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In certain cases where a letter could stand alone as an op-ed piece, we'll publish it as such.

This Week:

From: Werner Haas, West Hollywood

Re: Plummer Park shootings

WeHo News story indicates that all three victims were transients and that the shootings occurred after 11:30 PM...

Why are transients permitted in the Park that late? I was under the impression that the Sheriff's deputies maintained park closures after a certain evening hour.

I have utmost sympathy for the unemployed and homeless, but subjecting our parks and streets to violence due to their efforts to use WeHo as their "homebase” may be part of the reason crime is substantially higher here this year.

From: Ann Thorne, West Hollywood

Re: WeHo News art

It seems that this issue has far more pictures in it for each article and I just wanted you to know I like it.

In fact, I had been deleting issues because they looked boring.

However, now I will turn to the paper and read the news.

Thanks.

From: Nick Garzilli, EVP Global Development ET3, West Hollywood

Re: Mag-lev cars for WeHo?

Thank you so much on your article "Maglev Cars for WeHo?".

A sample Jpod.

Size, location, and forward thinking has put WeHo in a terrific position to lead the way with a first in the nation privately funded solar powered PRT network.

People will love it, then the network will spread throughout Los Angeles, finally congestion will begin to fade away. This will be a "Kitty Hawk" event for 21st century transport innovation.

In the future I see about 10-15 ET3 Portals spread throughout the city with localized JPods PRT networks feeding into them everywhere. Santa Monica to Downtown in 3 minutes in ET3! 

While ET3 is being tested we can rapidly start building the PRT feeder networks to the current light rail infrastructure. JPods is simple technology ready to go. 

Also, using history as a guide JPods PRT in WeHo will increase real estate values significantly, just as the Red Car did in Los Angeles 100 years ago.

I imagine Beverly Hills opening up the Little Santa Monica median for an extension all the way to Century City. Now we are talking congestion relief.

Artist concept or working Jpod.

I could see the extension going down La Cienega all the way to the future La Cienega/Wilshire Purple line, down to the new Expo La Cienega station, all the way down to LAX. 

Click here for the regulatory framework that investors need to risk capital on PRT.  

It would be my pleasure to talk more about this. Public awareness is crucial in what I call "The Freedom of Movement."

You may want to watch my seven min presentation to the Venice NC.

From this I am doing a presentation to Bill Rosendahl's transport committee next week.

Also, Paul Koretz is also a PRT advocate.

Click here for a Daily News article. 

From: Michael Kearns, Los Angeles

Re: The Truth is Bad Enough. What Became of the Happy Hustler?

Your review is breathtaking. I will get it out there in the ether as best I can.

It is by far the most eloquent and clear of the reviews that have been written. I mean that with all of my heart.

You reveal yourself, not in any egotistical way, but simply with your high level of empathy. I am honored.

You have made me a happy man in the midst of a crazy week, including our cat's surgery (he's gonna be all right).

You know me well.

MICHAEL KEARNS Signs, Seals, and Delivers     Reading    Signing  & Q & A    Wednesday, September 19 2-4 PM  The Village  at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 North McCadden Pl  Los Angeles, CA 90038     The Village is the home for the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center's Senior Services Program, where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond can come together to learn, connect, build friendship, gain support and thrive.                     Michael Kearns' Acting Classes Beginning on Sat Sept 8 with spectacular discounts   www.michaelkearns.net NEW CONTEST WIN A FREE PERSONALLY AUTOGRAPHED  BOOK The first person to answer all four questions correctly will win a signed copy of  THE TRUTH IS BAD ENOUGH. Send your answers immediately to mkla@aol.com. Subject Line: Contest. Include your snail mail address. Winner will be announced on my Facebook page.   Michael attended the 1994 Emmy Awards with: A)    Judith Light B)    Tim Curry C)    John Travolta D)    Ian McKellen   Michael's cat is named after: A)    Ian McKellen B)    Ian Charleson C)    Ian Holm D)    Ian MacKinnon   Michael had a rendezvous with which sixties heartthrob: A)    Tab Hunter B)    Rod McKuen C)    Roger Smith D)    George Maharis   Michael had a significant friendship with: A)    Ann-Margret B)    Sal Mineo C)    Betty White D)    All of the above   l i n k s  links Read a Review of TRUTH  Fabulous Review from Weho News  Richard Labonte's Review  link to Advocate interview  Sex Scandals & Fatherhood        Michael, Robert Patrick, Bruce Vilanch and Jeffrey Schwarz      link to Vito Russo reading       Kearns Reads Russo's "Why We Fight" link to Amazon     The Deluxe Amazon Author's Page       link to Katselas Theatre Company  Seven World Premiers in August  Who is that TRUE BLOOD star?   That's DALE RAOUL who plays Maxine Fortenberry.   Follow Dale on Twitter!

