Recent Streetsblog LA posts about Building Healthy Communities South LA

Community Services Unlimited Set to Launch Organic Market in South L.A.

By Sahra Sulaiman | May 27, 2015 | No Comments

When talking with neighbors along south Vermont Ave. a few weeks ago about the potential redevelopment of the lots at Manchester, the amenity residents were most excited about was the arrival of a grocery store. Having something within walking distance was one reason — most of the folks I spoke with struggled with finding transportation […]

Eyes on the Street: Avalon and Gage Pocket Park is Now Open

By Sahra Sulaiman | Feb 12, 2015 | No Comments

Over the past year, I watched the Neighborhood Land Trust and Department of Parks and Recreation slowly transform a dumpy traffic island at Avalon and Gage into something families in the community could actually use and be proud of. The transformation couldn’t come soon enough. The island sits at a very busy intersection in a […]

South L.A. Power Fest Illustrates Successful Placemaking Requires Deep Community Roots

By Sahra Sulaiman | Sep 4, 2014 | 1 Comment

“We are only as strong as our weakest link,” youth leader Alfonso Aguilar tells the youth participating in the South Central Youth Empowered through Action (SCYEA) program at Community Coalition (CoCo). “So, if you’re feeling weak, step into the center of the circle.” Much to my surprise, a dozen students ranging from 14 to 18 […]

St. John’s New Health and Wellness Campus Promises Good Things for South L.A.

By Sahra Sulaiman | Mar 25, 2014 | No Comments

“Is that yours?” a surprised 9-year old had asked me as I had unlocked my bike from a post at the Martin Luther King Jr. Rec Center in South L.A. last weekend. “Yes,” I had said. “Girls ride bikes, too.” He gave me a high five and flashed me a toothy grin. Much to my […]

Community Services Unlimited Can Help You Get a Jump On Your New Year’s Resolution to Garden and Eat Healthy

By Sahra Sulaiman | Dec 13, 2013 | No Comments

Every time an email from Community Services Unlimited (CSU) lands in my inbox, I am always inspired by how much a handful of people can accomplish when they are dedicated to the cause. Whether it is stocking corner markets with produce, hosting food justice conferences, or building gardens, running classes, and celebrating the environment at […]

Weekend Events Prove South L.A. Can Be an Amazing Destination, While Also Highlighting the Challenges that Remain to be Overcome

By Sahra Sulaiman | Oct 2, 2013 | 4 Comments

As I walked toward the new garden beds at the West Athens Victory Garden, I felt a little tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a young boy of 10 or 12 standing there. He wrapped his skinny arms around me in a big hug. “Well, thanks for that!” I said, surprised. I […]

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