Los Angeles Marks 20th Anniversary of Watts as Crack Devastates Neighborhood

On the 20th anniversary of the Watts Rebellion, media coverage documents that Watts remains one of the poorest neighborhoods in California. The arrival of crack cocaine in 1984–1985 accelerates gang violence and addiction. By 1988, Watts and Compton see over 300 gang-related homicides annually. Federal disinvestment under Reagan has eliminated most job training and community development programs.