Back in 1984, before the crack cocaine epidemic hit the inner city and the gang wars between the Bloods and the Crips had reached a tipping point, the Rand corporation had already declared the city of Compton a "disaster area."...
Yvonne Arceneaux has served as a councilwoman in District 3, Richland Farms since 1993. She and her husband live on a half-acre lot and have raised ducks, donkeys and chickens. Although Arceneaux strongly advocates the continued protection of the agriculture...
Today, the lush vegetation along Compton Creek provides a glimpse into a time when the wetlands of Compton and Vernon were zoned for agriculture. Rivers have memories. Not long ago, city dwellers used the area as a dumping ground, throwing...
Cliff Williams is the owner of Cliff's Burritos, a Mexican food joint just off the northeast corner of Richland Farms. Cliff's is best known for its three foot burrito - the "Cliff Hanger" - and claims no one has ever...
Understanding the social ecology and connectivity of our cities and its watershed, organizations such as Heal the Bay, the Watershed Council, and the Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy (to name a few) have begun aggressively in their campaigns to restore the...
County Director at UC Cooperative Extension, Rachel Surls is fascinated by the complexities and contradictions of Los Angeles' agricultural and planning history. According to Surls, the fact that Richland Farms has been able to retain its agricultural roots amidst Compton's...
Adjacent to Compton Creek is a small fertile community garden at Raymond Street Park with an abundance of vegetables thanks in part to the care of retired landscaper Mildred Johnson. Mildred works with local seniors to cultivate, plant and harvest...
As residents went off to war, college, and greater opportunities, Richland Farms shifted from an agricultural center to an urban equestrian community. The passing down of lessons through generations slowed, and contrary to his father's wishes, Thomas Carlos became an...
As told by student producer Mariela Bautista Jocie Reynaga moved to Richland Farms in the late-nineties with her family and purchased her ranch which she calls "Pueblos Unidos." Born in Mexico, Jocie came to the United States looking for a...
As told by Student Producer Tachi Vickers In the City of Compton, Eric J. Perrodin has replaced his badge with the suit of a politician. Mr. Perrodin, once a policeman is now the mayor of Compton and focuses on city...
As told by student producer Tachi Vickers Andrew Johnson has been living in Compton since he was five. Now, at 51, he is the resident Horseshoer working also with Mayisha Akbar of Compton's Jr. Posse. What began as a punishment,...
As told by Student Producer Angeles Urban When Mayisha moved with her family to Richland Farms in the mid-eighties, Compton was riddled with gang violence. Youth in the area had very few options or role models to follow and so...
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