Boundaries

During out community immersion in Compton we learned about the boundaries and how they were categorized by both residents and non-residents.

Residents: As far EAST at the 710, as far WEST as the 110, as far NORTH as the 105, and as far SOUTH as the 91.

Non-Residents: As far EAST at the 710, as far WEST as the 110, as far NORTH as the 105, and as far SOUTH as the 91.

Although non residents and residents seemed to agree about the parameters there seemed to be a difference between both views about Compton. Residents from Compton were loyal and proud to be a resident while non-residents feared being associated with Compton. We surveyed nine workers in the area and asked if they lived in Compton, only one out of nine said yes. It seemed as though the people who said no were happy to not be associated with Compton.

In one particular interview with Juanita, a photo developer in Compton for 17 years, she expressed her life to only revolve around her neighborhood in Lynnwood. She felt that Lynnwood was much safer and she explained that Compton was only a place to work.

The immersion trip to Compton also lead us to conclude that those who were focused on improving the community were from the community and those there for business were to make money and spend it elsewhere.

From our obsersvation it was clear to see that most people did not know the specific boundaries of Compton, rather they knew the general area.