Letters to the editor

Mayor must not forget the elephants I wanted to
clarify a glossed-over passage on animal welfare in
“Villaraigosa at one year” (News, July 10). Mayor
Antonio Villaraigosa, for whom many voted in large part based on
his campaign promises, told voters, “I have believed for some
time that a zoo is not an appropriate place for an animal as large
as an elephant.” After being elected, he allowed the city
council to move ahead with expanding the Los Angeles Zoo’s
elephant exhibit rather than pressing to have Gita, Billy and Ruby
sent to a sanctuary, which would offer far more acreage and
socialization for them than even the largest L.A. Zoo exhibit
could. This decision proved fatal for Gita, who died recently at
the zoo after showing signs of negligence. While I am glad that
Villaraigosa is taking steps to improve animal services in Los
Angeles, it is important to remember that this city is responsible
for more than just companion animals. Some animals, such as
elephants, simply don’t belong in zoos.

Eric Prescott UCLA alumnus, class of 1993

Farmers’ market deserves support The
Westwood Farmers’ Market has reopened at the Veterans’
Garden in Brentwood, as Gilbert Quiñonez noted in
“Farmers’ Market’s fresh location proves a rotten
choice” (Viewpoint, July 10). As he says, everyone is
optimistic about its return ““ except him. Quiñonez is
right when he states that the location, farmers, parking and other
features of the market are quite good. I am always flattered when
people find markets I have organized to be “a part of the
community.” When I organized the Westwood Village market many
years ago, it took some time to grow into an important community
institution. But now, although hard to accept, that market, which
had seen a decline in recent years, is gone. Our goal in starting
the new market is to give customers what they want ““ great
food from the best farmers ““ with the additional twist of
supporting the work of the Veterans’ Garden. Only two weeks
old, the market has grown, and I share the farmers’ optimism
that it will grow as people find the market in its beautiful
setting with live music. There cannot be a market on every corner.
There simply are not enough good, real farmers to go around. That
makes the existing markets worth supporting. We want to make the
market accessible and welcome suggestions and support. Perhaps UCLA
could include the new market, just one day a week, in its van
service to offer students and faculty a chance to support farmers
and a healthy diet in one easy trip. We want to make the market
easy to use and welcome suggestions and support. I hope you will
all come out to support our work with the Vet’s Garden, the
local community and family farmers at our slightly less accessible
(but worth it) market site.

Mark Wall Manager, Westwood Farmers’
Market