Is It Safe (Continues/Returns)?

Another night, another walk, through the supposed favelas of mid-city, courting almost certain danger, maybe a stiff hamstring or a mild case of turf toe.

Two of the many storefront churches I encounter. In this corner of town, these venues are commanded almost entirely by Hispanic congregations, and are not necessarily limited to Catholic denominations. Some of these modest retail-built spaces formerly hosted African-american congregations.

For the record, I'm accompanied by a dog the size of the Nandi bull, but only because my orange tabby won't accept a leash.

Looking for hot spots, we light out for Loren Miller Park. The only rowdies are playing soccer on a tennis court, basketball games are in full swing, and a man sells salted sugar cane. No one takes any notice of us.



Angling through Adams-Normandie we confront the Budlong Tunnel, West Adams' most infamous dump site. Legend has it, Roland Souza furnished an entire house with Budlong Tunnel discards, including window treatments. Tonight it's quiet and only a few items have been left behind.

Elsewhere Washington Boulevard is still at work. Near the school-site, no the other school site, no the other school site, Allied Uniforms is busy. But not too busy to offer a tour.
"You're just out for a walk?" the supervisor questions.
"Yeah", I answer, "there's a lot to see."
(Ipso facto, the supervisor thinks I'm without use of a car.) "A lot of our employees walk too," he adds courtly.

END OF PART ONE