Inglewood: The Hidden Gem of Southern California

• HelloWhat's up
  [wats up]
• GoodbyeLater
  [lay-ter]
• YesYeah
  [yah]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryMy bad
  [my bad]
• How are you?Sup?
  [suhp]
• Fine. And you?Chillin'. You?
  [chil-lin. yoo]
• Do you speak English?You speak English?
  [yoo speak ing-lish]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [i dont get it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [kan ai see the men-yoo]
• I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian
  [im ve-ji-tear-ee-an]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay?
  [kan ai pay]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Get a doctor!
  [get a doctor]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [im lost]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [im sik]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [ai wa-na buy]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [just bro-zing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [how much]
• That's too expensiveToo pricey
  [too pri-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can you do a deal?
  [kan yoo do a deal]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Ten thirty
  [ten thur-tee]
• MorningMorning
  [morning]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
• EveningEvening
  [eve-ning]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
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  [three]
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  [four]
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  [five]
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  [six]
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  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the addy?
  [whats the addy]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Show me (on the map)?
  [show me on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a tik-et to]

Long before European settlers arrived, the region now known as Inglewood was inhabited by the Tongva people. They referred to the area as Centinela Springs, owing to the natural springs that were abundant in the area. The Tongva were known for their sophisticated societal structures and their ability to adapt to the diverse Californian landscape.

In the late 18th century, Spanish explorers arrived and established missions across California. The land that would become Inglewood was part of a Spanish land grant known as Rancho Aguaje de la Centinela. This rancho was used primarily for cattle grazing and agriculture, altering the landscape significantly from its natural state.

Following the Mexican-American War, California became part of the United States, leading to a wave of American settlers. In 1888, the city of Inglewood was officially founded. The arrival of the railroad spurred growth and development, transforming Inglewood from a rural area into a bustling town.

During World War II, Inglewood became a hub for the aviation industry. Companies such as Northrop Aircraft and Hughes Aircraft established large manufacturing plants in the area. This industrial boom brought an influx of workers and contributed to the city's rapid growth and development during the mid-20th century.

Inglewood played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. The city witnessed various protests and rallies advocating for equal rights and an end to racial segregation. The changing demographics during this period also led to greater cultural diversity within the community.

Opened in 1967, The Forum quickly became one of Inglewood's most iconic landmarks. It served as the home for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings, and hosted numerous concerts and events. The Forum remains a vital cultural venue, hosting performances by world-renowned artists.

In 2020, the SoFi Stadium opened its doors, marking a new era for Inglewood. This state-of-the-art stadium is home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, and has become a premier venue for major sporting events and concerts. The development of SoFi Stadium has spurred economic growth and revitalized the surrounding areas.

Inglewood is located in the southwestern part of Los Angeles County, California. The nearest major airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), just 4 miles away. From LAX, you can take a taxi, ride-share service, or public transportation such as the FlyAway Bus to reach Inglewood. If you are driving, you can access Inglewood via Interstate 405 (I-405) or Interstate 105 (I-105).

Inglewood is well-connected with a variety of transportation options. Local bus services provided by Metro and other regional transit agencies cover the area extensively. The Metro C Line (Green) also has stations near Inglewood, providing easy access to other parts of Los Angeles. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are widely available. Renting a car is another convenient option for exploring Inglewood and its surroundings.

The official currency in Inglewood, as in the rest of the United States, is the US Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, hotels, and shops. ATMs are plentiful in Inglewood, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed. It is always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller vendors and tips.

While Inglewood is generally safe for tourists, it is important to remain vigilant and take standard precautions. Certain areas such as parts of East Inglewood have higher crime rates, so it's advisable to avoid these neighborhoods, especially after dark. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The nearest hospital with emergency services is Centinela Hospital Medical Center, located in Inglewood. For non-urgent medical needs, there are numerous pharmacies and clinics around the city. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably. Avoid overly revealing clothing, particularly if visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect all places of worship. Take off your hat and speak softly inside religious buildings. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a 'hello'. Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do tip your server around 15-20% in restaurants. Don't leave a mess at your table.

To experience Inglewood like a local, consider visiting the Inglewood Farmers Market held every Thursday, where you can enjoy fresh produce and local crafts. Take a stroll in Edward Vincent Jr. Park for a relaxing afternoon. If you are a sports fan, don't miss a visit to SoFi Stadium, home to the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers. For music lovers, the Forum is a historic venue that hosts various concerts and events.