UNDERSTANDING THE RIOTS PART 1 : THE PATH TO FURY : How Los Angeles Reached the Crisis Point Again
Los Angeles is in flames.
The date could be August, 1965, when Watts first erupted. But this is April, 1992, the verdict is in, and the eyes of the world are watching.
The embers have long smoldered--urban deprivation, schools and families under pressure, racial discord, the loss of trust in leaders and institutions. And nothing but the fury of the outbursts themselves comes as much of a surprise.
How did Los Angeles reach the point of crisis--again? This special section tells the city’s story through the eyes of Southland residents--black and white, Asian and Latino, looter and cop.
Their stories are our own.
About This Section
The rioting that followed the Rodney G. King verdicts has set off an intense debate about the problems of urban America. To explain the causes and effects of the dramatic upheaval in Los Angeles, The Times is publishing this five-section series. Today’s section explores the deep roots of the disturbances.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
