MTA Presents a Pedestrian Notion Toward Community-Building

Writer/environmentalist Ellen Stern Harris received a letter from the MTA that began:

“The MTA and Local Government Commission invite you to a presentation on creating walkable communities.”

Commented Harris: “Is that in lieu of settling the strike?”

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EVERYTHING SEEMS TO BE MOVING SLOWER: Harris, by the way, got the letter Sept. 23. The presentation was given Sept. 21.

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SUCH A DEAL: Today’s questionable bargains (see accompanying) include a CD player ad with language about installation that mystified several readers. And David Graham of Laguna Niguel spotted a bighearted offer by an automotive shop.

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DOLPHIN PARAMEDICS: Some experts’ predictions about the year 2000 contained in a 1960 KNX-AM radio time capsule, which was recently opened:

* “Dolphins may be as popular as poodles, maybe even in the family swimming pool.”

* “A dolphin’s distress call will have been simulated to help persons in trouble to whom dolphins will speed when the signal is heard.”

* “It is likely that mom, dad and the kids will pile into the family plane. It will take off and land vertically, push along at 500 mph, and if it runs out of gas,a lever will release a parachute and the craft will float gently down.”

* “There most certainly will be more laws--and lawyers.”

* “The Olympic Games will attract truly worldwide attention in the year 2000, when millions will view the events as they transpire on large-screen televisions, with the color, ceremony and competition as impressive as in their own home as in the stadium.”

As they transpire? Not in tape-delayed-by-NBC America.

* And, finally: “Man will find a new rapport with the animals of the sea and others with whom we share the Earth.”

Then why doesn’t my cat come when I call it?

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OK, OK, ALREADY! John O’Donnell of South El Monte snapped a shot of a sign on a street where residents apparently have been slow to get the point (see photo).

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Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATIMES, Ext. 77083; by fax at (213) 237-4712; by mail at Metro, L.A. Times, 202 W. 1st St., L.A. 90012; and by e-mail at steve.harvey@latimes.com.