The DWP’s solar plans for the Owens Valley; more on Toyota’s woes; a U.N. envoy in Congo fires back

Solar and the Owens

Re “L.A. takes shine to another Owens Valley product: sun,” Feb. 2

Periodically, the hidebound Los Angeles Department of Water and Power shakes off its inertia and undertakes a project worthy of its size and of the times.

Not coincidentally, Interim DWP Chief S. David Freeman seems to ride into town just in time with his ability to think big and to understand the long-term benefits of renewable energy.

I encourage the residents of Owens Valley and Los Angeles to move with all deliberate speed on this project.

One more comment: The notion of only producing power for consumption within Southern California is a wrong one. We have been importing dirty-coal electrons for decades; it is high time we had a cash export, and we can proudly offer a clean, sun-bright product.

Robert Siebert
Orange

The city of Los Angeles and the DWP are proving that their colonial ambitions will never die. Their motivations for placing solar panels in the Owens Valley have everything to do with controlling energy markets and stealing land from surrounding communities.

They’ve already done it in the Owens Valley once before. Shame on them for trying to stamp the urban footprint in the Eastern Sierra yet again.

They should first demonstrate their sincerity toward green energy by using the millions of square feet of unused rooftop space for solar panels. This would create a local energy infrastructure with local jobs. Yet the DWP focuses its efforts on land grabs in the deserts.

David Madden
Riverside

The DWP’s ambitious plan for developing one of the world’s largest solar farms in the Eastern Sierra highlights the need to balance responsible renewable-energy projects with sensitivity to the surrounding environment.

The unique beauty of the Owens Valley draws millions of visitors who enjoy its incredible views and the opportunities it offers for outdoor recreation. If the project proceeds, it must also provide benefits to Eastern Sierra communities and the region’s environment.

I hope that the DWP will engage the ratepayers of Los Angeles, Eastern Sierra communities and other stakeholders in a fully transparent and inclusive process as we work toward a secure and clean energy future for our state.

Sally Miller
Lee Vining, Calif.
The writer is a senior field representative for the Wilderness Society.

Taking on Toyota

Re “At Toyota lot, a shift in attitude,” Feb. 1

Raffi Terzian, new-car manager at a local Toyota dealership, was quoted as saying: “We’ve replaced Haiti as the top story of the news. All those people died and somehow this [Toyota] recall is more important?”

Mr. Terzian, it can be explained this way. The recall is far more important -- for Toyota drivers and non-Toyota drivers. It is personal.

Toyota has perhaps known about the unintended acceleration defect for a decade without taking action. The defect is killing Toyota drivers and their passengers. The defect has the distinct possibility of causing the death of other innocent drivers on our streets and highways.

This recall is of extreme personal interest to all drivers. But just continue selling as many Toyota vehicles as possible. After all, what is more important than your job?

Rich Flynn
Huntington Beach

Re “Toyota inquiries take a new turn,” Feb. 3

I appreciate your keeping in front of your readers the distinct possibility that this safety problem may not be due to the gas pedal assemblage at all, but instead, may be related to the electronic throttle system.

I know this idea has received more notice in the last few days, but you were writing about it months ago. Thank you.

Mary E. Davis
Los Angeles

Although a problem with the electronic throttle cannot be ruled out, jumping to conclusions is wrong.

Electronic throttle controls have been in use on military and civilian aircraft for decades without significant issues.

Let’s be sure it is the problem before we make the auto industry take a step back in time.

Alan Strzemieczny
Riverside

Toyota’s solution to its gas pedal problems is not inspiring confidence. In my mind I picture a large group of Toyota engineers in a smoke-filled conference room, wearing sweat-stained shirts, their sleeves rolled up, pocket protectors crammed with pens and pencils, walls and blackboards filled with formulas and diagrams, a lot of screaming and arm waving.

A janitor walks in, complains about the smell and comments that these guys need some fresh air. He reaches into his pocket, pulls out a metal shim and props the door open.

The engineers look at each other with wide eyes and open mouths, nodding. The next day, Toyota announces it has a new head of engineering.

Michael Cristilli
Northridge

Another side to Congo

Re “ Crossroads in Congo,” Editorial, Jan. 29

Your editorial says that human rights organizations want the United Nations out of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I have yet to hear from one that does. Nor has the government asked us to leave.

U.N. peacekeepers are protecting some of the most vulnerable communities in eastern Congo while also providing safe passage for food and other humanitarian assistance to some 1.2 million displaced persons. Those who receive assistance ask for more, not fewer, peacekeepers.

We are also appalled by the suffering of civilians at the hands of the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda and other armed groups. We see no conflict between protecting civilians and building the government’s capacity to do the same. We do not support ill-discipline in the national forces and have asked the international community to do more to assist us in professionalizing the military and police.

It is simply not true to say our peacekeeping mission has seen little success. The country has been reunified. Tens of thousands of combatants have been disarmed. A massive investment made elections possible in 2006. After many years of violent conflict, most of the country is at peace.

Yes, much remains to be done, but the United Nations cannot solve all of Congo’s problems. That can and is being done by the Congolese themselves.

Alan Doss
Kinshasa, Congo
The writer is the special representative of the U.N. secretary-general in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Decorating ideas

Re “Gospel of Mark,” Opinion, Jan. 30

Please allow me to introduce myself to Mark Ridley-Thomas:

I am a card-carrying member of that “certain part of the electorate” you mentioned in your interview with Patt Morrison -- the part that does not wish for public servants’ offices to be any more extravagant than the environment in which probably 80% of the rest of us work daily.

What is so special, difficult and stressful about carrying out our laws?

J.R. Flores
Huntington Beach

Revenge for big bonuses?

Re “ AIG doles out millions in bonuses,” Feb. 3

The premise that a company that is basically bankrupt and insolvent can pay any employees millions in bonuses from taxpayer money is an outrage.

If Congress does not stop this abuse, I can promise every incumbent in my state that your days in government are numbered.

Carlos Khantzis
Woodland Hills