by Timothy Franklin

If I told you that there was a place in the city of Los Angeles, just six miles from downtown, where one can live in a forest similar to those national parks that we escape to, would you believe me? What if I told you that in your environment-which happens to be in Los Angeles-you would live amongst many types of wildlife? No, I am not talking about the Los Angeles Zoo, nor am I talking about the hills of Hollywood. This place is the community known as the Northeast. The area of Northeast Los Angeles, spans well over thirteen-and-a-half miles long and consists of smaller communities known as Highland Park, Mt. Washington, Montectio Heights, Eagle Rock, Glassell and Cypress Park. The hillsides of Mt. Washington, are usually the first thing you see on your left, when entering the Northeast via the Pasadena 110 freeway. Mt. Washington towers over Highland Park to the east, Eagle Rock to the northeast and Glassell Park to the south and southeast. Nevertheless, it doesn't quite overshadow its big-sister community of Montecito Heights, located south of Pasadena 110. Complete with various forms of greenery(trees and plants), Mt. Washington is a safe-haven for those who wish to escape the hustle-and-bustle of the concrete jungle. Having lived in Mt. Washington during my teenage years, I had never gazed upon the lush and vibrant colors of the trees that seasoned these hills. I had not noticed the many squirrels, blue jays, coyote and other wildlife that lived with us in our urban forest. I guess my juvenile excursions of those days didn't permit me to open my eyes and just observe this natural environment that many angelenos call home. Upon returning to this nebulous and historic community, I found myself intrigued by the many mysteries that this place has buried deep within the very soil we lived on. These fertile hillsides of Mt. Washington and Highland Park, though forgotten by most in the thorough history of the city of Los Angeles, date back to more than 100 years ago. In fact, Mt. Washington and Highland Park (once known as "Hunter Highland View") were two unofficial towns to be annexed by Los Angeles; which paved the way for further development of the Northeast. Later, the nearby towns of Garvanza (presently southwestern Eagle Rock) and Annandale (presently the remaining portions of Eagle Rock and southeast Highland Park), quickly followed in the shadow of Highland Park. (Howard, pg. 1) Since both Highland Park and Mt. Washington are located in what was known as the Highland Park district, and are interwoven within each other, it is inescapable of mentioning one community without the other. History tells us that the vast acreage of Highland Park were not always known for its present boundaries that it shares with Eagle Rock and Glassell Park. They were, rather, isolated villages in the little-known "outback" of the booming city of Los Angeles, with names such as Annedale Village, Garvanza and Hunter Highland View.(Howard, pg. 2) Rancho Verdugo was a grazing land of antiquity, known for its "gentle...unassuming beauty." In the 18th century, this land was a prized possession of Spanish colonists. This land is the original land which gave birth to Highland Park and surrounding areas. As were the surrounding territories of Southern California, Rancho Verdugo was also vassalage to the Spanish crown, during a time when land symbolized power. Unfortunately, the increase in land tax and the drought of 1864, forced the colonists to sell their land first in "piecemeal" fashion, and then later at a more extensive rate to interested and very wealthy and ambitious Americans. The goal of these visionary Americans, was to create more than just an agricultural-based Southern California economy. Hence, pioneers and immigrants of the like, made their exodus from the eastern states to this new land; due to the newly laid track (by Union Pacific) and other railroad companies in search of westbound opportunities. With the influx of people moving to Los Angeles, there was a need for comfortable housing away from the cares of the city. G.W. Morgan, a businessman and early settler of the Northeast, developed a tract of home that he called "Hunter Highland View" and "Highland Park", which opened in May of 1883. Nearby, the town of Garvanza (known for its garbanzo bean fields) and Annandale Village, opened in December of 1886. Now that there were a handful of homes built, and there was a demand for people to live in them, how would these people get from their homes in the Northeast, to businesses that were six miles away in downtown? Fortunately, the political and industrial "flexing of muscle", led to plans by the Los Angeles & San Gabriel Railroad Company to lay track and service between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. The question of how the Northeast businessmen and residents would commute to and from Los Angeles was answered, since there weren't any paved roads for automobiles. Years later, Arroyo Seco, or Pasadena 110 freeway was built. This led to a boom in land prices and an influx of businessmen, farmers, skilled artisans and people dedicated to the arts; fleeing from the population-dense city of LA Highland Park was finally on the map.