Crossroads

Passengers are ready to board a bus at the intersection of Vernon and Central avenues in South Los Angeles, a gang-infested area where five children and three adults were shot a month ago. Residents say the unusual thing about the shooting is that the outside world noticed.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Robert Cordova Jr., principal of Harmony Elementary School, says local residents are afraid.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A sidewalk flea market operates near the Vernon-Central intersection.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Children play football in an alley in South L.A.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Several kids ride a single bicycle past a graffiti-covered wall.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The Rev. Wilbert Swaringer of the United House of Prayer for All People says the neighborhood needs to return to old-fashioned values.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A snack vendor pushes his cart along a wall topped with razor wire.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Riders wait at a bus stop at the intersection of Central and Vernon avenues, where poverty and gang violence are common.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Children cross the intersection of Vernon and Central avenues in South Los Angeles. “The strong survive,” says one of the area’s residents.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Nathaniel Banks III plays trombone at his church. His pastor says the neighborhood needs to renew old-fashioned principles and practices: discipline, respect, corporal punishment.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Nathaniel Banks III plays trombone during evening services at the United House of Prayer for All People in South Los Angeles.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)