EDITORIAL WATTS: THEN AND NOW IT'S TIME TO SET A NEW AGENDA FOR THE YEARS AHEAD.

IN the 40 years since Watts erupted in violence and flames, dramatic changes have occurred that have improved the quality of life and expanded the opportunities of many African-Americans in Los Angeles.

Heavy-handed tactics of the Los Angeles Police Department that fed the riots have largely been reformed, and fear and resentment reduced although crime remains a serious problem in South Los Angeles. Where there were no medical facilities, there's now a hospital, though one with serious problems because of mismanagement. A strong black leadership has emerged from the community to represent its interests at the local, state and federal levels.

Though many things have changed, including the massive influx of Latinos into Watts and much of South Los Angeles, many of the underlying problems that led to the riots on Aug. 11, 1965, remain entrenched.

Many of the residents are still poor, unemployed and disenfranchised. The schools are crowded, low-performing and lacking in skilled teachers and adequate resources. And residents still live in fear - from the gang violence that kills and injures so many innocent people every year, and from the police as well.

This year the hospital - Martin Luther King Jr.-Drew Medical Center, which was one of the shining successes from post-riot efforts - nearly shut down because of a pattern of mismanagement that had been ignored by the county supervisors for decades.

With the recognition of the 40th anniversary this week, it's not just a time for reflection. This is the right time for a chance for elected officials, community leaders, businesses and residents to set the agenda for the next four decades.

The McCone Commission, which was appointed by Gov. Edmund G. ``Pat'' Brown to address some of the roots underneath the civil unrest, led to major gains though not enough. Even its goals at the time are no longer relevant to Watts in the 21st century.

It's an appropriate time for a new commission. Headed by the brightest, best brains in Los Angeles, backed by one of the many well-funded foundations and given real empowerment by the elected officials, this commission could do what 40 years has not.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa took the first step Thursday by announcing with community leaders a new yearlong project aimed at ending the cycle of violence and poverty that continues to plague the neighborhood.

It's a start, but it's not enough to be the only solution to the ills of South Los Angeles. Any real progress that comes from commission- or government-sponsored projects is sure to fail on its own without support from and cooperation by the entire community.