They’re Shooting Up Los Angeles

When Karen Toshima was killed near UCLA in senseless cross-fire between warring gangs, her death set off a bitter debate about why her murder received more attention than the daily deaths of South Side victims.

The tremendous political and media attention given two years ago to the murder of the 27-year-old graphics artist initially infuriated the family and friends of victims whose murders had received little public notice. Now everyone knows what black and Latino parents had been saying for years: The gunfire knows no boundaries. Today Toshima’s death offers an opportunity for all segments of the city to take a stand.

Mayor Tom Bradley and Dist. Atty. Ira Reiner are expected to attend a rally called “Turn the Tide” at Exposition Park near USC. Organized by Toshima’s former employer, it is expected to unite many who know the pain of burying a loved one--usually a child or young person--cut down by gang violence.

The families of the United Neighborhoods Organization--including those who have buried sons and brothers in East Los Angeles--will be there. The families of the Southern California Organizing Committee--including those who have done their mourning in South-Central Los Angeles--also will attend. They can count on allies from the East Valleys Organization based in the San Gabriel and Pomona valleys, where the violence is getting worse. They can expect members of the Valley Organized in Community Efforts based in the San Fernando Valley.

Marching and protesting won’t stop the bullets overnight. But when black Americans felt powerless against laws that denied them jobs, housing, a decent education and the right to vote, they marched. With help, they turned the tide.

Today, diverse communities can unite. They can send a message to the politicians who make the laws, decide the budgets--and court the voters. Everyone who cares about the future of the Los Angeles area must encourage every positive and peaceful opportunity to help turn the tide.