Dear Congresswoman Jane Harman

In the 1950s cookie-cutter houses were built during the baby boom for young growing families. I have lived in one of the neighborhoods for the past 30-some years. Over the years, fewer and fewer children are seen playing outdoors. 


When my boys were growing up, they would stay outside until the last possible second and sometimes beyond that second. They skateboarded, constructed small and then very large ramps, rode bikes showing off their wheelie expertise, practiced throwing baseballs at the “x” on the block wall fence and took their Carom Board outside to initiate lively games with other neighbor children. 


Many of the same people who live here now have been here for thirty or more years. Some are retired, others are widowed. Some have passed on leaving their homes to their grown children. Others are new to the neighborhood. The lawns are manicured and the houses are maintained.  Anyone who might have moved from the neighborhood thirty years ago would likely say, “Everything looks the same, but something is different. I just can’t put my finger on it.”


If you look closely and become still for just a moment, the difference is identifiable. The children's laughter has been silenced, giving way to the hovering police helicopters.  Does anyone else notice? I can’t be the only one. A few years ago, this neighborhood was best described as an island. Bridges extend to our once safe island building a clear path to another culture and a different time. Albeit subtle, a new culture is changing the way we live.


I remember watching the Watts Riots on television in 1965. I was far from the chaos and danger that was breaking out in Los Angeles. I felt safe in my homogeneous neighborhood fifty miles away. I remember feeling curiously detached.


In 1971, I helped my mother-in-law pack up her china and crystal. She raised her three boys in the beautiful Spanish style home in a Los Angeles neighborhood where bridges were built compromising her safety. Her final destiny was a new homogeneous neighborhood near the beach. I never knew the old neighborhood the way John and his brothers did; I only heard the stories of their growing up years. Stories, much the same as the ones we now tell as our neighborhood changes.

Personally, I don’t like living in a homogeneous neighborhood. I enjoy diversity. During recent elections, my sons Jay and Kevin pointed to the election posters that hang on the unsightly chain link fence located near a busy intersection. Attached to the fence is ugly green canvas with holes. Weeds are peeking through the bottom of the fence. This eyesore sits on a very long, but narrow patch of land that once housed railroad tracks. 


It encircles the rectangular piece of land where new homes were to be built; a project started in 2007 and quickly abandoned after the economic collapse. It is a constant reminder of the deterioration this neighborhood faces.


Three half-built two story homes have become blank canvas for taggers. Because of height and location, the houses are perfect for communicating territorial gang statements. The city comes by regularly and removes the spray painted messages only to find fresh new messages the next morning; this appears to be the government's attempt at denial.  I'm just curious Madam Congresswoman.  Do you have this kind of deterioration in your neighborhood?  

In addition to the abandoned state of the project, there was recently a gang shooting at this intersection.  A small water bottle used as a vase containing wilted and brown flowers is attached to the fence, a memorial for the gang members executed while waiting for a light to turn green just a few weeks ago.  Just to the left of the bottle containing the dead flowers is a sign that says "Jane Harman for Congress".  Did you know, according to theLos Angeles Times headcount, there have been 21 homicides within two miles since 2007?  Imagine, right where all your signs proudly display your name. 

Ms. Harman, I have seen you many times at Raytheon during events such as JROTC. I must have missed any appearance you have made in my neighborhood. I have taken note of your campaign contributions and realize that there is little business in our area.  Do you know that approximately twenty of your lovely campaign signs still hang on the worn fence next to the decaying homes and memorial for the dead? It is ironic and fitting.


I worry about history repeating itself. Do you think my boys are going to help me move to a safer and more homogeneous neighborhood in the near future? I note that on your website, you pride yourself on your landmark legislation regarding light bulbs.  I commend your tenacity on this subject, however, maybe some of your energy could be used to discuss issues that people in my neighborhood consider higher priority.  In a statement reported in the Easy Reader, you said your focus was on “jobs, jobs, jobs”.  It is curious that you spend so much of your time on  “defense, defense, defense”. 


My son wrote you an email about this subject.  It must have slipped your mind as he has yet to receive a response.  When I inked in my vote next to your name, I was casting my vote against your opponent.  


Congratulations on your latest victory and in retaining your seat in the House of Representatives. Job well done!