The Gateway Town Center was built on the Southern side of Compton to attract clientele in cities neighboring Compton, such as Carson, Paramount, and Long Beach. Clientele and staff appear to be relatively equal - half African American and half Latino.
Compton has recently taken an initiative to develop new housing communities that will be available for purchase. These home will be affordable to Compton residents through housing assistance programs provided the city. Once people start buying properties and stop renting, the positive attention and care given to the community from its residents will increase.
"Birthing a New Compton"
With “Birthing a New Compton” as the city’s motto, empty lots in the community are slowly being renovated into small parks. This provides the city with a more positive perspective and picture.
A risk in the Compton community is the lack of banks. Not having enough banks to allow the residents to open accounts and save money only leaves the community with one option – check cashing locations. After interest is deducted from the cashed check, the individual loses well-needed money. Check cashing locations also enable residents to obtain advance loans with high interests that leave residents in a worst economic situation than when they received the advanced paycheck.
An additional risk to the community is the prostitution that is prominent on the Northern side of Long Beach Blvd. Prostitution contributes to violence, drugs, creates stigma in the community, and as a result affects local business and communities, as less people are willing to gather in surrounding areas.
"First Southern Baptist Church of Compton"
"Compton Seventh-Day Adventist Church"
"Immanuel Baptist Church"
The City of Compton has strong religious presence. Religious institutions of several denominations were found throughout the city. Among them were: Baptist, Christian, Roman Catholic, Apostolic, Evangelical, Jehovah’s Witness, and Seventh Day Adventist. On the corner of E. Laurel Street and S. Santa Fe Ave, a religious institution was found in every corner!
In an attempt to bring the Latino and African American communities together for positive interactions, “Unity Fest” is held. This allows the different religious denominations to come together and unite with different fun activities for people of all ages. In addition to providing unity among the community, religious institutions have strong political presence in the community and can influence policy.
The City of Compton is home to 24 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 3 high schools. Approximately 75% of the student body is composed of Latinos; the other 24% is African American, while the 1% is comprised of Pacific Islanders, among other minorities in the community.
Most of the independently owned businesses are suited in older building lots. A store we visited, “Gallardo’s Party Supply” informed us that this business had been in existence for six years. The store attendant informed us that business remains open despite the decrease in customers given the economic recession. This party supply business is also jointed with “Gallardo’s Barber Shop”.
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