As we have learned about the Southern Coastlands, both areas of the region differ in terms of their economic character. While the eastern half of the Southern Coastlands thrives on tourist attractions, the western half thrives off mineral resources. New Orleans serves as a somewhat midpoint that benefits from the two. Here, we will look at Lynwood, divided into four areas, that make it differ economically per section in terms of economic benefit as well as examine the transition zones in between.
Welcome
Friday, October 22, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Chapter 9: The Changing South
A Lynwood In Transition
Although Lynwood may not have a history as elaborate and rigid as the south, the city has comparably also gone through many political transitions, ethnic changes, cultural changes, economic, and of course social transitions.
Although Lynwood may not have a history as elaborate and rigid as the south, the city has comparably also gone through many political transitions, ethnic changes, cultural changes, economic, and of course social transitions.
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| Lynwood: Plaza Mexico. From a swampy marshland, to a ranch, to a center characteristic of many Los Angeles County cities with shopping centers, diversity, and inevitable change. Here we see a visual representation of a Lynwood in trasition:Aztec dance, a large Chicano-Latino population, continuing ethnic diversities, economic transition and artistic transitions are evident of the city's currently transitioning history |
Chapter 8: Appalachia and the Ozarks
Lynwood has no mountains or breathtaking landscapes as the Ozarks and Appalachians does. Unless of course you count the wide network of freeways and high breathtaking loops the 105 freeway makes when it crosses with the 710 freeway, then we have some progress!
As mentioned before the closest you can get to vegetation and somewhat natural greenery in the city of Lynwood is the area near the Los Angeles River. Relatively isolated, one can observe the naturally sloping hills and old plants that grow alongside it.
As mentioned before the closest you can get to vegetation and somewhat natural greenery in the city of Lynwood is the area near the Los Angeles River. Relatively isolated, one can observe the naturally sloping hills and old plants that grow alongside it.
Chapter 7: The Bypassed East
A "Bypassed" Lynwood
In light of Lynwood's economic and social developments, there are also areas the city has neglected or has not had sufficient resources to maintain.
Facing Economic Realities
Poverty and overcrowded housing complexes are not something new to Los Angeles County. Although conditions have improved over the years there are still uncertainties evident in many suburban communities and Lynwood is not an exception. A 2006 population estimate holds the city's population at 71,061, a percent change of 1.7%. While population increase is not an economic marker it is important to note the housing units that are available to house such a large population. The number of housing units are 14,987. Of those housing units, only 47.1% of residents live in homes. On the other hand the Census reports that those households receive a median income of at least $146,700. However, it is evident that there are perhaps more than two individuals per household making such living a reality.
The Census also reports that there are 4.7 persons per household. The median household income is actually $35,888. The same report notes that 23.5% of Lynwood's population has lived below the poverty line. This is significant considering that California's overall population of those that live below the poverty line is 14.2%.
Business
On a brighter horizon, Lynwood boasts 3,174 firms. 12.6% of these firms are owned by African Americans. 64.1% are owned by Hispanics. This is significant since the statewide average of Black and Hispanic owned firms is much lower. Also, 25.2% of firms are owned by women, which is just 4.7% shy of the national average.
Education
Education is also a sad reality in Lynwood. The 2000 Census reported that only 38.5% of the population that is over age 25 have completed high school. Of that group, only 4.5% have received their bachelor's degree.
Cited: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644574.html
Political Corruption
Lynwood has had a long controversial history of political corruption. Such events were not unlike the Bell City Council's controversy. The latest scandal occured a few years ago where Lynwood Mayor Fernando Pedroza and other city officials used city credit cards to pay for an exotic dancer and other expenses on a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Those involved claimed they were supposed to reimburse the city but the fact was that such misappropriation of funds was outrageous from the start.
http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/local/lynwood-press/City-goes-public-with-officials-salaries--99525954.html
In light of Lynwood's economic and social developments, there are also areas the city has neglected or has not had sufficient resources to maintain.
Facing Economic Realities
Poverty and overcrowded housing complexes are not something new to Los Angeles County. Although conditions have improved over the years there are still uncertainties evident in many suburban communities and Lynwood is not an exception. A 2006 population estimate holds the city's population at 71,061, a percent change of 1.7%. While population increase is not an economic marker it is important to note the housing units that are available to house such a large population. The number of housing units are 14,987. Of those housing units, only 47.1% of residents live in homes. On the other hand the Census reports that those households receive a median income of at least $146,700. However, it is evident that there are perhaps more than two individuals per household making such living a reality.
