Compton on the Mind

Compton Mayor Walter R. Tucker III wants to declare as a city landmark an apartment that George Bush called home for a mere six months in 1949. That’s a nice thought perhaps, but an unnecessary gesture.

Tucker’s proposal brings to mind the contrast between the Compton of mid-century and the Compton of today.

Back then the area attracted an ambitious oilman with a young family. Today, the Santa Fe Gardens apartment complex that was home to a man who would be President is quite troubled. The distressing deterioration is all too symbolic of what ails American cities.

Crime, gangs, unemployment and poverty take a huge and unrelenting toll. Crack claims much of the turf. Compton’s reputation has been further tarnished by the rap group N.W.A., which glorified violence and misogyny in its controversial “Straight Outta Compton” album.

Urban ills detract from the achievement of Compton’s solidly middle-class neighborhoods, which are home to 4,000 families who earn, according to census figures, more than $50,000 a year. Compton can also boast of nearly 400 households with incomes above $100,000.

More than 90,000 people live in Compton. Most obey the law. Most live comfortable lives. Most want exactly what a young couple named George and Barbara enjoyed more than 40 years ago--clean, affordable and safe housing.

Paying tribute to President Bush wouldn’t change much in what is now a run-down section of Compton. The challenge is how to restore Compton and other cities.