Visiting friend's family in South L.A.?

Question

I'm currently living in Northern Virginia and me and my friend are going to our home state of California. I've been to L.A. plenty of times but I haven't been to South Los Angeles in the Watts area (where his family lives). I'm not familiar with Watts but I've heard some good and bad things about Watts from different sources. I'd like to have answer's from people who have been there or helpful answers in general.

Answer 1

Don't forget to pack your Kevlar vest.

Answer 2

I went to school at USC which is very close to Watts. I worked briefly in the area just before and after the riots. there are lots of problems there with violence. But also there area some families are very active in building community and cleaning it up. Care must be taken when visiting the area to protect yourself particularly at night. I most my work is conducted in the early AM.

Answer 3

Not a very good part of Los Angeles, sorry to say. There is a lot of crime, like drive-by shootings, etc. As the above person said, people get shot for wearing certain colors (colors like red, blue are symbols of gangs, particularly the local gangs, "the Bloods", and the "Crips".)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bloods
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crips

Answer 4

I used to live in So. Calif. I haven't been to the area you're talking about, because I wouldn't even drive through it, much less stay there. It's one of the most crime-ridden areas of the entire state. Lots of gangs and drive-by shootings!!!

Answer 5

other posters are right, not the best area.

but be sure to see the Watts Towers while you're there. the city's one bright example.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts,_Los_Angeles,_California

Answer 6

try not to wear gang colors (usually red color or purple)
otherwise you might be visitng the morge