Safer and Healthier Neighborhoods

In neighborhoods throughout South LA, crime and violence are a serious issue of concern. South LA residents prefer smart and effective ways to reduce and PREVENT crime and violence without increasing policing or creating a revolving door to incarceration in their community.

For years, residents living in the 39th and Western Ave. neighborhood have been fighting to reduce crime and violence in their neighborhood, which at one point had double the citywide average in violent crimes.

In early 2009, residents and Community Coalition launched a new grassroots community effort to make their neighborhood safer, cleaner and healthier. Watch the video and then check out the victories below.

In less than two years, residents have made significant progress:

Residents got the City to place tough conditions on Century Market liquor store to hold them accountable to public safety standards and to reduce nuisance activity in the area.

They pressured the City to speed up stalled renovations at the MLK Therapeutic Center, which had been closed for months due to toxic mold.

Residents organized a successful Day of Service with 150 community members and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to clean up and beautify their neighborhood.

A successful Resource Fair was held in the community bringing together much-needed resources, programs and organizations in contact with residents, families and youth.

Villaraigosa South LA King Park Residents have been working to ensure that youth in their neighborhood have access to fun and safe programs throughout the year, especially in their park during the summer months – peak times for youth crime and violence.

In 2010, King Park became a Summer Night Lights (SNL) park. SNL is the City’s anti-gang prevention and intervention program that keeps local parks open and operating with activities for youth that include athletic activities, arts, crafts, movies and even dance classes throughout the summer. SNL will continue in 2011 with free food and activities for children and youth.

Recently, in June 2011, over 100 residents came together for "A Conversation with the City Planner" to bring to the attention of the city the issues caused by the Dan Mar Motel, the Pinetree Motel and the W & W Recycling Center. Residents met with the City Planning Director Michael LoGrande who will be getting back to residents about starting public hearings against these nuisance sites. Read more about this story here.

Join Community Coalition and local residents as we continue to continue to work to make our neighborhoods safer and healthier for everyone. Our campaign will continue to focus on securing yearlong programming for the park, including a permanent skate park.