South Park, one of the oldest parks in Historic South Central, has brought multi-generational Angelenos together for centuries.
The park sits at the intersection of 51st Street and Avalon Blvd, surrounded by some of the most socially, culturally and historically important locations in the country, including Central Avenue, site of the West Coast jazz scene in the 30s and 40s, the former Black Panther Party headquarters in L.A. and one of the epicenters of the Watts rebellion in 1965.
Founded in 1899, the park—also known as Barry White Park—continues to host weekend soccer games, señoras chismeando, recreational activities like swimming, card games among elders, and city-led events even after 126 years.
The park was named after two-time Grammy Award winner and R&B singer Barry White, who grew up in South Central, just blocks away from the park.
As PBS initially reported, the City of Los Angeles purchased it from a private developer for $10,000.
At that time, it was not as big as it is now, but was always characterized by its tall palm trees.
Located in Los Angeles City Council District 9, the park is within a predominantly Latino area, where 79.9% of the population identifies as Latino.
According to Park Equity, Life Expectancy and Power Building research, the need for green spaces within Latino communities has never been greater—especially in South L.A., where the landscape often includes an overconcentration of liquor stores and a lack of quality and accessible recreational spaces.
More than a century after the park’s opening, it remains one of the only parks within walking distance for many local residents.
Amanda Walker, 56, moved to L.A. from Chicago, Illinois.
She shared that one of her favorite things to do at the park is to take in the sun.
“The sun falls perfectly anywhere through the park, that’s probably my favorite part,” Walker said.
According to Walker, the park serves as a gathering place for her and her friends.
“I do wish there were more activities for adults,” she mentioned, observing that while there are playgrounds for kids and basketball courts, there is a lack of adult-oriented activities.
Maria L., 30, reflected on her own infrequent visits to the park, noting that she hasn’t been there in about eight months.
Although she was alone during her visit, she connected with her family through a video call, showing them the beautiful scenery.
“It’s nice. I also like seeing the birds and the squirrels,” she added, appreciating the sense of community found in the park.
From a distance, Maria L. sat in the sun on a park bench, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
The relationship between access to parks and life expectancy is closely linked, with studies indicating that park deserts can adversely affect both residents and wildlife.
In a study conducted by the Prevention Institute in partnership with UCLA, the National Health Foundation, Community Coalition, Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, and the Social Justice Learning Institute, it was revealed that South Central L.A. has neighborhoods classified as having “high park need” and “very high park need,” with only 1.6 and 0.7 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, considerably lower than the L.A. countywide average of 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents.
The median life expectancy in South L.A. stands at 77 years, significantly lower than the approximately 90-year expectation in Beverly Hills, just 15 miles away.
Residents of South Central have voiced their desire for increased investment in parks and recreational facilities.
In 2018, the 18.25-acre park underwent a multi-million renovation that improved its gym, swimming pool, basketball and tennis courts, baseball diamond, outdoor stage, fitness area, picnic tables, and children’s play area.
However, despite these investments, the park has gained a reputation for gang activity, which local community members cite as a consequence of years of disinvestment and neglect.
In the past, the Los Angeles Police Department identified the park as an area where gang activity from groups such as the Avalon Gangster Crips, Broadway Gangster Crips, and 52nd Street Playboys was observed, leading to a closer examination of safety in the area.
“The problem was scanned and revealed that this park, like many others in urban America, had slowly been neglected and overrun by criminal activity that revolved around gangs, narcotics, and quality of life issues,” stated the LAPD.
As one of the oldest parks in Los Angeles, South Park remains a vital hub for local residents, wildlife, street vendors, and the cultural essence of the city.
This multifaceted community space embodies and promotes social interaction, recreational opportunities, and historical significance within South Central L.A.
The City of Los Angeles has committed continued support and investment in such parks to enhance community wellness and address the historical inequities faced by residents.
In other news, LA Opera is bringing back its Pride Night on Wednesday, May 7, in partnership with the Opera League of Los Angeles.
LGBTQ members and allies are set to gather for Pride Night to enjoy a performance of “Ainadamar” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
Discounted tickets for Pride Night will include access to a complimentary post-show party at Vespaio, hosted by the Opera League of Los Angeles, featuring Cal-Italian bites from Chef Agostino Sciandri.
“Ainadamar” serves as a tribute to the Spanish poet and queer icon, Federico García Lorca.
Christopher Koelsch, president and CEO of LA Opera, stated, “This season, we celebrate with ‘Ainadamar,’ a powerful tribute to Spanish poet and queer icon Federico García Lorca.
These pairings matter.
They highlight that opera is a living, evolving art form—one that speaks to all people and reflects the diversity of the world we live in.”
The central plot of “Ainadamar,” which translates to ‘fountain of tears,’ follows Ana María Martínez as Margarita Xirgu, an actress who spent half of her career portraying Mariana Pineda—an early 19th-century Spanish liberalist heroine in Lorca’s play.
