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TAKE A WALK
It was a historic night indeed; Americans joined together to demand change and Obama eloquently answered, reminding us that this victory is thanks to commitment and dedication on the part of the American people. While the election is over, the momentum must continue; we must continue to work together to truly bring change to our lives, our city and its people. So, speaking of the need for change and the homeless, the monthly Skid Row neighborhood walk happens tonight. The situation on Skid Row serves as a perfect example of how a successful policy of "containment" has lead to a growing human tragedy.
With this new spirit of responsibility in mind, it is time to fix Skid Row. The walk allows individuals a safe way to "get to know Skid Row". While the aim is to raise awareness and keep the focus on Skid Row, the walk also offers an unique opportunity to connect and get involved with city officials, LAPD officers, social service providers, journalists, business owners, bloggers, residents and the many other individuals committed to bringing change and improvement to the people on the streets.
Walks begin at 6pm at the Midnight Mission at the corner of 6th Street and San Pedro downtown. For those who may be a bit hesitant, police Officers and BID security accompany each walk. For an interesting look at Skid Row, check out Pras' Skid Row documentary, where he spends a week living down there, or the trailer for the upcoming movie The Soloist, the true story based on the life of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician living on Skid Row and his experiences with LA Times columnist Steve Lopez.
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any chance the tour guides pass out kevlar vests and penicillin booster kits?
I'm assuming the above poster is being ironic. The Skid Row Watch Walk is a perfectly safe endeavor with good intentions. Having been on several of the walks, myself.. I would almost want to complain there is more security than is really necessary.
The walk is a way of outreach to the community to disavow such false claims that Skid Row, just around the corner from the Historic Core, is someplace we should be afraid to walk. Decent people live in poverty there in Skid Row, and only a fine line of employment and luck keeps those who live there being ourselves.
The outreach goes both ways, educating the neighborhood about the situation of those around us, and outreaching to those that live in Skid Row. Advising people in need to know there are services and outreach agencies available to them. I encourage everyone downtown to attend one of the monthly watch walks.