WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.215 align:middle line:90% 00:00:02.215 --> 00:00:04.910 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 1: "Visiting with Huell Howser" 00:00:04.910 --> 00:00:06.890 align:middle line:84% is made possible through a generous grant 00:00:06.890 --> 00:00:11.274 align:middle line:84% from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. 00:00:11.274 --> 00:00:14.910 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now Dick, what is happening here this morning? 00:00:14.910 --> 00:00:16.840 align:middle line:84% DICK: Well, this is kind of a urban adventure. 00:00:16.840 --> 00:00:21.062 align:middle line:84% We're going to take these people on the blue line down to Watts. 00:00:21.062 --> 00:00:22.270 align:middle line:90% We're going to get off there. 00:00:22.270 --> 00:00:23.920 align:middle line:84% And we're going to visit what I think 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:27.880 align:middle line:84% is really one of LA's great cultural treasures, 00:00:27.880 --> 00:00:30.040 align:middle line:84% the famous Watts Towers of Simon Rodia. 00:00:30.040 --> 00:00:31.720 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now the urban adventure 00:00:31.720 --> 00:00:34.409 align:middle line:84% is starting on the corner of 7th and Flower. 00:00:34.409 --> 00:00:35.200 align:middle line:90% DICK: That's right. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:37.390 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And is everybody ready to go 00:00:37.390 --> 00:00:39.520 align:middle line:90% on this urban adventure? 00:00:39.520 --> 00:00:40.600 align:middle line:90% OK, we're all going. 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:45.270 align:middle line:84% We're heading down to get on the blue line right now. 00:00:45.270 --> 00:00:48.490 align:middle line:84% Now the first adventure is right here. 00:00:48.490 --> 00:00:51.040 align:middle line:84% DICK: Is to successfully negotiate the automated 00:00:51.040 --> 00:00:52.240 align:middle line:90% ticket dispensing machine. 00:00:52.240 --> 00:00:54.531 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Have you all ridden the blue line before? 00:00:54.531 --> 00:00:55.630 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 2: Never, ever. 00:00:55.630 --> 00:00:57.525 align:middle line:90% This is our first maiden voyage. 00:00:57.525 --> 00:00:58.900 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now the blue line's 00:00:58.900 --> 00:01:02.031 align:middle line:84% been operating for a year or two here in LA. 00:01:02.031 --> 00:01:03.030 align:middle line:90% Where have you all been? 00:01:03.030 --> 00:01:04.690 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 2: In the San Fernando Valley. 00:01:04.690 --> 00:01:06.620 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 3: Los Angeles. 00:01:06.620 --> 00:01:07.300 align:middle line:90% The other end. 00:01:07.300 --> 00:01:08.800 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: OK, here we go. 00:01:08.800 --> 00:01:10.810 align:middle line:90% Look at this. 00:01:10.810 --> 00:01:12.130 align:middle line:90% Have you figured it out yet? 00:01:12.130 --> 00:01:15.484 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 4: Yes, this is my second time. 00:01:15.484 --> 00:01:18.670 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, you got to put the bill in right side up. 00:01:18.670 --> 00:01:21.610 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 4: You got to make sure all the corners are unfolded. 00:01:21.610 --> 00:01:23.140 align:middle line:84% It really doesn't like dirty money. 00:01:23.140 --> 00:01:24.520 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Well, this is fun. 00:01:24.520 --> 00:01:26.770 align:middle line:84% But there's more to the trip than buying the ticket. 00:01:26.770 --> 00:01:28.396 align:middle line:84% We hadn't even gotten on the train yet. 00:01:28.396 --> 00:01:30.311 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 3: We haven't got through first person 00:01:30.311 --> 00:01:30.916 align:middle line:90% yet in line. 00:01:30.916 --> 00:01:33.832 align:middle line:90% 00:01:33.832 --> 00:01:35.620 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well this is fun, isn't it? 00:01:35.620 --> 00:01:37.180 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 5: Sure is, Huell. 00:01:37.180 --> 00:01:38.110 align:middle line:90% Enjoying it very much. 00:01:38.110 --> 00:01:40.193 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Have you ever been on the blue line? 00:01:40.193 --> 00:01:41.360 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 5: My first time. 00:01:41.360 --> 00:01:42.985 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So this is the first time 00:01:42.985 --> 00:01:45.080 align:middle line:84% for just about everybody to ride the blue line. 00:01:45.080 --> 00:01:47.080 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 5: I ride a lot of public transportation 00:01:47.080 --> 00:01:48.920 align:middle line:90% just for the experience. 00:01:48.920 --> 00:01:50.260 align:middle line:90% But this is a real treat. 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:53.389 align:middle line:90% 00:01:53.389 --> 00:01:54.820 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Here we go, Louie. 00:01:54.820 --> 00:01:55.590 align:middle line:90% Watch your step. 00:01:55.590 --> 00:01:59.730 align:middle line:90% 00:01:59.730 --> 00:02:02.520 align:middle line:90% Here's our group. 00:02:02.520 --> 00:02:05.746 align:middle line:90% I guess we're going to sit down. 00:02:05.746 --> 00:02:06.870 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: Hi, how are you? 00:02:06.870 --> 00:02:08.628 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Howdy. 00:02:08.628 --> 00:02:10.419 align:middle line:84% You were expecting this group, weren't you? 00:02:10.419 --> 00:02:11.090 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: Yes, I was. 00:02:11.090 --> 00:02:11.730 align:middle line:90% Yes, I was. 00:02:11.730 --> 00:02:12.670 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You knew we were coming. 00:02:12.670 --> 00:02:13.650 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: I sure did. 00:02:13.650 --> 00:02:15.875 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, we'll try not to be too rowdy. 00:02:15.875 --> 00:02:17.291 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 6: That's quite all right. 00:02:17.291 --> 00:02:18.210 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHTER] 00:02:18.210 --> 00:02:20.164 align:middle line:90% Hi, how are you? 00:02:20.164 --> 00:02:22.330 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now what do you think about this ride? 00:02:22.330 --> 00:02:24.496 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: I think it's going to be just delightful. 00:02:24.496 --> 00:02:26.005 align:middle line:84% And I'm glad we're getting to do it. 00:02:26.005 --> 00:02:28.470 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And have you ever been on the blue line before? 00:02:28.470 --> 00:02:29.085 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: No. 00:02:29.085 --> 00:02:31.380 align:middle line:84% I've been promising myself for ages. 00:02:31.380 --> 00:02:32.400 align:middle line:90% I live in San Pedro. 00:02:32.400 --> 00:02:35.570 align:middle line:84% I can go over to Long Beach and come downtown in an hour. 00:02:35.570 --> 00:02:39.210 align:middle line:84% But we are dependent on the car still. 00:02:39.210 --> 00:02:41.425 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What made you come today? 00:02:41.425 --> 00:02:44.490 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: Well, we like what the LA Conservancy does. 00:02:44.490 --> 00:02:46.230 align:middle line:90% And they get wonderful lectures. 00:02:46.230 --> 00:02:48.910 align:middle line:84% And it's a totally different experience. 00:02:48.910 --> 00:02:51.884 align:middle line:84% I've never even been to the Watts Towers in the 37 years 00:02:51.884 --> 00:02:52.550 align:middle line:90% I've lived here. 00:02:52.550 --> 00:02:55.290 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: No. 00:02:55.290 --> 00:02:57.130 align:middle line:90% Now are you part of this tour? 00:02:57.130 --> 00:02:58.117 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Yes, I am. 00:02:58.117 --> 00:02:59.700 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think about? 00:02:59.700 --> 00:03:01.200 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 8: Well, I'm very impressed. 