Yeah, but unless you get involved, wont affect you.
Also, if youre just visiting, its OK - its not like someone will bug you if you walk around the streets and if youre visiting LA then you wont be staying at your hotel all day. Youll be checking out LA - youll just crash there at night. Thats the cheapest option, otherwise anything in LoneyPlanet guide book is good.
I heard that's an area known for its gangs and blacks. Isn't it?