COUNCIL MEETS WITH RED CROSS OFFICIALS TOLD CASH IS MOST HELPFUL DONATION.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

As the nations of southeast Asia begin the recovery and rebuilding effort following the Dec. 26 tsunami, Los Angeles officials were told Wednesday the best way to help is with cash donations.

``With supplies, there are problems in getting it to the areas in need. Money can be wired immediately and companies that are in the area can respond immediately,'' Clark Jensen, chief operating officer of the Red Cross chapter in Los Angeles, told the City Council.

Councilwoman Wendy Greuel arranged for Jensen, along with representatives from consulates of Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, to give a presentation on ways the city can help the areas devastated by an earthquake and tidal wave.

``Children, families and entire nations are facing devastation that is impossible to imagine,'' Greuel said. ``They need our help.''

Jensen said money designated for tsunami relief will be used only for that purpose. The Red Cross also is appealing for blood donations to offset what is expected to be a large need in coming weeks.

Councilman Antonio Villaraigosa said he was proud of the response from the private sector, but thought the federal government should be providing more aid to the stricken nations.

``There is a commitment by this city to be a guiding light for the nation,'' Villaraigosa said. ``But when the Democratic Republic of Germany and Great Britain are giving more than the United States, there is a problem. We have to step up.''

The Bush administration was criticized in the days immediately following the tsunami for not offering more aid. The president has since pledged $350 million in assistance.

Officials with the Asian countries said they appreciated the support for what will be a long recovery process.

``What we hope for is that people will continue to come to my country,'' said Consul General Isinthorn Sornvai of Thailand. ``We are asking people to come, otherwise we will continue to suffer.''

Councilman Tom LaBonge said it was important for the city to reach out because of its diverse population.

``Forty percent of the people who live in this city were born outside the United States,'' LaBonge said. ``It is time for us, as a city, to stand up and help the hundreds of thousands of people who are grieving.

``We have people asking what they can do. What they can do is offer $5 or $500, if they can afford it.''

On Tuesday, the council instructed city departments to conduct an assessment to see if there is any surplus equipment that can be sold, at $1, to the nations to help in their rebuilding efforts.

Rick Orlov, [phone]

rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com