Watts politics

Aug. 13, 1965: Los Angeles police officers stand guard at Avalon Boulevard and Imperial Highway, near Watts.

(Ray Graham / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 5, 2015 4:54 PM PT

The Watts riots shifted California to the right, but in the ensuing 50 years, changing demographics have pushed the state to the left.

Gov. Pat Brown, left, on “Meet the Press” with challenger Ronald Reagan in 1966.

(Bruce Cox / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 14, 1965: A California National Guardsman patrols 103rd Street near Compton Avenue in Watts.

(Ray Graham / Los Angeles Times)

Sept. 13, 1965: LAPD Chief William Parker, left, faces then-Councilman Tom Bradley as he testifies about the Watts riots.

(John Malmin / Los Angeles Times)

National Guard troops, police and CHP officers at Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard in San Francisco.

(Robert W. Klein / Associated Press )

Aug. 19, 1965: Gov. Pat Brown talks with people in the riot area on 103rd Street across from Will Rogers Memorial Park.

(Larry Sharkey / Los Angeles Times)