We Will Have a Train Stop in Leimert Park...

Hey Folks...

We are in fact getting a train stop in Leimert Park--it's official.  But will it be above ground or below. The challenge continues!  

Read more here:
Leimert Park Train Stop

FREE Screening...Leimert Park: The Story of a Village in South Central Los Angeles

Black Talkies On Parade and the 7th Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair  present   Leimert Park: The Story of a Village in South Central Los Angeles Saturday, April 27th 2013 at 4:00 pm                 Black Talkies On Parade presents a very special afternoon celebrating one of L.A.'s most colorful communities. This month the Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum will be screening the documentary film Leimert Park: The Story of a Village in South Los Angeles directed by Jeannette Lindsay. The film explores the neighborhood's vibrant culture with thriving art, music, and poetry scenes. After the film there will be a panel discussion and Q&A with filmmakers Jeannette Lindsay,   Zan Zetina, and Steve Isadori. Other featured guest will be author Cynthia E. Exum and co-author Maty Guiza-Leimert who together wrote a comprehensive book detailing the history of Leimert Park since it's conception in 1927 by Walter H. Leimert Sr. Autographed copies of Images of America: Leimert Park will be made available during the event or advance copies may be purchased at Eso Won Book Store located in Leimert Park, 4327 Degnan Blvd, LA., Ca 90008, (323) 290-1048. Join MCLM and share your own stories of L.A.'s one of a kind neighborhood, Leimert Park!  Screening is FREE!  Address: Mayme A. Clayton Library and Museum 4130 Overland Ave. Culver City, CA 90230 www.claytonmuseum.org

Where is Leimert Park?

Hey Folks...

I wish I had a dollar fifty for every time someone asked me "WHERE IS LEIMERT PARK?" The literal answer is South of the 10fwy, East of the 405fwy, West of the 110fwy and North of Slauson Blvd. (see maps below)

In a nutshell, Leimert park is a tiny enclave nestled in Southwest L.A. and is the heart of the Crenshaw Community.  While the word "Crenshaw" might be a red flag to those unfamiliar with the area, in reality Leimert is a hubub of culture and community.  And for those who are hip to it, know that Leimert Park is the new "it" neighborhood to move to. Spanish style homes, a Leimert staple, are accessible and affordable, with average prices ranging from $300,000 to $600,000.

Nevertheless, if you decide to move here, please resolve to be an active member of the community; we need to improve our school systems, we need a block club captain for every block, we need more family style restaurants and a Trader Joe's. Together we can fight to achieve these amenities and lay ground for an even more enriched neighborhood.

Come and check out Leimert Park for yourself!  You're gonna love it!!!


 NOW....take a closer look:

Living in Leimert...A Transformation is happening!

Heather Presha, Realtor for Leimert Park

Mention Leimert Park to the average Angelino and you may hit on a few marks: Black folks, drum circles, or Jazz and Blues.  Maybe the mention of all three – which would be true, but over the years it would seem that a generic mention of L.A.’s Black cultural mecca does not do this area justice.  Just east of Crenshaw and north of Vernon, Leimert Park is developing a little bustle as of late, and the new growth couldn’t have come at a better time.  Yes, you can still get incense, your fill of dashiki’s and Kente-cloth socks, some Jamaican food, and even dry cleaning.  Did I mention Kente-cloth?  Here you will also find Senegalese drum workshops, collaborative drum circles, and the plethora of Jewelry and crafts from the Motherland.  You will no doubt see many folks with dreads, brothas selling Lakers t-shirts, and you might stumble upon a hip-hop freestyle session on a good day.  But that’s the old Leimert, the average Saturday walk-thru.   It gets better…

In recent months, both Niki Giovanni and Spike Lee had separate book signings at Eso Wan bookstore.   There have been several art gallery openings in what used to be the renowned breakfast club Papa West, and the Leimert Park Art Walk always offers an exciting array of vendors, PLUS the grand opening of the new Barbara Morrison performing arts center.  Promoters of the Morrison Center promise live music AND food/drink for the weekends.  Adassa’s Café and Ackee Bamboo are still holding it down as the main eateries on the strip, featuring Jamaican food, Sunday Brunch and a coffee shop/meet up spot just across the way. All of this in a two block stretch.

And then there’s the real estate.  Spanish style homes are begging for buyers all around Leimert, ranging from the high two hundreds to the mid fours.  Cozy homes with fireplaces, tree-lined streets, and architectural gems abound. You’ll find plenty of retirees and young families of all colors. The Baldwin Crenshaw Mall, now getting a nice face-lift, is within walking distance.   A hop and a skip up Angeles Vista Blvd., you might break your neck trying to check out all the mass curb appeal and breathtaking views from several different angles.  Even houses up there that push square footage of  2,100 feet have sold for less than half a mil.  Don’t ask why - just get in.  Life over here in the “hood” ain’t so bad. Wave to the neighbors and they wave back! And if you need to get downtown real quick, cruise down Vernon to the 110 and you’ll be there in two shakes. The 10 freeway is also a quick shot up Crenshaw Blvd. You'll be surprised how close it is to everything.

If you like what's happening now, just imagine what it’ll be like in 5 years when things are really off the hook.  But don’t project too long; you still have things to look forward to soon.  Local residents are organizing to insist that the MTA include a Leimert Park train stop, and the Vision Theater has construction drapes outside of it – it must mean we’re cleaning up our act…..more to come!