L.A. National Cemetery : NEXT L.A. / A look at issues, people and ideas helping to shape the emerging metropolis

Again the story of the Veterans Administration property in West Los Angeles has risen to the headlines (“Not Yet at Rest,” Nov. 7). Certain groups, namely UCLA and the much vaunted Veterans Park Preserve, are trying to wrest from the rightful heirs the land which is by legal deed for veterans’ use only.

The smaller of these two organizations, the Veterans Park Preserve, is a virulent group of Brentwood homeowners who parade as concerned citizens with the guise of honorable intentions. In reality they have for years attempted to subvert not only commercial development, which is along the lines of veterans’ wishes, but the power of congressionally chartered veterans groups to have a say about the ongoing plans for the VA land. Masquerading as an advocacy group, they do nothing but mock the veterans with underhanded, villainous political double-dealing.

VA leases are up for renewal every three years. You can be sure the American Legion and other veterans groups will be scrutinizing and bidding on those leases when the time comes. The short-term goal of the American Legion is to take back control of the Brentwood property. One long-term goal is to construct a retirement community for deserving veterans, but this is just one of many ways this space can be utilized.

A couple of suggestions: New innovative veterans organizations should be given priority to start programs on the Brentwood property. And Congress should deem the Brentwood VA land an economic empowerment zone, thus allowing vets to develop business organizations and in the process benefit all of society.

TOM PEPE

Commander, American Legion Post 322

Brentwood

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Sticker Shock

I’ve been monitoring the graffiti sticker plague (“The Next Wave,” Nov. 7) for quite some time now. In April, I began a passionate campaign against this growing menace of stickers, posters, flyers and other forms of cheap advertising. I’ve personally attacked more than 100 different locations around L.A. (primarily in Hollywood, West L.A. and the San Fernando Valley). I’ve removed more than 500 decals, stickers and a wide assortment of other examples of street trashing.

As you well observed, teen-agers and tagging crews are actively involved in the proliferation of this sinister form of visual pollution. What is needed at this point is to confront the problem at its source rather than just its aftermath. This includes nailing tagging crews and independent jobbers who mount these advertising campaigns, but also the companies and retailers that make these products available.

KIMON KOTOS

Van Nuys