Letters to the Editor

Solar web controversy continues

To the editor:

   After reading the August 12 article by Bruria Finkel regarding Solar Web, I must correct several statements made in the article. 
   Mrs. Finkel’s statement: Bipartisan support for the project has been reflected in the approval of the following mayors (list of Mayors followed). Truth: She included Mayor Christine Reed in her list of those who approved Solar Web. In fact, on May 9, 1989, Christine Reed voted against the “placement of Solar Web on the beach because she believed that the structure is too big and is particularly ugly because it is painted black.” (See City Council minutes of 5-9-89).
   Mrs. Finkel’s statement: “It must be safe yet able to be touched and climbed on.” Truth: It is impossible for this structure to be safe (as a climbing structure) when it flagrantly ignores not only common sense but also federal guidelines for playground equipment as stated in the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission “Handbook on Public Playground Safety” which is available on the web. It is interesting that Mrs. Finkel makes the above statement and Ms. Fellows in her letter to the editor (in the August 12 issue)states that it is not a jungle gym. Contradiction between proponents???
   Mrs. Finkel’s statement: (regarding the “Walk on LA” artwork -- the large cement roller sinking in the sand -- located on the north side of the pier) On the days that the artwork is rolled (three times a year on holidays)...Truth: The city does not own a tractor that is capable of pulling the “walk on LA” roller. Due to poor oversight by the city, the artist built the Art Tool several times heavier than it was contracted to be. I cannot remember the last time it has been rolled. 
   Mrs. Finkel’s statement: She states “the community has always been included in the process.” Truth: When the residents in the area of the Solar Web’s installation were notified and spoke at a meeting against the Solar Web, they were labeled “nimbys” and their input was ignored which is contrary to policies in the “Local Coastal Art Plan.” Mrs. Finkel states that only the “rich” residents who live in Sea Colony oppose the Solar Web. I beg to differ with her as the individuals I am working with live in Sunset Park, the Pico neighborhood, the Wilshire Montana Neighborhood as well as the North side -- and individuals in Ocean Park. The opposition is wide-spread. 
   Mrs. Finkel’s Statement: The National Endowment for the Arts contributed to the matching funds, along with many private donors, and the prestigious Lannan Foundation contributed half the $275,000 funds for the Solar Web. Truth: The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) rejected the $50,000 grant proposal for Solar Web in 1987 and never contributed a penny to this project. The Lannan Foundation did not contribute half of the $275,000 funds. It made a grant of $75,000 in December 1998. 

Jean Ann Holbrook

On honoring artists

To the editor:

   Alice Fellows (outgoing Art Commissioner) misses the point on the opposition to the proposed Solar Web item on the beach (“work of'art” is a phrase we are all allowed to define for ourselves). A hazard to kids or not, deflector of funding from other kids' concerns -- “artistic” or not; free Band-Aids spring to mind. 
   From what I've seen and heard of the Web, it strikes me as quite simply a contrivance and a great bore, too, with all the explaining it needs to perform. And then, of course, there is that old and never-ending question about whether anything that functions as anything else at all is really a work of art. Some of us remember the awful fuss over art and function on the first (and later abandoned) mural on the Ocean Park underpass and Heaven knows we have enough of those still marring innocent structures to remind us daily of community naiveté back then. Then, too, there is the cereal-box novelty collection set - more extravagantly mounted than anything since Rome's last obelisk - over the Pico Main Sewer outside Shutters Hotel. Anyone who has any lingering doubts about where we're all heading should make a pilgrimage there.
   If we are so keen on glorifying out city and paying some service to the arts why not consider its legacy of writers, musicians, playwrights etc. who really did create fine (and international) art here - Brecht, the Manns, Laughton, Isherwood - others. A bust or two set against the sunset in Palisades Park would be something to attract tourists - and a fine place to walk dogs (art as function?). So away with the boring Web I say and lets all think again. 

Roland Starke
Santa Monica