Compton vs. Malibu - Chronicling Compton - Friday, March 21, 2014

Continuing my quest to understand the "opportunityscape" in Compton.

But first, the bits and pieces of Compton:

• Workers at St. John's Hospital to be paid $15 living wage (CBS-LA)
• DNA Test helps solver 1991 murder of Compton teen Melissa Alcantar (CBS-LA)
• Compton given a "D" by LA Conservancy for efforts in Historic Preservations (KPCC)
• 24-year old man fatally killed after multiple gunshots on Graham Ave (CBS-LA)
• UCLA Student begins program at Carver, Willowbrook Middle, and King-Drew Magnet (UCLA)
• Rappers YG and Kendrick Lamar collaborate (Pretty Much Amazing)
• Rapper Fosta collaborates with 2Chainz (Allhiphop.com)
  

Compton vs. Malibu

Incidentally, both have been given 'D' grades for their respective efforts at historical preservation, as mentioned in the bits above.

I don't know the ins and outs of either of these cities like I do central LA.  A lot of what I do know about each is visual, but I'm learning rapidly.   Compton, because I live here.  Malibu, because I am currently working there and scoping out the entirety of its streets.

I find the juxtaposition somewhat interesting;  going from one of the worst-perceived towns in America to the town perceived as the idyllic and reserved for the ultra-successful.

Things that jump out at me:


In Malibu:

• The Roads:  Ample Hills.  Ample Winding roads.  Every street is a cul-de-sac.
• Biking:  It is still very dangerous to actually bike PCH;  rarely have I seen anyone but the recreational bicyclist on PCH and on sidestreets.  Getting up the many hills though seem like a professional rider's dream.
• Public Parks:  No real parks.  Ample Tennis courts, but probably if you're a resident;  I don't see the taco truck guys going up there.
• Starbucks:  I have been to two.  Always lively, steady stream of people, at least during the daytimes that I have been there.
• The Schools:  There is a marine school with lush fields for soccer, running, and anything
• The flow of the work day:  More people working on houses than actual residents
• In its public displays:  The environmentalism. 
• The homeless people are:  Usually around Civic Center Dr.  Wherever the 534 drops em.

It's also political office season there.  Lots of city council signs.

In Compton:

• The Roads:  Flat, flat, flat.  Streets are generally on a grid, except when they're not, like for instance trying to take a biking route to the Metro station on anything except Compton Blvd.  The roads are pretty damn bumpy, least in the Westside.  Distractingly bumpy as in, you're trying to ride smoothly, but you just end up having to deal with a rash of potholes, no matter what mode of transport you take.
• Biking:  There's an OK amount of bicycling;  not the greatest biking accomodations however
• Public Parks:  No one really at the parks unless there's some kind of party.  Tennis courts that require a permit.
• Starbucks:  The one on Artesia has been empty each time I've gone.  Closes very early.
  
• The Schools:  Who knows how the schools are?  But the schools have a a reputation probably just by virtue of being here.
• The flow of the day:  Generally quiet.  But occasionally someone will have a midday merienda with friends occupying the block.
• In its public displays:  The isolated strings of civil rights awareness in the black community
• The homeless people are:  Anywhere, usually.  But mostly at the Metro station...

When it was political office season here, there were also lots of signs.  That was for school board.