The $1.2 million reward money put up for the ex-LADP officer Christopher Dorner may never actually make it into the hands of the citizens that helped with the manhunt. Click here to read more.
Bill Clinton endorses mayoral candidate Wendy Greuel
March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Bill Clinton announced Monday that he endorses Wendy Greuel for mayor of Los Angeles, according to a Clinton press release.
Clinton highlighted Greuel’s strength in making “government work for ordinary people…especially during periods of crisis.”
Click here for more of the story.
Local non-profit battles infant mortality rate
March 25, 2013 By Leave a Comment
With National Minority Health Month quickly approaching, a local organization confronts the Black infant mortality rate—a decades old problem—by empowering one college-educated woman at a time. Click here to read more.
A piece of wisdom off Slauson Avenue
March 19, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By Daniella Segura
“Greetings friend,” said Mr. Wisdom, as a customer came through the door.
“Hey Mr. Wisdom, my brother! How are you today?,” said Perry Payton.
“Oh, I’m just trying to be as good as you,” said Mr. Wisdom, with a broad smile.
Mr. WisdomFor the past 25 years, the Jamaican native, who goes by the name Mr. Wisdom, has been serving specialty vegan food in South Los Angeles within the Hyde Park community, urging native residents to eat health and try his diet and cleanses.
“Some people, they call me Doctor Wisdom after I help them get healthier, and I have to correct them,” said Mr. Wisdom. “I am not a medicinal doctor. I am more like a nutritionist.”
The man who runs Mr. Wisdom’s Specialty Health Food Store refuses to reveal his real name, and is known to his customers by the shop’s moniker.
He started his business to promote, Hare Krishna, the common name for the International Society of Krishna Consciousness movement that is based in Hinduism.
He calls his business “Mr. Wisdom” in reference to Krishna, the god of the Hare Krishna religion, and said that Krishna is the real “Mr. Wisdom.”
Those who follow the Hare Krishna religion are strict vegans who do not eat meat or dairy products.
“In Hare Krishna, you realize animals are conscious,” said Mr. Wisdom. “They feel pain like you and I. In my religion, it is against the law of nature to cause pain or suffering to any living creature.”
Raised in Jamaica, Mr. Wisdom joined the British Army when he was 18. At the time, Jamaica was still an English colony.
“I wanted to find out what made the world tick,” he said.
After spending six years in the British Army, Mr. Wisdom stayed in England to get into the entertainment business because he wanted to “sing, dance and perform.”
In spite of his efforts, he never reached his dream, saying that the business was too competitive. So, he moved back to Jamaica and lived there for the next three years.
Still on the quest for success and adventure, Mr. Wisdom moved to the U.S. in the 1970s. After struggling to manage a gas station for a few years, he began searching for answers.
“I wanted to know why some people were so successful and other people, who were as equally talented, were not successful,” he said.
He looked to self-help books and different religions, but eventually found his answer in Hare Krishna, which he has followed for over the past 40 years.
Mr. Wisdom explained that after finding Hare Krishna, he wanted to do something for the community by selling healthier food and spreading the word about his religion. Yet, he did not have a place to do it. Instead, he sold items like wheatgrass from the back of a travel trailer, which also served as his home.
One day a sick woman came to him for help, Mr. Wisdom said. He helped her improve her diet, which then improved her health. Once she recovered, she came back to Mr. Wisdom to ask what she could to do repay him.
“I said, ‘If you know how to buy real estate you can help me,'” he said, as he was preparing food. “She helped me get my own place. That’s why I always say the location chose me.”
Michael, who did not want to give his last name, helps Mr. Wisdom with his office work and has known him for the past ten years. He said that Mr. Wisdom’s work inspires him.
“Krishna and Krishna consciousness are why he does the work he does,” Michael said.
“That’s his motivation to go in and do his work every morning,” he added, while finishing a plate of Mr. Wisdom’s curry vegetable.
As he scurries around his store preparing meals for customers, Mr. Wisdom appears much younger than his age.
“I forgot to make more rice,” Mr. Wisdom said to one of his customers. “But it’s okay. You know why? I always got a back up.”
The store’s quaint interior contrasts with the congested Slauson Avenue outside.
The room is filled by Hare Krishna music coming from his TV, which sounds like faint chants of “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna.” Meanwhile, the humming of his wheatgrass juicer also plays in the background as he makes a smoothie for one of his customers.
The aroma of Indian curry and spices can be smelled throughout the store.
Many regular customers have grown close to Mr. Wisdom. Payton, who works nearby, comes to Mr. Wisdom’s store every day, since January.
“[He’s] a very warm person with a caring heart and has the time to talk with you if you need help,” said Payton. “We need more places like this out here.”
Laron Maull, who has been a customer for the past six years, said he thinks Mr. Wisdom is doing the community a favor by offering them healthier eating options.
“[Mr. Wisdom’s] a cool guy,” Maull said. “When you find something like this, you continue to come.”
Maull currently works as a high school counselor, and said he stops by the store whenever he gets the chance.
Mr. Wisdom said he plans to expand his store by adding another building next door.
“I’m hoping the expansion will help my store take off,” said Mr. Wilson. “After that, I want to go back to Jamaica and start another store there.”
Community garden still going strong after five years
March 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The music was blaring as residents walked the street fair on Raymond Avenue in South Los Angeles, on Saturday, to celebrate the saving of its community garden by the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust and philanthropist Erika Glazer, along with the City and County of Los Angeles.
Erika J. Glazer Community Garden (Photo by Subrina Hudson)A ceremony was held to announce the renaming of the the Raymond Avenue Community Garden to Erika J. Glazer Community Garden, and to unveil a new sign for the Glazer Garden, which was designed by its founder, resident Julie Burleigh.
Booths were set up along the street around the DJ for residents to receive information about everything from conserving water to making a worm compost.
Children lined up eager to get their face-painted, and many had their hand cupped around small, makeshift pot made out of newspaper.
“I planted beans,” said Melissa Ramirez.
The eight-year-old scooped dirt into her pot and planted her seeds, right before spraying some water on top of the fresh dirt.
Melissa Ramirez (Photo by Subrina Hudson)Nkoli Udeorji, a volunteer with the grass-roots organization LA Green Grounds, stood behind a table to show other kids how to plant their seed of choice. She said being at the event is a great way to connect with the community.
“I thought we would bring the kids and let them run around,” said Karlyn Johnson, who heard about the event from another parent.
Johnson lives just a few blocks away from Raymond Avenue and said she had never known there was a garden so close to her residence.
“The more we can do stuff [like this] the more we can help the neighborhood,” said Johnson.
Julie Burleigh, who has lived in the neighborhood for 11 years, started the garden in 2008 out of a desire to be more involved in her community and create a space for growing food.
Inside, there are 35, squared-off plots. A total of 24 families grow their own food and plants, with some owning multiple pots.
Demand is high for a chance to own a plot said Burleigh, as she points to a waiting list on a table outside of the garden’s entrance. She said right now the garden is only available to the community gardeners, but she is looking to open it up for the whole community in the future.
Almost three years ago, Burleigh reached out for help to the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust (LANLT), an organization that helps underserved communities develop and manage small parks and community gardens.
The 5,000 square-foot space that was being maintained by community gardeners was at risk of being taken away. The property owner owed $100,000 in back taxes, but LANLT was able to step in and also find philanthropist Erika Glazer.
Glazer donated $150,000 to pay off the taxes as well as upgrades to the garden.
Burleigh said she is surprised that the community garden has been able to survive.
“I’m also so surprised that an organization an come in and save it. It’s hard to manage a community garden – more failures than success,” she said. “It’s amazing…a total dream come true.”
“It’s a great way to be a part of the community and to get to know people and connect with people everyday,” said Burleigh.
South LA Catholics welcome new pope
March 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By Katie Lyons
Pope Francis has already managed to break with tradition. He refused to elevate himself higher than the other cardinals during his address, and he asked for the crowd’s blessings.
Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio in 2008 (Wikimedia)The new pope’s unconventional ways resonates with Bobby Goodin, who attends the Holy Cross Church on Main Street in South Los Angeles.
“And in his address he did something that I don’t remember seeing before,” said Goodin. “He asked the people to pray for him before he blessed them. So that kind of shows us that he feels that our prayers are just as powerful as his are.”
Goodin is also impressed that Pope Francis is a Jesuit- the single largest religious order in the Catholic Church. However, there has never been a Jesuit pope.
“The first pope to be from the Americas- that’s impressive,” said Goodin. “But the first Jesuit is more impressive because the Jesuits are pretty independent. And they’re totally for education. So, the fact that he’s a Jesuit is more impressive to me.”
Adriana Guerra, who attends St. Vincent Catholic Church on Adams Boulevard, is impressed by Pope Francis’ Argentinian roots.
