`NEW HOPE IN L.A.' BUSH LAUDS POST-RIOTS ECONOMIC ADVANCES.

Byline: Beth Barrett Staff Writer

President George W. Bush joined Monday with South Central community leaders in finding a beacon of hope for the poor across America in the economic progress made in the 10 years since the Los Angeles riots.

Crowds lined the streets as the presidential motorcade made its way from Los Angeles International Airport to First AME Church in South Central Los Angeles, a few miles from some of the worst rioting a decade ago.

Speaking to an audience that included Mayor James Hahn and many local political and community leaders, Bush focused on his compassionate conservative agenda of volunteerism and a helping hand.

``I fully understand that 10 years ago this city - because there was some violence, a lot of violence - saw incredible destruction in lives and property,'' Bush said.

``The violence and the lawlessness always affects the most poor, always hurts the weakest, and yet out of this violence and ugliness came new hope. (It) shows the rest of the country what is possible, what can happen, what is possible in America when people put aside differences and focus on what's best for all.''

Before his speech, Bush held a private round-table discussion with leaders of the business and African-American communities who have worked together to get capital for inner-city business ventures that have helped revitalize much of the area.

Among the people he met with were John Bryant, the founder and chairman of Operation Hope, the Rev. Cecil ``Chip'' Murray of First AME Church, John Mack of the Urban League and Bill Simon, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, whose fund-raiser Monday night at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City benefited from the president's appearance.

Bryant hugged Bush after introducing him, and the president responded by praising the efforts of groups like Operation Hope and F.A.M.E. Renaissance that have emphasized capitalism and the entrepreneurial spirit as the path to economic health.

Bush drew comparisons to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying he believes that out of evil will come good.

It was a theme the president expanded during the Simon fund-raiser, which organizers said raised $2.75 million.

In vowing to chase down the killers involved in Sept. 11 ``one by one,'' Bush said Americans owe it to their children to rid the world of terrorism.

``If America goes to sleep, the rest of the world is in trouble,'' Bush told the cheering crowd.

Bush said the federal government must continue to finance education, needs congressional approval for his proposed USA Freedom Corps to promote volunteerism and community-based organizations, and should not discriminate against faith-based programs.

``The government should not fear faith and faith-based programs,'' said Bush.

Progress made in Los Angeles through public-private partnerships should be emulated elsewhere, he said.

``The great hope of the country really isn't the government. The great hope of the country lies in the hearts and souls of our people.''

``You've shown it in this community,'' he said. ``Ten years after civil unrest that made history, the community is rebuilding herself with great hope and great promise.''

Doug Griffith, who oversees technology for F.A.M.E. Renaissance, said Bush's visit puts Los Angeles in a positive light.

``I believe the significance of having the president come to the inner city says something about our city and about our community,'' Griffith said. ``It says we're like any other progressive city in America.''

Griffith and other African-American leaders said that while their community has come long a way in the past decade, much more of the inner city has yet to be reclaimed.

``One segment is thriving and creating jobs, but there are other portions that are neglected, which is why so much needs to be done,'' Griffith said.

Gregory Gulan, who owns a catering business in South Central, called Bush's visit ``amazing.''

``For George Bush to take time out to come here on this day is significant,'' he said. ``It says to me that Los Angeles is important - not just the African-American community. This is Los Angeles he's coming to visit.''

Bush landed at LAX at 2:12 p.m. Monday, 10 years after his father toured a riot-torn city and vowed it would be rebuilt after the riots that left 54 people dead and damage estimated at more than $1 billion.

Wearing a blue suit and red tie, Bush stepped off Air Force One and immediately shook hands with Julian Renteria, a Glendale banker who for two years has taught inner-city children about personal finance as a volunteer with Operation HOPE.

``I think I'm still in shock,'' said Renteria, chosen to represent Operation HOPE volunteers, as he waited on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport.

Renteria said his work with Operation HOPE has been a ``life-transforming event,'' one that has allowed him to see the despair of poverty, but also the opportunity to change lives through volunteerism.

``It takes no time and you make an absolute difference,'' Renteria said.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) President George W. Bush gets a laugh while speaking to community leaders at the F.A.M.E. Renaissance Center in South Central L.A.

(2 -- color) Los Angeles can do more economically to build its neighborhoods, President Bush said.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer