Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa
Mayor of Los Angeles
200 N. Main St. Rm 303
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Dear Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa:

I am writing to support your belief that "the South Central Farm really is a jewel," and I ask that you do everything in your power to keep it from being demolished. As you know, the farm has grown into a vibrant source of positive community involvement, income, and healthy food for the 350 families who farm it and the countless others who benefit from its market and the variety of community-building events it hosts.

I understand that the California Supreme Court has denied the South Central Farmers' petition for review, leaving the South Central Farmers in a vulnerable situation. It appears clear that Mr. Horowitz, the developer to whom the land has been sold, has no interest in preserving this vital community center. There are certainly many other places in Los Angeles where a new warehouse could be built.

As a medical student at USC, I frequently see the effects of poor nutrition, isolation, and lack of exercise on the population of urban Los Angeles, manifested in visits to the Los Angeles County Hospital. As a result, the prevalence and problems associated with obesity and diabetes continue to increase and gang violence remains a serious problem. Gathering spaces like the South Central Farm provide for a sense of a constructive community that is often missing in this city. Growing the food provides the farmers with supplemental income, life-giving labor and exercise, nutrition, and a beautiful place to call their own. The food created at the farm encourages healthy diets and lifestyles while stimulating the local economy.

Projects like the South Central Farm are unfortunately a rarity in our country. It would be a shame and a serious step in the wrong direction to allow the farm to be replaced by a warehouse. Please use your influence to preserve this jewel of Los Angeles.

Sincerely,

Medical Student,
Keck School of Medicine, USC