The Death of Gerrik Thomas; Just Another South L.A. Killing?

Los Angeles Times Opinion  Op-Ed February 4, 2016

It was the fourth time in two days last week that a young black person was killed by other blacks in South Los Angeles. It didn't make much of a news splash. Like the 16-year-old girl and 20-year-old man at 81st and Avalon, like the 17-year-old boy at 83rd and Main Street, Gerrik Thomas' shooting death, on Jan. 25, was to everyone other than his family, friends and the homicide detectives, just another L.A. killing.

Why isn't [Gerrik Thomas'] excessive and unnecessary death a story? Why are the community, the hashtag leaders, the media and the politicians mostly silent?-  

Thomas, 21, had gone to the market to buy a soda. As he walked back to his great-grandmother's blue-and-white house eight doors down from the corner of West 54th Street and 9th Avenue, he was hassled — maybe asked, threateningly, “Where you from?” — by two males about his age driving by. He didn't answer; he called his mom. Moments later, according to police, at the corner, in front of the M & J 100% Hand Car Wash, the car stopped. The two guys got out. One grabbed Thomas, and the other shot him in the head. Thomas was pronounced dead at California Hospital.

There will be no protest marches organized in Thomas' memory. No downtown streets will be blocked; the entrances to the Harbor Freeway will remain open. No angry citizens will demand the arrest, trial and conviction of those responsible for his killing.

I get the outrage when a cop kills an unarmed civilian, I get the fury when a video shows what looks like an unnecessary, excessive police shooting. But what I don't get is why Gerrik Thomas' death barely signifies. Why isn't his excessive and unnecessary killing a story? Why are the community, the hashtag leaders, the media and the politicians mostly silent?

Is it that Thomas' death is acceptable? Does it just come with the territory in South Los Angeles?

I've been writing about gang killings in Los Angeles for well over 25 years, and I know these deaths are not acceptable to the families on Grape Street, on Success Avenue, on Brynhurst Avenue. Their pain is as deep as it gets. I know the answer is “no” to the question Reggie Sims, gang interventionist at Jordan Downs, asked about the lack of uproar over the killing of his son several years ago: “Just because he was shot by another black kid, that makes it OK?” I've heard that question from at least 100 different relatives of the slain.

By way of an uproar, I'll tell you a bit about Gerrik Thomas.

If you ask 20 of his friends and family about him, every one will say something about his smile.

Some might describe the tattoo on his right forearm — “Demicha”— his mother's name. Others will talk about how he took the bus to work as a security guard near the airport or at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. About how respectful he was. That he went to Daniel Webster Middle School and Crenshaw High. That he dreamed of being a doctor and was enrolled at Los Angeles Trade Tech to learn nursing. But all of them will bring up his smile.

“Who would do this to him?” asked his friend Shonda Smith, staring at dozens of “murder candles” set on the sidewalk where he was shot. “He wasn't the type of kid to even have the slightest confrontation with anyone. He was a good kid. A nice lovable young man. And that smile of his. His smile would brighten a whole, gloomy day. I can't believe it that he's gone.”

“Even when Gerrik had a rough day, when I could tell something was bothering him, he still had that beautiful smile of his,” said his great-aunt Karon Stinson. She was on the porch of his great-grandmother's house two days after his death. “Granny,” in a wheelchair, agreed about the smile, in her whisper of a voice.

LAPD homicide Det. Christopher Barling, head of the 77th Division squad, said Thomas was not a gang member; he had no record. It is unfortunate that when a killing happens south of the 10 Freeway, it is often assumed the victim was a gang member.

On Thursday, Demicha Lofton-Thomas, Gerrik's mother, posted a statement on Facebook. This is some of it:

“On Monday, January 25, 2016, at 6:30, my biggest fear came to reality. My son Gerrik Thomas was the victim of a violent crime. [He] had just called my phone at 6:24 and said that a dude banged on him. I talked to him for a couple minutes not knowing it would be the last time I'll ever hear [his] voice. At 6:33 I received a call ... I heard all the crying in the background.... I felt it in my heart. My stomach started to hurt. My legs were getting weak like they were going to collapse.”

