Skid Row Walk Shows Changes

Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Last night was the July Skid Row Neighborhood Watch Walk. There are no longer the same number of people taking a tour of Skid Row and just about everyone knew each other so there was less of the roving networking. For those who have been on these walks for a while now, the shrinking population on the streets is striking.

For anyone who may have walked for the first time last night, seeing those Downtown streets can still have an impact. Those who did the walk a year ago, or even 6 months ago, can see a difference. Some still scatter when they see LAPD squad cars alongside a group of people walking with sergeants and captains, but the streets are not packed with as many people or tents.

Something very eye opening was how some people walked up and asked for help. That wasn't happening a year ago.

There is still a long way to go, and unless things change even further there will still be despair and neglect. Yet, a lot of changes can be seen that come from the work of a lot of people, and you can tell that those who are working for better conditions know it's just a start.

Add: Part of those changes can be seen this evening at 6:00 pm at 5th and Main when City officials, gallery owners, members of DLANC ––including Eric–– will be taking part in the official Gallery Row welcoming the Art Walk DASH.

Pictured: A Skid Row resident with CCEA's Estela Lopez. More photos at this flickr set.