The Census also reports that there are 4.7 persons per household. The median household income is actually $35,888. The same report notes that 23.5% of Lynwood's population has lived below the poverty line. This is significant considering that California's overall population of those that live below the poverty line is 14.2%.
Business
On a brighter horizon, Lynwood boasts 3,174 firms. 12.6% of these firms are owned by African Americans. 64.1% are owned by Hispanics. This is significant since the statewide average of Black and Hispanic owned firms is much lower. Also, 25.2% of firms are owned by women, which is just 4.7% shy of the national average.
Education
Education is also a sad reality in Lynwood. The 2000 Census reported that only 38.5% of the population that is over age 25 have completed high school. Of that group, only 4.5% have received their bachelor's degree.
Cited: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0644574.html
Political Corruption
Lynwood has had a long controversial history of political corruption. Such events were not unlike the Bell City Council's controversy. The latest scandal occured a few years ago where Lynwood Mayor Fernando Pedroza and other city officials used city credit cards to pay for an exotic dancer and other expenses on a trip to Tijuana, Mexico. Those involved claimed they were supposed to reimburse the city but the fact was that such misappropriation of funds was outrageous from the start.
http://www.wavenewspapers.com/news/local/lynwood-press/City-goes-public-with-officials-salaries--99525954.html
Chapter 5: The North American Manufacturing Core
Although Lynwood's manufacturing and industrial centers cannot measure to the magnitude of those that are known collectively as the North American Manufacturing core, it has had a significant business activity that has helped the city maintain its infrastructure and support its services.
The Industrial Corridors
The manufacturing and warehouse area of Lynwood can be found especially in the Northwest and Southwest areas of the city. Near the industrial Alameda Corridor, which separates Lynwood and the city of Watts, one can find the various factories, offices, and shipping centers of different businesses. Explained by authors such as Josh Sides in LA City Limits, such corridors were a result of the World War II ear, this was convenient for those workers who chose to migrate to homes close to their workplace. One such enterprise was Kraco (below), an autoparts and accessories manufacturing center. However such trends in locating businesses so close to homes has also resulted in negative externalities directly affecting the community such as health and respiratory problems. The trend in families heading to work and unintentionally neglecting children due to workload has also led to increased youth violence in the area.
Rise of Shopping Centers and Local Businesses
On a positive note, the most recent and proudest monument of Lynwood is its newly restored Plaza Mexico. Originally known as "The Market Place", Plaza Mexico's interior houses a swapmeet-like business structure with local merchants and mom n' pop shops thrive. The outer area of the area of the Plaza, which are its many recent additions, includes big businesses such as Hometown Buffet, La Curacao, El Gallo Giro, T-Mobile, Sprint, Boost Mobile, and other markets.Plaza Mexico has also become a space of community gatherings hosting events during the Fourth of July, Halloween, and it even hosted a screening of the first World Cup Game with Mexico vs. South Africa (see video by clicking here).
http://www.plazamexico.com/
Some of the oldest and continuously thriving businesses in Lynwood include Food For Less, Rite Aid, Payless Shoe Source, and Walgreens.
http://www.lynwood.ca.us/visitors/shopping-and-attractions
The Industrial Corridors
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| Friends pose near the Kraco autopart manufacturing center. Some historians have argued that the trend of these post-World War 2 facilities have resulted in externalities such as pollution and youth violence. |
Rise of Shopping Centers and Local Businesses
On a positive note, the most recent and proudest monument of Lynwood is its newly restored Plaza Mexico. Originally known as "The Market Place", Plaza Mexico's interior houses a swapmeet-like business structure with local merchants and mom n' pop shops thrive. The outer area of the area of the Plaza, which are its many recent additions, includes big businesses such as Hometown Buffet, La Curacao, El Gallo Giro, T-Mobile, Sprint, Boost Mobile, and other markets.Plaza Mexico has also become a space of community gatherings hosting events during the Fourth of July, Halloween, and it even hosted a screening of the first World Cup Game with Mexico vs. South Africa (see video by clicking here).
http://www.plazamexico.com/
Some of the oldest and continuously thriving businesses in Lynwood include Food For Less, Rite Aid, Payless Shoe Source, and Walgreens.
http://www.lynwood.ca.us/visitors/shopping-and-attractions
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| Scenes from Plaza Mexico: A thriving and vibrant Lynwood is revealed |
Chapter 4: Megalopolis
Lynwood is no megalopolis but its population, economy, and government structure has changed over time.
