A comparison of south-central Los Angeles and other urban communities now and in 1965 shows that poverty and crime are worse and that anger is expressed in more violent forms and among a more varied set of ethnic cultures that live in tense proximity. Meanwhile, the resources and will to address these problems have dissipated. The institutions (families, schools, workplaces, and religious institutions) that once had some control and offered some hope of change have disintegrated or disappeared. Academics and activists are characterized by utter intellectual weariness when considering these issues. In addition, politicians are focusing on other issues, particularly in this election year. Furthermore, hopes for a successful Federal case against the Los Angeles police officers who beat Rodney King are not well-founded. The jury verdict acquitting the police officers has increased racial divisions. However, police agencies in Kansas City (Mo.), San Diego (Calif.), and Miami are trying innovations such as community policing. California's Law Enforcement Command College is also involved in training police officers to build relationships with community leaders. Photographs