LOS ANGELES : Victims of Riot Looting Urge Speedup of U.S. Aid

Representatives of a Latino merchants association said Wednesday that many of its members face eviction from their homes because of delays in getting federal relief for damages suffered during the Los Angeles riots.

“We call and they say, ‘We are working on it,’ ‘ said Angela Jimenez, who along with her husband lost $25,000 worth of merchandise looted from their swap meet stall at 7th Street and Union Avenue seven months ago. “I am about to be evicted and I need immediate help.”

Members of the Union of Latino Merchants told a press conference that Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have been slow to process relief applications, prompting some to abandon their homes and sleep at their businesses to save money.

FEMA spokeswoman Sally Ziolkowski said applications are being processed as quickly as possible, but applicants for housing relief must first show proof they are being evicted.