Missing Moyle, Equating Homeless with Toxic Waste and Fearful Unions

August 9, 2003

Dear Editor,

Geraldine Moyle is without peer and she is irreplaceable. ("Moyle Resigns from Planning Commission," August 8)

After serving with her for some two years, I remain awed by the critical brilliance of her mind, the warm compassion of her heart, not to mention her masterful turn of a phrase and her high wit.

After her leaving, I will remain strengthened by the memory of her dedication to this community, our Santa Monica -- a community upon which has descended financial and political forces who see opportunities for profit and power when those of us who live here see, simply, our homes, our families, our friends, our colleagues, our favorite local businesses and a place we love.

This community, Santa Monica, a place of neighborhoods and local businesses, has benefited immeasurably by her years of service on a number of boards and commissions. I thank her for all she has given to us.

On the Planning Commission, we will all miss Geraldine Moyle very much. We wish her much happiness as she continues on her way.

Arlene Hopkins
Planning Commissioner

August 8, 2003

Dear
Editor,

I strongly object to the characterization of opposition to the proposed homeless program on Cloverfield Boulevard as an "environmental justice" issue. (LETTERS: "Thumbs Down for PNA Video," August 4)

The environmental justice movement grew out of opposition to incinerators, toxic waste dumps, and facilities creating large amounts of diesel truck traffic, such as warehouses. To equate homeless people with toxic waste is to deny their humanity.

The environmental justice movement has always been opposed to businesses that harm the health of community members, not non-profit organizations that serve community members and others in need. The movement has never opposed public housing, schools, public transit, or other community-serving facilities, but uses these projects as opportunities to address community needs and enhance community assets.

Abby Arnold

August 7, 2003

Dear Editor,

Dear Editor:

In regard to your story on July 28, "Four Points to Hold 'Card Check' Election," the unions and the hotel's management should hang their heads in shame.

There was a time when labor unions insisted that workers should have the right to a secret ballot vote on union representation. Now, the unions are so afraid of being rejected they conspire with management to deny workers the right to a secret ballot.

For information about the real problem with neutrality agreements and card check elections, come take a look at www.unionfreeamerica.com and scroll down the page to "Neutrality Agreements and Card Checks -- Union desperation and employer cowardice, an injustice to employees."