Ueberroth Resigns: Whither RLA? : An organization far more important than any one person

Peter V. Ueberroth has resigned as co-chair of Rebuild L.A., the private relief organization that offers such great hope for reviving the riot zones of Los Angeles. His resignation should not diminish anyone’s commitment to the unfinished work of that important group.

Ueberroth has left in place a well-equipped team of co-chairs--Bernard Kinsey, Barry Sanders, Tony Salazar and Linda Wong. Although less-known than Ueberroth, they understand the mission: to encourage businesses, large and small, to invest, train and hire in the inner city.

They must build on the foundation that Ueberroth helped to put into place. Although RLA had a tough first year, Ueberroth deserves credit for launching a unique private-sector attempt to rejuvenate Los Angeles’ inner city. If successful--and it must succeed--RLA could become a model for the rebirth of other inner cities.

The RLA team can already take credit for helping achieve a record $500-million commitment. That level of private investment is unprecedented here, or in any poor urban neighborhood. The investment is translating, according to the mayor’s office, into 5,000 jobs in poor neighborhoods. That is a respectable start in the challenge to revive our city.

RLA’s most notable achievements include Toyota’s partnership with the Los Angeles Urban League to open a $3-million training center in the Crenshaw district. Also at RLA’s urging, Chief Auto Parts plans to open 15 new stores in the inner city over the next four years, and that commitment is in addition to rebuilding 28 Chief stores destroyed by the riots.

RLA encouraged Chevron to underwrite a new training facility in South Los Angeles. American Savings Bank set aside $1 million to rehabilitate buildings damaged during the unrest. And a consortium that includes Pacific Bell has agreed to build a factory and to make $7 million in purchases from it.

Encouraged by RLA, other businesses, banks and stores are returning to South Los Angeles. To overcome barriers that still remain, RLA has launched an innovative Community Lending Fund to funnel loans and grants to entrepreneurs who commit to bring businesses and jobs to poor neighborhoods.

This private investment, though only a start, is all the more remarkable because of the absence of federal and state rebuilding initiatives in the wake of the riots. Washington has failed to deliver on the promises of jobs and urban enterprise zones that were made while buildings still smoldered.

President Clinton’s recent visit to Los Angeles should reawaken the nation about the needs of inner cities. But until Congress and more businesses respond, Los Angeles must bank on RLA.

Rebuild L.A. is the creation of Mayor Tom Bradley, who tapped Ueberroth within days of the riots to lead the recovery.

Ueberroth was chosen largely because of his organizing of the highly successful 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His past achievements prompted high expectations. Maybe too high--some seemingly expected a miracle.

Instead, RLA seemed to plod along as Ueberroth put together a diverse, 80-member governing board. He acknowledged that he became a lightning rod for mounting criticism because he is a rich Republican who lives in Orange County rather than Los Angeles.

Thankfully, Ueberroth will not abandon RLA; he will remain on the governing board. His continued involvement in RLA reflects his belief in its mission to attract more investment to the inner city.

As Ueberroth leaves the leadership, RLA--hopefully with greater help from an aggressive new mayor and a reenergized City Council--must continue working to renew the promise of Los Angeles.