Link Getty, towers

WISE words from Christopher Knight [“Restoring Laurels Lost,” Feb. 5] challenging the Getty Foundation to strengthen Los Angeles’ cultural resources.

Could this be done in a new style, reflecting felt needs of the L.A. community rather than additional fulfillment of historic tastes, as in the splendid Villa?

If so, the Getty should consider purchasing the Watts Towers, which were sold by the city of L.A. to the state of California in exchange for a 50-year lease ending in 2028. The Getty Foundation should own and control the towers complex, leaving the present Watts Towers Art Center staff intact as a core of new staff to work for the Getty.

Three valuable gains that could result from Getty ownership would be correct preservation of the sculptures, increased international connoisseurship and community-sensitive ancillary programming.

A commitment to the towers and a reversal of the underserved character of Watts, their host community, could help compensate for the embarrassment of an over-served foundation staff, among other important Getty benefits that would result from protective ownership of Sabato (Simon) Rodia’s Towers in Watts. The Italian community has recently claimed Rodia as a cultural hero.

Can’t the Getty do likewise?

JEANNE S. MORGAN

Santa Barbara

Morgan is chair pro tem, Committee for Simon Rodia’s Towers in Watts

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I want to thank Christopher Knight for writing such a challenging and honest assessment of the Getty’s potential in the art world. To use some of the endowment to fund art purchases, a venue for art ideas, a photography museum and a biennial quality showcase for artwork would enrich not just Los Angeles but the art world as a whole. I nominate him to replace anyone who is tired of being a part of the cultural embarrassment that is the Getty board.

MERY LYNN MC CORKLE

Los Angeles