An LA Story

While reading the LA Times a couple of weeks ago I encountered an article that highlighted one of the problems of the dynamic nature of Los Angeles. The article covered the gang/tagging problem in this under served community and how the community dealt with the problem using lawful and political methods.

Feel free to read the article, but there is one part that I would like to share with you all:

"But despite these successes, the neighborhood's promising economic rebound remains at risk in part because of the community's transient nature, community and county officials said.

Several priests and school principals who helped energize residents have departed or retired. As the school year began, Maria Ortiz saw experienced parents leave as well.

So she once again is hoping to hold more Civics 101 meetings in the community to teach others how to take control of their neighborhood.

"Each year," Ortiz said, "we have to do the same thing."

Even Barahona has moved on -- near La Puente -- to organize a similar community effort.

"The county is trying to de-fragment the community," Barahona said. "It's an L.A. story. I've been here three years, and I feel we're still scratching the surface." "

As I read this, I immediately thought of the class and how the dynamic nature of the city has resulted in difficulties managing these urban problems. The transient communities in the city create problems that are difficult to deal with because the needs of the communities are always changing and it's hard to keep up with them.

Have a great break!
Carlos