Respectfully Disagrees

As a resident of La Crescenta since 1956, I want first of all to thank my fellow resident Mr. Grayson and his family for their significant contribution in creating a center for music education in our valley [Viewpoints, Oct. 24]. My own son did not become a drummer but, because of Mr. Grayson, he had a chance to see what drum percussion is all about.

I do not know about the employment conditions of teachers in the Chicago public schools but as a Los Angeles teacher for 38 years, I do know how hard teachers work and how their salaries often lag behind those of other professionals. In spite of this, they continue to do what they love and care about most – the education of our children, our future. I do not think it is fair to blame government for the many ills that actually do surround us.

I also disagree with Mr. Suter, and I know many La Crescentans are with me on this, when he writes that we should go back to a part-time legislature. Having heard Anthony Portantino, our state senator and Laura Friedman, our state assemblyperson, speak recently I am impressed by the hard work each of them is doing on our behalf. The truth is that although our government may be far from perfect, our representatives are working for our benefit. Supporting small businesses is certainly part of their mission, right up there with public health, clean water, clean air, good parks, good schools, public libraries, sewers and waste removal, public transportation, fire and police officials. None of this happens on its own. Our representatives work very hard indeed to build and maintain these systems that underlie the life of all of us, systems that we cannot build or maintain as individuals.

This is full-time work. Thanks to all of them!

Edith Young

La Crescenta

Development is Coming

I agree with Ms. Johnson regarding the rezone for 215 homes in the golf course area [Viewpoints, Oct. 17]. Does anyone notice that the people in the Shell Homes group have only one-way in and out? While I do agree with Ms. Johnson, I do not think they stand a chance. Think back a bit to what the greedy LA City Council has allowed.

When I started work in August 1962 I was assigned to the Pacific Telephone microwave switching station on top of Oat Mountain. At that time it was common knowledge to those who worked on the mountain that the area, including the area that would become Porter Ranch, was a gas and oil field. The LA City Council knew it, too. But they wanted the tax and permit money that would come with building out the area. LA County did not mind their share of the increased property taxes either.

That was not enough. The same City and County players allowed for residences to be built right next to Van Nuys Airport. The aviation business and aircraft owners fought a hard fight to resist. They knew that jet planes and residences next door do not mix. For those who moved in, they got what they deserved. While the Porter Ranch gas and oil fields were not that obvious, the airport was. If you could not see it, you sure as the devil could hear it. When my aunt lived out there in the late 1950s. the U.S. Air Force had its base at Van Nuys. At that time they were flying F-86 Saber fighters. Now there is a real crowd pleaser. Later they switched to the C-130 Hercules. A little quieter than the F-86, but not much.

In both cases, the LA City and County paid no attention to the obvious impact of their plans to the people living in those areas. All they cared about was the money, the money and only the money. Taxpayers be damned. I do not want to see the 215 homes, but I think I can see the City and County governments gassing up their steamrollers.

This is nothing new. Check the internet for pictures from the ’30s and ’40s for the area south of Temple and west of Glendale Boulevard.

Tom Suter

La Crescenta