Which Way, L.A.?
Are LA's Poorest Left Out of the President's 'Promise Zone?'
LA will be one of President Obama's Promise Zones, which make up his key anti-poverty program. Why aren't Watts or other neighborhoods South of the 10 Freeway included?
By Warren Olney • • 27m ListenLos Angeles will be one of the first five of President Obama's Promise Zones, which make up his key anti-poverty program. It could get $500 million over the next 10 years. But why are Koreatown, Hollywood and Los Feliz included — and not Watts or other neighborhoods South of the 10 Freeway? What standards were used to determine need? Is politics part of the answer? Also, LA has Chinatown, Thai Town and Little Tokyo. Now there's a move to designate neighborhoods for Latinos. We already have the 'El Salvador Corridor.' Is it time for 'Peru Village' and 'Little Venezuela?'
Later, on To the Point, last month, for the first time since 2003, US casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan dropped to zero. But American soldiers have been dying at the rate of 22 every day — from suicide. What's the Pentagon doing to cope with mental illness — after combat and before enlistment?
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2 storiesAre LA's Poorest Left Out of the President's 'Promise Zone?'
The Obama White House has chosen Los Angeles to be one of the first five Promise Zones across the country, a designation that could mean $500 million over the next ten years. Mayor Garcetti says he's delighted, but other local leaders are disappointed.
Read the story16 minThe Push for Distinct Latino Neighborhoods
Asians from different countries are recognized in Los Angeles neighborhoods with official designations, including Koreatown, Little Tokyo and Thai Town. But the many national groups from South of the Border have been lumped together as "Latinos," rather than being officially singled out.
Read the story11 min
