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