Dear Editor:

After reading the Bruria Finkel's Letter to the Editor regarding Solar Web, I
must correct several statements made by Mrs. Finkel..

Mrs. Finkel's Statement:
Bipartisan support for the project has been reflected in the approval of the following mayors.(list of Mayors followed)
Truth:
She included Mayor Christine Reed in her list of those who approved Solar Web. In fact, on May 9, 1989, Christine Reed voted against the "placement of Solar Web on the beach because she believed that the structure is too big and is particularly ugly because it is painted black." (See City Council minutes of 5-9-89)

Mrs. Finkel's statement:
"It must be safe yet able to be touched and climbed on."
Truth: It is impossible for this structure to be safe (as a climbing structure) when it flagrantly ignores not only common sense but also federal guidelines for playground equipment as stated in the US Consumer Products Safety Commission "Handbook on Public Playground Safety" which is available on the web. It is interesting that Mrs. Finkel makes the above statement and Ms. Fellows in her letter to the editor (in the August 12th issue) states that it is not a jungle gym. Contradiction between proponents???

Mrs. Finkel's statement:
(Regarding the "Walk on LA" artwork -- the large cement roller sinking in the sand -- located on the north side of the pier) "On the days that the artwork is rolled (three times a year on holidays)....."
Truth:
The city does not own a tractor that is capable of pulling the "Walk on LA" roller. Due to poor oversight by the city, the artist built the Art Tool several times heavier than it was contracted to be. I cannot remember the last time that it has been "rolled."

Mrs. Finkel's statement:
"The community has always been included in the process."
Truth:
When the residents in the area of the Solar Web's installation were notified and spoke at meetings against the Solar Web, they were labeled "nimby's" and their input was ignored, which is contrary to policies in the "Local Coastal Art Plan." Mrs. Finkel states that only the "rich" residents who live in Sea Colony oppose the Solar Web. I beg to differ with her as the individuals I am working with live in Sunset Park, the Pico Neighborhood, the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood as well as the North side -- and individuals in Ocean Park . The opposition is widespread.

Mrs. Finkel's Statement:
The National Endowment for the Arts contributed to the matching funds, along with many private donors, and the prestigious Lannon Foundation contributed half the $275,000 funds for the Solar Web. Truth:
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) rejected the $50,000 grant proposal for Solar Web in 1987 and never contributed a penny to this project. The Lannon Foundation did not contribute half of the $275,000 funds. In December, 1998 Solar Web received a $75,000 grant (about 27% of total).

Jean Ann Holbrook
Santa Monica