The residents of South Central Los Angeles had suffered in the nationwide recession and unemployment was rampant there.

I dont believe the 'recession or unemployment' had anything to do with the Riots. I believe that the true cause was Racial Discrimination in the eyes of the people who percieved it. When the Police were aquitted after the brutal beating of Rodney King it was apparent to the 'people' that Justice was blind alright,,blind to the fact that it had justice for the rich and a different type of justice for the poor/minorities. And after the Verdict they decided to do something about it.