This episode carries a warning that the story is not based on any real person or event. However, central to the story are the riots that occurred in L.A. after the verdicts were read from the Rodney King trial and Reginald Denny was dragged from his vehicle and severely beaten.
The character Father Jack appears to be loosely based on Father Gregory S. Boyle, S.J. Director of Homeboy Industries, an economic development program designed to give Latino gang members a second chance and an alternative to gang activity. Homeboy Industries operates in Boyle Heights (part of LAPD's Hollenbeck Division).
Like Father Jack, Father Gregory is actively involved in the City of Los Angeles' anti-crime initiatives. Occasional questions have arisen about the sheltering of gang members who have committed major crimes.
Brenda's phone ringtone is T-Mobile's signature tone you hear in all of their ads.
John Tenney (Fritz Howard) and Mark Rolston (Father Jack) both worked on Brooklyn South (1997)