PROUD DAY AFTER FOR L.A. RIORDAN APPLAUDS DNC EFFORT.

Byline: Rick Orlov Staff Writer

With a joyous shout and a collective sigh of relief, Los Angeles officials congratulated themselves on Friday for getting through the Democratic National Convention with what they said was flying colors.

``We did it right,'' an exuberant Mayor Richard Riordan shouted at a news conference in front of City Hall with some 100 of those involved. ``We hosted the greatest convention ever. I've never been more proud of the city of Los Angeles than I am today.

``I've never been more proud of city employees and Angelenos who showed the world why we are the capital city of the 21st Century.''

As some limping and bleary-eyed supporters applauded, Riordan and others who were involved in the planning of the convention - from the event itself to security, transportation and other emergency services - said they were ecstatic at the results of the four-day event and what it has done for the city.

Yet, Riordan acknowledged, he wasn't ready to host another such event in the near future.

``Ever heard of NIMTO?'' Riordan joked. ``It means Not In My Term of Office. It's like hosting a wedding for your oldest daughter. You hope the others will elope.''

What was important about the event, Riordan said, is how it helped change the image of the city in the eyes of the rest of the world - which often thinks of it in terms of riots, earthquakes, fires and floods along with the latest corruption scandal involving the Los Angeles Police Department.

``We showed the world that we can handle an event like this and accommodate everyone,'' Riordan said, adding he was also grateful to demonstrators who worked to keep peace while voicing their viewpoints.

Carol Schatz, president of the Central City Association of downtown businesses, echoed Riordan's thoughts.

``This sent an important message to the world and to the city itself,'' Schatz said. ``It showed the talent we have here for putting on a sophisticated event and how safe downtown is. It put the '92 riots behind us and showed how the city can be.''

Police Chief Bernard C. Parks, who drew some criticism for the way officers handled a melee after a concert on Monday night, said he also was pleased with the way the convention went.

``This is a great day for Los Angeles,'' Parks said. ``We showed we can handle an event of this size with no serious problems.''

City Council President Pro Tem Ruth Galanter said she was impressed with how the police - along with other agencies including the Secret Service, California Highway Patrol and FBI - were able to allow demonstrators to make their points known.

``We showed the world how democracy works with the Democratic convention and in allowing people to protest in the streets without violating anyone's rights,'' Galanter said.

Noelia Rodriguez, the former deputy mayor who was brought on as chief executive officer of the convention's Host Committee, said she believed the committee did its part to show off the city.

``The predictions of doom and gloom never came to fruition,'' Rodriguez said. ``This is a day of pride. When we undertook the effort to show Democrats around the city, we showed them they were right in picking Los Angeles. This week, the city of Angels was heaven on Earth for Democrats.''

Rodriguez offered particular thanks to Riordan for his fund-raising efforts, bringing in more than $6 million for the Host Committee to meet its obligations to the Democratic Party.

Riordan said the entire convention was a high point for him.

``I think what I enjoyed most is that everywhere I went delegates would give me high-fives and tell me how wonderful the city is,'' Riordan said. ``It made everything worthwhile.''

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Photo:

Host Committee head Noelia Rodriguez, left, clasps hands with Mayor Richard Riordan while they celebrate with LAFD Chief William Bamattre and LAPD Chief Bernard C. Parks.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer