Murders drop to 1967 levels

Homicides over the past three months in Los Angeles have fallen to their lowest levels since the Summer of Love more than 40 years ago despite a struggling economy that historically has meant more crime. Rachel Uranga in the Daily News.

In the normally violent months of June, July and August, 84 people were killed citywide, including just seven in the San Fernando Valley. That makes this year the first time slayings have fallen below 100 for those three months since 1970, and the lowest number since 1967, when there were 79, according to LAPD figures released Tuesday.

It's a stark comparison with the peak of bloodshed in 1991, when gang wars raged and the city became known for its drive-by shootings. Or 2002, when L.A. was the homicide capital of the nation and there were 174 slayings during those three months.