00:03:01.200 --> 00:03:02.520 align:middle line:90% Because I come from Canada. 00:03:02.520 --> 00:03:08.825 align:middle line:84% And I had heard about LA and not such nice contexts. 00:03:08.825 --> 00:03:10.370 align:middle line:90% So I'm very impressed. 00:03:10.370 --> 00:03:11.120 align:middle line:90% This is very nice. 00:03:11.120 --> 00:03:13.536 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you'd been hearing some pretty bad things 00:03:13.536 --> 00:03:14.440 align:middle line:90% about us? 00:03:14.440 --> 00:03:15.720 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Well, yes. 00:03:15.720 --> 00:03:17.040 align:middle line:90% What we get in the papers. 00:03:17.040 --> 00:03:19.140 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, you know you can't believe 00:03:19.140 --> 00:03:20.876 align:middle line:90% what you read in the paper. 00:03:20.876 --> 00:03:23.890 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 8: No, but you have nobody to contradict them 00:03:23.890 --> 00:03:27.757 align:middle line:90% a few thousand miles away. 00:03:27.757 --> 00:03:30.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, we're going to show you a good time in LA. 00:03:30.340 --> 00:03:32.610 align:middle line:84% We're going to show you the real LA today. 00:03:32.610 --> 00:03:34.110 align:middle line:84% DICK: All right, here we are, folks. 00:03:34.110 --> 00:03:34.710 align:middle line:90% Let's get off. 00:03:34.710 --> 00:03:38.100 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Time to get off. 00:03:38.100 --> 00:03:38.760 align:middle line:90% Here we go. 00:03:38.760 --> 00:03:40.461 align:middle line:90% We're here. 00:03:40.461 --> 00:03:41.699 align:middle line:90% Come on, Louie. 00:03:41.699 --> 00:03:46.860 align:middle line:90% 00:03:46.860 --> 00:03:50.920 align:middle line:84% Well, we're going to take a walk, I think. 00:03:50.920 --> 00:03:55.620 align:middle line:90% 00:03:55.620 --> 00:03:59.210 align:middle line:84% DICK: We're going to walk over to the old Pacific Electric 00:03:59.210 --> 00:04:01.830 align:middle line:84% Watts Station, which is still here. 00:04:01.830 --> 00:04:04.010 align:middle line:84% So you'll see the connection between the new line 00:04:04.010 --> 00:04:05.500 align:middle line:90% and the old Pacific Electric. 00:04:05.500 --> 00:04:07.416 align:middle line:84% It's right up here at the end of the platform. 00:04:07.416 --> 00:04:09.448 align:middle line:90% 00:04:09.448 --> 00:04:11.660 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Welcome to the community of Watts. 00:04:11.660 --> 00:04:13.270 align:middle line:90% My name is Gwen Dixon. 00:04:13.270 --> 00:04:14.490 align:middle line:90% And I'll be your tour guide. 00:04:14.490 --> 00:04:19.220 align:middle line:84% I go to Markham Middle School, and I'm in the ninth grade. 00:04:19.220 --> 00:04:20.970 align:middle line:84% DAMION JOHNSON: My name is Damion Johnson, 00:04:20.970 --> 00:04:22.500 align:middle line:84% I attend Markham Middle School, and I'm also 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:23.480 align:middle line:90% in the ninth grade. 00:04:23.480 --> 00:04:26.190 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now Gwen, you met us at the train station. 00:04:26.190 --> 00:04:28.100 align:middle line:84% You're one of our tour guides today. 00:04:28.100 --> 00:04:30.005 align:middle line:84% How did you get involved in all of this? 00:04:30.005 --> 00:04:32.900 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Well, my vice-principal Miss Lee Bird, 00:04:32.900 --> 00:04:34.670 align:middle line:90% she asked me to come. 00:04:34.670 --> 00:04:37.560 align:middle line:90% And asked to help with touring. 00:04:37.560 --> 00:04:40.650 align:middle line:84% It was mostly just looking for kids 00:04:40.650 --> 00:04:42.290 align:middle line:90% that had pretty good manners. 00:04:42.290 --> 00:04:43.906 align:middle line:90% And pretty good grades. 00:04:43.906 --> 00:04:45.905 align:middle line:84% And I was one of them that fit in that category. 00:04:45.905 --> 00:04:47.990 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you go to school right over here? 00:04:47.990 --> 00:04:48.890 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: I sure do. 00:04:48.890 --> 00:04:50.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And the name of the school is? 00:04:50.340 --> 00:04:51.756 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Markham Middle School. 00:04:51.756 --> 00:04:54.050 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you live and go to school. 00:04:54.050 --> 00:04:57.350 align:middle line:84% And your friends, you're all part of Watts. 00:04:57.350 --> 00:05:02.935 align:middle line:84% Now what do you think they think when they think of Watts? 00:05:02.935 --> 00:05:06.440 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Well, when you hear about Watts, it's mostly bad. 00:05:06.440 --> 00:05:10.520 align:middle line:84% And I'm pretty sure they thought this was a bad city where 00:05:10.520 --> 00:05:12.210 align:middle line:90% people are shooting. 00:05:12.210 --> 00:05:14.080 align:middle line:84% And a whole bunch of bad stuff happens here. 00:05:14.080 --> 00:05:16.220 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, now bad stuff does happen here. 00:05:16.220 --> 00:05:18.560 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: It does, but equally amount of good things 00:05:18.560 --> 00:05:19.840 align:middle line:90% happen here, too. 00:05:19.840 --> 00:05:22.910 align:middle line:84% So I'm pretty sure that, now that they're here, 00:05:22.910 --> 00:05:24.910 align:middle line:84% they've probably forgotten that this is Watts. 00:05:24.910 --> 00:05:28.220 align:middle line:84% Cause it's just as peaceful as any other city. 00:05:28.220 --> 00:05:31.400 align:middle line:84% Just like any other city, bad things do happen. 00:05:31.400 --> 00:05:33.590 align:middle line:84% But there is a lot of good things that happen here. 00:05:33.590 --> 00:05:36.980 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now what are you going to tell us today or show 00:05:36.980 --> 00:05:40.040 align:middle line:84% us today that's going to enlighten us 00:05:40.040 --> 00:05:41.291 align:middle line:90% a little bit about this place. 00:05:41.291 --> 00:05:42.998 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Well, we're going to tell you 00:05:42.998 --> 00:05:45.320 align:middle line:84% about some of the good things, like the art festivals. 00:05:45.320 --> 00:05:48.860 align:middle line:84% And we're going to show you the Watts Towers, which a man built 00:05:48.860 --> 00:05:50.390 align:middle line:90% by hisself, bare hands. 00:05:50.390 --> 00:05:52.926 align:middle line:90% It's a beautiful statue. 00:05:52.926 --> 00:05:57.238 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And tell me what it's like to live here. 00:05:57.238 --> 00:05:59.060 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: It's full of excitement. 00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:00.520 align:middle line:90% And I love it. 00:06:00.520 --> 00:06:01.700 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Do you really? 00:06:01.700 --> 00:06:03.060 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: I do. 00:06:03.060 --> 00:06:05.690 align:middle line:90% Really. 00:06:05.690 --> 00:06:07.295 align:middle line:84% I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. 00:06:07.295 --> 00:06:09.320 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, you're a good tour guide so far. 00:06:09.320 --> 00:06:10.778 align:middle line:84% You're saying all the right things. 00:06:10.778 --> 00:06:11.695 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: Thank you. 00:06:11.695 --> 00:06:14.069 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Are you a little nervous about all of this? 00:06:14.069 --> 00:06:16.330 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: I was, but I feel a lot better now. 00:06:16.330 --> 00:06:17.250 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Why? 00:06:17.250 --> 00:06:18.291 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: I don't know. 00:06:18.291 --> 00:06:20.858 align:middle line:90% I feel more relaxed. 00:06:20.858 --> 00:06:23.507 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: It kind of works its way out after a while. 00:06:23.507 --> 00:06:24.590 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: It does, yeah. 00:06:24.590 --> 00:06:26.210 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: There goes the blue line, right there. 