The Fight for the South Central Farm

Words by Gaby Sibrian
Discovery Prep Charter High School

“La gente unida, jamas sera vencida.” Women, men, and children, of all ethnicities chanted this phrase defiantly in front of City Hall on March 24th, 2006. Supporters of environmental justice, cultre, and The South Central Farm united in protest. To some observers the fight for a piece of land may seem unimportant. To the 300 people who depend on the fruits and vegetables that a piece of land produces, it is a critically important cause for which they’ve been fighting for years.

The 14 acre piece of land was not always known as The South Central Farm. The city purchased the land under eminent domain from businessman Ralph Horowitz in the mid 1980’s in order to build a trash burning plant. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and South Central residents protested until city officials finally agreed not to build the incinerator. They allowed the space be used for the community. In 1992, the land which was once an abandoned, littered, and unused space in an industrial area was founded as The South Central Farm with hopes of creating a productive green space. In 2002, Horowitz sued the city as an attempt to buy back the property. In an out of court settlement, the City Council sold the land to Ralph Horowitz at an unbelievably low price and an eviction notice for South Central farmers was posted on March 2, 2006.

The South Central Farm is one of the only green spots present in South Los Angeles and it is tended by local farmers who work to produce vegetables and fruit. It is an essential resource to many local low income families.

In fact, the need for affordable and healthy food is the main reason why The South Central Farm was created and why people have been fighting to maintain it. “I think one of the first steps we need to do is to provide food.” said Andrew Claycomb who was present at the protest outside of City Hall. “There are families who live in this community who are starving.” says South Central farmer Tezozomoc.

Still, the City Council has no interest in preserving The South Central Farm. Supporters are looking toward Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa who once visited the farm with his family for help. However, as of yet, nothing has been done to solidify the farmers’ right to stay on the land. The best solution seems to be to buy the land from Horowitz, who is willing to sell. This would end further legal battles and insure the land remains for the farmers.

People who are interested in aiding the South Central Farm are welcome to visit the site, assist in protests, or make donations. Awareness of the South Central Farmer’s plight is an important step in this struggle to protect the rights of the community.

It is certain that until a solution is reached there will be many more protests. The fight for The South Central Farm is not over! For more information please contact the South Central Farmers at 818 255-1483 or visit www.southcentralfarmers.com

*** Unfortunately, since the writing of this article, The South Central Farm has been bulldozed. The initial asking price was raised through various funding, but Ralph Horowitz insisted that the land was worth much more and raised his asking price. Consequently, on June 13th a number of supporters were arrested when police and bulldozers arrived at the farm to clear the land. Since this confrontation many have managed to keep the hope that the farm will be saved, and a protest was planned for July 12th. Although the odds are against the continuation of the 360 plots of community land that make up The South Central Farm, there is still a chance. Those who would like to help are encouraged to call the SCF Hotline at 1-888-SCFARM-1 for more information. Our best wishes go out to those fighting for the South Central Farms,
Si Se Puede!