Planners + Community: Zena Al-Beitawi is doing an urban planning senior project examining how public spaces can be designed for inclusivity, safety, and enjoyment versus Hostile Architecture in Pomona, CA.
Please take a few minutes to complete Zena’s survey! Use the QR code or this link: https://bit.ly/HostileDesign2026
Your input will help shape Zena’s policy recommendations for equitable — not hostile — public spaces.
UCLA network in action! Jordan Grimaldi (MURP ‘26) is doing a master’s client project for City Fabrick analyzing utility right-of-ways in LA.
CF’s Alexander Jung, AICP (MURP ‘15) connected Jordan and me (MAUP ‘05) for deep background on the East 92nd Street utility right-of-way in Florence-Firestone.
Jordan interviewed me at the Florence-Firestone Community Organization office and then we visited the site, which is now the home of the future 92nd Street Linear Park via Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation!
I then connected Jordan with Yanel Sáenz (MPH ‘22) of the Friends of Washington and 92nd Street Park for additional community interviews about transforming this utility right-of-way into a park.
We will continue supporting Jordan’s community-based research and recommendations well after graduation.
Go Bruins!
Florence-Firestone Vacant Lot Activation
7700 S. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90001
Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Project:
We are transforming the vacant lot at E. 77th Street and Central Avenue into a temporary community hub as part of Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s Corridors 2 Community Initiative. This initiative focuses on community-led revitalization of small business corridors in unincorporated communities in LA County’s 2nd District, including Florence-Firestone.
Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) and Florence-Firestone Community Organization (FFCO) are partnering with the County of Los Angeles to host a series of pop-up events over 6 months, bringing resources and services directly to the community.
These events will feature:
— Opportunities for residents to share their vision for the future of historic Central Avenue
— Live music and cultural activities
— Food and local vendors
— Services for small business owners
— County and community resources
— Free food for the first 75 participants!
Join us for FREE these resources, activities, and services for Florence-Firestone community members & businesses.
#FlorenceFirestone #EmbeddedPlanning
I’m on a panel recognizing the legacy of Mike Davis with writer legends Carolina A. Miranda, Kyle Paoletta, David Kipen, and Mike The PoeT Sonksen at the Urban History Association Conference 2025 in Los Angeles. More to come soon.
Join us on Saturday, October 11th, 1:15-2:45pm at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA.
Register for the UHA Conference here: https://urbanhistory.org/Conference-Registration.
Join LA Walks + the Florence-Firestone Community Organization for a Walk and Roll event: Adapting for Community Safety & Accessibility!
What we’re doing:
VISIONING: Envisioning safer, more welcoming streets and sidewalks
WALK AUDIT: Documenting and analyzing current street and sidewalk conditions
ART: Creating a zine with artist Audrey Chan to share community experiences
*Register at Roosevelt Park Senior Center or online here.
Date: Saturday, Sept 6, 2025, 2-5pm
Location: FFCO Office, 6940 Compton Ave, LA 90001
Sponsored by AARP
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