(CRG, pg. 10) Nowadays, when you drive through the streets of Highland Park, you still may be able to find certain elements of community history. Houses and old buildings were the most obvious representation of time passed. I brought a friend with me to take some pictures of my old house. We were driving down Avenue 50, when she mentioned to me many times, that the houses she saw reminded her of "those broken down shacks in Mexico." "Dude, this is the GHETTO", she reminded me once more. She was right, though you didn't have to be a suburbanite to know that! These houses were ruins when I first moved here in `91 and seven years didn't make them any prettier. As the we ventured through the streets of Mt. Washington, Highland Park and parts of Eagle Rock, the day seemed to go on-and-on. Life is not fast-paced, here in the Northeast. The cars just seem to drift down the streets, with people seemingly not on in a hurry to reach their destinations. Even the pigeons in the sky seemed to float nonchalantly to the tunes of a low-rider or two; as we were surprised to see no trace of police. First impressions can mean everything to us. It is important not to judge a book by its cover. In, 1996, re-elected councilmember, Mike Hernandez of District 1, held strong to the issue of increased police deployment and more recreational opportunities for neighborhood youth. His promise to his constiuents, was that he (along with the help of the Clinton Administration) would deploy additional foot soldiers and detectives to extinguish the problems of gang violence in the Northeast. If approved, this band of "peacemakers", would be the largest anti-gang organization in the history of the L.A.P.D. In his commitment to the youth in the Northeast neighborhoods, Mike Hernandez had helped to create a new commission entitled, Children, Youth and Their Families(a commission of which he is no longer a member of). This commission is supposed to apply city resources "on behalf" of the children. The LA 4 KIDS ballot measure would generate $776 million over a 30 years to build new parks, swimming pools, gymnasiums and other facilities to give teens an alternative to the streets.(Hernandez, 1996) However, the true efforts of Councilman Hernandez-to create community re-development, increase police troops and provide recreational facilities for the youth- are yet to be seen. Two years have passed since the measure was presented and approved. Though his commitment to his community may have been good-natured, very few results have been produced. In my paper, I will assess carefully, how the presence of police affect the youth of the Northeast, explain how re-development projects help the community and discontinue the cycle of poverty amongst certain residents of the Northeast and provide suggestions for youth outreach programs; in efforts of utilizing talents in a positive way and keeping the youth of the Northeast out of the streets. AFFECTS OF POLICE PRESENCE ON YOUTH Secluded in their station on San Fernando (on the outskirts of Glendale), the Northeast Division of the Los Angeles Police Department patrols every cul-de-sac to street corner; from Baldwin Avenue in Lincoln heights to Colorado Blvd. in Eagle Rock. Their jurisdiction is huge. On a typical day, one might see a patrol car in pursuit of a speeding or reckless driver. On other occasions, one might see two cops on bikes; pedaling for the safety of a sidewalk! According to one middle-aged resident of Mt. Washington, "...they always arrive [on a call] very promptly and they are very cordial..."(Young, 1998) In fact, you probably won't see the L.A.P.D. at all; unless you are a young African-American, Latino or Filipino male. In an area where home burglaries and motor-vehicle theft are among the highest crimes committed (United Way, Table 14), there is a subconscious bullseye placed on youth by L.A.'s finest. The Northeast mainly consists of an increasing Latino population, African-Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific peoples and a rapidly decreasing white population.(United Way, Table 1) Whether the young man is a gang-banger or not, if he is seen driving with a carload of friends or just "hangin' out" in the neighborhood streets, the young person is labeled a trouble-maker or a potential threat. In some cases, police will ask for some identification.(Fernandez, 1998) Other times, teens in the Northeast don't get off that easy. You might ask, why would the police target youth in the Northeast communities? I would answer that, "It is another case of `a few rotten apples' making the whole bunch look bad." I asked Sergio (a Latino youth from Cypress Park) this question. He responded very passionately that, "they don't have sh** else to do; so they just tryin' to harass us `cause we wear baggy clothes..."(Fernandez, 1998) Sergio mirrors the sentiment of many Northeast teens in regards to the police. An initial appearance or type of clothing that a person wears doesn't justify a man or woman to be harassed by police; though there are certain justifiable reasons that they use to protect citizens from actual violators. Years ago, while attending summer school at Eagle Rock High School, I would often hear tales of Northeast police searching so-called "gangsters" for drugs or weapons, while on their way to school. I saw a guy (Shannon) being dragged from the classroom to the back of a waiting police car, exclaiming that he "didn't do anything!" Shannon stole a Datsun two days prior. There were other tales about a local Highland Park gang who eventually got arrested for "jacking" pizza deliverymen at night. Incidents like these, are what ignite the suspicion that all teens of color are potential threats to the community. The young men that I have known, who have lived or are presently living in the Northeast have all been victims of "fitting the description". It is doubtful that a stronger police presence will improve the relations with the youth currently living in the Northeast and future generations. HOW RE-DEVELOPMENT HELPS THE COMMUNITY My main focus on this topic will analyze the current economic status of Highland Park residents. Though my results do not reflect the economic status of every community in the Northeast, Highland Park serves as a median example. As I returned to this community, I noticed the same eroding buildings on N. Figueroa Ave. I ate at the same place with the same unpaved parking lot and watched a movie at the same theater with the same sticky floors. In other words, nothing had changed since I had left seven years ago. I was, however, surprised to see a few new mini-malls and a new apartment complex that accepts tenants with