Don’t Pump Up the Volume : As it await verdicts, L.A. must see things in perspective

As the Rodney King civil rights trial draws to a close, the fear that its outcome could result in renewed rioting is palpable in Los Angeles. The case is expected to go to the jury by the end of this week.

The fears of new violence are heightened by rumors that well-armed gangs will invade suburban homes and businesses. These fears have been stoked by tabloid-style television reports and out-of-town newspapers that give too much credibility to the braggadocio of a few gang members who boast they will take violence to affluent suburban areas. But a boast, or a rumor, does not a fact make.

Anxiety has sent people running to gun stores. “Gun sales are up at least 30 to 40% over the past eight weeks,” a gun shop owner recently told a Times reporter. “Ammo sales have gone up over 100%. I can’t keep ammo in stock.” That’s worrisome because the last thing the police need is “help” from untrained, overanxious vigilantes who may be a danger to themselves as well as others.

Deputy Police Chief Mark A. Kroeker expressed the police concern best when he upbraided several panicky Encino homeowners recently: “I think you need to reduce the hysteria I’m feeling in this room. Hysteria is more dangerous, in a way, than the problems you are describing. We are fully prepared and fully committed to protecting you with everything we have, including our lives.”

There’s a constructive way of checking out rumors: the county Human Relations Commission rumor line, 1-800-2-GO-TALK, which is operating now.

Tensions are high in the black, Latino and Korean communities, where the death and destruction were most severe last year. Although business owners are fearful, the Korean-American Grocers Assn. is wisely urging members not to buy guns. That’s wise advice that should be heeded. Because, after all, Los Angeles is much better prepared than it was a year ago to handle disturbances. A few key examples:

--The Los Angeles Police Department, Sheriff’s Department, the California Highway Patrol and other agencies have trained to contain the spread of violence in case disturbances break out again. The National Guard has sent armored vehicles to this area to facilitate a rapid response. Additionally, the LAPD has improved emergency tactics, instituted new mutual aid procedures and strengthened lines of communications.

--The communications are most improved at City Hall. Last year, Mayor Tom Bradley and then-Police Chief Daryl F. Gates were feuding. Nowadays, the mayor and Chief Willie L. Williams speak regularly.

These are not minor changes. They are major improvements. Los Angeles is prepared. Gov. Pete Wilson, Bradley and Williams have asked U.S. District Judge John G. Davies to delay the announcement of the verdicts. A reasonable delay would be appropriate.

Teachers should help alleviate children’s concerns, and the L.A. school district is encouraging such classroom discussions. Some classroom discussions will focus on a King--not Rodney, but Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.--who was assassinated 25 years ago Sunday. Speakers will explain how the human rights champion expressed his rage at injustice and how he expressed his moral outrage nonviolently.

As Los Angeles--and the world--contemplate the outcome in the federal civil rights trial and the trial of men accused of beating trucker Reginald Denny, responsible leaders must above all encourage calm. That will keep us all far safer than a gun in every closet.