“The first time to have a pope from Latin America- that’s a wonderful thing that’s happening,” said Guerra. “So that’s why I’m glad to have a Latino from America. I think it’s better. I think it’s going to change a lot of things.”
Pope Francis was born in Buenos Aires to Italian immigrants and leads a simple lifestyle. When serving as archbishop in Argentina, he chose to live in an apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace. While living there, Pope Francis took the bus to work and cooked his own meals. Additionally, the 76-year-old is well-known for his work with the poor and his strong opposition to gay marriage.
Goodin believes the pope’s humility will be good for the church.
“From what I’m hearing, I think he’s a very holy man,” said Goodin. “I think it’s gonna be a good change. He seems like he’s very affable and friendly.”
With over 480 million Catholics in Latin America, experts believe that by choosing Bergoglio, Cardinals are hinting at where the future of the church may lie.
Listen to an audio interview about Pope Francis with Father James Heft of USC’s Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies
South LA teens to play rugby in China
March 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By Faith Miller
Listen to an audio story from Annenberg Radio News
 Photo courtesy of Stuart Krohn. |
Fourteen-year-old Nia Tolliver plays rugby at View Point Prep High on the corner of Crenshaw and Slauson.
Her coach says she’s a prodigy for the sport, and could play in the Rio Olympics. He says her aggression makes her an excellent athlete. She says it’s the reason she plays rugby.
“I played basketball but I always fouled out because I’m really a contact person,” Tolliver said. “I’m big.”
Tolliver and her teammates say the sport isn’t just an outlet for aggression, it’s also helped them become better students. Eleventh grader Noah Trotter says playing rugby taught him discipline and focus.
“Before I played, I was, not a bad kid, but I made bad decisions,” Trotter said. He joined the team in high school, after almost failing 8th grade.
Now, Trotter is a straight-A student. He says his coach helped to turn him around. “He helped me become a better role model, believe it or not,” Trotter said. “He helped me stay focused on my grades and succeed.”
The Inner City Education Foundation (ICEF) Rugby Team founder and coach Stuart Krohn won’t take credit. “They do it,” Krohn said. “We just give them the playing field to do it on.”
 Photo courtesy of Stuart Krohn. |
The players run with the ball on and off the field. They prepared a song for the post-game celebrations they’ll participate in while in China without any adult help.
Junior Symone Muepo says it’s the support and trust of the rugby family that has pushed the group to excel. “Each player wants each other to do the best they can do,” Muepo said. “And I know what you do, so if you do anything less, I’m gonna let you know and make sure you do what you need to push yourself.”
Other players say that rugby itself is the positive outlet that has changed them. When asked to describe what it feels like to play, the students have a tendency to smile widely.
 Photo courtesy of Stuart Krohn. |
“It’s just adrenaline everywhere,” Tolliver said. “You’re kind of like, ‘Get the ball and run with it and score.'”
Krohn says the players’ passion for the sport is what’s behind the positivity. “I think rugby helps to bring everything together and keep them focused because they love it so much,” Krohn said.
The team will travel around China for ten days and visit Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kond where they will compete in the Hong Kong International Youth Sevens Tournament.
Sidewalk standoff in South LA over abortion
March 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
By Jerome Campbell
Listen to an audio story from Annenberg Radio News
 Anti-abortion protesters outside the Her Medical Clinic at Figueroa and West Adams. |
Thirty-six inches. This is the distance between pro-life and pro-choice on Figueroa Street.
On one side, a group of people kneel on a broken sidewalk, sliding rosary beads through their fingers as they call for divine action. And across the sidewalk, another group stands silently; dressed in bright orange vests and black sunglasses. They escort patients into the clinic. Both sides stay on their sides without budging an inch, unless someone tests the boundaries.
“On the good days it’s really boring and we just get to hang out and some of us have become friends. On the not so good days, protesters can become aggressive and on those days we have to call the police,” said Mary-Beth Blakey. She says the anti-abortion group members can be even more aggressive with patients. Following patients out of the clinic and even trying to get into their cars.
“I have seen patients become visibly upset. I have seen patients become so upset that they have rescheduled their appointment,” she said.
And their tactics become more aggressive during Christmas.
 Escorts for patients at the clinic. |
“They try to enter the doors and rush the clinic, singing Christmas carols and delivering gifts to patients; but the gifts are filled with very shaming and misleading anti-abortion literature and baby gifts like booties and baby bottles,” she said.
But according to Dennis Rudmin who prays on the sidewalk, this tension is a two-way street. He says that the group has to come in large numbers to stand any chance on the sidewalk.
