Grant allocates $25,000 to promote child nutrition

October 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment


Council member Curren Price speaks with a student at West Vernon Elementary School at the launch of their grant bid.

Council member Curren Price speaks with a student at West Vernon Elementary School, which is launching a grant bid. | Photo by Matt Lemas

West Vernon Elementary School in South Los Angeles is vying to be a recipient of a $500,000 national grant program to fund improvements in children’s health and nutrition. The initiative was launched at the school this week.

The initiative, a collaboration between the United Health Foundation and Whole Kids Foundation, has earmarked $25,000 for the Central and South Central region of Los Angeles.

Elementary schools throughout the country will be able to apply for funding, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, and the application consists of pitching innovative projects in line with the grant’s goals. West Vernon is an applicant and if chosen, it will be one of 10 to 12 schools participating in the program nationwide.

“We’re breaking through the cycle of unhealthy living,” said Councilman Curren Price at Thursday’s launch, referencing that the grant could join a long list of initiatives his office has taken to improve access to nutrition and green space in his district. “When our kids are happy and healthy, our future is bright.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Education, Featured, Featured Story, Food, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , ,

Reward offered in South LA murder

February 12, 2015 By Leave a Comment


By Diana Lee, Staff Reporter

Moses NelsonThe Los Angeles Police Department is offering $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in the murder of Moses Nelson. The 32-year-old father of three was shot dead on the morning of November 23, 2014  while walking down East 57th Street near Naomi Avenue in South LA. Police say a man riding a bicycle came toward Nelson and shot him several times.

Witnesses have come forward, but no one has been able to identify the suspect as the surveillance video did not capture his face, according to LAPD Detective Leonardo McKenzie. The video only showed the suspect’s clothing and the model of his bicycle. [Read more…]

Filed Under: More on Intersections, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , ,

Northgate Market opens in South LA

April 15, 2014 By Leave a Comment


By Tiffany Taylor and Emily Mae Czachor, Annenberg TV News 

A full service supermarket held its grand opening Monday in South Los Angeles, pledging to provide healthier, fresher food options and more jobs for the community.

The California FreshWorks Fund awarded Northgate Gonzalez a $50,000 grant and $5.5 million loan to provide healthier options and jobs for the communities that need it most. The new market will bring more than 100 new living wage jobs with benefits to South L.A.

Northgate Gonzalez has partnered with Los Angeles and California FreshWorks to pursue a commitment to a local and diverse hiring plan, including working with Homeboy Industries, which helps employ former gang members.

Filed Under: Business, More on Intersections, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , ,

South LA loses trees in Crenshaw/LAX Metro line construction

April 7, 2014 By Leave a Comment


Construction for the new metro rail line on Crenshaw blvd.

Construction for the new metro rail line on Crenshaw blvd.

The new 8.5 mile Crenshaw/LAX light rail line could change the look of South L.A. by bringing an influx of businesses and pedestrian traffic. It could change the South L.A. landscape in another way, too: By cutting down about 100 trees along a two mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard between Exposition and 48th street to make room for the train.

Romell Pace, a local who sells shirts at the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson Boulevards, said the trees need to stay.

“Once the trees are removed… it’s going to be slow on business,” he said. “I believe that the trees should stay there because they are landmarks.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Baldwin Hills, Community, Crenshaw, Environment, Expo Park, Hyde Park, Jefferson Park, Leimert Park, More on Intersections, Neighborhoods, South Central LA, Uncategorized, University Park, Vermont Knolls, Vermont Square, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Suspect named in South LA 99 Cent store clerk murder

November 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment


The Los Angeles Police Department’s 77th Street Homicide Division has named 31-year-old Eric Atkinson as the suspect in the robbery and murder of discount store clerk  Martha Sanchez, according to a press release issued by Ninth District Councilman Curren Price’s office.

Sanchez was working as a store clerk at a local Happy Bargain 99 Cents Store on the 7400 block of South Broadway around at 8:50 p.m. on Sept.17 when the robbery and shooting happened. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Crime, South Central LA, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , , , , ,

18th annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival

July 27, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Cuba LA performing at the 18th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival.

Cuba LA performing at the 18th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival.

Count on it:  the last weekend of July is the weekend for the Central Avenue Jazz Festival.  This year is the 18th annual festival on Central Avenue, between 42nd and 43rd streets.

This year’s line-up included old favorites like Ernie Andrews and the Gerald Wilson Orchestra, and Latin jazz acts like Cuba LA.

The festival pays tribute to Central Avenue’s historic connection to the Los Angeles jazz scene when musicians like Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Billy Holiday stayed at the Dunbar Hotel and jammed at the jazz clubs that dotted the street.

The Dunbar Hotel was renovated and recently opened as a senior living facility.   During this year’s jazz festival, young music act, such as the A Place Called Home music group played in the Dunbar’s courtyard. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Arts, Featured Story, Vernon-Central Tagged With: , , , , , ,