Need Advice - Working on Thesis

[angela77]

Hi,

I am a landscape architecture student in Los Angeles and I'm preparing for my thesis project. I am interested in creating a master plan for the Harbor Gateway and it's surrounding neighborhoods. The Harbor Gateway is a very tough area - there's a serious gang problem and a lot of racial tension (black/latino). It's so bad that I am a little nervous about actually, physically spending time in the neighborhood to do the necessary site analysis. I am truly interested in using my education to do what I can to improve the neglected neighborhoods of Los Angeles and really want to make this project work.

My question is: Would it be ridiculous for me to approach the LAPD (Harbor Gateway Division) and ask if I should be escorted? What about asking for a ride-along? I'm asking this because my classmates, friends and family have expressed concern considering the very recent violence in the area. I thought it would be fine if I went in the middle of the day to just look around and take photos, but I don't want to be naive.

Thanks!
Angela

[FNA209]

You may be able to wrangle a ride-along, but it probably wouldn't give you the time you'd need in any particular area. Getting an escort is likely out of the question.

If the area is as bad as you say, just use urban renewal as your thesis. Start with a big bulldozer- then plant trees. Then you wouldn't even have to go into the neighborhood to begin with.

[PhilipCal]

Working on thesis

Doubt very much if the PD would provide you with an escort while you did research. At the end of the day though, urban renewal etc is something the community has to want itself. When a community actually commits itself to safe streets, urban renewal etc, there's hardly any limit to what they can accomplish. In other words, it has to be a pretty much "grass roots" thing. When the initiative starts at the government end, the programs, no matter how well meaning, usually fail. That's not to say there aren't some really good government programs out there. As a rule though, fortunes are spent on projects that when completed look great. Revisit the venues in six months to a year, and they look like Berlin in 1945.

[fermosa]

I recommend you contact the Harbor Gateway Division and ask them about your request as you already stated. It never hurts to ask. I'd explain to them in detail of your plan of action and also state what the positive results of your thesis would be for the community. I'm familiar with the area and it's not bad at all. If you feel like you would be intimidated or nervous about being there, just bring some friends along. I think what your doing is great and I hope your thesis turns out well. Good luck.

[angela77]

Thanks for the info!

I do feel like it's fine to just go in the daytime with a friend. I just know that no matter where I go to do site analysis, people always kind walk up to me to see what I'm doing and I don't want to cause problems.

Like most of LA, Harbor Gateway was poorly planned and grew too fast. The kids are bussed to school, there aren't parks within walking distance, and there's one convenience store that's "run" by a latino gang and I guess it's known that black people should not go inside - pretty bad. Neighborhood groups and the LAPD want changes - it's all over the news. Crime prevention can take many forms - I'm going for a design approach. My thesis work will present a vision for Harbor Gateway - as students we can dream big, right?

So I'll be meeting with various groups in the area - LAPD, neighborhood groups, community activists, LAUSD, Chamber of Commerce, City Planners, etc. I have about a year, so I thought I'd get started by just asking around for thoughts.

Thanks again!
Angela

[BluDrgn]

The bulldozer option is the best way. In these types of areas its the people that are the issue/problem. Change the people....change the area. Good luck with that.