soaring rate of obesity.

Contaminating plant permanently closes in South LA (Rebekah Valencia)

2011-12-02T17:00:58+00:00

A South LA community celebrates victory with the permanent closure of a plant that was contaminating a neighborhood with hazardous chemicals.

New teaching techniques may help preschoolers (Community Contributor)

2011-12-02T16:59:37+00:00

Los Angeles Universal Preschool offers new tools for providing children with better early education.

Leimert Park lights up tree (Community Contributor)

2011-11-30T17:20:51+00:00

Councilman Parks kicked off the holiday season in South Los Angeles with the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday concert in Leimert Park.

Inglewood restaurant offers meat-free meals in a sea of fast food options (Megan Sweas)

2011-11-30T14:00:52+00:00

Some African Americans in Inglewood are embracing a meat-free diet. And in Inglewood, there's only one place to go: Stuff I Eat.