Letters

Wednesday, February 11, 1998

Letters

LETTERS

Foes irk village

While reading Rachel Munoz’s Feb. 4 article "Duet cited for
illegally cutting footloose," I kept thinking that the story had to
be a prelude to an April Fool’s joke. But unfortunately I realized
that the article once again illustrated the strange contradiction
in Westwood – the government’s desire to revitalize business,
followed by actions to work against any business owner’s having a
chance.

I recognize the area’s recent improvements in terms of parking,
but I still feel sorry for any local business owner because of
groups such as the "Friends" of Westwood who insist on maintaining
a puritanical stranglehold on the area by insisting on no dancing
laws. Many UCLA students that I know feel that a dance club would
give Westwood a much-needed energy boost, and I sincerely believe
that a dance club would not attract "undesirables," as the elitist
local government seems to think.

I feel that the Westwood government consistently neglects the
needs and wants of UCLA students in their plans – I’m assuming
because our wallets aren’t as thick as those of the older
residents. Over the past four years, I’ve noticed more and more
empty storefronts, and I sympathize with any Westwood business
owner because maintaining a business is difficult enough as it is.
I can’t imagine trying to survive in an area that tries to keep
customers out.

I patronize Westwood businesses as much as I can, but I must
confess that when I graduate in June, I will quickly pack my bags
and move elsewhere, where local government effectively works with
residents and businesses to create an environment beneficial to
all.

Brian Stannard

Fourth-year

Film and television

Look who’s talking

I was amused to find a "Thumbs Down" entry in the Daily Bruin
criticizing the UCLA Store ("Wasteful solicitation," Feb. 5) for
putting unwanted advertisements for credit cards and other various
"wastes of paper" in the bags from store purchases. That same day
in the Daily Bruin there was a magazine insert from
BeyondTheWall.Com in every single issue. I found these inserts
lying on the ground all over campus, just like most other Daily
Bruin advertisement inserts (except the Groove 103 stickers that
are stuck to everything on campus). I will never forget a phrase
from one of my instructors in community college: "When you point
your finger at someone, don’t forget three more are pointing right
back at you."

Wesley Morris

Third-year

Political science