Historical Marker

Branciforte

Historical marker location:
840 N Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, California
( Marker is at the intersection of North Branciforte Avenue and Water Street on North Branciforte Avenue.)
Marker installed: 1950

In 1965, the Watts Riots erupted in Los Angeles after a police officer arrested a Black man for drunk driving. The six-day riot resulted in 34 deaths, over 1,000 injuries, and $40 million in property damage. The Watts Riots were a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and helped to spark a nationwide conversation about race relations.