2nd Call workers have been essential to carrying out one of the missions of Destination Crenshaw, namely to ensure the people whose identities are rooted in the historically Black corridor continue to have a place there and benefit from its development. In being a visible presence, both in cleaning up the street and as part of the larger team of Metro Community Intervention Specialists serving Metro stations along Crenshaw, they have created a safer and more welcoming environment for everyone. But there are some risks that come with that level of visibility, especially for those who are in the process of turning their lives around. Earlier this month, on August 6, one of those workers, Reginald “Baby Ant” Foreman, was gunned down while doing just that.

At the August 11 vigil, Foreman’s brother Chris said Foreman knew there were risks, but was firm in his desire to give back to the community that had raised him. He’d already been on that path for a while, having coached his kids’ little league teams for several years. But he wanted to do more for his community and serve as that example to others around him.

He’d only been working for 2nd Call for two months when the gunman approached him on the street and opened fire. Read more about what his passing meant to some of those who knew him best: Close Friends, Family Hold Emotional Vigil for Reginald Foreman, 2nd Call Worker Gunned Down While Cleaning Up Crenshaw Blvd


In other news:

Santa Clarita City Councilmember Patsy Ayala is poised to join the Metro board, pending full county approval.

There’s still time to comment on Metro and Caltrans plans to spend $120+ million widening the 405 in Carson.

Disability advocates performed The Willits Slide to draw attention to L.A. City’s sputtering progress on accessible sidewalks.

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