Change of Scene

Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley has recommended ending Street Scene because of the brawling and random violence that marred the ninth annual downtown festival. We hope the weekend celebration can be salvaged by limiting it to daylight hours and family-oriented entertainment.

One young man died, not of a drug-induced heart attack as first reported but of a gunshot wound, and 39 others, including several police officers, were injured.

Because of the violence of last weekend, Los Angeles Police Chief Daryl F. Gates and festival organizers agree that changes are in order if the event is to continue.

Street Scene should end at dark before the atmosphere changes from positive and relaxed to tough and street-wise. The worst problems have taken place after nightfall.

Entertainment should be more family-oriented; this does not have to be and should not be a hard-rock concert. Pop, jazz, classical, country, international and old-time rock ‘n’ roll music should dominate along with dance acts and children’s fare. The organizers should avoid the punk, heavy metal and rap music that turned the hell-raisers loose among well-behaved listeners.

The event should be scaled down to attract a smaller, more manageable crowd. The performing areas, food booths and arts and crafts tables have been spread over 16 square blocks.

Alcohol sales should be limited as they are limited at sporting events. A total ban, Chief Gates believes, would force festival-goers to bring in more bottles, which, unlike paper cups, can be used as dangerous missiles.

Beer companies have long supported Street Scene. The Jos. Schlitz Brewing Co. successfully sponsored festivals in other cities before bringing the idea to Mayor Bradley and to Los Angeles in 1978. The Adolph Coors Co. has been a major underwriter for two years. The corporate support means that Street Scene, which costs $750,000 to stage, is free to the public. The city contributes only the costs of police and fire protection and of closing off streets.

Street Scene has drawn as many as 1 million people downtown to a weekend cornucopia of lively music, great food and urban merriment. The jubilant festival has induced many people, including some isolated by geography, preference or routine, to enjoy the cultural and culinary diversity that contributes to the greatness of this city.

Bradley is justifiably concerned. Although he wants the City Council to cancel Street Scene next year, he has not ruled out future events. Chief Gates is willing, with certain guarantees, to give the event one more chance next year. So are we.

The violence of a few--the shootings, stabbings, injuries and arrests--are not typical of previous years. The loss of the Los Angeles Street Scene Festival would be too bad.