“They just try to harass us. They come over and stand in front of you or take your place to lead the rosary, or they follow after you and say things like ‘I’m stalking you,’” Rudmin said.
The close quarters of the sidewalk definitely makes the experience unpleasant. Yet, they continue to deal with the same people every week, sometimes more than their own friends.
“I think I’ve seen mark more than I’ve seen my best friend in the past three years. More than my family,” said Blakey.
And over time, both sides have grown to understand each other.
“I think some of them are very well intentioned and have their very own personal, spiritual reasons for thinking that for them praying here will have some positive impact. I have no problem with that,” said Blakey.
“We’re not there to get into any type of confrontation. We’re there to pray for these children. And pray for the clinic people too, the pro-abortion people. The people who are harassing us,” Rudmin said.
One woman, who would have walked into the clinic years ago has crossed the sidewalk to pray on the curb. Maria Garanza has had not just one abortion, and then, several more after.
“I’ve had five abortions.” And she regrets her choice every day. “I feel like I killed my babies, I killed five babies. I killed my babies and I think Maria killed her own babies,” said Garanza.
Garanza had her last abortion in 2001 and the distress almost led her to take her life.
“I screamed very loud to myself and I said to Jesus forgive and I know that I killed my baby but I want to save babies. I promise if you forgive. I’ll promise that I’ll go everywhere to save babies,” Garanza said.
A promise that has led her to praying in front of this clinic. Garanza says she has already saved three babies but she wants to save more.
“I’m happy I’m here because I’m doing something,” Garanza said. “I want to see five babies because I killed five babies.”
And so Garanza and her group continue to kneel on the sidewalk and the clinic group waits for the next patient. Neither side knows if they are changing any minds, but they know they will be out next weekend.
OPINION: We may forget Dorner, but we won’t forget the LAPD’s history
March 11, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has developed a reputation in the Los Angeles community and in the nation as one of the most brutal and corrupt police departments in the U.S., a reputation stemming from cases such as Rodney King and those involving the Rampart Division. For more of the story please click here.
South LA voters could play tiebreaker in the mayoral election
March 7, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Listen to an audio story by Annenberg Radio News
In Tuesday’s mayoral election, about one-third of voters cast their ballots for Councilman Eric Garcetti and one-third for Wendy Greuel, propelling both candidates on to the May 21 runoff election. In the coming months, it’s all eyes on that remaining third–a group that includes many South L.A.voters.
Most of Garcetti’s votes came from the Westside through Hollywood and out into the East side. Greuel cleaned up in the Valley, where she used to be a councilwoman. Conservative Kevin James picked up more than 16 percent of the vote–with pockets of support scattered around the city. Councilwoman Jan Perry got just shy of 16 percent of the vote–with the vast majority of her votes coming from South L.A. Perry took 60 or 70 percent of the vote in some South LA neighborhoods.
“She dominated in South L.A.,” said Kokayi Kwa Jitahidi of The South Los Angeles Power Coalition. “Which puts her and her voters in a very, very strong position to determine who the next mayor will be.”
South L.A.’s voters–many of whom are African-American, could go either way in May.
“I think they’re up for grabs,” said former Los Angeles Daily News Editor Ron Kaye. “The question is will anybody vote? And is anything at stake that makes people want to vote?”
Perry’s primary campaign was more critical of Greuel than it was of Garcetti, which may improve Garcetti’s chances with her supporters. And many Latino groups have thrown support behind Garcetti, which could be significant in South LA, where more than 60 percent of residents are Latino. The Latino Coalition of Los Angeles PAC–an organization focused on representing the political interests of South American and Central Americans–officially endorsed Garcetti before the primary.
“Garcetti is a coalition builder,” said Latino Coalition president and founder Raul Claros. “He’s embraces the Latino coaltion’s focus.”
The group is also backing Ana Cubas in the Council District 9 election.
“When we met with them, Cubas and Garcetti had a comprehensive, logistical, practical and concrete plan for South LA,” said Claros.
Jitahidi said both Greuel and Garcetti have made promises to South L.A., and wants someone who will keep their promises to be elected. He said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa courted South L.A. in his mayoral campaign, but failed to deliver on his pledges.
“Both of them have given rhetoric to working with South L.A.,” Jitahidi said. “I think whoever wins has to be committed to actually making those promises true. I think only way we do that is if South L.A. really organizes in a coordinated and consistent way.”
He says he’ll be focused on boosting voter turnout. Turnout around the city was just 16 percent Tuesday, and even lower in South L.A.
