Introduction

USC School of Social Work first year graduate students from Judge Ralph Fertig's class went on "community immersion" to Venice Beach, an infamous neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, CA. Our intent is to share with the blogosphere our experience of this city, its inhabitants, and the social services. The second most favored travel destination in LA has its muscle beach and poverty, expensive homes and mobile home-lessness, art festivals and graffiti. The first rate social services in Venice are staffed by extraordinary people who love their eclectic community and the people to whom they serve.

submitted by: Stan Wipfli