The first project we tackled Marlton Square in South Los Angeles. This 20-acre redevelopment disaster has been neglected, mired in legal disputes and mismanagement for nearly 20 years. But in the last year, it became an issue. in the City Council race and in the community. The Leimert Park Business Improvement District devoted their summer youth program to studying what to do with Marlton Square. Also known as Santa Barbara Plaza, Marlton Square was also an issue in the first competitve City Council race in years. Councilman Bernard Parks, who praised the piece as the “real story,” actually had a press conference and said that the development would start soon. We have to hold him to that.

The second project tackled the myth that South Los Angeles was an economic wasteland. Instead of focusing on the negatives, we looked at economic development studies from the last 10 years and found that there is an economic vitality that most people just won’t see. No less than the godfather of economic analysts in Los Angeles, Jack Kyser, was surprised at the numbers he saw. South Los Angeles actually needs more office space.

And you can see people starting to invest. The Crenshaw Plaza, in the midst of a major remodel, added a Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar, is adding a new theater and will add a Staples office supply. The Rodeo Ralphs is being transformed into a Target, Ross and Chuck E. Cheese. The long-stalled Lowe’s is under construction at San Vincente and Venice. And there’s a Fresh and Easy planned for Crenshaw and Adams and a few miles down on 54th.

We went down to the Crenshaw Plaza Farmers Market and asked people what kinds of store they would like to have in Leimert Park. Overwhelmingly people wanted more healthy options. When the L.A. City Council was considering blocking one of the Fresh and Easy’s more than 200 residents, including a few Leimert Park Beat members, showed support of another healthy choice.

The third project that we are tackling is a quality of life issue for much of Los Angeles, including Echo Park- the insistent and consistent helicopter noise. There are the private helicopters taking famous and rich people all over the city, as well as the tourists. And then there are the police helicopters, often followed by the media choppers. Can anything be done? We’re going to find out.

Let me know if you think helicopter noise is an issue and if you have any ideas for a solution in the comment section below. Please take this short survey on helicopter noise.