Arts Mecca: Riots and Youth Opportunity

In response to your article on the Venice arts mecca, please read this excerpt from a letter that appeared in the Los Angeles Times back in December, 1992. It’s from Ruby Ross, a single mother in South-Central, as she tries to explain the riots and unrest in her neighborhood: “Forty years ago we knew our neighbors and had theaters and community activities, and now there is nothing for young people to do.

“The young people in this community are treated like they’re not worth anything. . . . It’s bad to tell somebody that they have no worth, then wonder why they’re not good. What’s out there for them to be good about?”

Is Venice any different? After 25 years in this community, I’d like to think so. After all, it’s the kind of diverse and progressive neighborhood where an arts center would make sense.

RICK STOFF

Marina del Rey