This is an ongoing series about the local community surrounding the campus of the University of Southern California. 

Everyone at USC knows Bacaro and Nature's Brew, but how much do we know about local neighborhood favorites in South Central?

Jamie, a tattoo artist at USC Tattoos, visits Celaya Bakery next door for his daily snack break.

Locals venture into Tortilleria Colima daily for their groceries and the locally famous tamales.

Armida Cordova has owned Tortilleria Colima on West 24th Street for 33 years. "During the '90s, there was a lot of violence in this neighborhood, but it is good now," she said.

For 33 years, Tortilleria Colima has been a go-to spot for fresh fruit and baking necessities for local families and restaurants.

Jose Maldonado, a junior at Foshay High School, works part time at Warning Skate Shop, which has been on Vermont Avenue for more than 10 years. Every year, before the fall semester starts, USC students flood the store, said the owner.

Throughout the year, however, the shop is frequented mostly by non-USC locals. They say businesses around campus are constantly changing, and all the employees are hoping for new food options.

During his lunch break, Angel Guzman sits eating his favorite dish, Mojarra Frita, at La Valentina, a Mexican restaurant on Vermont Avenue. 

Oscar Custodio, a frequent visitor of La Valentina, waves hello to just about every face that walks through the doors. He comes here for lunch every day during the week, including on Sunday mornings with his family. Custodio serves as a mentor to several teenagers  around the neighborhood, including Oswaldo Aju (left).

Ana Mojica, an employee at La Valentina, estimates that about more than 50 percent of customers are USC students, who receive student discounts. Above, students Yidegar Santiago Zuniga, Zane Grace, and Andrew Setiawan come every Monday for a group meeting.

For more photos in this ongoing series, check back soon. 

Reach Staff Photographer Kristen Jan Wong here.