Why Doesn’t L.A. Do Something About Urban Blight?

“On the Blight Side,” by Paul Dean, on Aug. 4 hits the nail right on the head. The failure to maintain memorials, statues, monuments and even buildings used every day is characteristic of too many municipalities throughout the Southland. It seems that government is deliberately contributing to inner-city blight. Rather than maintain existing structures, taxpayers wind up footing the bill for replacements because the original was allowed to deteriorate to a level beyond repair.

The Hall of Justice is a good example of a beautiful building becoming an eyesore. There is no excuse for allowing this structure to fall into its current state of decline.

This is not a situation unique to Los Angeles. In almost every town, maintenance of public structures and places is deplorable. It’s as though this is intentional so as to qualify for redevelopment funds.

I hope elected officials, not only in Los Angeles, but in every town, take notice of this article and take action to start upgrading these neglected eyesores.

RAYMOND L. BATISTE

Altadena

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I read with great interest Paul Dean’s article on the condition of the memorial to Sen. Frank P. Flint and other downtown Los Angeles monuments.

Sen. Flint was indeed a founder and important part of the history and development of La Can~ada Flintridge. His contributions to the area and the state were monumental. It is disappointing to hear that his once great tribute has now been forgotten by Angelenos. It certainly hasn’t been forgotten by La Can~ada Flintridge residents.

Our city would be happy to take the memorial fountain if Los Angeles is willing to part with it. We may be small, but we do remember those who played a large part in our community’s history.

JOAN C. FEEHAN, Mayor

La Can~ada Flintridge

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While at the Music Center to buy tickets, the excitement of being downtown was so overwhelming, I locked my car keys and money in my car. I hastily wrote a note-- “Keys locked in car, calling AAA, be right back.” Moments later, a parking violation ticket was on my windshield.

Now, if city staff would only be as efficient, we could fix the broken fountains, overgrown lots and defiled monuments to L.A.’s past that litter old downtown.

Maybe Dean should run for mayor.

DONN YVASKA

Anaheim Shores

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“On the Blight Side” is the most important reporting on a local issue in memory. It is no criticism of other writers’ concerns for whether a contract will hold the Lakers in town through the 21st century to say that our city is in disgraceful condition today. Dean reveals a pair of our dirtiest little secrets: This city’s public spaces are falling apart and fixing them up would be a cinch if anyone in authority cared.

It’s bad enough that every major city in Europe is brimming with hundreds of fountains, monuments and artworks, almost all of them fully functional. Cities of any size in our neighbor to the south--yes, Mexico, whose poverty is so often discussed--have plenty of fountains with water still in them and pedestals with statues still standing on them.

Campaign until this easy battle is won. Then maybe we can start feeling some pride in something more than a half decade without a riot.

ERIC E. YOUNGER

Los Angeles

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I enjoyed Paul Dean’s article, and couldn’t help noticing an oversight. Visible from most of our Civic Center, high on a hill, stands the Pioneer Memorial at Ft. Moore.

This once magnificent monument with beautiful relief sculptures and a huge cascading waterfall was at one time a dramatic focal point downtown. When we were children, my grandfather would drive us downtown to gaze up at this grand cascade and stand on the bridge over the pool enjoying the cool spray on a summer day.

It is busted too. No water for about the last 20 years and weeds in the pool. What a shame.

RANDALL R. BRUCE

Editor’s Note: Ft. Moore is located at Hill Street and Sunset Boulevard.

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At last, someone to tell the world the awful truth about our Civic Center. Dean explains, until now a mystery, why a beautiful park-like area in the heart of the Civic Center was bulldozed, turned into a drug den and has now become a symbol of a city under siege--it was destroyed by a foreclosed developer. Does it have to stay in this awful condition forever?

I have worked downtown for 20 years. I remember when I first saw the triforium lights and heard its music. I thought then what a perfect, zany symbol of Los Angeles it was. But of course it still is, standing mute and defiled.

The mayor has passed by the decay and done nothing to improve it for one term. Will he allow another term to go by before there can be any hope for change?

BARBARA J. GILLMORE

Chatsworth

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Los Angeles is a victim of its own government. I suggest that one City Hall bureaucrat be laid off and the $60,000-plus saved annually be used to maintain public areas.

JOHN WOODWARD

Orange