Compton, California

Compton is a city located in southern Los Angeles County, California, USA. It is often considered to be the heart of the South Los Angeles area, formerly known as a part of South Central Los Angeles. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 93,493. The city has at times been notorious for gang violence, a reputation perhaps exaggerated by the rise to prominence of local gangsta rap group NWA during the 1980s (see Straight Outta Compton). Currently the most feared and biggest gangs from Compton are the Latino gangs, Compton Varrio Tortilla Flats, Compton Varrio 70's, Compton Varrio Largo 36 and Compton Varrio Alondra.

City sites

• The Heritage House serves as an important landmark of Compton's rich history. Located at the corner of Alondra and Willowbrook near the Civic Center Plaza, the Heritage House is a rustic-looking home that will eventually house a museum detailing early life in Compton. For now it demarks the stark difference between the simple life of the 1800s and the fast-paced urban environment of the 21st century.