Zócalo's Connecting California
It's Time for a New Perspective about South LA
Have you been to South LA lately? If not, your perceptions of the area may be way off. Zócalo columnist Joe Mathews says that contrary to entrenched opinion, South LA doesn't need saving -- and it might just offer some lessons for other parts of the state hoping to boost their fortunes.
By Joe Mathews • • 7m ListenMany people live in LA for years and years, without ever stepping foot in South Los Angeles. The area has become synonymous with crime, gangs, and down-on–their-luck neighborhoods. But Zócalo syndicated columnist Joe Mathews says that image is outdated — that today's South Los Angeles is on the up-and-up and could hold some important lessons for the rest of the state. Crime is down and healthcare and education are improving. In an interview with KCRW's Chery Glaser, Mathews and third-generation South LA businesswoman Vivian Bowers talk about what's going right south of the 10 Freeway, and about some of the new concerns that are emerging as that area of the city of undergoes a significant transformation.