Twenty Years After The L.A. Riots, What's Changed For Yong Kim And For The City | Portraits | Land Of Sunshine | KCET

Gang Members Protect A Store In Exchange For Shoes

There was vandalism, but no rioting in Echo Park. People were milling about in the streets, and Kim recalls an uncertain air in a city already choking on smoke.

One of Kim's brothers, minding the store while Kim relocated the merchandise, recruited gang members who were longtime patrons of the shop; each was offered a pair of sneakers in exchange for helping to protect the shop.

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