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The standard approach to reducing crime and violence in urban areas is increased police activity, which can often lead to more violence. But one neighborhood in South Los Angeles has adopted a different model to combat violence, and succeeded. The area around 39th and Western in South Los Angeles had for years been the site of crime, drugs, vandalism, and other dangerous activity. A notorious liquor store called Century Market operated in the close vicinity of a mental health center, public library, park, and clinic. After years of residents battling city officials to declare Century Market a “nuisance business,” Los Angeles finally imposed what are called “corrective conditions” on the liquor store. Through the organizing work of the Community Coalition over the past few years, residents and students were surveyed, mental health services were won, community centers were renovated and the community around 39th and Western now enjoys relative safety and well being. Instead of being the site of drug sales, the Martin Luther King Jr Park is now filled with parents and strollers, and kids playing basketball in a new court. This Saturday hundreds of families plan to gather in the park for an “Easter Family Fun Eggstravaganza” to celebrate their achievements.

GUESTS: Les Benson, Member of the Park Advisory Board and Community Leader, Kusema Thomas, Nuisance Abatement Organizer at Community Coalition, and Judith Gallardo, Community Organizer at Community Coalition

As part of an ongoing community effort to turn around a South LA park, more than 150 families and youth will gather for an Easter “Family Fun Eggstravaganza” on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 from 10am to 12pm at Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Find out more at www.cocosouthla.org.