Dangerous Crosswalk Sums Up Residents' Frustration As Watts Riots Anniversary Nears

WATTS (CBSLA.com) — Nearly half a century after racially-charged riots devastated the city of Watts, some residents are still asking if help is on the way.

Union activists and local residents held a rally Thursday to mark the approach of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Watts uprising and call attention to what they say is a "city disinvestment in local services", including an intersection where residents have
called for a pedestrian crossing or traffic signal for more than 15 years.

At the intersection along neighborhood thoroughfare E. 92nd Street, residents say children, families and seniors regularly use a painted crosswalk to dart across traffic to bus stops on either side of the street.

Other than the installation of a bike lane, union officials say for over 15 years, the city has refused to spend its own money to modify the intersection, which has resulted in some serious accidents and close calls.

Local activist Susie Meekins said the corner of E. 92nd Street and Bandera Avenue - which sits directly in front of a senior apartment building and near a school - is one of several sites around Watts that serve as reminders of as-of-yet unmet promises from officials.

"A lot of people have worked hard to bring more investment to Watts," said Meekins, a resident of the senior building. "But only in Watts would we have to wait over fifteen years for the city to put in a pedestrian signal at an intersection where there have been accidents and close calls.

"It's time for our officials to treat our community the same way that wealthy LA neighborhoods get treated."