Local Facilities

What struck many of us as interesting was that there was lack of visible social services available to the community. While these services may be offered, it certainly isn’t something that is visible to an outsider. There is no hospital, but many small clinics exist during normal business hours and offer an after hour emergency line. However, none seem to actually offer emergency services. As far as we could tell the closest hospital is located in the city of Glendale.

Here is a short list of the local facilities found in the community

• The Arroyo Secco Library
  
• One skateboard park
  
• A recently remodeled old Movie Theater
  
• The Los Angeles Police Museum and the Southwest Museum
  
• Two High Schools One Continuation School
  
• Four Middle School’s
  
• Two fire stations
  
• Just a few banks, but several paycheck advance businesses
  
• Many auto repair and auto part stores
  
• Several local supermarkets and small produce stores
  
• A substantial number of liquor stores
  
• A sufficient number of gas stations
  
• At least 11 different real estate offices
• A Veteran’s Memorial – A commemorative plaque that honored the 58 soldiers who did not return home from the Vietnam War.

Along the Eagle Rock/Highland Park boarder a considerable difference in the socio-economic status was clear. Only here can you see large chains and new businesses that are not fast food establishments. It was the only area where you could find places like Target, Starbucks, Cold Stone Creamery, and Jamba Juice. Over and over again we heard from our professor and residents about the gentrification of the Eagle Rock area and it was clear to see why.

Though we learned that nearly half the residents in the area are under eighteen years old there seemed to be insufficient educational facilities. Located off the main streets where they could be easily accessed Luther Burbank Middle School and Florence Nightingale Junior High really stood out. Both were decorated with murals depicting individuals like Martin Luther King Jr. and Frieda Kahlo. Everyone enjoyed the fact that these often under-appreciated historical figures were so valued by the schools. Their choices spoke volumes about the community and who their heroes are.

Despite the creativity of the murals the schools still appeared run down. Some were undergoing renovations, and some were little more than a collection of small trailers with no real play or lunch area. The schools all seem to be overcrowded and were never meant to accommodate the high volume of students that are enrolled. Additionally, staff is limited and technology is all but absent from the facilities. We were told that a public school had not been built in about 50 years and it showed.

Though the major supermarket chains were not present, there were supermarkets like Super A Foods. Not only did the markets offer most of the typical fare that you would find at more commercial supermarkets, but there was a variety of ethnic foods, interesting produce, and baked goods. Most of which seemed to be of Mexican or South American influence. You could purchase fresh cactus, pick up made to order tortillas, or discover a new spice that you weren’t familiar with.

We were asked to pay special attention to what foods were offered as well as the way that the food was displayed. We were told that often in areas of low socio-economic standing inexpensive (and often unhealthy) foods like liters of soda and family sized cereal boxes are displayed up front. The reasoning behind this seems to be logical. Why would you buy a $4 gallon of milk when you can buy a liter of soda for $1? Other than variety, what really stood out were the reasonable prices. It is obvious that value is of the highest importance to the customers.

For those who are looking to eat out there are many options. Whether you are in the mood for Thai, Chinese, Vegetarian, Salvadorian, Mexican, American, or Café food you can find what you want in Highland Park. There certainly isn’t any lack of fast food restaurants like Burger King and Carl’s Jr. or small taco stand type places.

What seemed great to many of us was that the proximity of certain facilities to each other. For instance, the library, the recreation center, and one of the senior citizens center were all located within a block of each other. In an area where public transportation is used extensively it seemed great to have these to close together.

As for public transportation, there seems to be both ample access and variety to choose from. In addition to a regular bus route, there are Metro Busses, a DASH line, and the Gold Line light rail. Several of the students took the public transportation and the lines all seem to be well used.