In a poignant tour branded as a “toxic tour,” community leaders from Watts recently showcased the ongoing environmental health challenges that have plagued this Los Angeles neighborhood. The tour, led by Tim Watkins, president and CEO of the Watts Labor Community Action Committee, included notable figures such as the mayor of Los Angeles and the LAUSD superintendent. It underscored the alarming toxicity levels facing the residents, a situation that experts have long warned about.
Watkins highlighted that Watts ranks in the 99th percentile of toxicity among Southern California communities, a stark indication of the area’s long history of industrial contamination and neglect. “The whole community has been poisoned,” he stated while guiding officials through various sites afflicted by pollution, blight, and illegal dumping.
Megan Wong, a researcher with the Better Watts Initiative, elaborated on the historical context that has contributed to the current environmental crisis. She noted that the area has hosted numerous wartime industries, including bomb manufacturing and lead smelting facilities, which have released harmful pollutants into the soil. This historical exploitation of Watts has left lingering effects, as recent water samples collected by the Better Watts Initiative revealed lead levels far exceeding those deemed acceptable by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Researchers have continuously stressed the urgent need for further investigations and remediation efforts. Dr. Dani Hoague, a PhD candidate and researcher at the Better Watts Initiative, poignantly expressed the stakes involved: “What’s at stake is people’s health.”
The toxic tour was the second of its kind; a previous tour was held nearly three years prior, but the lack of significant improvements in the community’s environmental conditions remains disheartening. Notably, however, a key development has occurred with regards to Atlas Iron and Metal, a recycling facility adjacent to Jordan High School. This facility was prosecuted for unlawful hazardous waste disposal and has since been forced to close permanently—a significant victory for concerned residents and students.
A collaboration between community advocates and government officials appears crucial for systemic change in Watts, a sentiment echoed by local leaders. Alberto Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, emphasized the need for strategic and collaborative efforts to address the community’s long-standing environmental health concerns. He remarked, “What I saw through Atlas, and now what I’ve seen once again… reinforces my fundamental belief that government needs to do better.”
Watkins has advocated for actionable solutions to address the toxic landscape in Watts. One of his proposals includes establishing a land trust for the former Atlas site, granting priority to the Los Angeles Unified School District to ensure the community reaps the benefits. This represents a broader vision for revitalizing the area, which includes the “2000 Watts” initiative. This initiative aims to develop 2,000 new affordable housing units on a 10-acre parcel known as the Lanzit site, catering to the pressing housing needs of the community.
The plan intended to create a mixed-use light industrial and green space has gathered interest, with Watkins noting, “What I’m hoping to do is to create a walk-to-work light industrial-green space for the community that you not only work there but you seek respite, you seek solace in that space.” This innovative approach encapsulates the spirit of resilience in Watts, where community members are determined to advocate for their health, safety, and future.
In summary, the “toxic tour” of Watts remains a critical touchpoint in the ongoing conversation about environmental justice and health equity in marginalized communities. While the challenges are considerable, the concerted efforts of community leaders, researchers, and local officials signal a collective commitment to confronting these toxic realities head-on. The time for change is now, and initiatives such as “2000 Watts” reflect the hope and determination of those who call Watts home. In working together, the community has the potential to forge a new path toward a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future for all residents.
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