Pineda was a political martyr executed for embroidering a flag with the slogan “Equality, Freedom and Law,” in protest of the absolutist Spanish regime.
The production runs approximately one hour and 20 minutes, recounting Lorca’s life and his last days during the Spanish Civil War.
“At the heart of our Pride Night celebration is the belief that everyone should feel seen onstage and off.
Opera is a space for community and belonging, where our audiences can recognize themselves not only among fellow attendees but also in our artists, our music, and the stories we tell,” Koelsch emphasized.
This major company premiere, led by resident conductor Lina Gonzáles-Granados, will be sung in Spanish with English and Spanish subtitles.
The dramatic, flamenco-inspired score is composed by Grammy-winning Osvaldo Golijov, paired with a poignant libretto by David Henry Hwang.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, live performances at LA Opera were suspended, and the return of Pride Night involved considerable planning during this transition.
“COVID-19 suspended live performances across the board and during our return season we were navigating different timelines for audiences returning to live theater.
It was very much a matter of listening to our community and learning what had changed for them as well as us: some opted for livestream options, others preferred only outdoor events, and so on,” stated Koelsch.
Once the schedules aligned, the opera was thrilled to bring back Pride Night during “The Marriage of Figaro” in the following season.
LA Opera is marking its 40th anniversary with the launch of the 40th Anniversary Campaign to raise necessary resources to continue its operations.
The upcoming production opens on Saturday, April 26, and runs through May 18.
Tickets are available for purchase online.
In California, Janelle Kellman, an environmental lawyer and former mayor of Sausalito, is campaigning to become the next Lieutenant Governor, an effort she began in 2023 despite the election not occurring until November 2026.
Kellman, who has a background in athletics, believes that traits like consistency and discipline are what she needs in her campaign.
“The secret to being a true runner is consistency and discipline,” she stated.
“I am not a career politician.
I am somebody who is gonna roll up my sleeves and do all of the hard work.”
If victorious, Kellman would make history as the highest-ranking LGBTQ official elected to statewide office in California.
However, she emphasizes she is not a climber: “Many people run for this position because they want to be something else.
I’m not trying to be something else.
I actually really want to do this job,” she emphasized.
The position of Lieutenant Governor holds significant influence on California’s higher education institutions and plays a role in natural resource and economic planning through memberships on various commissions.
Kellman aims to use the role to address the affordability crisis that has led many Californians to leave the state, focusing on three key areas: first, housing—more of all types; second, public safety policies; and third, improved mental health programs.
“Meeting these challenges will require someone who can ensure that many different parts of California’s government— from the education system to the legal and health care systems—are laser-focused on bringing down the cost of living,” she noted.
As a lifelong team athlete, she likens the role of Lieutenant Governor to being a captain unifying collaboration across many sectors.
“Let’s be the party that gets things done and let’s focus on this high cost of living first and foremost,” Kellman stated.
She has also shown a critical perspective towards the accountability of the Democratic political establishment.
“We’ve become an obstructionist party.
I want to raise the effectiveness we can show at the local level to statewide progress,” she emphasized.
Kellman is determined to hold not only politicians but herself accountable if she assumes office.
“If this was the private sector, I’d get hired.
Because we would say you know how to do the job, you’re going to be held accountable.
We need more of that,” she expressed.
In other political developments, two bills introduced by Republican lawmakers seeking to ban trans athletes from competing in female sports did not pass during a recent committee meeting.
Assembly Bill 89 and Assembly Bill 844 were rejected in the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, and Tourism Committee by a 2-6 vote.
AB 89 aimed to ban athletes assigned male at birth from girls’ interscholastic sports teams, while AB 844 sought to reverse California’s existing law that permits trans athletes to participate in women’s sports at all age levels.
Tony Hoang, executive director at Equality California, commented, “If these members and their counterparts were truly committed to addressing the inequities and safety concerns women and girls face—in sports and everyday life—they would be joining the frontlines in the fight for equal pay, stronger protections against domestic violence and sexual assault, and expanded healthcare resources.”
These bills are part of a nationwide coordinated effort that perpetuates fear and misinformation regarding transgender individuals, particularly youth, and aims to marginalize them from public life.
“Instead of tackling the real problems in our state like high inflation and rising healthcare costs, Assemblymembers Sanchez and Essayli continue to waste time using transgender youth as political pawns,” Hoang added.
The hearing was notably the first public discussion of the issue in California since Governor Newsom’s comments labeling trans women in sports as “deeply unfair.”
On Friday, Governor Newsom’s office confirmed it received a letter from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon, warning that California might lose federal funding if it maintained practices allowing trans athletes to compete in women’s sports.
Equality California is collaborating with the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus in efforts to combat such legislative proposals.
“We are pleased these bills have failed and are thankful to those lawmakers who opposed this dangerous legislation,” said Hoang, acknowledging particularly the role of committee chair Assemblymember Chris Ward in this effort.