00:06:26.210 --> 00:06:26.982 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: Yep. 00:06:26.982 --> 00:06:27.815 align:middle line:90% I ride it sometimes. 00:06:27.815 --> 00:06:29.540 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Do you? 00:06:29.540 --> 00:06:31.070 align:middle line:90% So you use it a lot? 00:06:31.070 --> 00:06:32.040 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: I do. 00:06:32.040 --> 00:06:35.360 align:middle line:84% Me and my grandfather, we rode it on Saturday. 00:06:35.360 --> 00:06:39.496 align:middle line:84% And we took it all the way down to the red line. 00:06:39.496 --> 00:06:41.120 align:middle line:84% And then we tried out the new red line. 00:06:41.120 --> 00:06:41.630 align:middle line:90% It was very nice. 00:06:41.630 --> 00:06:43.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you've already been on the red line? 00:06:43.340 --> 00:06:44.550 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: Sure have. 00:06:44.550 --> 00:06:47.120 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Do you all come over from school 00:06:47.120 --> 00:06:49.635 align:middle line:84% to visit the Watts Towers every once in a while? 00:06:49.635 --> 00:06:51.800 align:middle line:84% GWEN DIXON: Oh, well, I was with the program 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:55.940 align:middle line:84% that helped build the hand in Martin Luther King Shopping 00:06:55.940 --> 00:06:56.780 align:middle line:90% Center. 00:06:56.780 --> 00:06:58.100 align:middle line:90% And then we came over here. 00:06:58.100 --> 00:07:00.870 align:middle line:84% And we got a tour of the Watts Towers. 00:07:00.870 --> 00:07:01.790 align:middle line:90% It was very nice. 00:07:01.790 --> 00:07:03.755 align:middle line:84% I didn't know that a man could do that. 00:07:03.755 --> 00:07:06.569 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah, one guy built the whole thing. 00:07:06.569 --> 00:07:07.860 align:middle line:90% Now there goes your tour group. 00:07:07.860 --> 00:07:09.845 align:middle line:84% Aren't you supposed to be over there talking to them? 00:07:09.845 --> 00:07:10.867 align:middle line:90% GWEN DIXON: Sure am. 00:07:10.867 --> 00:07:12.060 align:middle line:90% [LAUGHTER] 00:07:12.060 --> 00:07:14.990 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, we'll rejoin up with the group. 00:07:14.990 --> 00:07:19.120 align:middle line:90% 00:07:19.120 --> 00:07:23.080 align:middle line:84% Oh, and they're the Watts Towers right over there. 00:07:23.080 --> 00:07:23.750 align:middle line:90% Can't miss them. 00:07:23.750 --> 00:07:26.440 align:middle line:90% 00:07:26.440 --> 00:07:28.890 align:middle line:84% Have you ever seen the Watts Towers before? 00:07:28.890 --> 00:07:29.940 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: No, I haven't. 00:07:29.940 --> 00:07:31.770 align:middle line:84% And this is really exciting for me today. 00:07:31.770 --> 00:07:33.910 align:middle line:84% Because I've certainly heard a lot about them. 00:07:33.910 --> 00:07:40.290 align:middle line:84% And I teach students that are of African-American heritage. 00:07:40.290 --> 00:07:43.790 align:middle line:84% And it's wonderful to broaden my outlook. 00:07:43.790 --> 00:07:46.875 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now how long have you lived in Los Angeles? 00:07:46.875 --> 00:07:49.650 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 9: I've lived in the San Fernando Valley all my life. 00:07:49.650 --> 00:07:53.580 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now see, I want to play devil's advocate here. 00:07:53.580 --> 00:07:56.250 align:middle line:84% Because you've lived here all your life. 00:07:56.250 --> 00:07:58.755 align:middle line:84% And you see how easy it was to get down here today? 00:07:58.755 --> 00:08:00.127 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: It certainly was. 00:08:00.127 --> 00:08:02.460 align:middle line:84% And thanks to the Conservancy, I was very happy to come. 00:08:02.460 --> 00:08:03.900 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Do you feel a little guilty 00:08:03.900 --> 00:08:05.730 align:middle line:84% that you've waited this long to get here? 00:08:05.730 --> 00:08:06.720 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: I really do. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:09.150 align:middle line:84% Because there are a lot of things around Los Angeles 00:08:09.150 --> 00:08:10.740 align:middle line:90% that I really haven't seen. 00:08:10.740 --> 00:08:13.014 align:middle line:84% And people that come as visitors, they see them. 00:08:13.014 --> 00:08:15.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: But why do you think we don't get out? 00:08:15.180 --> 00:08:17.104 align:middle line:84% Because I think we're all guilty of that. 00:08:17.104 --> 00:08:19.270 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 9: I think we're involved in our own things. 00:08:19.270 --> 00:08:20.640 align:middle line:90% And we just don't take the time. 00:08:20.640 --> 00:08:23.850 align:middle line:84% When we're traveling, we see everything. 00:08:23.850 --> 00:08:26.196 align:middle line:84% But when we live right here, we sometimes 00:08:26.196 --> 00:08:27.570 align:middle line:84% miss an awful lot of good things. 00:08:27.570 --> 00:08:28.361 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah. 00:08:28.361 --> 00:08:30.690 align:middle line:90% Don't close the gate on us. 00:08:30.690 --> 00:08:31.860 align:middle line:90% We want to come in here. 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:34.650 align:middle line:90% 00:08:34.650 --> 00:08:35.640 align:middle line:90% Don't lock us out. 00:08:35.640 --> 00:08:37.145 align:middle line:90% Come on in, Louie. 00:08:37.145 --> 00:08:40.576 align:middle line:90% 00:08:40.576 --> 00:08:41.409 align:middle line:90% We'll miss the tour. 00:08:41.409 --> 00:08:43.360 align:middle line:84% You've waited this long, we almost missed it. 00:08:43.360 --> 00:08:43.960 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: I know. 00:08:43.960 --> 00:08:45.376 align:middle line:84% I sure wouldn't want to miss this. 00:08:45.376 --> 00:08:49.628 align:middle line:90% 00:08:49.628 --> 00:08:52.822 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: There they are. 00:08:52.822 --> 00:08:54.530 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 10: Well, I just want to tell you 00:08:54.530 --> 00:08:56.630 align:middle line:84% a little bit about the construction of the towers. 00:08:56.630 --> 00:08:59.390 align:middle line:84% Because they are exceedingly strong. 00:08:59.390 --> 00:09:01.931 align:middle line:84% And you might think that they have very deep foundations. 00:09:01.931 --> 00:09:03.930 align:middle line:84% And that they are welded together very strongly. 00:09:03.930 --> 00:09:07.080 align:middle line:84% But, in fact, he didn't use any welding materials. 00:09:07.080 --> 00:09:09.110 align:middle line:90% Everything is wired together. 00:09:09.110 --> 00:09:13.040 align:middle line:84% And the foundations only go down anywhere from 12 inches 00:09:13.040 --> 00:09:15.470 align:middle line:90% to about 14 or 15 inches. 00:09:15.470 --> 00:09:20.000 align:middle line:84% And remember that the tallest tower is 99 and 1/2 feet tall. 00:09:20.000 --> 00:09:23.450 align:middle line:90% The next tallest one is 97 feet. 00:09:23.450 --> 00:09:26.360 align:middle line:84% And in 1954, the city of Los Angeles 00:09:26.360 --> 00:09:30.079 align:middle line:84% decided that the Watts Towers were not safe. 00:09:30.079 --> 00:09:31.370 align:middle line:90% And that they should come down. 00:09:31.370 --> 00:09:35.390 align:middle line:84% That they were an eyesore in the neighborhood. 00:09:35.390 --> 00:09:38.690 align:middle line:84% So they tried to test the strength of them. 00:09:38.690 --> 00:09:40.490 align:middle line:84% And they brought out some equipment 00:09:40.490 --> 00:09:43.550 align:middle line:84% to test the stress of the materials. 00:09:43.550 --> 00:09:46.940 align:middle line:84% And the equipment broke before the towers gave way. 00:09:46.940 --> 00:09:49.696 align:middle line:84% So they decided that they would keep the towers. 00:09:49.696 --> 00:09:52.070 align:middle line:84% And, also, there was an outcry from the architectural and 00:09:52.070 --> 00:09:53.420 align:middle line:90% design community. 00:09:53.420 --> 00:09:56.630 align:middle line:84% Because, obviously, this was the work of a genius. 