A change in the landscape: L.A.’s parks no longer belong to street gangs

*Here’s an example to follow. This kind of transformation will go a long way to help Latino families, Latino health, and security. VL

By Sam Quiñones, Los Angeles Times

At  Sycamore Grove Park in Highland Park a few weeks ago, I met a 32-year-old bank teller named Uscolia Flores. She’s lived most her life within walking distance of this 15-acre park, which winds along between the 110 and Figueroa Street.

Back when Flores was in her teens, local gang members took it over as a hangout. They congregated toward the back of the park in ever-larger groups, drinking beer and ready to face off with any rival who happened by. You never really knew what was going to happen. Most families avoided Sycamore Grove. Flores said she didn’t visit the park for years.

Two weeks ago, however, she was there, watching her 4-year-old play on a jungle gym. She and her son are beneficiaries of what can properly be called a revolution across Southern California.

Click HERE to read the full story.

[Photo by victoriabernal/Flickr]

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