When Ghetto Grounds, a coffee shop on the parkgrounds of Tierre de la Culebra, opened a few months ago, Highland Park locals voiced some concern over the word "Ghetto". After all, that word does carry some baggage.
Tierra de la Culebra youth worker, Kimberly asked the concerns best in this comment she made on the York Blvd. blog:
"I feel if you would come down and visit Ghetto Grounds you would see a new meaning in ghetto.The vibe in the shop is really chill it feels like coming into your home making a cup of coffee and chilling with your friends.People would see It like a "ghetto" version of a ‘real' coffee shop.We have bulliton boards were we pin our ‘qoutes' of the week, couches with fun pillows on them, and books on a table.Coffee shops now and days has been made a place where you rush in and out, and on the contrary everyone loves to enjoy there cup of coffee.Thats why we've made it a place where you share laughs, have great conversations, escape from reality for a while and just enjoy your cup of joe or organic tea =)"
Tierra de la Culebra is located at 240 South Avenue 57 in Highland Park. The park was originally an unwanted vacant parcel of land, located on a block inbetween North Figueroa and the 110 Freeway.
Art Corps LA created a stone serpent on the grounds --La Culebra--to represent fertility and growth in the diverse cultures of Highland Park. Art Corps LA offers youth arts programming, cultural festivals, art classes and building projects.
Do pay Ghetto Grounds in Highland Park a visit. Word on the street is that the coffee is excellent.
Sounds like a great place. People need to chill.
I bet it still will make people think twice before they go. Sounds like a nice place to just relax.