11 Images

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 areas 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)