Anyone with information about Thomas' killing can call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division anonymously: (323) 786-5100. Thomas' family has set up a Go Fund Me account to help with his funeral expenses: www.gofundme.com/long-live-gerrik. If you haven't figured it out for yourself, Gerrik Thomas' life mattered.

Federal Probe Launched Into Pizzeria Mozza's Calamari-Stuffed Potato With Green Goddess; Might Exceed Legal Flavor Limits

The United States Attorney General said Monday that a newly-added daily special offered at Los Angeles' Pizzeria Mozza might actually pose a mental health issue because it  "may exceed legal flavor limits and is so delicious it could delude diners into believing 'all is right in the world'." 

Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch made the surprising announcement after meeting with two assistants who had tried the calamari-stuffed potato drenched in Green Goddess dressing during Friday's lunch service at the establishment on the fabled corner of Highland and Melrose avenues in the city's Hancock Park district. 

"They seemed almost giddy after lunch," Lynch told reporters at the Ronald Reagan Federal Building downtown., "No, not 'seemed'. They were giddy. My aide-de-camp Francisco Boroquois went so far as to comment on international matters, something he is not authorized to do."  

When Lynch didn't elaborate, several reporters pressed her and she somewhat reluctantly revealed that Boroquois had said "Syrian peace talks in Geneva would be a bigger, more smashing success than  [the Broadway musical] 'Pal Joey.'"  At that point, Lynch said she "became concerned".

When humans experience above-the-legal- limit flavor, they tend to become delusional and think irrationally, albeit in a positive, borderline euphoric manner that results in extremely low level of productivity. 

Legal limits on food flavor are virtually unknown to the public because they are so high and very seldom exceeded. The only known modern-day successful prosecution of exceeding the flavor limit occurred in 1996 in Switzerland, when authorities were able to prove that famed chef Fredy Girardet was regularly passing the 15,000 flavor (brain) waves per minute, aka  FWPM, at his temple of gastronomy in Crissier, near Lausanne.  Girardet was ordered to tone it down. He opted to retire on Nov. 30, 1996.  

Though numerical conversion of brain wave rotations derived from food flavor is difficult for most to even comprehend, professor of biodynamics Malcolm P Widdles of Stanford University said the simplest way to grasp the concept is to think of a high-revving Formula One engine, whose legal limits are strikingly similar to legal flavor limit, numerically speaking.  

"Currently, a Formula One race car engine - McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes -can revolve up to 15,000 times a minute," Widdles said  "This is known as RPMs. It just so happens  that the current legal flavor limits, agreed to by both the United States government and the United Nations General Assembly, is also 15,000, but in this case,  FWPM. which produces excessive euphoria.  If the car exceeds the limit, it could blow up. If the human brain does, it loses track of reality and is focuses solely on pleasure. Now, that may sound like a good thing - and it is for periods up to seven hours -  but. ultimately, it isn't. The world would stop functioning properly if everyone was above the flavor limits. (Not that it is functioning entirely properly now.) 

That, said  Attorney General Lynch,  was the problem with Mozza co-owner and chef Nancy Silverton's calamari-stuffed potato with Green Goddess dressing  "People eat it and they kind of go haywire."

A Mozza, maitre D', Eva Gallner ate just a little bit of the special and just kept mumbling, "Too much flavor. Too much flavor. Too much flavor." The restaurant's general manager,Christine Larroucau, had to remove Gallner from the floor. She is expected to return Wednesday, though sources said she will not be allowed to work on Fridays when the potato is expected to return.

As of press time, no charges have been filed against Silverton and most legal experts don't think she will be charged with a crime since she is technically not cooking the potato herself. . However, Pizzeria Mozza chefs Tiffany Fox, Maika Rothfuss, Nikko Marquez,  Jeremy Barnett and Scott Brandaw could face legal actions if the flavor of the calamari stuffed potato with Green Goddess dressing is not limited to 15,000 FWPM..

UPDATE - After this story broke, the Israeli government lodged a formal complaint with the United States Ambassador to Israel claiming that Silverton and Mozza staff members Dahlia Narvaez and Elizabeth "Go Go" Hong stole this recipe from the Tel Aviv restaurant North Abraxas.

