Ron Finley Mr. Greenjeans of the 10th District
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- Category: Featured Resident
- Published on Friday, 14 October 2011 23:13
- Written by Deborah Charles
Perhaps many of you will remember the popular children’s television show, Captain Kangaroo; for those of you who don’t, it’s worth a Google! Mr. Green Jeans was the Captain’s soft spoken sidekick and taught us about the importance of taking care of the earth by planting seeds.
Ron Finley is definitely the quintessential “Mr. Green Jeans” of the 10th District. He is a talented artist of many disciplines but his greatest passion is advocating the planting of vegetable gardens in our community. He is one of the co-founders of an organization called L.A. Green Grounds whose mission is to plant gardens in communities where there is lack of access to fresh produce. He planted an unfenced garden on his local parkway and filled it with the most beautiful and colorful vegetables, everything from collard greens to red Swiss chard to purple Japanese eggplant and edible flowers. During a visit to his garden he tested my ability to identify vegetables by pinching off a leaf or an edible flower and urging me to taste it.
He engages his neighbors in conversation as people young and old walk by, fascinated by vegetables growing in a public place in the middle of the community. The garden generated conflict when the city questioned the legality of planting on the
parkway. The press including the L.A. Times and the Sundance Channel online blog, Sunfiltered, the 10th district Council office and most importantly, the community supported Ron and his garden and as of this date his hearing has been postpned indefinitely. Viewing this as a victory there is now an effort to plant gardens on parkways throughout the city. Ron believes gardens bring the community together, encourages healthy eating and lifestyles.
Want to start a garden in your yard or on your parkway? Email Ron at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or visit www.laGreenGrounds.org.
Eric Bronson Preservation Activist
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- Category: Featured Resident
- Published on Wednesday, 07 September 2011 16:39
- Written by Dianne Lawrence
West Adams Heritage Association (WAHA) presented its annual Martin Weil Historic Preservation Award to longtime preservation activist Eric Bronson of Harvard Heights.
Eric approaches historic preservation in a low key but effective manner. He is always there when someone has a question whether it is the WAHA Board, the Historic Preservation Committee or a member. For many years he, with Tom Florio, headed the WAHA Zoning and Planning Committee. He has rehabilitated many homes in West Adams and lead numerous
Donna Jones, West Adams SheRo
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- Category: Featured Resident
- Published on Thursday, 16 June 2011 21:35
- Written by Jeff Camp
On Sunday, May 15, 2011, West Adams Avenue's Donna Jones was awarded the annual SHEro Award from Senator Curren D. Price, Jr. (26th Senate District). Donna was one of 26 women who received the honor based on her demonstrated leadership, volunteerism and commitment to her community. During the ceremony, Donna received her SHEro Award from Senator Price himself and was praised by Michaela Periera from KTLA-TV's Morning Show.
Celia Bell Says Goodbye To Beloved Community
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- Category: Featured Resident
- Published on Thursday, 16 June 2011 22:03
- Written by Dianne Lawrence
Gracie Santana Celia Bell
Before her recent move to Las Vegas, forty-six year Council District 10 resident, Celia Bell, was a tireless community activist. Her work as creator and President of the Longwood Highland Neighborhood Watch, representative of Region 5 on the Mid City Neighborhood Council, and member of Women for Wesson allowed her to keep her local neighborhood informed, active and connected.
Celia had an active professional life working with the County for thirty-seven years as Head of Internal Affairs of the Department of Public Social Service. Longtime friend Lottie Taylor tells us
Grandmaster Walter Goode
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- Category: Featured Resident
- Published on Thursday, 07 April 2011 20:11
- Written by Dianne Lawrence
Teaching Kids To Master Themselves
Behind the humble façade on Jefferson Blvd. you will find a humble man with a big name, Grandmaster Goode, founder and owner of World Championship Karate Sports Academy.
But the self-effacing Walter Goode has every reason to crow. He holds black belts in four karate techniques, is an inductee of the National Black Belt League Hall of Fame and elite Ninja Ryu Club, and 2007 Grandmaster of the Year, among other distinctions. Considered one of the #1 karate schools nationally, the walls of Goode’s studio are lined with his and his students’ numerous trophies from hundreds of tournaments.
Grandmaster Goode could have set up shop anywhere in Los Angeles and command large fees but he was on a spiritual mission. He wanted to give kids in underserved communities an alternative to gangs and wrong choices. It is his countless community awards that are most impressive.
Originally from New Jersey, Goode moved to L.A. in the 1980s to find greater opportunities and ended up on Venice Beach performing amazing brick-breaking techniques. He went on to open his own karate program in 1990 infusing his practice with Christian principles.
More than a martial arts instructor, Goode is also advisor and friend to his students, expecting to see the kids’ report cards, encouraging college attendance, and even visiting schools if his students are in trouble.
One of Goode’s adult students Connie White, an L.A. Police Officer, explains that Goode lets in many kids who can’t afford the academy tuition. “He has lots of respect from the community. Lots. He will even drive his students home if needed.”
Another pupil Latonya Edwards studies kickboxing at the studio while her two children, Jaedeh and Khaliah, take other martial arts classes: “It feels more like a family here than a studio. Grandmaster took time to bring my daughter Khaliah out of her shell. Now her self-esteem is constantly rising.”
“He’s just a big-hearted guy -- huge heart. He cares, he truly cares,” commends Officer White.
Goode’s mission is simple “To teach kids and adults greater wisdom and knowledge” This dedication has been honored by too many city, county and state awards to cite here but here are some examples...for “commitment and dedication to youth”, for “outstanding achievement,” for “community service”, for “pioneering accomplishments,” for “honors youth program,” and simply as “hero.”
When Goode is not teaching at the Academy, he instructs at the neighborhood Holy Name Catholic church school, and also serves as a celebrity bodyguard. Another bright Star in our community.
The World Championship Karate Sports Academy is located at 1994 W. Jefferson Blvd, phone (323) 620-1003
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