PERSPECTIVE ON REBUILDING LOS ANGELES : What Will You Do for Your City? : Let’s see everyone who spent ’92 on the sidelines pitch in, starting with a pledge to more courtesy and less L.A.-bashing.

When working out to make the U.S. Olympic water polo team in 1956 (I failed), every night I encountered a manager at the security door of the stadium who asked each entrant, “Are you going to spectate or participate?”

This is the question all Southern Californians should ask themselves in 1993. Are you going to stand on the sidelines or get into the game . . . of making Los Angeles a better place? “Rebuild” or “Rebirth”--call it what you like--the point is, let’s all get on with the task. The sidelines have always been reserved for do-nothing critics.

We are arguably the most ethnically diverse community on the face of the Earth. We must prove that this diversity is an asset and a strength. In 1993, we have the opportunity to do this as we decide how Los Angeles will be represented to the world.

I would ask each person who calls Los Angeles home to do four things: Treat your neighbor with greater respect and courtesy; have the same high regard for our community; dedicate yourself to a project that you personally can do to make Los Angeles a better place, and start talking positively about our city--a new pride is contagious.

Many people have been active in improving this, their home town, for years. Since the riots in April, we at Rebuild L.A. (RLA) have had the good fortune to see quite a few newcomers join the pack. Our hope is that everyone will be part of this work--and that those on the sidelines become part of the team.

If you’re wondering what you can do, there are plenty of opportunities. Community-based organizations are looking for people to work on everything from drafting financial plans for small businesses to helping children learn to read and write. An office can hire one high school student from the inner city every year. Corporations are already setting up job-training programs to prepare a new work force. To stay competitive in our global economy, employers need well-trained and educated people; no one can walk into a job without basic skills already developed.

The key is your commitment; measuring the scope of your effort against another’s is not important.

With this effort, there will be dissension, especially when so varied a group is called upon to work together. We at RLA welcome discussion and any constructive criticism. It is another example of how our diversity will produce creative solutions to our problems. From Justice for Janitors to the Women’s Coalition, from Community Build to Asian Pacific Americans for a New Los Angeles, all have stressed the importance of their agendas. The next step is to work together toward the various solutions.

Too often, though, there are critics who do not follow through with any positive actions of their own. We have no complaint with those who offer alternatives, just with those who question the work but don’t roll up their sleeves to get it done.

The government must be a player now--no more hearings, no more speeches, no more riot/media tours. It is time for decisive action on initiatives that will stimulate investment and job creation.

Of the many promises made and never kept this past year, all is forgiven. It was a lackluster performance that, we trust, will not be repeated. And to those who are waiting to hear what is needed, a reminder: The voters have already spoken. They are concerned about the economy, and about the lack of leadership and cohesiveness that has been evident at all levels of government.

For many reasons, I feel that 1993 will bring great accomplishments from our elected officials. It is a new era that shows the willingness of Democrats and Republicans to work together. From our city and county officials, to Willie Brown and Pete Wilson in Sacramento, to our President-elect and his predecessor in Washington, there is a commitment to achieve results and save the rhetoric for the political commentators.

There is one concern, though. With all our strength and dedication, we do have a flaw--our tendency to be self-critical. No one is better at bashing Los Angeles than a local. So much energy is devoted to predicting our demise, to creating a self-fulfilling prophesy full of gloom and doom. It’s time to think differently and to embrace change.

As you begin the new year, think about the four suggestions offered here. There is no better gift you can make to yourself, your family and the next generation than the dedication to improve our community. We know that our city will grow and again be the envy of people everywhere else. The only question is, what are you going to do for Los Angeles?