00:09:56.630 --> 00:09:58.400 align:middle line:84% Although the city of Los Angeles, 00:09:58.400 --> 00:09:59.810 align:middle line:90% obviously, didn't agree. 00:09:59.810 --> 00:10:06.710 align:middle line:84% But in time, the towers did come to be rehabilitated. 00:10:06.710 --> 00:10:09.470 align:middle line:84% In fact, the city put out a great deal of money. 00:10:09.470 --> 00:10:11.855 align:middle line:84% The state came up with over a million dollars 00:10:11.855 --> 00:10:14.120 align:middle line:90% to rehabilitate the towers. 00:10:14.120 --> 00:10:16.160 align:middle line:84% And then the towers reverted back 00:10:16.160 --> 00:10:19.695 align:middle line:84% to the city, who is now the guardian of the towers. 00:10:19.695 --> 00:10:21.820 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think about these things? 00:10:21.820 --> 00:10:24.650 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: It's fascinating. 00:10:24.650 --> 00:10:25.690 align:middle line:90% It blows your mind. 00:10:25.690 --> 00:10:27.470 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, now you had seen pictures of them. 00:10:27.470 --> 00:10:29.011 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 11: Actually, I had been here 00:10:29.011 --> 00:10:31.310 align:middle line:90% once before about 35 years ago. 00:10:31.310 --> 00:10:33.380 align:middle line:90% My husband had never been here. 00:10:33.380 --> 00:10:35.480 align:middle line:90% And it's just amazing. 00:10:35.480 --> 00:10:36.870 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think? 00:10:36.870 --> 00:10:38.935 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 12: It is spectacular. 00:10:38.935 --> 00:10:40.685 align:middle line:84% I'm sorry that I haven't been here before. 00:10:40.685 --> 00:10:42.101 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: See, you're supposed 00:10:42.101 --> 00:10:46.010 align:middle line:84% to feel guilty that you haven't been here before. 00:10:46.010 --> 00:10:50.630 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 11: The work that went into this, the variety of items 00:10:50.630 --> 00:10:51.460 align:middle line:90% that he used. 00:10:51.460 --> 00:10:53.090 align:middle line:90% And the shapes. 00:10:53.090 --> 00:10:56.270 align:middle line:90% It's just amazing. 00:10:56.270 --> 00:10:56.990 align:middle line:90% It's wonderful. 00:10:56.990 --> 00:10:59.340 align:middle line:84% And the thought that they considered tearing it down 00:10:59.340 --> 00:11:02.310 align:middle line:90% is awful. 00:11:02.310 --> 00:11:03.860 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think? 00:11:03.860 --> 00:11:05.380 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: What do I think of it? 00:11:05.380 --> 00:11:07.190 align:middle line:90% I am very impressed with this. 00:11:07.190 --> 00:11:09.380 align:middle line:90% I've seen it before. 00:11:09.380 --> 00:11:12.330 align:middle line:84% It's nice to see it in recently good shape. 00:11:12.330 --> 00:11:15.995 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: How often do you get over to Watts? 00:11:15.995 --> 00:11:17.930 align:middle line:84% Now why do you laugh when I say that? 00:11:17.930 --> 00:11:19.530 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Don't laugh. 00:11:19.530 --> 00:11:22.010 align:middle line:90% This is a very good question. 00:11:22.010 --> 00:11:24.640 align:middle line:84% In my life, I get here frequently. 00:11:24.640 --> 00:11:26.120 align:middle line:90% But not recently. 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:27.290 align:middle line:90% I sell machinery. 00:11:27.290 --> 00:11:29.300 align:middle line:84% This was a big industrial neighborhood 00:11:29.300 --> 00:11:30.850 align:middle line:90% for years and years and years. 00:11:30.850 --> 00:11:32.990 align:middle line:84% And I can't tell you how often when 00:11:32.990 --> 00:11:37.390 align:middle line:84% I was doing the selling myself that I was over here. 00:11:37.390 --> 00:11:40.645 align:middle line:84% So, in some ways, it's not a very strange place to me. 00:11:40.645 --> 00:11:42.310 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Well, but it is. 00:11:42.310 --> 00:11:43.970 align:middle line:90% It's a valid question, isn't it? 00:11:43.970 --> 00:11:44.390 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Yes, it is. 00:11:44.390 --> 00:11:46.598 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And I wasn't trying to embarrass anyone 00:11:46.598 --> 00:11:47.600 align:middle line:90% by asking it. 00:11:47.600 --> 00:11:49.480 align:middle line:84% But it's a question that I think-- 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:51.530 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 11: It's a shame, isn't it? 00:11:51.530 --> 00:11:52.124 align:middle line:90% We don't. 00:11:52.124 --> 00:11:53.540 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: But you're very right. 00:11:53.540 --> 00:11:55.310 align:middle line:90% It's a very good question. 00:11:55.310 --> 00:11:57.230 align:middle line:84% Because in my experience, I live out 00:11:57.230 --> 00:11:59.130 align:middle line:84% on the west side with everybody else. 00:11:59.130 --> 00:12:02.720 align:middle line:84% Hardly anybody that I know believes this part of the city 00:12:02.720 --> 00:12:03.440 align:middle line:90% exists. 00:12:03.440 --> 00:12:07.340 align:middle line:84% And I consider myself privileged that my work brought me here. 00:12:07.340 --> 00:12:09.380 align:middle line:90% Or I wouldn't have gotten here. 00:12:09.380 --> 00:12:10.870 align:middle line:84% Is there anything east of La Brea? 00:12:10.870 --> 00:12:12.740 align:middle line:90% Yeah. 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:15.380 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I keep talking to people who were born and raised 00:12:15.380 --> 00:12:18.560 align:middle line:84% in Los Angeles who are on this tour today, who've 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:21.140 align:middle line:90% never been to the Watts Towers. 00:12:21.140 --> 00:12:22.910 align:middle line:90% Who've never been to Watts. 00:12:22.910 --> 00:12:23.930 align:middle line:84% LINDA DISHMAN: That's one of the reasons why 00:12:23.930 --> 00:12:25.850 align:middle line:84% we wanted to do this tour was because a lot of people 00:12:25.850 --> 00:12:26.960 align:middle line:90% haven't been on the blue line. 00:12:26.960 --> 00:12:28.251 align:middle line:90% And haven't been down to Watts. 00:12:28.251 --> 00:12:31.070 align:middle line:84% And it was a nice combination of using another transportation 00:12:31.070 --> 00:12:32.654 align:middle line:84% form people who are not used to doing. 00:12:32.654 --> 00:12:34.611 align:middle line:84% And coming down and seeing a wonderful treasure 00:12:34.611 --> 00:12:35.440 align:middle line:90% for Los Angeles. 00:12:35.440 --> 00:12:37.710 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, I keep asking the question. 00:12:37.710 --> 00:12:39.710 align:middle line:84% Why is it, you think, we don't get out and see 00:12:39.710 --> 00:12:41.495 align:middle line:90% our city like we should? 00:12:41.495 --> 00:12:43.930 align:middle line:84% LINDA DISHMAN: I think people are just real busy. 00:12:43.930 --> 00:12:45.490 align:middle line:84% We really find that with our tours, 00:12:45.490 --> 00:12:46.700 align:middle line:84% that people will go to see something 00:12:46.700 --> 00:12:47.900 align:middle line:90% if it's an organized tour. 00:12:47.900 --> 00:12:49.796 align:middle line:84% But if it was just a Sunday afternoon, 00:12:49.796 --> 00:12:51.170 align:middle line:84% they wouldn't come down to Watts. 00:12:51.170 --> 00:12:52.760 align:middle line:84% Just because it would be far away. 00:12:52.760 --> 00:12:55.400 align:middle line:84% But if they've signed up for a ticket, then they'll come out 00:12:55.400 --> 00:12:56.270 align:middle line:90% and they'll do something. 00:12:56.270 --> 00:12:57.260 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, wait a minute now. 00:12:57.260 --> 00:12:58.100 align:middle line:90% Let's be honest. 00:12:58.100 --> 00:13:02.690 align:middle line:84% Don't you think a lot of people are afraid to come to Watts? 00:13:02.690 --> 00:13:05.600 align:middle line:84% That's in their mind for some reason. 00:13:05.600 --> 00:13:08.759 align:middle line:84% It's a place that's not safe to visit. 