Struggle continues to save South Central Farm

The sound of banging drums and chanting echoed off downtown Los Angeles buildings for a couple of blocks May 19. Many organizations, including members of Fight Imperialism Stand Together—FIST—gathered in front of the convention center to support a farm in South Central Los Angeles that came into existence 14 years ago as a concession by the city to the people of South Central after the Rodney King rebellions.

John Parker and Zack de la Rocha rally for South Central Farm in March. Photo: Jasper Yu

The 14-acre farm feeds 350 families. But three years ago the city council illegally sold it to a rich developer for $5.1 million. The developer has now called on the Sheriff’s Department to evict the families. The eviction could occur any time, since the deadline passed on May 24.

Although the farmers have come up with $6 million to buy the land, almost $1 million more than was paid for it, developer Ralph Horowitz is demanding an addi tional $10 million. Just a few days earlier, Mayor Anto nio Villaraigosa had shocked the people of the farm by announcing that the city would not be able to come up with the $5 million promised to help pay for the farm.

This announcement came only a couple days before the city council started talks on a plan to lure a professional football team to the city with a proposed $800 million renovation of the L.A. Coliseum.

This reality fueled the spirited demon stra tion outside the convention center, where Mayor Villaraigosa was meeting with city advisers. The group of protesters eventually split into two—one being bussed to city hall to protest, the other marching as close as possible to where the mayor was having his meeting.

Chants of “Save the farm!” could be heard loud and clear. Many youths came out to support and made sure they were well represented.

A group of young women had the message, “Don’t turn your back on us Antonio,” written on their backs.

Protesters caused a ruckus, clearly disrupting the meeting. There is no doubt Villa raigosa got the message that the community will not stand for such blatant disregard of the farm and the well-being of families who live and work there, not to mention the families that benefit from the many vegetables and other plants that are grown there.

Since May 24, farmers and supporters have maintained a 24-hour presence on the farm. They will refuse to leave when the sheriffs arrive to evict them. They will continue organizing events in support of their struggle. Celebrities have joined the battle, with Joan Baez and Darryl Hannah also staying on the farm in solidarity.

No matter how you slice it, this is capitalism at its worst. Mayor Villaraigosa and the rest of the city council have no remorse. They are ready to sell off the biggest urban farm in the country to the highest bidder.

It now seems the farmers are being forced off their land to build a distribution center for Wal-Mart—the same company that’s trying to kick people off their land in San Salvador Atenco, Mexico, leading to all kinds of violence, bloodshed, and oppression at the hands of the ruling class in that region. (see Workers World, May 23.)

Save the farm! Solidarity with the South Central farmers!