Latinos Ask for More Rebuilding Aid, Fair Share of Contracts

Latino business leaders Tuesday stepped up their demands to be allowed a greater voice in the rebuilding of riot-damaged areas of Los Angeles and challenged the government and the mainstream private sector to aid them.

At a news conference at a riot-ravaged intersection in the Pico-Union district, members of the Latin Business Assn. and City Councilman Mike Hernandez accused government officials of ignoring the plight of Latino merchants whose properties were lost or damaged during rioting last year and of not equitably distributing rebuilding contracts and monies.

‘The government is still not working with us,” Hernandez said.

Earlier, the Latin Business Assn. had presented its case to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, which took no immediate action. The group asked the board to implement minority goals in its contracting requirements.

If that happens, the group contended, it could mean $1 billion annually in contracts for minority businesses. Latinos, who make up one-third of the county’s population, should receive a share of the contracts in proportion to their numbers, the LBA said.

“Latin businesses are not seen as the solution to problems and are not seen as viable,” said the group’s executive director, Rosa Marin, at the news conference.

“If this myth continues, the real backbone of California’s economy will be underutilized,” she said.