Mesiyah E. McGinnis

Kids ‘Play Ball’ at Jim Gilliam Park

      Kids are swinging the bat again at Jim Gilliam Park, in Baldwin Village. After a four-year hiatus, youth baseball is back in the form of T-ball, largely due to an initiative from Councilmen Herb Wesson, the LA Dodger Foundation, and the LAPD’s Southwest Division. Now, the once barren field and stands are full of life, as coaches, parents, and supporters encourage energetic T-Ballers (aged 5-8) to make plays and have fun. LAPD Senior Officer for Southwest Division, Sunny Sasajima (Back row, right), posses with players and other community supports who unite to coach kids in a new

49th Watts Summer Festival Still A Community Treasure

The 49th Annual Watts Summer Festival is by no means small or an inconsequential event but a historical homecoming that represents culture, community, and political consciousness in Watts. The festival has been a stronghold in the community for 49 years and the 2015 committee pulled off the feat of fusing entertainment, food, social consciousness, and entrepreneurship, while providing fun for all ages. If you were fortunate to catch Charles Wright and the 103rd Street Rhythm Band performing, you might have confused Ted Watkins Park for the Greek Theatre. But it wouldn’t be the same elsewhere. This band and event is