Population
Lynwood's population has numbered to 69,899. Of that population, 51.4% (35,939) are male and 48.6% (33,960) are female. Lynwood's population is a young and mature one however. The median age is 24.4. Most are ages 25-34 years old, 16.8% of the population. On the other hand 41.6% of the population are youth ages 0-19. Those ages 35 and older number 31.9% of the population.
For more details visit: http://www.lynwood.ca.us/about/demographics
Ethnicity and Language
According to the 2000 Census, the racial makeup of the city was 38.42% white, 10.20% African American, 1.32% Native American, 1.02% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 49.04% were from other races, and 4.36% from two or more races. Those who identified as Hispanic or Latino were 86.36% of the population. Languages spoken include English, Spanish, Samoan, Vietnamese, Thai, and Tagalog.
Government Structure
As mentioned before, Lynwood is part of Los Angeles County but it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the LA city council, school disctrict, nor fire department. Lynwood even has its own hospital, St. Francis Medical Center. It also has a jail, the Lynwood Jail which was home for a day (or a few hours) to such celebrities as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton
Lynwood has its own city council as well as its own school district, the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD).
Population
Lynwood's population has numbered to 69,899. Of that population, 51.4% (35,939) are male and 48.6% (33,960) are female. Lynwood's population is a young and mature one however. The median age is 24.4. Most are ages 25-34 years old, 16.8% of the population. On the other hand 41.6% of the population are youth ages 0-19. Those ages 35 and older number 31.9% of the population.
For more details visit: http://www.lynwood.ca.us/about/demographics
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| Some old friends of mine and my family display their Lynwood pride with hand signs representing "LWD" at Lynwood Park. This image is also reflective of diverse unified groups in our community. Mayra in the upper left is Salvadorean, Crystal in the middle is mixed Mexican and White, Yeya to the upper right is Mexican) |
Ethnicity and Language
According to the 2000 Census, the racial makeup of the city was 38.42% white, 10.20% African American, 1.32% Native American, 1.02% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 49.04% were from other races, and 4.36% from two or more races. Those who identified as Hispanic or Latino were 86.36% of the population. Languages spoken include English, Spanish, Samoan, Vietnamese, Thai, and Tagalog.
Government Structure
As mentioned before, Lynwood is part of Los Angeles County but it does not fall under the jurisdiction of the LA city council, school disctrict, nor fire department. Lynwood even has its own hospital, St. Francis Medical Center. It also has a jail, the Lynwood Jail which was home for a day (or a few hours) to such celebrities as Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton
Lynwood has its own city council as well as its own school district, the Lynwood Unified School District (LUSD).
Chatper 2: Geographic Patterns of the Physical Environment
According to the U.S. Census, the city has a total area of 12.6 kilometers squared, or 4.8 square miles.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynwood,_California
Like most urbanized areas in Los Angeles, Lynwood is mostly an artificial flatland, except towards the east where the Los Angeles River crosses it where the land begins to slope upwards.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynwood,_California
Like most urbanized areas in Los Angeles, Lynwood is mostly an artificial flatland, except towards the east where the Los Angeles River crosses it where the land begins to slope upwards.
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| Lizards continue to live in areas that are isolated from the rest of the city, such as the area near the Los Angeles River |
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| This area next to the Los Angeles River, next to Imperial Highway, gives us an example and possible glimpse the marshy land that used to characterize Lynwood. Imperial highway in the background can be seen with the palm trees uprooted the background |
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| Vegetation continues to thrive in the isolated areas of Lynwood near the Los Angeles River, such as this sage brush |
Chapter 3: Foundations of Human Activity
As a part of Los Angeles County, Lynwood was originally part of the land that was home to the Tongva indigenous peoples. http://www.tongva.com/
The Tongva's (aka the Gabrileno) peoples homeland stretch from parts above the Northern Los Angeles County, south to Long Beach and even eastward towards Orange County.
