REBUILDING WATCH : Honor Role

The Los Angeles riots could have prompted a commercial exodus from the neighborhoods hit by looting, shooting and fires. In the violence that followed the Rodney King verdict, many businesses lost profits, inventories, even buildings. Yet, in many cases, corporate leaders have decided to stay.

Food 4 Less Supermarkets Inc., which maintains a high profile in poor and working-class neighborhoods abandoned by other grocery chains, suffered huge losses to its Boys, Viva and ABC supermarkets during the disturbances. But the chain decided not to abandon its customers or employees and to provide free food and diapers to neighbors in need.

Thrifty drugstores made no immediate commitment to rebuild the four stores that burned to the ground in South Los Angeles and the Crenshaw district. Los Angeles City Councilman Nate Holden encouraged the chain, and last week it announced that it will do just that with three of the stores, a message that delighted customers and employees alike.

Unemployment is the most pressing problem in the neighborhoods shaken by the violence. Jobs are needed, and many good corporate citizens are training and hiring workers from South Los Angeles and other poor neighborhoods. Disneyland is hiring 200 youngsters for summer jobs. Pioneer Electronics is pledging $600,000 through Rebuild L.A. to train and hire youngsters for permanent jobs. These firms and other noteworthy businesses serve as examples that should inspire other corporations in making a difference.