00:13:08.759 --> 00:13:10.550 align:middle line:84% LINDA DISHMAN: That's certainly part of it. 00:13:10.550 --> 00:13:12.200 align:middle line:84% And that's one reason in working with the kids, 00:13:12.200 --> 00:13:14.116 align:middle line:84% and I think you'll get some of the interaction 00:13:14.116 --> 00:13:16.000 align:middle line:84% from the kids that were the docents in Watts. 00:13:16.000 --> 00:13:17.541 align:middle line:84% And they're talking about Watts being 00:13:17.541 --> 00:13:18.820 align:middle line:90% a misunderstood community. 00:13:18.820 --> 00:13:21.020 align:middle line:84% That it is a lot safer than everybody would think. 00:13:21.020 --> 00:13:22.520 align:middle line:90% That good things do happen here. 00:13:22.520 --> 00:13:25.280 align:middle line:84% And so for us that was a really important part of the tour. 00:13:25.280 --> 00:13:26.990 align:middle line:84% Not just to focus on the architecture, 00:13:26.990 --> 00:13:30.467 align:middle line:84% the wonderful symbolism of Watts Tower, and riding the train. 00:13:30.467 --> 00:13:32.300 align:middle line:84% But to really talk about the people of Watts 00:13:32.300 --> 00:13:34.310 align:middle line:90% and the people of South Central. 00:13:34.310 --> 00:13:38.342 align:middle line:84% And so I think that that was a very important connection. 00:13:38.342 --> 00:13:40.897 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: There are endless possibilities of places 00:13:40.897 --> 00:13:41.855 align:middle line:90% to visit, aren't there? 00:13:41.855 --> 00:13:43.070 align:middle line:90% LINDA DISHMAN: Absolutely. 00:13:43.070 --> 00:13:44.700 align:middle line:84% I think that if we had a tour every weekend, 00:13:44.700 --> 00:13:46.783 align:middle line:84% it would take us 10 years to get through the city. 00:13:46.783 --> 00:13:49.340 align:middle line:84% Because Los Angeles really does have a tremendous wealth 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:51.192 align:middle line:84% of historic resources that people just 00:13:51.192 --> 00:13:52.150 align:middle line:90% really aren't aware of. 00:13:52.150 --> 00:13:53.920 align:middle line:84% And it almost takes being on a tour 00:13:53.920 --> 00:13:56.727 align:middle line:84% to separate it out from what you're just 00:13:56.727 --> 00:13:57.810 align:middle line:90% driving by on the freeway. 00:13:57.810 --> 00:13:59.268 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What kind of response 00:13:59.268 --> 00:14:01.255 align:middle line:84% did you get when you announced this tour? 00:14:01.255 --> 00:14:02.920 align:middle line:84% LINDA DISHMAN: We only publicized this 00:14:02.920 --> 00:14:04.294 align:middle line:84% to our membership the first time. 00:14:04.294 --> 00:14:06.260 align:middle line:84% We want to do this on a quarterly basis. 00:14:06.260 --> 00:14:08.470 align:middle line:84% And we filled this tour in about a week. 00:14:08.470 --> 00:14:10.330 align:middle line:84% And we have 120 on the waiting list 00:14:10.330 --> 00:14:12.130 align:middle line:84% right now for the next time we offer it. 00:14:12.130 --> 00:14:14.884 align:middle line:84% So we think we've hit a need right now. 00:14:14.884 --> 00:14:16.300 align:middle line:84% That people really do want to come 00:14:16.300 --> 00:14:17.740 align:middle line:90% and experience and explore. 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:20.515 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Why do you think that's beginning to happen? 00:14:20.515 --> 00:14:22.640 align:middle line:84% LINDA DISHMAN: Well, it's better weather right now. 00:14:22.640 --> 00:14:24.473 align:middle line:84% And people are getting out and doing things. 00:14:24.473 --> 00:14:27.785 align:middle line:84% But I think that there's a renewed interest 00:14:27.785 --> 00:14:30.160 align:middle line:84% in the different people of Los Angeles and really wanting 00:14:30.160 --> 00:14:31.165 align:middle line:90% to understand that. 00:14:31.165 --> 00:14:33.130 align:middle line:84% And so, obviously, coming to Watts Tower, 00:14:33.130 --> 00:14:35.310 align:middle line:84% which is a real symbol of building 00:14:35.310 --> 00:14:38.740 align:middle line:84% with a view of optimism for what you see in the city. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:42.410 align:middle line:84% And then coming and really exploring this is part of that. 00:14:42.410 --> 00:14:44.710 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 10: Well, if you look in this direction 00:14:44.710 --> 00:14:47.350 align:middle line:84% up towards the towers, you can see the sun behind it. 00:14:47.350 --> 00:14:48.910 align:middle line:84% And you'll see some of the materials 00:14:48.910 --> 00:14:52.050 align:middle line:84% that he used, like the glass of the 7Up bottles 00:14:52.050 --> 00:14:53.950 align:middle line:84% and the Milk of Magnesia bottles. 00:14:53.950 --> 00:14:56.470 align:middle line:84% would sparkle in the in the sunlight. 00:14:56.470 --> 00:14:58.960 align:middle line:84% And also at sunset, they would give a red glow 00:14:58.960 --> 00:15:00.845 align:middle line:90% to the effect of the towers. 00:15:00.845 --> 00:15:03.220 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: There's a little bit of everything in here, 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:03.719 align:middle line:90% isn't there? 00:15:03.719 --> 00:15:05.146 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 10: Yeah. 00:15:05.146 --> 00:15:08.380 align:middle line:84% For instance, here we have wheatsheafs with some flowers 00:15:08.380 --> 00:15:09.460 align:middle line:90% imprinted in here. 00:15:09.460 --> 00:15:11.020 align:middle line:84% He would take all kinds of objects, 00:15:11.020 --> 00:15:12.561 align:middle line:84% not just cookie cutters, but anything 00:15:12.561 --> 00:15:15.340 align:middle line:84% else that he could find that he could use to imprint in here. 00:15:15.340 --> 00:15:19.460 align:middle line:84% It looks like we have a bunch of grapes right here. 00:15:19.460 --> 00:15:23.350 align:middle line:84% These are corn cobs, as you can see. 00:15:23.350 --> 00:15:27.100 align:middle line:84% You see these are concave, inverted cone cobs. 00:15:27.100 --> 00:15:30.220 align:middle line:84% Over there we have convex corn cobs. 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:31.910 align:middle line:84% So he would just use the same material. 00:15:31.910 --> 00:15:35.040 align:middle line:84% And he'd use it in different ways for different effects. 00:15:35.040 --> 00:15:36.760 align:middle line:84% Here we see some kind of a plate. 00:15:36.760 --> 00:15:39.280 align:middle line:84% He must have been inscribed this somehow or other. 00:15:39.280 --> 00:15:43.210 align:middle line:84% Or maybe had a plate that he would just press into the wall 00:15:43.210 --> 00:15:44.120 align:middle line:90% and use that. 00:15:44.120 --> 00:15:46.510 align:middle line:84% He would take almost anything he could find and just 00:15:46.510 --> 00:15:48.520 align:middle line:90% use it as a cookie cutter. 00:15:48.520 --> 00:15:51.656 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: When you look at it, you see the different shapes. 00:15:51.656 --> 00:15:52.530 align:middle line:90% I've never been here. 00:15:52.530 --> 00:15:55.099 align:middle line:90% I've always wanted to be here. 00:15:55.099 --> 00:15:56.140 align:middle line:90% And it's really exciting. 00:15:56.140 --> 00:15:57.280 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you mean you've always 00:15:57.280 --> 00:15:58.310 align:middle line:90% wanted to be here? 00:15:58.310 --> 00:16:01.120 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: I wanted to come down and see the towers. 00:16:01.120 --> 00:16:03.520 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, what kept you? 00:16:03.520 --> 00:16:05.560 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: The fear of the neighborhood. 00:16:05.560 --> 00:16:07.990 align:middle line:84% And I was a single parent with children. 00:16:07.990 --> 00:16:10.840 align:middle line:90% And I didn't want to come alone. 00:16:10.840 --> 00:16:13.060 align:middle line:84% And so I felt it was safe to be with a group. 00:16:13.060 --> 00:16:15.160 align:middle line:90% And I feel badly saying that. 00:16:15.160 --> 00:16:17.210 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now what was that fear based upon? 00:16:17.210 --> 00:16:19.530 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 14: Media. 00:16:19.530 --> 00:16:22.180 align:middle line:84% I was here during the Watts riots. 00:16:22.180 --> 00:16:26.890 align:middle line:84% The word Watts is a difficult word. 00:16:26.890 --> 00:16:29.960 align:middle line:84% And it symbolizes more than it should. 