Visit to City Hall
Los AngelesPublished December 15, 2010 at 1:53 pm No CommentsCity councilwoman Jan Perry welcomed us to City Hall for a tour and recognition.
I worked for a non-profit that repairs homes and community centers in the neighborhoods of south Los Angeles during the summer of 2010. The experience exposed me to a number of stories, including an equestrian program for Compton youth, the trials of people living on skid row and the Bell municipal government scandal.
Price Is Right airs… featuring me!
Los AngelesPublished October 6, 2010 at 8:08 am Comments OffIn one of the most bizarre experiences of my summer, the staff and I took a break from working in south central trekked to the CBS studios to be in the Price Is Right audience. Check out my liveblog of watching the show for the first time.
French toast on skid row
Los AngelesPublished September 8, 2010 at 12:29 pm Comments OffAfter two months of regular visits to skid row, I feel like I have gained a better understanding of homelessness. I could offer some of my own social commentary and weigh in on the politics behind skid row, but the most important lessons I learned came from a batch of homemade french toast.
On A Roof(!) at Compton Jr. Posse
Los AngelesPublished August 23, 2010 at 2:19 pm Comments OffService work can be troubling if there is a lack of balance, if it seems more like helping than serving. In Los Angeles, however, we worked with community members and organizations toward a common goal, empowering those already making a difference.
Remembering Watts
Los AngelesPublished August 18, 2010 at 8:46 pm Comments OffBefore the first high school youth arrived at Vermont Square United Methodist Church in June to begin their service projects, counselors were calling us. They wanted to know if we had a contingency plan. What would we do in the event of a riot?
The people of Bell want their money back
Los AngelesPublished August 1, 2010 at 1:19 pm Comments OffBell residents were so angry during a special City Council meeting Thursday that deliberations were postponed until officials could conduct their business without interruption. The gallery rose to its feet when Mayor Oscar Hernandez took his seat and remained standing until the city attorney called upon the commanding officer to clear the council chamber. Some
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Star-Crossed Awakening
Los AngelesPublished July 17, 2010 at 4:22 pm Comments OffBrandon and I performed an adapted version of a scene from Romeo and Juliet to awaken campers at 7 a.m. We discovered the swords in the church; a martial arts group uses the building to train. We purchased the ruffled shirts from a thrift store. I am wearing Hilary’s tights.
Party in South LA
Los AngelesPublished July 6, 2010 at 1:43 am 1 CommentStaff and campers marveled as Vermont Square celebrated America’s independence Sunday evening.
Community pride shines at Lakers parade
Los AngelesPublished July 1, 2010 at 5:54 pm Comments OffCo-cook Hilary and I walked over to the Felix gas station on the corner of Jefferson and Figueroa to celebrate the Lakers’ NBA Finals victory with the masses on June 21, our first Monday in Los Angeles.
On your mark, get set, grow
Los AngelesPublished July 1, 2010 at 4:54 pm Comments OffLess than a week after flying home from Chicago after the end of my first year in college, I was sleeping on the floor at a church in Sacramento