Section 8. From face value, one might think that no one cares about Highland Park. They may think that the `mom and pop' stores on Eagle Rock Blvd. and N. Figueroa Ave., are like ancient dinosaurs-dead without any hope of revival. One might think that the many businesses like Highland Park Shoe Repair, Eagle Rock Hardware and Maury's Shoes, are one customer away from bankruptcy. Businesses like Rexall Drugs and Judson Studios have been serving the community for decades and yet their businesses are not booming with profit. No, they may not be flourishing and earning big money like Starbuck's Coffee- miles away in Glendale- but they have managed to stay open through the years. The Highland Theater and the Eagle Theater-two places where Highland Park's teens use to hang out-don't get as many customers as they did by showing films that were released six months ago. Most kids want to see new released films in theaters with Dolby-THX Enhanced sound. You can't complain too much when the ticket and popcorn cost around $3.00 on certain days. Many of these old buildings along N. Figueroa Ave. have been abandoned, while liquor stores, nail shops, fast-food restaurants and beauty supply stores have replaced some of the old businesses. Major franchises like Ralph's Grocery, Jack-N-The-Box and major gas stations are like unchanging pillars and don't need to compete with smaller, independent venders in order to win the dollar. Highland Park may not be the best candidate for being the most neglected community, but, I still wonder how life would be in Highland Park, if this were a thriving community. Despite the lack of assistance from local government, these small franchises provide endless goods and services to the people of Highland Park. When local government fails in their promise to assist in progressively boosting their economy in a timely manner, Highland Park used other means to help accomplish their community goals. The Highland Park Chamber of Commerce and the Arroyo Arts Collective were formed. These are two beacons in the community, that show how residents care about the community that they live in. The Arroyo Arts Collective is a community based, non-profit organization that showcases the talents of local artists. They also sponsor performances of Arts Collective members. As I walked passed many businesses, there were displays of art for sale in the windows. By displaying these pieces of art in windows, money is being redistributed into the community. I liked the idea of going to a hardware store (for example), and leaving with a hammer in one hand and painting in the other. It reaffirmed my belief in Magic Johnson's saying of: "Keeping it in the `hood!" The Chamber of Commerce is a group comprised of entrepreneurs/residents of the Northeast who desire to change the present state of Highland Park. Their mission statement explains the job of a Chamber of Commerce: "A Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary federation of the business community, uniting the efforts of business and professional individuals to ensure a healthy economic and socio-economic base to benefit the entire community. It harnesses the tremendous private enterprises and enables its members to accomplish collectively."(Highland, 1996) Anyone is welcomed to attend the Chamber of Commerce meetings held on Wednesday afternoons. If business is prosperous and the community invests money in itself, the economic status of Highland Park will be raised. Businesses would be able to provide better service to customers and the demand for goods will increase. More jobs could be provided to Highland Park residents. Collective local small business loans could be distributed (at relatively low interest rates). Residents would have more pride in their community because they own or have contributed to these small businesses. Property value would increase, due to Realtors efforts to sell to new Northeast residents. That is my vision of an egalitarian Highland Park. I would like to see Highland Park mirror that image. Recent statistics show that Highland Park has the highest population (around 60,000 people) in the Northeast. In an area that is 4.29 square miles, the population density is two-and-a-half times higher than in Eagle Rock, the vacancy rate is much higher than surrounding communities. Highland Park has the highest percentage of Spanish speakers in the Northeast, but, in regards to median household income, Highland Park- an area with the highest number of households (18,946)-has more homes earning less than $15,000 per year. Around 12% of adults in the work-force, were unemployed in 1996.(United Way, Tables 7,9, 13) The poverty level is a criteria that is designed by government to assess the national family income. For example, if almost every working adult that files for taxes in America, earns $20,000 per year, a bare- minimum level would be created (based on the median income) for those who are earning less than $20,000 per year. Anyone earning less than the bare- minimum is below the poverty line. Almost 30% of Highland Park residents are below the poverty level.(United Way, Table 8) When making comparisons between Highland Park, Glassell Park and Eagle Rock, I have found that the educational attainment of Highland Park adults were lower than the other three communities. Out of the 34,820 adults who have attained education, 8,763 adults have only a 0-8th grade education. On the contrary, 1,933 adults have a graduate or professional degree out of the 34,820 that have been educated.