00:16:29.960 --> 00:16:33.370 align:middle line:84% And I let it keep me out of this area. 00:16:33.370 --> 00:16:34.000 align:middle line:90% And I'm sorry. 00:16:34.000 --> 00:16:35.210 align:middle line:90% Because I really like it. 00:16:35.210 --> 00:16:39.490 align:middle line:90% It's so colorful and lovely. 00:16:39.490 --> 00:16:42.680 align:middle line:90% It's a thrill. 00:16:42.680 --> 00:16:44.670 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: People are real nice, though. 00:16:44.670 --> 00:16:46.915 align:middle line:84% Whether you know it or not, they're real good people. 00:16:46.915 --> 00:16:48.580 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now what do you mean, whether you know it 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:49.360 align:middle line:90% or not? 00:16:49.360 --> 00:16:53.619 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: Some people might take it by being Watts, 00:16:53.619 --> 00:16:54.910 align:middle line:90% they have a different attitude. 00:16:54.910 --> 00:16:56.810 align:middle line:84% But most of the people are real nice. 00:16:56.810 --> 00:17:00.270 align:middle line:84% They're older people and they trying to live comfortable, 00:17:00.270 --> 00:17:01.774 align:middle line:90% and everything. 00:17:01.774 --> 00:17:02.440 align:middle line:90% That's about it. 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:03.250 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Do you get to know them? 00:17:03.250 --> 00:17:04.404 align:middle line:90% Do you talk to them? 00:17:04.404 --> 00:17:05.320 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Yes, I do. 00:17:05.320 --> 00:17:07.540 align:middle line:84% Yes, I know most of the people that's on my route. 00:17:07.540 --> 00:17:09.250 align:middle line:90% I know a majority of them. 00:17:09.250 --> 00:17:10.750 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: They bake you cookies? 00:17:10.750 --> 00:17:11.996 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Sometimes. 00:17:11.996 --> 00:17:14.570 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Keep their dogs leashed when you come in? 00:17:14.570 --> 00:17:15.819 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Couple of them do. 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:17.212 align:middle line:90% Some of them don't. 00:17:17.212 --> 00:17:19.690 align:middle line:84% That dog [INAUDIBLE] with a few them, but that's about it. 00:17:19.690 --> 00:17:21.550 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Do you think people misunderstand 00:17:21.550 --> 00:17:22.300 align:middle line:90% this part of town? 00:17:22.300 --> 00:17:23.686 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: I think they do. 00:17:23.686 --> 00:17:25.810 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: When you tell people you deliver mail 00:17:25.810 --> 00:17:27.552 align:middle line:90% in Watts, what do they say? 00:17:27.552 --> 00:17:29.140 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: Some people like, well, I 00:17:29.140 --> 00:17:32.536 align:middle line:84% wouldn't deliver over there, because how the gangs are. 00:17:32.536 --> 00:17:34.040 align:middle line:90% And it's bad, or whatever. 00:17:34.040 --> 00:17:35.205 align:middle line:90% But that ain't the point. 00:17:35.205 --> 00:17:36.541 align:middle line:90% The people are real nice people. 00:17:36.541 --> 00:17:38.290 align:middle line:84% Like I say, a lot of them is older people. 00:17:38.290 --> 00:17:41.370 align:middle line:84% And they trying to make a decent living, and everything. 00:17:41.370 --> 00:17:43.840 align:middle line:84% But you going to always have a bad apple somewhere. 00:17:43.840 --> 00:17:47.035 align:middle line:84% So regardless if it's in Watts or Beverly Hills. 00:17:47.035 --> 00:17:51.160 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, I'm here with a news crew. 00:17:51.160 --> 00:17:53.290 align:middle line:84% What are you all doing with the camera here? 00:17:53.290 --> 00:17:56.002 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: We're going to take interviews of people outside 00:17:56.002 --> 00:17:57.710 align:middle line:84% and see what they think about the towers. 00:17:57.710 --> 00:17:59.200 align:middle line:84% And about this new opening that's 00:17:59.200 --> 00:18:01.199 align:middle line:84% going to be here at the Watts Towers Art Center. 00:18:01.199 --> 00:18:04.160 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you're taping this. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:06.040 align:middle line:84% What are you going to do with the tape? 00:18:06.040 --> 00:18:10.390 align:middle line:84% We send it to CamNet and it airs on 18 cable stations. 00:18:10.390 --> 00:18:13.560 align:middle line:84% And every month we send out our tapes and they just air. 00:18:13.560 --> 00:18:14.645 align:middle line:90% People see our stuff. 00:18:14.645 --> 00:18:16.690 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you have a TV show on the air 00:18:16.690 --> 00:18:17.752 align:middle line:90% every month on cable? 00:18:17.752 --> 00:18:18.460 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Yeah. 00:18:18.460 --> 00:18:19.585 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What's in it? 00:18:19.585 --> 00:18:20.570 align:middle line:90% What's it about? 00:18:20.570 --> 00:18:22.270 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Well, the name of our crew 00:18:22.270 --> 00:18:26.454 align:middle line:84% is The Watts News Magazine Documentary Team. 00:18:26.454 --> 00:18:27.620 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Wait a minute. 00:18:27.620 --> 00:18:28.340 align:middle line:90% The Watts-- 00:18:28.340 --> 00:18:33.100 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: --News Magazine Documentary Team. 00:18:33.100 --> 00:18:35.410 align:middle line:90% And we just go places and see. 00:18:35.410 --> 00:18:38.110 align:middle line:84% Tape stuff with the camera and see what we like. 00:18:38.110 --> 00:18:41.821 align:middle line:84% And we just air it on cable network on what 00:18:41.821 --> 00:18:42.820 align:middle line:90% we see through our eyes. 00:18:42.820 --> 00:18:45.580 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And what do you see in Watts through your eyes? 00:18:45.580 --> 00:18:47.830 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: We see a lot of stuff. 00:18:47.830 --> 00:18:49.255 align:middle line:90% The towers, and a lot of things. 00:18:49.255 --> 00:18:50.630 align:middle line:84% Many people have documented them, 00:18:50.630 --> 00:18:52.540 align:middle line:84% but who really knows the inside stuff? 00:18:52.540 --> 00:18:53.470 align:middle line:90% That's the thing. 00:18:53.470 --> 00:18:55.120 align:middle line:90% Some things we do. 00:18:55.120 --> 00:18:56.970 align:middle line:84% Maybe we go to the old church that's 00:18:56.970 --> 00:18:58.580 align:middle line:90% been up there for a long time. 00:18:58.580 --> 00:19:01.960 align:middle line:84% Go talk to people that have been here for a long time, seen 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:03.360 align:middle line:90% the red car come by. 00:19:03.360 --> 00:19:05.170 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Is it a good place to live? 00:19:05.170 --> 00:19:06.294 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: It's all right. 00:19:06.294 --> 00:19:08.299 align:middle line:90% It's fair. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.340 align:middle line:90% Nothing's happened to me. 00:19:09.340 --> 00:19:10.680 align:middle line:90% I'm still here. 00:19:10.680 --> 00:19:12.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And you live in Watts. 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:12.888 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Yeah. 00:19:12.888 --> 00:19:14.740 align:middle line:90% I live right across the street. 00:19:14.740 --> 00:19:16.820 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Where? 00:19:16.820 --> 00:19:18.264 align:middle line:90% Oh, you just right over there. 00:19:18.264 --> 00:19:19.180 align:middle line:90% And where do you live? 00:19:19.180 --> 00:19:20.980 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 17: I live straight down 103rd. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:23.050 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you all live on the same block. 