ON THE SPOT
...with Mercado La Paloma

Normally, we highlight only one business or organization. This time we dedicate this On The Spot to a community development project of the Esperanza Community Housing in Los Angeles, California. Through them, many low income entrepreneurs had their dreams realized. In this beautiful building, there are eateries, bookstores, gift shops, bakery, and much more.

Mercado brings together new economic health to the local communities. To quote them, "the ground floor public marketplace provides a safe, family-oriented, community gathering place and offers a supportive venue for emerging entrepreneurs, health educators, and artists to sell or share their homemade/handmade goods and services. The second floor houses local non-profit organizations dedicated to ensuring access to health and social services for low-income families.

Among the many vendors at Mercado La Palomo are: Aztec Pride Bookstore, Carmona's Locksmith, Chichen-Itza, Community-Based English Tutoring Program, EsperanSalud, Hecho del Alma, Kati Thai, La Joya Bakery, Moda en Piel 2000, Montilpa Int'l - Sy Repair, Pasadena Petal Pushers, Sonora Querida, Supana Orchids, Taquería Vista Hermosa, Tonantzín Fresh Fruits and Juices, and IMIX Bookstore.

What is also unique about Mercado La Paloma is that it is community oriented on many levels. They support local artists. They offer workshops as well as multicultural family festivals for community residents. They have special events and they are forever exploring ways to help empower the local communities and their members.

On the second floor, grass-roots and other non-profit organizations offer many services to the communities in Los Angeles: ACORN, the Children's Collective, Inc., Children's Defense Fund, Coalition for Community Health, Health Access, Los Angeles Conservation Corps, and Program for Torture Victims. Additional services include a computer lab used for tutoring and training for children; a Farmer's Market, and the Exhibition Kitchen to provide nutritional guidance, cooking demonstrations and catering services, and conference rooms.

Mercado La Paloma is something to experience. Make a trip and visit them at 3655 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA . You will be glad you did. For more information, click onto their site: www.MercadoLaPaloma.com or call them at (213) 748-1963.

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On the Spot...
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