DOES DONKEY DISSENT? CONVENTION COUNTDOWN STARTS.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

The 100-day countdown to the start of the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles was marked on Thursday with the city's Republican mayor - who has become the major source of fund raising - being snubbed by a stubborn donkey.

At a Los Angeles Zoo news conference to announce the progress and plans, Riordan was approached by Odie, a 17-year-old donkey meant to symbolize the Democratic event.

``Hi, Odie,'' Riordan shouted.

Odie turned her back.

Riordan walked toward her.

Odie began to get skittish and buck against her reins.

Riordan returned to the podium for the news conference.

For the record, Riordan was later able to pose with the donkey once she calmed down, going so far as to kiss her head and whisper ``I love you'' to the donkey and urge her to turn Republican.

In between the snub and the snuggle, it was an upbeat assessment offered by Riordan, Host Committee chief Noelia Rodriguez and convention chief Lydia Camarillo.

Since March, Riordan has raised more than $3.3 million from various sources and has a pledge of an additional $1 million from a donor who has asked not to be identified.

``And, while we're about $4 million from our final goal of $35 million, we have pledges for all that money,'' Riordan said. ``All it is now is following up.''

The Democrats' presidential nominating convention will be held Aug. 14-17 at Staples Center, the first time the party has gathered in Los Angeles since 1960, when it nominated John F. Kennedy.

The inability to raise money had been an early stumbling block for the Host Committee as part of its effort to reach the guarantee that was promised the Democratic National Committee.

However, that has turned around since Riordan installed Rodriguez, his deputy mayor, to take over the Host Committee operation. She, in turn, has been able to convince him to do the fund raising needed as well as get city staffers involved in all the other aspects of transportation and security around the Staples Center.

For her part, Camarillo said the convention committee also has been moving ahead, with the assignment of hotels for all delegations and a media logistics team in place, as well as production work starting on the convention itself.

``We want to put on a show that will embody the spirit and unity of the Democratic Party for the whole world to see,'' Camarillo said.

Camarillo said the convention is expected to bring in $135 million to the local economy and will help to boost tourism for years to come.

Riordan agreed.

``There are going to be 15,000 journalists here focusing on Los Angeles,'' Riordan said. ``They will be able to show the world what a great city this is. It is worth $1 billion in advertising.''

Rodriguez also announced the host committee has launched its own Internet site at www.lahost2000.org that will provide information on the convention planning, how people can volunteer and other data.

And if the convention is nothing else, since the selection of Vice President Al Gore as the party nominee is decided, it is about parties.

Rodriguez said the host committee will be sponsoring a community rally outside Staples Center on Aug. 11, three days before the convention.

On Aug 12, it will host a media party at the Department of Water and Power plaza and, on Aug. 13, there will be a series of receptions held for the different state delegations.

On Aug. 18, once the convention is over, the host committee will hold a party at the Los Angeles Zoo for all its volunteers.

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Photo:

Keeper Jamie Shoemaker soothes Odie the donkey during L.A. Mayor Richard Riordan's news conference Thursday.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photograph