SOUTH LOS ANGELES : ‘Chaos’ at Shuttered Store, Residents Say

When Latasha Harlins was killed in a dispute over a bottle of orange juice at the Empire Liquor Market on March 16, 1991, the convenience store became the focal point for community protest and news coverage.

But two years later, much of the attention has waned and the market, closed since the 15-year-old Harlins was shot by grocer Soon Ja Du, is a dumping ground. Area residents say it has deteriorated into an eyesore that attracts drug dealers, prostitutes and vagrants.

“It seems like nobody cares,” said Mae Stewart, 68, who has lived more than three decades near the market at 91st Place and Figueroa Street. “There have been various occasions where (mourners have) put up flowers and things, but nobody cleaned up in front of it. It’s really been chaos. It’s been awful.”

The city Department of Building and Safety erected a fence and posted a no-dumping sign at the graffiti-scarred site last week, but Stewart and other residents said the area around the building has not been cleaned and called the fence only a temporary solution.

Several suggested converting the defunct business into a community center in Harlins’ memory. Harlins’ aunt, Denise Harlins, who started the Latasha Harlins Justice Committee, said the nonprofit agency is working to purchase the market and hopes to convert it into an intergenerational community center.

“They should put the place in action, do something with the place,” said O. Oliver, a 20-year resident of the South Figueroa neighborhood. “There’s always going to be somebody breaking in, dumping. A fence isn’t going to stop it.”

The building was owned by Du’s family. The Du family could not be reached for comment, but Denise Harlins said the property recently went into foreclosure with the California Korean Bank. She said she has approached the bank about purchasing the property, which has been valued at $680,000.

“My main interest is helping the community,” Harlins said. “We’re hoping everything is going to work out.”