In the aftermath of the Spanish conquest, the land now known as Lynwood would become privatized into separate ranchos (or ranches). The land was granted to Don Antonio Lugo in 1810 and he named it Rancho San Antonio, after his birthplace. Lugo was also mayor of Los Angeles from 1816-1819. The city was patented in 1847. After Lugo's death the land was partitioned among his children. Guadalupe Lugo, one of his children, ended up deeding the land to a man by the name of Heldman. It was deeded once again in 1871 to the Shields family. After a series of dealings the destiny of the land to be known as Lynwood is perhaps best explained by the website:
http://www.lynwood.ca.us/about/history
The Tongva's (aka the Gabrileno) peoples homeland stretch from parts above the Northern Los Angeles County, south to Long Beach and even eastward towards Orange County.
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| Antonio Portillo, now retired Lynwood High School teacher of the Dine (aka Navajo) nation together with his group, Wild Horse. He was also advisor to the Chicano student high school group, MEChA |
In the aftermath of the Spanish conquest, the land now known as Lynwood would become privatized into separate ranchos (or ranches). The land was granted to Don Antonio Lugo in 1810 and he named it Rancho San Antonio, after his birthplace. Lugo was also mayor of Los Angeles from 1816-1819. The city was patented in 1847. After Lugo's death the land was partitioned among his children. Guadalupe Lugo, one of his children, ended up deeding the land to a man by the name of Heldman. It was deeded once again in 1871 to the Shields family. After a series of dealings the destiny of the land to be known as Lynwood is perhaps best explained by the website:
In 1902, C.H. Sessions had acquired title of about 400 acres and established a dairy and creamery. His wife's maiden was Miss Lynne Wood and they all agreed to call the place "the Lynwood Dairy and Creamery" and it was located at what is now Sanborn and Long Beach Blvd. Later the Southern Pacific Railway had a siding here, which they called the ' Lynwood siding'...
Later, seven gentlemen formed the Lynwood Company and they brought excursions of potential buyers to Lynwood. They opened up 800 acres for 'suburban' home sites in 1913... H.V. Copeland was one of the seven members of Lynwood company and he built the first residence in Lynwood at Long Beach Blvd
At the time of the dairy, there was not even a country road where Long Beach Blvd. is now. Many years later, Long Beach Blvd. was paved and became a main street in Lynwood.
http://www.lynwood.ca.us/about/history
Chapter 1: Regions and Themes
Lynwood is part of Los Angeles County but remains as an incorporated city. It has its own city council, fire department, and school district.
Although Lynwood has no official regions, there are significant characteristics that contrast the different areas of Lynwood. Such characteristics include areas of Lynwood that have varying concentrations of apartment complexes, homes, greenery, small businesses, low-income families, middle-class families, restaurant concentrations, shopping center concentrations, ethnicities, schools, gang violence, relative tranquility, and also contrasting socio-political views.
Although no official boundaries to the city exist, there are many historical dividing lines and structures that accent the city's areas. The city website, http://www.lynwood.ca.us/, acknowledges historical boundaries such as Long Beach Blvd, the approximate midpoint and mainstreet of the city. There is also Fernwood Avenue, which runs parallel alongside the 105 freeway. The intersection of Long Beach Blvd and Fernwood Avenue is a historic site. It was the depot of the Pacific Electric Railroad.
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| Location of Lynwood within Los Angeles County. From wikipedia |
Although Lynwood has no official regions, there are significant characteristics that contrast the different areas of Lynwood. Such characteristics include areas of Lynwood that have varying concentrations of apartment complexes, homes, greenery, small businesses, low-income families, middle-class families, restaurant concentrations, shopping center concentrations, ethnicities, schools, gang violence, relative tranquility, and also contrasting socio-political views.
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| Welcome to Lynwood: Picture taken a few blocks south of where my family grew up on Santa Fe St, near the Alameda Corridor. The peaceful looking background and vegetation is contrasted by graffiti of a clique. Image courtesty of my sister, Antonia Santana (http://www.myspace.com/jdubnklue) |
Although no official boundaries to the city exist, there are many historical dividing lines and structures that accent the city's areas. The city website, http://www.lynwood.ca.us/, acknowledges historical boundaries such as Long Beach Blvd, the approximate midpoint and mainstreet of the city. There is also Fernwood Avenue, which runs parallel alongside the 105 freeway. The intersection of Long Beach Blvd and Fernwood Avenue is a historic site. It was the depot of the Pacific Electric Railroad.
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