Beating Site Is a Terrible Landmark

In response to “King Arrest Site Becomes Odd Landmark” (Times Valley Edition Feb. 21), I am appalled and highly offended by Lake View Terrace resident Barbara Strands’ comment that “So as far as I’m concerned, anything that puts us on the map like this is good.”

I too am a Lake View Terrace resident. A black Lake View Terrace resident. I have lived within a five-mile radius of the King beating site since I was 3 years old. It is sickening that the brutal beating of a black man, and an unjust verdict of the crime, which caused uncontrollable anger and outrage by many Los Angeles minorities, can be viewed as a “good” reflection of a small town getting notoriety,

Because that’s all it is. Lake View Terrace is not famous. The fact that as a result of the beating people know the name of our area, and the community is often named in many national newspapers, does not make us famous. It makes us known.

What a terrible way to get our name on the map.

Everyone who lives in this community, black, white or whatever, knows that there is more racism from Pacoima to Sunland-Tujunga, than probably any other place in metropolitan Los Angeles. The Corral Bar is not exactly the place you would find a black couple hanging around shooting pool.

It is obvious that neither Lake View Terrace nor any other part of Los Angeles will see a change in race relations until people like Strand change their attitudes. Don’t expect black Lake View Terrace residents to see the Rodney King beating as a “good” way to put our area on the map. We have watched our fathers, brothers and sons beaten throughout this community for many years.

One more brutal beating does not make us famous. It makes us infamous.

DAWN SMITH

Los Angeles