The government believes this dish is legally too delicious

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Gang Shooting Leaves One Dead At Crenshaw and Vernon

Minutes before midnight Friday, a car with six black male suspects pulled up to another vehicle at Crenshaw Boulevard and Vernon Avenue. Two shooters exited and fired multiple rounds at a man sitting in what is thought to be his own car.   

The victim, only identified as a male black, was struck several times and pronounced dead at the scene. Before the shots, one of the suspects yelled out the name of a street gang.

Anyone with information on the killing can anonymously call the LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5100

Killings Continue in South L.A., 21-year-old gunned down Monday night on 54th Street

A 21-year-old man was gunned down Monday evening, the fourth black youth in three days to be  shot and killed on the streets of South Los Angeles.

The victim, whose name is not known as of now, was standing 54th Street and 9th Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood  when two black male suspects exited their vehicle, One suspect grabbed the victim, and then the other shot him once in the head.  The two then fled in an unknown location.

The victim was transported to California Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 

Hyde Park is known as the stronghold of the Rollin' 60s, but it was not immediately known if they were involved in this homicide. But, the location of the shooting, on the northeast sector of Hyde Park, is near a Van Ness Gangster stronghold.

This case is not related to the previous three killings over the weekend which occurred on the eastside of the southside.  On Saturday night, 20-year-old Shujaa Silver aka Badass from Swans and 16-year-old Cy' Jai Bell were shot and killed at 81st and Avalon. 

The next day, in what is thought to be a payback, a 17-year-old male was shot to death at 83rd and Main Street, turf of Main Street Crips.

 Anyone with information can anonymously call LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (213) 786-5100

Homicide Monday Morning on 83rd and Main Street, Possible Payback From Earlier Swans Killing

A 17-year-old black male was shot to death Monday morning on East 83rd Street and Main Street in what street sources are saying is likely a  "payback' for the killing of a Swan and a teenage girl Saturday night.

The youth was shot three times in his chest and was pronounced dead at the scene in a Main Street Crips neighborhood. 

Saturday night, shortly after 8 p.m., four people were shot by a man who exited a SUV and opened fired with an assault weapon near a liquor store at 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard, two of them fatally. The dead were Shujaa Silver II, 20, said to be known as  "Bad Ass" from Swans, a notorious Bloods gang, and 16-year-old Cy' Jai Bell. Two others were wounded and sustained non-life threatening injuries.

No further information is currently available on today's victim.

Anyone with information on the killings can anonymously call LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5100.

Swans Graffiti by "Bad Ass", whose tag is on far right.

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Four People Shot, Two Fatally, Saturday Night at 81st and Avalon

A young man and a teenage girl were shot to death and two others wounded by a man who exited a SUV and opened fire with an assault weapon in a gang-related shooting Saturday night a 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard. 

Shortly after 8 p.m., the shots rang out on the corner near liquor store. Shujaa Silver II, aka "Badass", a male black, age 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. Cy' Jai Bell, 16-years-old, was shot in the chest and  transported to California hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Two other black males, both in their 20s, sustained graze wounds to their backs and were transported to Californian and St Francis hospitals in fair but stable condition..

Police said victims and witnesses were being uncooperative and refused to provide any information. Street and police sources suspect a homicide Monday morning on 83rd and Main Street was payback for these killings. 

See for a little more info.    http://www.krikorianwrites.com/blog/2016/1/25/homicide-monday-morning-on-83rd-and-main-street-possible-payback-from-earlier-swans-killing

Four People Shot, Two Fatally, Saturday Night at 81st and Avalon

Two people were shot to death and two others wounded in a gang-related shooting Saturday night a 81st Street and Avalon Boulevard. 

Shortly after 8 p.m., the shots rang out on the corner near a liquor store. A male black in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. A female black in her 20s was shot in the chest and  transported to California hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Two other black males, both in their 20s, sustained graze wounds to their backs and were transported to Californian and St Francis hospitals in fair but stable condition..

Police said victims and witnesses were being uncooperative and refused to provide any information. 

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LocoL Watts, A Soft Opening in a Hard Neighborhood Goes Beautifully

Location, location, location..  

