misconceptions

One realization that stands out amongst all the rest is Los Angeles is not as dangerous as I expected. I grew up in the days of Gansta Rap. There was this understanding that LA (especially south central) was the most dangerous place in the country (minus maybe NYC). I still sing along with Ice Cube when he says "no one I know got killed in south central LA. Today was a good day."

The territory I cover for work has me often in south central LA. (Usually 2-3 times per week) I'm also often in Culver City and even make it over to Venice and Marina Del Ray. By far, the most dangerous place I've been so far is Venice/Venice Beach. (mostly Venice Beach)

When I was still in Macon, I would joke on New Year's Eve & 4th of July about another game of "Gunshots vs Fireworks?". In Macon, there was constantly news of a shooting/homicide. At least one per month in 2018. Now I'll be the first to admit that I am not the best with keeping up with current events or news (local or otherwise). But I can honestly say I have not heard of one homicide in the nearly 4 months I have lived in Los Angeles.

But I can say I had a homeless man get in my face & yell at me in Venice Beach. (He later apologized.) And I have not felt unsafe in south central. Most of the homes are not expensive but well kept. It is generally a nicer area than my misconceptions lead me to believe.

Perhaps I owe a "thank you" to Macon to prepare me to live in a such a "dangerous" area.