(United Way, Table 10) These astonishing results may be backlash due to Proposition 187, which denies the rights of undocumented workers who have arrived in America illegally. If the immigrants residing in the states don't have any form of documentation proving their citizenship, then they have no discretion to choose any familiar job-field to provide for their families. If they have no money to patronize local businesses, then the community can never be revitalized. The sad consequence, is that many heads-of-households (men and women) have to settle for less-than-minimum and minimum wage jobs on construction sites and in sweatshops. Provided that there were more programs in Highland Park that offered vocational job training, citizenship courses, job placement, planned parenthood courses and financial management courses (taught by local merchants and financial advisors), then perhaps the economic and socio- economic status of Highland Park could be raised to that of Mt. Washington/ Glassell Park, Eagle Rock and other communities in the Greater Los Angeles area. YOUTH OUTREACH PROGRAMS In this modern day and age, where children find more satisfaction by spending their day playing Sony Playstation video games and watching cartoon marathons on satellite TV, there is a need for modern youth recreational programs in the Northeast, and possibly throughout the country. When I used to live in Mt. Washington, I would spend my spare time by going to the Highland Theater and hanging out with children the same age as me. On other occasions, I would go to the Glendale Galleria with my friends, and look at girls. Some weekends, I would stay at home and watch television all day long. There were a few clubs and organizations in the Northeast that gave youths an alternative to hanging out, but I couldn't see myself as a boyscout or a Police Explorer (an organization that introduces children to the fun and exciting world of police enforcement). So, I continued to just hang out. In Highland Park alone, 14% of its residents are young people from ages 10 to 24.(United Way, Table 6) Whether the young person is Latino, African- American, White or Asian, the youth of the Northeast need recreational facilities and programs that educate as well as entertain. I asked Sergio to explain what he does in his spare time. He basically engages in the same activities (and for the same reasons) that I did, when I was his age.(Fernandez, 1998) I am aware of one renown outreach program that serves the communities in the Northeast and throughout Los Angeles County. The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU), based in East LA, is a non-profit corporation, "...designed to help Latino high school and college students achieve academic and professional success." Throughout the year, they provide a number of scholarships and offer paid internships to those students who qualify. In the following paragraphs, I have designed a basic outline of two youth outreach programs that I believe would be beneficial by giving youth and their families, a chance to grow and learn together. Arts and Culture Workshop In order for races to sincerely coexist with each other, we must learn about each others' culture. The Arts and Culture Workshop would be an organization sponsored and funded by the community and local businesses like: the Arroyo Arts Collective, Ralph's Groceries, the Judson Studios and The Highland Park Historical Society. The Arts and Culture Workshop would offer classes that expose people to various cultures, poetry, various cultural dance instruction, computer and art design, Spanish (for English speakers), English (as a second language), martial arts and musician workshops at the minimal cost to continue the use of the facilities. In addition to classes, social forums such as : hip-hop, economic development and humanitarian societies could be held in the buildings of the Arts and Culture Workshop. The classes would be instructed by dedicated individuals who volunteer their time for free. In this manner, parents and children can learn more about cultures other than their own; in efforts to bring cultural harmony to the Northeast and beyond. Sports Camp There are city organizations in Los Angeles, that offer children who are interested, a chance to compete on a team and in whatever sport he or she feels comfortable with. However, with all of the excitement and first-game jitters, comes an expensive fee. This fee may cover everything from the uniform and equipment, to city recreational park fees. In some cases, families may not be able to afford these fees outside of their usual budget. This has led to some very disappointed kids who have the desire to play, but no money to pay the price. The Northeast Sports Camp, could be held in the summer at any one of the large parks in the Northeast. With the help of city funds and local professional athletes as sponsors, the Sports Camp could provide free uniforms and equipment to students with at least a "C" average. Coaches would instruct the students in correct playing procedures in sports such as: basketball, football, soccer and baseball. The teams would have the opportunity to compete with other Sports Camps and school teams in the Greater LA area. These suggestions are not new ideas. They are ideas and plans that have proved successful in other communities throughout Los Angeles. They are possible in achieving when we mobilize our communities into action; without waiting for the beauracracy of government to help us. CONCLUSION In some aspects, the Northeast is a "ghetto", but it doesn't mean that the ghetto is in the people that live here. I have met many friends in the Northeast. There is still hope for this forgotten community to economically rejuvenate itself to the thriving community that it once was, over a century ago. I have lived in a place that many people have never seen before; only heard of. The Northeast. Who knows, perhaps when I have children, I will show them the place where their father grew up and trudged for miles down these streets (because the buses ran every hour). Then finally, it would be my turn to deliver one of those, "When I was your age..." stories. Though the crusty houses and buildings may crumble and remain as dinosaurs fossils on the sidewalk, it is always good to know that in Highland Park you can still hear, faintly, the sound of a heartbeat.