That is said to be a major key to success when opening a restaurant. 

So where does Roy Choi open his newest venture, LocoL?  On 103rd, a street that during the 1965 Watts Riots became nationally known as "Charcoal Alley" and not for the coals used to grill steaks, but for the burning cinders of the torched buildings by African Americans pushed to the brink by mistreatment from law enforcement. To top that off, to defy the location, location, location pundits, it's a half block from Grape Street, which the mere - and threatening - mention of so often has preceded mayhem.  

But, on a dreary Monday afternoon, that location, 103rd and Grape, across the street from the Jordan Downs housing projects,  mighta been the most joyous, grateful and satisfied corner in this whole city.

"This is so good for the community," said Bow Wow,  a fixture in Jordan Downs, who is employed by LocoL as an "Ambassador".  The ambassador duties?  Well, let's just say Bow Wow, like any ambassador, represents the territory to other territories in a positive manner.

Some were in line to eat, Others were just hanging out, happy to be part of a celebration in a community that has seen so much sadness come its way. One of them was Daude Sherrills, who along with his brother Aqeela  - a prominent gang interventionist and owner/partner in this restaurant  - was one of the architects of the historic 1992 Watts Gang Peace Treaty. 

"This is what a community development business is all about," said Daude as he held court with old and new friends near LocoL's patio. "Plant the roots of the business deep in the community.  It won't tip over that way. There are 36 jobs here, and 99% of the workers are from Watts.  This is great."  

On Saturday, at LocoL's back patio, Nardo, another Jordan Downs stalwart who is employed here, was telling customers "It's a soft opening", He turned to a reporter he's known for decades who had chided him for that lingo.  "Hey, I'm learning the restaurant language."  

LocoL, which bills itself as a "revolutionary fast food restaurant", is the brainchild of Roy Choi and famed San Francisco chef Daniel Patterson. The next restaurant is set to open in SF's gritty Tenderloin district..   There's even one planned near the notorious Nickerson Gardens, a mile away from 103rd Street. . 

This is from Choi and Patterson  

"We are a company where the chefs think about what to feed you. Where the chefs think about how to take care of you. We fundamentally believe that wholesomeness, deliciousness and affordability don't have to be mutually exclusive concepts in fast food. We believe that fast food restaurants can truly empower the communities they currently underserve. We believe that the giant corporations that feed most of America have degraded our communities by maximizing profits over decades. We believe that chefs should feed America, and not suits."

Monday, one of Local's managers, well known as "Ready", was moving through the crowded restaurant with the ease of a maitre d' at Spago, greeting old friends, chatting up new ones.  "It's great to see you,"  "Welcome to LocoL." "Enjoy your meal." 

The line of customers went down Anzac Avenue for nearly a whole city block.They were not disappointed. 

"I'm not going to Burger King or McDonalds or Carl's Jr, anymore," said Dion Mangram, a life-long resident of Jordan Downs.  "This is my new restaurant, It's healthy and delicious and reasonable."  

Indeed, a fried chicken sandwich was four bucks and I'm craving it as I write this.   I might go back tonight.  Now, when I got to Watts  and I go often - LocoL will be my spot.

A local chef, Nancy Silverton, was at LocoL Monday afternoon and she raved about the hamburger and the chicken sandwich, but also about the concept. "This is delicious. I applaud Roy This is really something very special for our city."    

Inside, Roy Choi beamed when he saw a reporter who has covered Watts for 25 years.  They did a hard double-clutch handshake and - to the naysayers who doubted he could ever open on 103rd Street - he triumphantly roared  "Fuck 'em! Fuck 'em." 

It was the most beautiful restaurant opening I have ever attended.  And as tasty and healthy as the food is, LocoL is about location, location, location.

Man, 46, Shot To Death Monday Night at 53rd Street and Compton Avenue

A 46-year-old man was shot and killed late Monday night as he was in the park at 53rd Street and Compton Avenue .  The victim, William Tyrone Moss, was shot in the back at least once at the Slauson Multipurpose Center at 11:08 p.m., and transported to USC Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. 

Anyone with information on the killing can call the LAP Newton Division at (323) 846-6547