Korean-Americans Criticize Police

In their first meeting with Mayor Tom Bradley since the riots, about 40 Korean-American community leaders Monday angrily criticized police for inadequately defending their businesses during the unrest, and demanded that liquor stores and swap meets be allowed to rebuild without too much hardship from a new law.

Bradley reassured them that owners of legitimate businesses, including liquor stores, would be allowed to rebuild, and said he has asked the city planning director to develop reasonable conditions for reopening, spokeswoman Val Bunting said.

The mayor on Wednesday signed into law an ordinance subjecting liquor stores and swap meets to neighborhood hearings and possible new operating conditions such as shorter hours or better lighting before rebuilding. The same ordinance reduced regulatory burdens on most other businesses to speed reconstruction.

Many liquor store owners--both black and Korean--oppose the increased scrutiny required by the ordinance because it could slow the start of rebuilding of stores by six months. The owners argue they need to reopen quickly because the stores in many cases are their sole source of income.

The reopening of businesses was not the only topic raised Monday by the groups, which included the Korean-American Coalition, the Korean-American Institute of Architects, and church leaders. Some told the mayor of the strong feeling of betrayal and abandonment by the police, politicians and city officials that many Korean-Americans say they have felt in recent weeks.