From: Pat Rocco, Hawaii

Re: The Truth is Bad Enough. What Became of the Happy Hustler?

Bravo, Michael, for putting your life on pages for all to read. You've certainly been through it all, and survived as an inspiration to all of us.

 Having read the review in WeHo News makes it even more necessary to find a copy of the book.

 As you know, our lives have crossed consistently through the years, particularly from the late sixties and throughout the seventies and into the eighties.

 Standout memories include my directing you in a film I produced and wrote called "Silent No More" in which you brilliantly played a son who was at odds with his father who would not accept him and his gay relationship with another young man.

 I also remember when you attended my "surprise" sixty-fifth birthday party in Hollywood in 1999, and your speech that brought tears to me and all the others. When thanking me for "paving the way" for you in your gay life, you also made us know how difficult it was for you to "be yourself.”

 There were also photographs, Christopher Street-West, appearances at SPREE, countless marches and demonstrations, and even a contest that we judged together.

 When we spoke earlier this year, we were able to catch up on all those great memories, and more.

 You may not know it (because I probably felt silly telling you), but I was one of your true "fans,” much as you've said about me.

This "mutual admiration society" has lasted for more years than I can count, and I'm truly grateful for that.

 Now, with your new book, I feel certain that you'll add another crowning glory to a life and career that's been an inspiration to all of us.

 You have all my love and pride for being the exceptional person that you are, and my gratitude for being able to call you "friend.”

From: Wayne Case, West Hollywood

Re: Parking fees up in West Hollywood

Are you aware that the cost of parking at a West Hollywood parking meters for an hour has just been raised from $1 to $1.50?

I saw nothing in the press about it and the only way I found out was when I went to put coins in my meter this morning.

I’m aggravated but if I were a merchant counting on drive up trade, I’d be concerned and angry.

I was also surprised to learn the free parking time at the West Hollywood Parking Garage located at Santa Monica Blvd and Kings Road has been reduced from two hours to one hour.

If you’re planning on free parking while having lunch at nearby Basix or Marix as I do upon occasion, better eat fast.

I’m sure the city decision makers would have justifications but I still question the wisdom of these changes. I can guarantee that both these moves will change some of my habits.

From: Alan Bernstein, West Hollywood

Re: Parking fees up in West Hollywood

Congratulations on WeHo’s new credit card parking meters!

Did anyone notice that they instituted a 33.3 percent increase in the cost of parking.

Prior to the change to credit card meters the fee was 25 cents for 15 minutes. Now it is 25 cents for 10 minutes.

Just what the community and the local businesses needed, a 33.3 percent increase in parking fees.

What the hell, throw it on the credit card and no one will notice!

I thought that the new smart meters would tell the person parking (on the screen) that it was after-hours or Sunday, and there is no need to pay, but they do not.

They let the people just keep feeding the meter.

From: Geoff Buck, West Hollywood

Re: City OKs robo-garage, oppos launch petition

What happened to the Community Service Center is exactly how the underground parking planned for Plummer Park took place.

No community input and decisions made elsewhere and appear at a later date when it is almost too late.

Also, I may be wrong, but I haven't noticed any solar panels on the new library or parking structure. I have seen the ugly solar panels on the Sierra Bonita apartments, on the street where I live.

These panels have more clear "open space" than solar collectors. I imagine that they are not very efficient. It looks like 1/3 of each panel is clear empty space.

Looks like we got ripped off (again).

What happens if nobody wants to use the robo-garage? I would try to avoid it if I could.

Also, the back-up generators would be either natural gas or diesel. Both would add significant amounts of air pollution for the residents of Sweetzer.

I like the King's Road parking structure over Aaron Brothers. I would like to see three of these built on SMB.

The city already owns another parking lot on SMB which could be used for this purpose. Parking on the eastside is getting more difficult.

From: Lenny Ackerman, West Hollywood

Re: AOL Patch on murder: Oh, never mind...

This story transfixed me. At first I couldn't believe you thought it was news, but then on reflection I realized that a newspaper is supposed to hold individuals and organizations accountable for their actions, and that’s what you did.

I was curious, though, why you named names of other Patch outlets but not the guilty party in WeHo.

Their error sure was a dumb move – I mean, why wouldn’t they follow up on a murder?

I looked back at some of the other things they covered instead of hunting down information on the supposed murder and found gems like “Share your back to school tips” and “Go for the gold (without spending any of yours.”

“Patchy” coverage, at best.