Children of the Riots Write to Santa With Special Pleas : Assistance: Many whose families were victims of the unrest have new, simpler priorities--food and comfort.

Last Christmas was a good one for 9-year-old Iliana Paola Lozano. She spent a happy time with her mother, sister and brother in their home, had a turkey dinner and got most of the toys she had asked Santa to bring her.

This year, Iliana also made a wish list for Santa, but her plea was not for the ring and doll she wanted. It was for “food and happiness” for her family, who lost their business during last spring’s riots and have since become homeless.

Iliana and a dozen other children whose families were victims of the civil disturbances read their letters to Santa at a press conference Monday held by a group of Latino merchants at a downtown shopping mall.

Members of the group, the Union de Comerciantes Latinos y Afiliados, complained that the federal government has not done enough to help them overcome their losses.

But it was the children who most compellingly voiced the lingering sense of fear and helplessness.

“To Santa Claus . . . I am very sad because eight months ago there was the riots that scared me very much and I can not forget until now,” wrote 9-year-old Ronald Axarlian. “My perent’s has lost their business and for Christmas I will not recieve my super nintendo that I was waiting for all year.”

Oscar Ponce, 9, promised Santa he would “never fight my little brother” if he could see his mommy happy again.

“We were happy, my daddy took me to Disneyland and Chucky cheese but now he just takes me to the park in the corner,” Oscar wrote.

“Santa Santa Claus, Hi, I want a doll and many toys, but I am sad because this year I will not have toys because the day of the disturbis we lost everything, but you will bring us many gifts,” Nickte Ramos hoped in her letter.

For many children whose families were victimized during the unrest, the effects have yet to wear off, in large part because of financial problems, according to Cynthia Telles, director of a UCLA psychiatric clinic that caters to Spanish-speaking clients.

Guadalupe Covarrubias, Iliana’s mother, ran a San Fernando produce market that was looted of virtually all its merchandise. Covarrubias said she was unable to get disaster aid and federal officials will not discuss her case, citing privacy requirements. But the 45-year-old mother said she was forced to leave the home she had been renting with her adult son, and is attempting to go on welfare.

Now, she, Iliana and 7-year-old Jessica often spend their nights in the family van, usually parked in front of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division station. Covarrubias said she feels safer there.

“Last year, we were very happy, I had a job, money,” Covarrubias said. “This year, if somebody gives us something it will be OK. If nobody gives us nothing, then. . .,” she said with a shrug.

Iliana’s letter, written on bright green paper and decorated with a snowy white cotton wool Santa, bore witness to a young girl precociously aware of life’s troubles.

“Every year we wait for you because you are going to bring many gifts,” she wrote Santa. “But I ask you to know our need for help. Please bring food. If you have something on your table that you don’t want please give it as a gift. . . . I understand the situation in the world, Santa. Thanks for all that I ask you.”