Understanding the Riots Part 4 : Seeing Ourselves : ‘I Think It’s Just Time to Move’

Given your choices right now, would you move out of the city of Los Angeles or would you stay? (IF MOVE) Do you feel that way specifically because of the recent violence or did you feel that way previously? Don’t know: 1% Move because of violence: 16% Move-felt that way previously: 29% Stay: 54% “I have three children. I want them to grow up in a safer environment.

I don’t want my kids to grow up in Los Angeles. It’s a shame to say. But kids should be safe and have protection. Los Angeles is not the right place to raise a family.”

Jackie Harrison, a 22-year-old black mother of three who lives in South-Central

“Before it was all right living here. But now you can’t trust anybody. Downstairs there’s a liquor store. The neighbors were looting the place. I felt ashamed. Before it was bad, but not that bad. Now everybody here wants to purchase guns. More guns, more violence. It’s going to get worse.”

Carlos Membreno, 19, a Latino manager of a pizza store that burned down. leaving him unemployed. He lives in South-Central L.A.

“I’m about 20 blocks from where the riots first started up, at Florence and Normandie. I think the gangs have taken over the city. You’re basically shut in your house. The violence has gotten worse since the riots. I don’t believe its over. I’m very disillusioned with the police. They’re supposed to serve and protect us and they’re not doing it. I think it’s just time to move. I don’t plan to change my mind. It’s going to take me a couple of months to get myself where I can move. But I do plan to move.”

Gloria, 49, a disabled teacher who lives in South Los Angeles

“I live in Venice, where racially there seems to be some better understanding than in other parts of the city. I don’t feel the tension I sensed from watching television. There was a moment during the rioting where I wanted to pack up and leave. Then after things calmed down I contributed clothing and stuff. I saw so many other people doing the same thing I felt

I wasn’t alone in wanting a better city. That gave me a sense of reassurance that this is a city I can live in.”

Matt Peppler, 35, an Anglo producer who lives in Venice

“I was born and raised in New York City. I believe in cities. I don’t see the point of leaving one city for another. I love L.A. I love what it has to offer, the fact it’s truly a cultural center, with great museums. It’s on the cutting edge of the art world. It’s a great center for multiethnic groups. This is not the time to abandon what Los Angeles has to offer.”

Tom Vigueras, 39, a Latino management consultant and Venice resident

“I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, but when my parents moved here it was open and spacious. Now that’s not true. My husband and I would prefer to move to a place not so crowded. The riots reinforced our desire to move out.”

MonikaThompson, 35, an Anglo CPA who lives in Granada Hills

“I was born and raised in L.A. L.A. has its ups and downs but it’s pretty much up--there’s no place like L.A. South-Central Los Angeles is going to be rebuilt. It’s not going to be like the riots of Watts where 20 years later places still aren’t rebuilt. I’m optimistic.”

Thomas Simien, 25, a black security guard who lives in South Los Angeles