In another part of the LGBTQ+ community, GLAAD’s Spanish-Language & Latine Media celebrated the inaugural Latine Honors at Grandmaster Recorders in Hollywood, full of attendees shining a light on queer, Latine visibility and representation in entertainment.
The event occurred back-to-back with the GLAAD Black and Brown Honors and the 36th GLAAD Media Awards.
Hosted by comedian Roz Hernandez, who is making waves in the Los Angeles comedic scene, the Latine Honors focused on the representation of Latine individuals in media.
“Every single time [GLAAD] calls, I answer,” remarked Hernandez at the event.
During the ceremony, the Spanish-Language Special Recognition Awards were presented, recognizing contributions from “The Q Agenda,” a TV series on Latin Nation, and “La Verdad,” a news show on Canal Once.
LGBTQ+ figures such as Harvey Guillén, Vico Ortíz, David Archuleta, and others noted the importance of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in the face of escalating hostility toward marginalized communities.
Guillén stated, “We can’t be numb to the things happening around us,” emphasizing the importance of empathy in advocacy efforts.
Additionally, Ortíz shared details about their daily LGBTQ+ news podcast called “Today in Gay,” expressing pride in delivering relevant news to the queer community.
“I’m really honored to deliver [the news] with care and tenderness and tact,” Ortíz stated.
Archuleta discussed his latest single, “Créme Bruleé,” blending pop with Latin influences: “I wanted to channel that confidence and sexiness while adding a Latin flair.”
Keynote remarks by GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis, along with welcome remarks from Monica Tresandes and Gabe Gonzalez, highlighted the importance of celebrating representation across the industry.
In a tragic event on February 7, Linda Becerra Moran contacted the LAPD reporting she was being held against her will in a San Fernando motel.
During the call, she explained to the dispatcher that she was not only being held hostage but also coerced into bringing men to her room, all while crying as she conveyed her distress.
Upon police arrival, officers reported that Moran became agitated and brandished a knife, holding it to her neck.
The circumstances surrounding the officers’ response raised questions regarding the use of lethal force.
Linda was eventually pronounced dead three weeks later, following life support.
The TransLatin@ Coalition is actively advocating for justice for Moran, emphasizing her involvement with their services.
On March 14, the Coalition held a vigil in honor of her life and to seek accountability for her death, which they characterize as unjust and indicative of broader societal neglect.
The officer involved in the shooting was identified as Jacob Sanchez, a new hire at LAPD in 2021.
As the community rallies for action, Somos Familia Valle has engaged in preparatory activities to mobilize local advocacy efforts around the issue of police violence against trans individuals.
Meanwhile, in an ongoing administrative dispute, the former Fire Chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department attempted to appeal her termination but was unsuccessful.
She argued that her dismissal stemmed from retaliation linked to her statements addressing resource challenges within the fire department.
In particular, she highlighted how budget cuts had left essential firefighting equipment inoperable during critical fire events.
Crowley’s statements during the appeal pointed to ongoing operational challenges she deemed crucial for understanding the department’s efficiency.
As accountability continues to be a theme among public service officials, the search for a new fire chief has commenced, and the current interim chief will serve until a permanent appointment is made.
Another significant development is the launch of the National Rainbow College Fund, a new scholarship program by the San Diego Foundation aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ students throughout California.
This initiative acknowledges the financial challenges faced by many LGBTQ+ students, who often lack familial support when pursuing higher education.
According to Student Loan Hero, many LGBTQ+ students encounter barriers that lead to increased reliance on student loans.
The National Rainbow College Fund aims to protect student anonymity, allowing them to apply and receive funding without risking their privacy.
“The scholarship protects students from being outed throughout the entire process— from the application to receiving the awards,” stated Jeff Spitko, senior director for integrated fundraising at the foundation.
Currently, the application is open to high school seniors, incoming or current students at colleges and universities, and adult re-entry students.
However, applications are not yet accepted for graduate or Ph.D. students, with plans for future extensions.
Eligible students must have lived in California for at least a year, demonstrate financial needs through various applications, and plan to enroll in at least six units in an accredited institution.
Brayden Pape, a recipient, shared how the fund relieved his financial pressures while allowing him to focus on his education.
Recent studies highlight that LGBTQ+ borrowers carry a higher debt burden than their cisgender and heterosexual peers, emphasizing the need for initiatives like the National Rainbow College Fund.
The application process for the scholarship remains open until March 5, and interested individuals are encouraged to visit the National Rainbow College Fund website for more information about eligibility and application procedures.
The concerted efforts across various sectors illustrate the intricate web of issues, collaborations, and advocacy that shapes both the historical fabric and the current realities of diverse communities throughout California.
image source from：https://www.losangelesblade.com/2025/04/15/south-park-provides-green-space-to-a-predominantly-latino-community/
