The Region - News from Aug. 12, 1987

For the third straight year, the organizers of the Watts Summer Festival have canceled the event, an outgrowth of the 1965 Watts riots, because of Los Angeles police fears that street-gang violence could mar the five-day festival. Tommy Jacquette, the festival’s executive director, said that he and the festival’s executive board could not persuade police officials to back the affair, which was to have begun today. He said that concessions, including cutting the event to three days and giving police the option of shutting it down in case of trouble, were offered, but turned down. Deputy Police Chief Jesse A. Brewer said organizers waited too long to apply for the proper permits, adding that he is reluctant to support an event “that would provide an arena that could end up in gang violence.” Brewer said police officials are willing to work with festival officials toward planning a successful event next year.