AFTER THE VERDICTS

“I think the men and women of Los Angeles should go about their daily lives, go to school, go to the movies, go shopping, get in the pool, do whatever they had planned to do. . . . Go about their daily lives and enjoy it.”

LAPD Chief Willie L. Williams when asked what residents should do in the aftermath of the verdict

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“Los Angeles has been held captive to this trial. Now, with justice done, Los Angeles can breathe easier. . . . However welcome the verdict, it is only a first step toward justice and opportunity for our community.”

Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) in a statement issued shortly after the verdicts were announced

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“If you’re asking me to second-guess the verdicts, I won’t do that. I think justice has been served. There has been a vigorous prosecution, a vigorous defense. The jurors took the case very seriously. . . . There was a fair trial.”

Gov. Pete Wilson at a news conference in downtown Los Angeles

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“Now is the time for hope and reconciliation in the community. It is imperative that each of us ask, ‘How might I promote healing and reconciliation on my own block and in my neighborhood?’ ”

Cardinal Roger M. Mahony Archbishop of Los Angeles diocese

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“I think it took us almost 365 days to get the verdict we expected a year ago.”

Gloria Romero of the Hispanic Advisory Council to the Los Angeles Police Commission

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“I’m trying to turn this hot spot into a celebration spot. I’m trying to tell these people: Don’t be destructive. Celebrate this verdict, but don’t go too far.”

Danny Bakewell of the Brotherhood Crusade, shaking hands Saturday morning with about two dozen people who had gathered at Florence and Normandie

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“I talked to several merchants and they’re relieved that it’s finally over, in the sense that nothing’s going to happen. . . . That would mean to them that they don’t have to be nervous anymore. They can put this aside and get on with their business.”

Ryan Song executive director of the Korean- American Grocers Assn. of Southern California