Everyone agrees that students must know the history of their community, however, there is no such consensus on them knowing about their local community’s resources. Meanwhile, community resources help meet the needs of an area’s residents and can be used to enhance a community’s quality of life. By engaging in a community mapping, teachers not only ensure students learn more about their local area but learn all about it too. In this way, teachers become community resources themselves, since they acquire valuable information about a community’s assets. This paper provides an overlook of the history and resources of the community of Lynwood, California.
Lynwood is a city in California, located in Los Angeles County northwest of Anaheim and south of Los Angeles. According to City of Lynwood, California (n.d.), it was obtained as a part of a land grant in 1810 by a man named Don Antonio Lugo. Over the course of the following years, the land had been passing from hand to hand and had changed many different owners. Lynwood received its name after the wife of C. H. Sessions, a man who purchased 400 acres of land there at the beginning of the 20th century (USA Cities Online, n.d.). The woman’s maiden name was Lynne Wood, and the dairy that the family owned was named “Lynwood Dairy and Creamery”. After that, the Southern Pacific Railroad constructed a siding on the site and named it Lynwood; a line was built through it around 1905 (USA Cities Online, n.d.). In 1929, a depot was established at the corner of Fernword Ave and Long Beach Blvd (USA Cities Online, n.d.). The railway got the name of the dairy and creamery nearby – Lynnwood.
The modern city’s site was established as a residential center soon after, and other businesses started occurring in the area. According to CityTownInfo (n.d.), after World War II, Lynnwood went through a phase of swift growth. Today, it is a lively city with a thriving community life and many prominent places to spend time at nearby. For instance, one of the country’s best universities, the University of Southern California, is situated only a couple of miles away from Lynwood. Almost as close to the city are the Los Angeles Convention Center, the Carson Center, and the Staples Center (CityTownInfo, n.d.). Lynnwood’s Department of Recreation and Community Services Department offers a wide range of recreational programs, which include all types of sports, cultural activities, and special events all year round. According to City of Lynwood, California (n.d.), among the city’s recreational facilities are Bateman Hall facility, an Olympic-sized indoor swimming pool, a fully equipped sports complex, outdoor skate park, and indoor and outdoor courts. Lynnwood’s most important people are it’s government officials, including mayor Jorge Casanova, city clerk Maria Quiñonez, city treasurer Gabriela Camacho, and heads of numerous non-profit organizations.
When it comes to giving a helping hand to those who might need it, Lynnwood offers a plethora of resources. For instance, the city’s Housing Division helps create a viable community through different community development initiatives that are aimed at providing decent housing and living conditions, improved streets, public services and business evolvement. As per City of Lynwood, California (n.d.), Business Assistance Program assists with small businesses financing, business tax credits, cost-containment, and many other issues a business owner might encounter. Moreover, such organizations as SoLa I CAN Foundation, The Pac, and Project Ropa continue to do its best to combat poverty and homelessness by working with local groups and agencies. If one has a problem that they need help with solving, Lynnwood’s city directory and city’s official website offer them a number of solutions alongside addresses and phone numbers of organizations to contact.
References
CityTownInfo. (n.d.). Lynwood, California.
City of Lynwood, California. (n.d.). Web.
USA Cities Online. (n.d.). Lynwood.