Her Reason for Being There
Thanks to the CV Weekly for reporting on the Montrose Peace Vigil [“Search for Peace at Ocean View and Honolulu,” April 12]. It’s helpful for the people who drive by to know more about the background of the weekly demonstrations. As a person who has stood for peace on the northwest corner for over five years, I have a few thoughts to add.

The article implied that we receive jeers from passersby while the counter protesters receive cheers. We are aware of many more positive responses than negative. This has been evident on two recent Friday nights when the southeast corner was vacant and we heard plenty of honks and saw encouraging waves and peace signs. Many people clearly express a desire for peace.

Our reason for standing near the Viet Nam Memorial is complex but I believe that your readers can understand it. We stand in front of the memorial because we hope to influence citizens to point our nation towards finding nonviolent solutions to international conflicts so that we won’t have cause to erect more memorials. It is our understanding of the gravity of the meaning of the memorial that brings us there, not disrespect.

Although I would prefer to have the flag flying on Friday nights, it is not as important as the real reason I am there. We have been involved in two wars for 10 years and thousands of people have died and millions of lives have been unnecessarily turned up side down. If enough Americans who say they want peace speak up, we might change our country’s use of force to solve problems into an approach of diplomacy and reconciliation.

I look forward to more coverage of the deeper issues surrounding our protest in the future.

Jeanne Lavieri
La Crescenta

People Power
Thirty plus years ago, city dump trucks were going to use East Glenoaks Boulevard as the main road to the Scholl Canyon Landfill. Neighbors protested, organized and convinced our City Council to use Figueroa Street instead. Glenoaks Canyon Homeowners Association was started. Approximately five years ago, my wife and I went up and down Glenoaks Boulevard and surrounding streets requesting neighbors to come before the City Council or sign a petition asking when can East Glenoaks Boulevard potholes be repaired and at the same time, possibly, having the whole street repaired. About a month later, happily, Glendale Public Works repaired the potholes.

In 2011, the Glenoaks Canyon Homeowners Association contacted the Public Works Department as well as the City Council requesting the repairing of Glenoaks Boulevard. This summer, I understand, the Public Works Department will start repairing Glenoaks.

Several years ago, a developer wanted to cut and fill the ridge lines in the hills of Glenoaks Canyon in order to build view lots. The Glenoaks Canyon Homeowners Association fought this idea and today the developer built his homes without the view lots and residents are still enjoying the beauty of their hills.

November 2011, a small group of individuals put GWP and City Council members on the defensive when they established a forum that brought together approximately 200 residents and experts to hear about the health, security and privacy issues surrounding Smart Meters.

In past years, neighborhoods have promoted Neighborhood Watch, organized against cell towers and promoted better planning along Foothill Boulevard.

Recently, a group of cyclists living in Glendale and the surroundings areas have organized and today they are promoting and requesting a “road diet” along Honolulu [Avenue] and elsewhere.

Democracy shines when citizens unite and form groups with common causes like traffic control, open space/ hillside protection, community planning, road resurfacing, neighborhood watch, cell towers, smart meters or bicycle lanes.

Who says people power that is motivated and united can’t make a difference?

Mike Mohill,
Glendale