Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
In South LA, Reflections On The Quiet Amidst The Unrest
Steward Carter Jr. stands at the intersection of Florence and Normandie. (Robert Garrova/LAist)
()
Santa Monica, the Fairfax District, Downtown L.A. The protests over the past several days have been spread across L.A. County and beyond. But unlike during the unrest in 1992, neighborhoods in South L.A. have so far remained quiet.
Community leaders in Watts on Monday said they welcome any peaceful protests that might come to their area, but they won't tolerate any violence or vandalism.
Steward Carter Jr. was on his way to the dry cleaners with his Sunday best slung across his shoulder. He had just crossed the intersection of Florence and Normandie, the epicenter of the protests and violence that came to be called the Rodney King riots.
Support for LAist comes from
Carter is pleased that South L.A. has been calm during the protests.
"Well good, amen," he said. "It's a blessing."
Carter remembers watching the uprising on TV from where he was living then, in Chino. He doesn't see much change between this George Floyd moment and the one he watched on television 28 years ago.
"I don't see nothing different," Carter said. "Trouble's all around you, you know, if you're at the wrong place at the wrong time."
Derald Gaines (R), owner of DAG Riders bicycle shop in South L.A. with his son Dereius A. Gaines. (Robert Garrova/LAist)
()
About a half mile away at DAG Riders bicycle shop, owner Derald Gaines was helping customers peruse a selection of bikes, lined up on the sidewalk and glinting in the sun. Gaines said he thinks the protests-- as well as the police violence and looting -- have skipped this area because he and others are working hard to take care of the people here.
"We pray for the people, we feed the people, we take them, buy them lunch, we encourage the kids to do good in school," Gaines said. "And I think that has an influence on the neighborhood to protect what we have here."
Support for LAist comes from
Gaines son, Dereius A. Gaines, said he hasn't joined any of the protests, but he has friends who have.
"We have to protest places where other people outside of our community can hear us and understand what's been going on," he said, "because a lot of people aren't in the loop and they just think that it's another day."
"But it's not another day: We've been dealing with these racial issues for hundreds of years."
As for the state of America right now -- the unrest, the coronavirus -- everything? Dereius said he's 50% hopeful. He doesn't believe police cars should have to be destroyed for people to have their voices heard:
"If you keep being unjust to those who need help when they're crying out and they're trying to be heard, then obviously they're going to take different measures to be heard."
WE LOVE TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist