Reaching Out and Touching Everyone : Angelenos in so many ways help the city get back on its feet

“Think globally, act locally,” proclaims a current bumper sticker. The slogan may not have originated in Los Angeles but it surely applies to demonstrations of heroism and the outpouring of local relief following the recent violence and destruction. And the message of this now-cliched bumper sticker is worth applauding--that in addressing acute local needs we might begin to address newly underscored but longstanding social ills.

THE HEROES: Relief and healing began with individual acts of extraordinary heroism even as the fires raged. Firefighters dodged bullets as they tried to put out the more than 600 fires. Fire trucks initially responded without police escorts, despite the threat of violence; firefighter Scott Miller was critically injured when he was shot in the face by a sniper. Residents pulled strangers to safety from gun-wielding or stone-throwing crowds at great personal risk. And like employees at other businesses, the multiethnic workers of a factory that rebuilds auto engines saved their company from a threatening mob by standing shoulder to shoulder outside their building.

THE HELPERS: Even before the fires and looting ceased, Angelenos started to help. The image of actor Edward James Olmos sweeping up rubble in South Los Angeles worked as a salve on the city’s deep psychic burns. His example helped trigger an unprecedented volunteer effort. Over the first weekend after the riots, thousands pitched in to clear streets and collect and distribute food not only to thousands left without jobs or stores in which to buy necessary goods but also to overtaxed police officers, National Guard troops and firefighters. Local churches and aid organizations jumped in to coordinate the flood of donations. The First African Methodist Episcopal Church quickly became an unofficial headquarters for relief efforts of all sorts; at least one politician turned her district office into a food distribution center, and dozens of other churches and synagogues and relief agencies swung into gear. For example, the Chrysalis Center in downtown offers job-search help for displaced workers and the Hollywood Beautification Team provides volunteers to help clean up and restock businesses. Support from businesses and other organizations also has been astonishing. Grocery chains and national manufacturers have donated tons of food and household items.

But many people simply acted on their own. One child, concerned that the National Guard troops stationed near her were thirsty and hungry, persuaded a local drugstore to donate soda and snacks. Another woman drove a truckload of food in from her home in the state of Washington.

More than 1,000 food distribution sites for the needy in Los Angeles County are now in operation, up from the usual 600. The goal now is to keep food and supplies flowing throughout the coming summer.

THE CONTINUING NEED: The need for immediate relief continues, but now the task of rebuilding lives and businesses looms. Yet here again there are heartening signs: Southern California Edison has pledged a formidable $35 million in cash, facilities and services. Scores of architects, lawyers, counselors, dentists, lawyers, carpenters and countless other individuals and firms have volunteered their services.

From these beginnings our shattered city will be rebuilt. And from that effort, we hope, a renewed commitment to equality and opportunity in our community will grow.