Money’s the Issue in Billboard Vote

City Councilman Nate Holden’s latest gift to his constituents and other L.A. residents: billboards! Thanks, Nate (“Why Ugly Signs Spread,” editorial, June 12). Then again, Holden has never seemed concerned with aesthetics. His campaign signs, as well as others’, still litter the streets in his 10th District, adding to the visual blight that is the hallmark of most commercial stretches of Pico Boulevard, Olympic Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, etc., under his control.

At least voters were hip enough not to elect him to Congress. And with term limits, we’ve only two more years of his “leadership.”

Jane Galbraith

Los Angeles

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Imagine the glorious snow-capped mountains as seen from the Hollywood Freeway on a December morning. Obliterate that with one large, strategically placed billboard of nubile youths in you-know-whose underwear, drinking that ubiquitously sold beer as they dance to the music of the ones who just sold a million CDs. Now eradicate the thrilling sweep of the Pacific, as viewed from Pacific Coast Highway, with a single ad for that new hit show on cable.

Apparently it is not enough that corporate interests mandate what the people wear, eat, breathe and, to a terrifying extent, think. Now they are on the brink of destroying one of the last bastions of what is rightfully public space because of their greed and financial backing of various politicians.

All concerned must contact L.A. City Council members, particularly Holden, Mike Hernandez and, while there is still time, Joel Wachs. Demand that they summon the personal courage to represent the sacred trust of the people, even when it means taking a stand against those who contributed heavily to their campaigns. This is a momentous opportunity for them to create a legacy of immeasurable value beyond the monetary.

Elizabeth Molo

Glendale