As L.A. Keeps Gentrifying, the Three Vaqueros Behind ‘Connecting Compton’ Want Their ‘Hood to Stay Riding Horses and Growing Their Own Food (Photo Essay)
Daniel Zepeda, Hector Gomez, and Rogelio Diaz started Connecting Compton in 2019. Their mission is to provide the community of Compton with a safe space where individuals of all ages and cultures can ride with a sense of unity, belonging, and pride. They plan on restoring the agricultural and ranchero lifestyle that has slowly been forgotten in Compton—by fundraising and building Compton’s first multicultural Equestrian Center.
Richland Farms, a tight-knit neighborhood that has existed in Compton since before the land was known as Compton, was once a flourishing Farmland and known for producing grain, pumpkins, beets, and cauliflower. It was established in the late 1800s and was still an agricultural hub in the 1900s. Now, the ten-block-long community is the anchor of Compton’s equestrian lifestyle.
Connecting Compton hosts “Thursday Community Rides” with neighboring riders and “Annual Unity” rides. The latter ride can sometimes feature up to 100 riders from Compton and riders who travel to ride from other equestrian-friendly cities in Southern California.
They have big dreams for their Equestrian Center to help connect the area’s youth to their historic neighborhood’s agricultural roots by offering lessons on growing food and taking care of livestock. They hope that those who choose to learn this craft can become tradespeople in 2022 to produce a source of income that provides a vital local service to the community.
A month ago, Diaz started a petition on Change.org where supporters can donate and raise awareness for their neighborhood project. It is currently at 375 signatures.
All photos by Gilberto Godoy Jr. for L.A. TACO.
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
Juárez-Style Burritos Have Arrived in Southern California, And They are Already Selling Out In Less than An Hour
The month-old strip mall taquería in Anaheim make all their flour tortillas from scratch using both lard and butter, resulting in an extremely tender vehicle for their juicy guisados like carne en su jugo, carne deshebrada, chile colorado, chile relleno, and chicharrón. Every tortilla is cooked to order, too.
Urgent: L.A. TACO Falling Short of Fundraising Goals and Needs Your Support
Emergency. This is not a test. This is not a ruse. This is not a marketing scheme. We need your support if we're going to make it and every single membership counts.
What To Eat In L.A. This Weekend: Mexican-Style Pastrami, ‘Trashburgers,’ and Flamin’ Jim Morrisons
Plus, a new shawarma spot in Tarzana and the country's first wine festival dedicated solely to orange "skin contact" wine happening in Hollywood.
The 11 Best Backyard Restaurants in Los Angeles
Despite many requests to publish this guide, L.A. TACO has been somewhat protective of these gems to not "burn out the spots." However, we wanted to share it with our small, loyal pool of paid members, as we appreciate your support (and know you to be okay, non-NARCs). Please enjoy responsibly and keep these 'hood secrets...secrets.
Here’s What an L.A. TACO Membership Gets You and Why You Should Support Local Journalism
With more than 30 members-only perks at the best L.A. restaurants, breweries, and dispensaries waiting to be unlocked, the L.A. TACO membership pays for itself!
