Opinion: L.A.’s outdated zoning code puts residents’ health at risk

To the editor: Thanks for your solid reporting on the controversial Sea Breeze development. (“DA’s office will review campaign contributions from donors with ties to Sea Breeze developer,” Oct. 31)

Despite constant reminders, it is difficult for corruption in zoning to capture the public’s attention. Perhaps this is due to zoning’s intensely bureaucratic nature. Fiscal corruption in the administration of the city of Los Angeles’ zoning code, however, is an extremely serious and ongoing issue impacting the health of the city.

General plan zoning amendments such those permitted in the Sea Breeze development that place high-density residential populations close to environmental hazards are extremely serious and upsettingly common features of our local land-use “policy.” Worse yet, baseline zoning encourages a similar pattern of placing high-density residential populations (insert low income earners, renters and people of color) in nearest proximity to toxic hazards.

The zoning code was enacted to protect the general welfare of city residents. It’s time for City Hall to reconsider its obligation to serve every Angeleno through this fundamental mechanism of local democratic governance.

Heidi Alexander, Los Angeles

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To the editor: As a former certified public accountant, I was told that the appearance of independence may be even more important than actual independence. In Los Angeles, the politicians laugh at us as they do business as they wish for themselves and their friends who pay them as just “the way it is.”

And once again it takes The Times to expose this while the district attorney does nothing until way late.

The district attorney made a big front-page splash arresting the city of Bell politicians a few years back. This was a distraction from the real corruption artists inside L.A. City Hall.

Warren Larson, Sunland

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To the editor: The Times reports that L.A. City Councilman Gil Cedillo had received at least $9,000 from donors tied to developer Samuel Leung. He is quoted as saying, “If after an investigation the funds are in fact found to be questionable, I will return all donations immediately.”

Excuse me? The donations have been reported as questionable in The Times, and the Los Angeles County district attorney and the city Ethic Commission are looking at them.

I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. These civic leaders are beyond shame.

Chamba Sanchez, Silver Lake

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