00:19:23.050 --> 00:19:23.860 align:middle line:90% And where do you live? 00:19:23.860 --> 00:19:25.068 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: On Vernon Avenue. 00:19:25.068 --> 00:19:27.095 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, are you the reporter? 00:19:27.095 --> 00:19:27.720 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: No. 00:19:27.720 --> 00:19:29.444 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What do you do? 00:19:29.444 --> 00:19:30.777 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: I don't really know. 00:19:30.777 --> 00:19:31.196 align:middle line:90% I'm new. 00:19:31.196 --> 00:19:31.990 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What? 00:19:31.990 --> 00:19:32.590 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: I don't really know. 00:19:32.590 --> 00:19:33.370 align:middle line:90% I'm new here. 00:19:33.370 --> 00:19:34.675 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, she's new. 00:19:34.675 --> 00:19:36.460 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Yeah, she's a new crew member. 00:19:36.460 --> 00:19:39.010 align:middle line:84% Were supposed to be teaching her. 00:19:39.010 --> 00:19:42.620 align:middle line:84% Because she's from her group she's coming here. 00:19:42.620 --> 00:19:44.170 align:middle line:84% She's one of the best from her group. 00:19:44.170 --> 00:19:45.760 align:middle line:84% So we're supposed to teach her what we know. 00:19:45.760 --> 00:19:47.840 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well now, here comes the group. 00:19:47.840 --> 00:19:49.810 align:middle line:84% Shouldn't you be filming them right now? 00:19:49.810 --> 00:19:50.518 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Yeah. 00:19:50.518 --> 00:19:52.630 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So let's watch you do your thing. 00:19:52.630 --> 00:19:54.040 align:middle line:84% Are you going to go over and interview her? 00:19:54.040 --> 00:19:55.498 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Yeah, right now we just 00:19:55.498 --> 00:19:57.599 align:middle line:84% have to say our name in the camera. 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:58.390 align:middle line:90% And say who we are. 00:19:58.390 --> 00:20:00.505 align:middle line:90% And then we interview people. 00:20:00.505 --> 00:20:01.480 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, OK. 00:20:01.480 --> 00:20:04.030 align:middle line:84% Well, we'll watch you for a minute. 00:20:04.030 --> 00:20:10.796 align:middle line:84% That's The Watts News Documentary Team. 00:20:10.796 --> 00:20:13.780 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: We're here with the LA Conservancy. 00:20:13.780 --> 00:20:16.720 align:middle line:84% We came down to see the Watts Towers 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:19.542 align:middle line:90% and to ride the blue line. 00:20:19.542 --> 00:20:23.240 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Were both of those a new time experience for you? 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:25.300 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Riding the blue line was. 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:30.026 align:middle line:84% I saw the Watts Towers in about 1970. 00:20:30.026 --> 00:20:32.650 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: How do you decide what you're going to ask people 00:20:32.650 --> 00:20:33.940 align:middle line:90% when you talk with them? 00:20:33.940 --> 00:20:37.090 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Well, I just make up stuff. 00:20:37.090 --> 00:20:39.622 align:middle line:84% I try to learn a little bit about where I'm at. 00:20:39.622 --> 00:20:41.330 align:middle line:84% Because I've been living near the towers, 00:20:41.330 --> 00:20:42.500 align:middle line:90% I know a lot about it. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:44.260 align:middle line:84% So I asked people how they like it. 00:20:44.260 --> 00:20:45.850 align:middle line:90% What did they do, first of all? 00:20:45.850 --> 00:20:48.350 align:middle line:84% And if they're with a group, what kind of group 00:20:48.350 --> 00:20:49.450 align:middle line:90% they're with. 00:20:49.450 --> 00:20:50.159 align:middle line:90% Things like that. 00:20:50.159 --> 00:20:52.491 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Do you find that most people are surprised 00:20:52.491 --> 00:20:53.650 align:middle line:90% when they see the towers? 00:20:53.650 --> 00:20:55.635 align:middle line:84% What do you think surprises them the most? 00:20:55.635 --> 00:20:57.430 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: I think that they're tall 00:20:57.430 --> 00:20:58.780 align:middle line:90% and that one man built them. 00:20:58.780 --> 00:21:01.660 align:middle line:84% And just that they're still standing. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:04.870 align:middle line:90% Because they look fragile. 00:21:04.870 --> 00:21:05.860 align:middle line:90% But they're not. 00:21:05.860 --> 00:21:09.750 align:middle line:84% They've been standing here for, what, more than 50 years, 00:21:09.750 --> 00:21:10.250 align:middle line:90% probably. 00:21:10.250 --> 00:21:12.583 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now if I wanted to come over here some day 00:21:12.583 --> 00:21:15.490 align:middle line:84% and take a tour of Watts, could you 00:21:15.490 --> 00:21:16.776 align:middle line:90% take me on a tour like that? 00:21:16.776 --> 00:21:17.650 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Probably. 00:21:17.650 --> 00:21:19.895 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What would you show me? 00:21:19.895 --> 00:21:22.270 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: I'd show you, first of all, the Watts Towers, 00:21:22.270 --> 00:21:23.660 align:middle line:90% but you've already seen that. 00:21:23.660 --> 00:21:26.350 align:middle line:84% I'd show you some of the schools around the area. 00:21:26.350 --> 00:21:29.100 align:middle line:84% I'd show you some of the shopping centers. 00:21:29.100 --> 00:21:31.370 align:middle line:84% Some of the redevelopment that's going on. 00:21:31.370 --> 00:21:34.710 align:middle line:84% And many of the events that are happening here in Watts. 00:21:34.710 --> 00:21:35.890 align:middle line:90% Many of the cultural events. 00:21:35.890 --> 00:21:37.660 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So there's a lot going on? 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:38.660 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 16: Yeah, there's a lot going on. 00:21:38.660 --> 00:21:41.080 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Is there a lot of story material over here? 00:21:41.080 --> 00:21:42.010 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Oh, yeah. 00:21:42.010 --> 00:21:43.490 align:middle line:90% They have all kinds of things. 00:21:43.490 --> 00:21:45.850 align:middle line:90% They shoot jazz festivals. 00:21:45.850 --> 00:21:49.864 align:middle line:90% They shoot art workshops. 00:21:49.864 --> 00:21:52.030 align:middle line:84% They're getting ready to do a thing with the elderly 00:21:52.030 --> 00:21:53.200 align:middle line:90% and the young people. 00:21:53.200 --> 00:21:57.000 align:middle line:84% We have a health center that has things happening all the time. 00:21:57.000 --> 00:21:58.030 align:middle line:90% So it's great. 00:21:58.030 --> 00:21:59.920 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: There's a lot of good stuff. 00:21:59.920 --> 00:22:01.000 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: Oh, it's wonderful things. 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:03.041 align:middle line:84% There's a lot of positive things that most people 00:22:03.041 --> 00:22:04.090 align:middle line:90% don't know about. 00:22:04.090 --> 00:22:07.749 align:middle line:84% And our kids want to tell them about it through their eyes. 00:22:07.749 --> 00:22:09.040 align:middle line:90% And that's what it's all about. 00:22:09.040 --> 00:22:11.123 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And when you say through their eyes, 00:22:11.123 --> 00:22:14.040 align:middle line:84% what do you think they see that we don't see? 00:22:14.040 --> 00:22:16.270 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: I think they come out 00:22:16.270 --> 00:22:18.540 align:middle line:90% seeing the good, the positive. 00:22:18.540 --> 00:22:22.870 align:middle line:84% They really help me as a filmmaker myself. 