KTLA News: "Home demolition in Watts" (1978)

[Peter Burns] On this 13th Anniversary of the Watts Riots there was fresh destruction in this community. But the residents will benefit because the demolition is part of the Los Angeles County building rehabilitation program. After 18 years, and nearly 24,000 unsafe buildings, Supervisor Kenneth Hahn says we have the best rehabilitation program in the country. [Kenneth Hahn] We're saying that to an owner If you don't fix up your property, the absentee owner, the banks the savings and loans. They'll come and demolish it and put that cost on your property tax bill, so the taxpayers are not paying for this. You know if everyone would treat somebody, like they live next door. Although this isn't the richest Neighborhood in America. There are many homeowners who have lived here 25, 30 years in Watts. They're proud of their homes, and they're proud of their lawns, and their neighborhood. And this is really also a story of being a good neighbor. If you're not a good neighbor, we're going to make you one. [Burns] There used to be an expression, "There goes the neighborhood." In this case, there goes the house, and the neighborhood is all the better for it. Peter Burns, Channel 5 News Watch, Watts. [Bulldozer mechanical crushing sounds] [neighborhood, distant bulldozer sound] [bulldozer, crushing] [distant noise] [noise, close again] [rumbling, crushing noises] [distant rumbling...] [rumbling, crashing loud again] [rumbling, crashing continues... [distant rumbling...] [rumbling, crashing] [distant rumbling] [distant rumbling, crashing] [Peter Burns] The County of Los Angeles probably has one of the best restoration or demolition programs in the country. What are some of the things that you've been doing? [Hahn] Well actually, we're doing this. We're saying to the people who are milking the neighborhood. Who milk renters. Who take advantage. And then they don't maintain their homes. With good plumbing. Good health standards. Good electricity. Wiring. Safety. Then the County will insist that you bring it up to code. And if you don't do it... we throw the book at him. In fact, the book is so strong that... we demolish it. [Burns] Now in this particular case, and without naming the landlord, the landlord has agreed to pay for the demolition. Isn't that unusual? [Hahn] Yes it is. Because that means that they know if they don't pay for it, it will be put it on their assessors roll. That would mean the tax collector will put it on their tax bill. [Burns] Unusual to do it up front. [Hahn] Yes... Why do you permit somebody else who does not live in the neighborhood run our neighborhood down? (quiet, indiscernable discussion) [unidentified bystander] Bye! (ambient neighborhood din) (neighborhood ambience w/ birds chirping) [street noise]