The year was 1985 in December and born at Gardena Memorial Hospital more formerly (known today as…read moreMemorial Hospital of Gardena) to Kim and Quintin E. Sr... Was a 5.9oz bundle of warmth and joy... It's a boy!
I spent a lot of time in Gardena as well as adjacent from birth until the late 90s, enjoying birthdays, parks, summer camps, playing youth sports at the Carson-Gardena YMCA (which I remember just after the big 94 LA quake got a major upgrade). I can also recall so many trips to SouthBay Pavilion Mall (technically in Carson) from then to more recent years spending time with my mom and old friends anywhere from bordering Torrance to the Veggie Grill in El Segundo.
Cruising down Rosecrans Avenue and the infamous Nissin building will forever be nostalgic bliss.... Glimpses of parent pick up occasions from grade school (near LAX) or extended family special occasions and sleepovers... early cellphones, tamagotchi, collecting pogs and my aunt's pagers.
Old date nights out in the 2010s, specifically for quality Ramen (the ex was obsessed lol...) We do a coast down the 405 then hope off for the scenic route through Strawberry Park to Zabon Ramen, in Torrance (only five miles apart)... all the way from the San Fernando Valley
Not many schools in the city of, but lots more neighboring. Gardena High and Peary Middle (School) were places my cousins attended.
The cost of living is manageable in places... A bit more in the more built up and/or renovated.
Industrial area is a staple of time meets Local Flavor... And like most little big cities throughout greater Los Angeles... Gardena has its own post office, police station, libraries, car dealer (Honda and Nissan are king in this are), bakeries, a casino, shops, sips and your necessary essentials.
Very diverse like a lot of parts of LA though a second Sawtelle meets K-town in many ways in culture, cuisine, care and population.
Q Tip:
The 110, 105, 405, and/or down Western are good ways in as well as out. Public Transit via city busses, but also stops for the Metro J Line (Silver), connection to the Green/C.
Visit Gardena!