Expert: Steve Summers - 2/8/2009

Question
I have a cousin who lives in Compton, California.  We are really close but we haven't seen each other in a few years, so she wants me to go visit her there this summer.  She said she can either come see me or I can come see her, I want to go to California, so I said I'd go see her.  BUT everyone I told that to, said Compton is really scary and that people get shot and robbed there all the time and that even the police doesn't go there anymore.  I know about a lot of gangs being there but is it really that bad?  Is it really mostly gangs and danger, I would ask my cousin but I don't want to come off as rude/scared.  Should I ask her to come here or is it not as bad as it is perceived?  Can you describe it to me? Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Angie,

It's not as bad as the stereotype/reputation. Sure, there is crime there, but there is crime everywhere. I used to do some work in the area, and it's not too scary at all during the day. If you ever read the news reports, almost all of the crime happens late at night. I would just exercise caution, and go ahead and visit her. Then invite her to visit you next time.

BTW, the police DO go there. Compton is mostly just working folks, and even some nicer areas. But it's the gang activity that gets all the news. Nobody's going to do a news story on the poor guy working hard to pay the bills. See what I mean?

Be a little careful, have fun!