A deadly clash between white cops and a Black man in 1985 led to years of tension and trials — but also inoculated the city against the sort of race riots that racked Los Angeles and other big cities a few years later.
By the mid-1980s, San Diego had exploded into one of the 10 most populous metropolitan areas in the country, but most residents simply refused to believe it. For them, it was still a funky little beach town — one with an unofficial slogan: “We are not L.A.” Thanks to the stable economy supported by military bases, tourism and real estate, much of San Diego felt immune to urban decay.
Police and many members of San Diego’s conservative establishment said it was just another case of police officers being gunned down while doing their job. An editorial in the historically conservative and white San Diego Union newspaper all but pronounced Penn guilty while exonerating the police officers. “The fault lies not with our police officers, but with the punk elements who inhabit this fair place,” veteran journalist Edward Fike wrote in an opinion piece.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Things to do this weekend: San Diego Beer Weekend, San Diego Smooth Jazz Festival and moreA list of things to do this weekend in San Diego County, from Chula Vista to Oceanside.
Read more »
KEN KRAMER'S ABOUT SAN DIEGO: Vintage Train & San Diego State CollegeThursday, June 27, 2024 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream now with the PBS App + Encore Sunday, June 30 at 4 p.m. on KPBS and Monday, June 1 at 8 p.m. on KPBS 2. We join Ken aboard a vintage train through the desert backcountry of San Diego County.
Read more »
San Diego weekend arts events: The Shell, Black Music Fest, zombies and booksThis weekend in the arts and culture in San Diego: San Diego Symphony's opening weekend at the Rady Shell; San Diego Black Arts and Culture District Music Festival; 'Twelfth Night of the Living Dead;' North Park Mini Book Fair; floral and ceramic art; live music and more.
Read more »
San Diego weekend arts events: The Shell, Black Music Fest, zombies and booksThis weekend in the arts and culture in San Diego: San Diego Symphony's opening weekend at the Rady Shell; San Diego Black Arts and Culture District Music Festival; 'Twelfth Night of the Living Dead;' North Park Mini Book Fair; floral and ceramic art; live music and more.
Read more »
Black Arts and Culture Music Festival to highlight local San Diego talentBlack Music Month closes this weekend with the Black Arts and Culture District Music Festival in San Diego, highlighting local artists across multiple genres.
Read more »
San Diego medical examiner confirms body found on Black Mountain was missing hikerThe San Diego County Medical Examiner's office on Wednesday confirmed the body found on Black Mountain this week was that of hiker Diem Le Nguyen, who went…
Read more »