What happens when the last open green space in your neighborhood is on the verge of being taken away?
In this episode, Fernanda Sanchez returns to discuss the fight to preserve Flat Top Hill in Los Angeles. We dive into its cultural and historical significance, the community’s resistance to development, and the broader struggles against gentrification, environmental erasure, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous land rights.
Show Notes:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:36 Reconnecting After Seven Months
01:14 The Flat Tops Situation
02:13 Historical Significance of Flattop
04:19 Community vs. Privatization
06:05 The Fight to Preserve Flattop
08:09 The Role of Green Spaces in Urban Areas
15:13 Challenges and Hopes for the Future
28:03 Addressing Community Issues
28:40 Activating Community Engagement
29:58 The Power of Creation Over Consumption
31:05 Documenting Community Stories
33:02 The Importance of Shared Experiences
35:23 Challenges of Modern Activism
39:01 Overcoming Fear in Activism
45:35 The Punk Rock Mentality in Activism
49:35 Final Thoughts and Future Plans