South Central is California’s crime central. It’s the domain of LA’s notorious gangs and straying into its mean streets is a traveller’s worst nightmare. But a new business is attempting to change that, and perhaps change life in South Central.
LA Gang Tours, which launches today, allows travellers the chance to go where wise men have feared to tread – albeit in the safety of a bus.
The two-hour tours are only possible because the company’s founder, Alfred Lomas, has brokered a ceasefire between the gangs that rule South Central to ensure safe passage for the buses.
Lomas, a former gang member now feted for his humanitarian work in the strife-ridden area, says the gangs agreed to the ceasefire because of his promise to plough profits back into the community and create jobs and opportunities for the youth of the district.
Some of the locations visited include the Los Angeles County Jail, whose inmates have included O.J. Simpson and Robert Downey jnr; Florence Street, where the 1992 LA Riots started; the birthplace of the LA chapter of the Black Panther Party; and Skid Row, the 10-block square in the centre of LA where 20,000 homeless live.
The tour also includes a visit to Pico Union Graff Lab, where street artists display their work. Each tour bus will have a local guide.
Lomas says while all efforts are made to make the tour safe as well as enjoyable, participants do have to sign a waiver form.
The two-hour tour is $US100 ($112).
Sign In
January 17, 2010 at 2:05 am