00:22:22.870 --> 00:22:26.260 align:middle line:84% Being around them helps me so I can create and be 00:22:26.260 --> 00:22:27.607 align:middle line:90% better at what I'm doing. 00:22:27.607 --> 00:22:29.440 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: When people think about Watts, 00:22:29.440 --> 00:22:30.920 align:middle line:84% what do you think they think about? 00:22:30.920 --> 00:22:32.590 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 21: They're scared. 00:22:32.590 --> 00:22:35.140 align:middle line:84% They're scared to come here because they see-- 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:37.250 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: Because of the media, for one thing. 00:22:37.250 --> 00:22:40.170 align:middle line:84% They only show the negative part of our community, not 00:22:40.170 --> 00:22:40.920 align:middle line:90% the positive side. 00:22:40.920 --> 00:22:42.600 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Why do you think that is? 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:46.030 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 21: This is a minority-base area. 00:22:46.030 --> 00:22:49.495 align:middle line:84% And they figure minorities, stay away from them. 00:22:49.495 --> 00:22:52.060 align:middle line:90% 00:22:52.060 --> 00:22:54.840 align:middle line:84% Before I went to Markham, I had never been in Watts. 00:22:54.840 --> 00:22:56.380 align:middle line:90% I say this much. 00:22:56.380 --> 00:22:59.050 align:middle line:90% And here I see it peaceful. 00:22:59.050 --> 00:23:00.654 align:middle line:90% And it's safe. 00:23:00.654 --> 00:23:02.320 align:middle line:84% It's safe, let me just put it like that. 00:23:02.320 --> 00:23:04.220 align:middle line:90% It's safe. 00:23:04.220 --> 00:23:06.030 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: It's not always safe. 00:23:06.030 --> 00:23:07.750 align:middle line:84% It's not safe anywhere in the city. 00:23:07.750 --> 00:23:09.670 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 21: But I'm just saying, it's-- 00:23:09.670 --> 00:23:13.360 align:middle line:84% from the stereotypic view, I had that point of view for a while. 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:15.520 align:middle line:84% Until I started going to school here. 00:23:15.520 --> 00:23:18.237 align:middle line:84% Now I see it's just like any other area. 00:23:18.237 --> 00:23:20.320 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: Some people when they don't live here, 00:23:20.320 --> 00:23:24.509 align:middle line:84% never came here before, they think it's, well, it's bad. 00:23:24.509 --> 00:23:25.300 align:middle line:90% You can't go there. 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:26.800 align:middle line:84% You're going to get shot or nothing. 00:23:26.800 --> 00:23:28.810 align:middle line:84% You have to come here to see how it really is. 00:23:28.810 --> 00:23:30.518 align:middle line:84% And when you come here and see how it is, 00:23:30.518 --> 00:23:31.880 align:middle line:90% it's a whole different story. 00:23:31.880 --> 00:23:36.160 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think people can see today-- 00:23:36.160 --> 00:23:37.660 align:middle line:90% the tour just lasts an hour. 00:23:37.660 --> 00:23:39.810 align:middle line:84% They're just walking a couple of blocks. 00:23:39.810 --> 00:23:43.000 align:middle line:84% Seeing the tower, getting back on the train and leaving. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:46.070 align:middle line:84% What can they see in that short period of time 00:23:46.070 --> 00:23:49.120 align:middle line:84% that could change their stereotype that they 00:23:49.120 --> 00:23:51.790 align:middle line:84% have about Watts that has been built up over the years? 00:23:51.790 --> 00:23:53.745 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: Well they could see-- 00:23:53.745 --> 00:23:55.750 align:middle line:84% it's some positive signs of Watts. 00:23:55.750 --> 00:23:57.350 align:middle line:90% It's not always negative. 00:23:57.350 --> 00:24:01.850 align:middle line:84% Sometimes they could see that it's safe and nothing happened. 00:24:01.850 --> 00:24:04.060 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 21: Every city has its bad side 00:24:04.060 --> 00:24:06.400 align:middle line:90% and has its good sides. 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:09.520 align:middle line:90% I see Watts has good sides. 00:24:09.520 --> 00:24:14.260 align:middle line:84% And, as every city does, has its bad sides. 00:24:14.260 --> 00:24:19.540 align:middle line:84% And this tour inverts their point 00:24:19.540 --> 00:24:20.740 align:middle line:90% of view just a little bit. 00:24:20.740 --> 00:24:21.930 align:middle line:90% It like tips it to the side. 00:24:21.930 --> 00:24:23.110 align:middle line:90% Say, oh, it's a nice city. 00:24:23.110 --> 00:24:24.820 align:middle line:90% So let me go there more often. 00:24:24.820 --> 00:24:26.995 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now do you think they'll come back? 00:24:26.995 --> 00:24:28.300 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 22: I don't know. 00:24:28.300 --> 00:24:29.680 align:middle line:84% I don't know their point of view. 00:24:29.680 --> 00:24:33.557 align:middle line:84% But I welcome them to come back anytime they feel like. 00:24:33.557 --> 00:24:35.140 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now how much of the city 00:24:35.140 --> 00:24:36.745 align:middle line:90% do you get out and see? 00:24:36.745 --> 00:24:38.470 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: All of it, really. 00:24:38.470 --> 00:24:39.639 align:middle line:90% All of it. 00:24:39.639 --> 00:24:41.680 align:middle line:84% It's only certain little parts I haven't been to. 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:45.490 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: But do you get out on the weekends? 00:24:45.490 --> 00:24:49.550 align:middle line:84% And get on the blue line and go into town and look around? 00:24:49.550 --> 00:24:51.160 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 22: Sometimes. 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:52.690 align:middle line:90% It costs money. 00:24:52.690 --> 00:24:54.767 align:middle line:90% I don't have that all the time. 00:24:54.767 --> 00:24:55.600 align:middle line:90% It's only sometimes. 00:24:55.600 --> 00:24:57.170 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Where do you live? 00:24:57.170 --> 00:24:59.540 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: I live on 103rd and Compton Avenue. 00:24:59.540 --> 00:25:00.329 align:middle line:90% I live in Watts. 00:25:00.329 --> 00:25:01.870 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you live right here? 00:25:01.870 --> 00:25:02.980 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 22: Right here. 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:04.792 align:middle line:90% Right down the street. 00:25:04.792 --> 00:25:06.630 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What does all this say? 00:25:06.630 --> 00:25:09.870 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 23: It says that people do want to see these areas. 00:25:09.870 --> 00:25:12.820 align:middle line:84% And they're totally surprised when they get here. 00:25:12.820 --> 00:25:15.810 align:middle line:84% Not just by the Watts Towers, they're surprised by these kids 00:25:15.810 --> 00:25:17.385 align:middle line:84% from Markham and their intelligence. 00:25:17.385 --> 00:25:19.260 align:middle line:84% And all the things that they've talked about. 00:25:19.260 --> 00:25:21.330 align:middle line:84% And you have probably taken them in tape. 00:25:21.330 --> 00:25:23.850 align:middle line:84% And they want it, but they're always still 00:25:23.850 --> 00:25:24.910 align:middle line:90% afraid to come in here. 00:25:24.910 --> 00:25:26.370 align:middle line:90% That's what they've told us. 00:25:26.370 --> 00:25:30.000 align:middle line:84% And now we hope it'll come back as a steady basis. 00:25:30.000 --> 00:25:30.810 align:middle line:90% That's what it is. 00:25:30.810 --> 00:25:36.880 align:middle line:90% 00:25:36.880 --> 00:25:39.100 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 1: "Visiting with Huell Howser" 00:25:39.100 --> 00:25:41.110 align:middle line:84% is made possible through a generous grant 00:25:41.110 --> 00:25:44.940 align:middle line:84% from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. 00:25:44.940 --> 00:25:46.434 align:middle line:90%