Outsider's Perspective

By Wendy Gudiel, La Keishia Childers, and Tiffany Curlee

The Echo Park community was very diverse in its residents and its appearance. There was a mix of races and a range of ages. The homes were also diverse. Carroll Street is filled with Victorian homes restored to their original appearance. However, a block down you would see unkept homes with graffiti in the neighborhood. It was also quiet, calm, and most people were friendly. For the most part, the people who lived in the neighborhood and those who only worked there viewed Echo Park the same: it was a good place to live because of the location and pricing, but it can be dangerous at night. Most of the outsiders we spoke with were people who worked at agencies, a pharmacy, the library, and people visiting friends. Although they had positive things to say about Echo Park, when asked if they would consider moving only one said they were already looking for a place while the rest said they liked the community they were a part of much better.

The only place where we felt unwelcomed and no one really wanted to talk to us was at a coffee shop. It was quiet and everyone wanted to keep to themselves. This was a contrast to what we had experienced thus far. It has a different feel and stepping into it was like stepping into a different community. These coffee shops are new to the community and insiders had told us earlier that day that patronizing the coffee shops was like betraying the community. Some people commented on how many artists were moving into the community because of its close proximity and it was a cheaper alternative to Hollywood.

The outsiders we spoke with that were involved in legislation for Echo Park were the agencies serving the community. They write grants to try and get funding to continue serving the residents. The overall impression that was given of Echo Park was that people enjoyed working in this community and people perceive a shift in the vibe of the community to a working ground for artists.

The three of us are outsiders to the community of Echo Park. After experiencing the community for two days, we have come away with a deeper appreciation for the interdependence of community and its residents. Echo Park is growing and transitioning with many resources and encouragement for involvement. It has a rich history and has an extraordinary story to tell. It is our hope that you would be so fortunate to visit the community of Echo Park.