PUBLIC FORUM : A TOUGH CELL.

Re ``Town bans car-phoning,'' (Daily News, July 3):

Brooklyn, Ohio, has made it illegal to drive and talk on a cell phone. Perhaps the ban is a little drastic, but California could lead the nation in safety by making it convenient or even inviting to park and talk. How about all those freeway ``Emergency Parking Only'' areas? Couldn't their use be expanded to ``Emergency Parking and Cell Phoning Only''? The city could also set aside all those curbside strips to ``Bicycles and Cell Phoning.''

More inventive minds than mine can surely come up with attractive incentives for the phoning and driving public to practice safety habits.

- Jim Jamieson 

Sylmar

L.A. dropped the ball

As an employee involved in the film industry here in Southern California, I have followed with great interest the recent news articles concerning film production's flight from the area. Production companies have been leaving Hollywood and Southern California locations for some time now. This did not happen overnight.

Economics and the bottom line are the reasons. I don't know of a single producer who works as a hobby. When industry, farming or whatever other sources of revenue that drive cities, states or countries flounder, any good government will do what it takes to supplement the local economy.

Perhaps our local politicians were too busy wasting their time and our money with such projects as the underground rail system, or the Belmont school project? Indeed, I think the correct headline for Friday's article should have read, ``L.A. criticized for allowing film production to flee.''

- Michael J. Trottochau

Acton

Where's the NRA now?

Not too long ago a young woman named Tyisha Miller was shot to death by Riverside policemen who said they spotted a gun in her lap as she sat in her car.

According to the National Rifle Association, the possession of guns by citizens is protected by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

So why hasn't the National Rifle Association joined the outcry about her having been shot to death for possessing a gun? Why hasn't the NRA joined forces with attorney Johnnie L. Cochran in his suit against the city of Riverside and its police department?

- Kenneth H. Bonnell

Los Angeles

Long live the king

Re ``King of the Mountains,'' (Daily News, June 20):

I have attended many meetings in the acquisition of properties for Southern California's open space - and never have I felt that Joe Edmiston is an ``empire builder.''

He has always been the dedicated protagonist of our burgeoning state's need for recreational areas and the importance of wildlife corridors, which he unfailingly champions.

We are fortunate that his organization assisted us in La Canada Flintridge with the purchases of Cherry Canyon I, II and III. This enabled our city to have its only true park - a wonderful wilderness area in the San Rafael Hills. His work helped the development of Wilson Canyon Park in Sylmar.

These are locations far away from the Santa Monica Mountains; but they are just as important in the continuation of the Rim of the Valley concept to rim our Southern California Mountains with parks for the people. Not only is Edmiston a splendid negotiator; but he has the ability to attract competent people as dedicated as he.

We are indeed fortunate to have the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountain Recreation and Conservations Authority. Kudos to Edmiston for his unparalleled ability to continue achieving permanent open space for all of us.

- Liz Blackwelder

La Canada Flintridge

A challenge for Bernson

Re ``Cable-Internet fight turns into gold mine for lobbyists,'' (Daily News, July 4):

I hope that Hal Bernson meant what he said in Deborah Sullivan's article about the fight over Internet access to cable lines being waged in City Hall. After all, it is the responsibility of our elected representative to make decisions that benefit the publiSc.

Using the buzzword ``open access,'' a group of local telephone companies and Internet service providers are trying to convince us that they are the defenders of democracy, protecting us all against the monopolization of high speed Internet access. Through my experience as a customer of these very same businesses, I am not convinced.

For consumers, the only possible result of forcing AT&T to share its investment with the likes of AOL and GTE is that high-speed Internet access, now so close, will slip out of our reach for several more years, all to the benefit of a group of greedy corporations. I want broadband and it makes me angry that these and other companies are trying to slow it down while they catch up.

I hope the City Council will see through this transparent attempt and make their decision, as Bernson said, in the ``best interest of the public and the city.''

- Poi Wong

Chatsworth

Be nice to your dog: Fix him

After reading ``Fine, fee may put teeth in L.A. spay-neuter plan'' (Daily News, July 6), I can see that the first thing pet owners need is more information on the effects of altering. Contrary to dog owner Robert Harris' attitude, neutering Champ will make him much more loyal and attentive.

In Champ's present condition, Harris will find himself all alone as soon as Champ gets wind of a female dog in heat.

He is right about the need for responsible dog ownership, but there is absolutely no reason to keep a dog intact unless he is a purebred and used for responsible breeding. One accidental breeding by Champ can produce up to 12 unwanted puppies. Just walk through any shelter and see how many homeless and unwanted puppies are going to be put to sleep.

I am in favor of large penalties on unaltered pets for those who insist on refusing to spay or neuter and very strict rules for the housing of those unaltered pets to prevent them from running loose.

- Catherine L. Clemente

Aqua Dulce

Setting the record

It surprised me indeed to read ``Killer learned hatred during college years,'' (Daily News, July 6), in which the late Benjamin Smith stated in his brochures that ``the white race is being crowded out by Jews. . . .'' Jews are of the white race.

However, since Judaism is a religion, anyone of any color may convert to Judaism, just as anyone of any color may convert to Christianity or whatever religious faith they choose.

I hope this will set the record straight for those who may have been misinformed.

- J.G. Martin

Granada Hills

Don't trash the flag

Now that we have been asked to purchase mattresses, automobiles and extra beer in celebration of Independence Day, we are left with a disturbing quandary: Who will carefully remove the small American flags placed at curbside in front of many residences?

If history repeats, they will be left in place to weather, fade and drop in the gutter, results of disgraceful uncaring for the national symbol by commercial interests.

Bear in mind, once each is created - whether cheap cotton or plastic - it is an American flag, entitled to the same respect as any flown over the nation's Capitol. Those responsible for distributing them should make certain that they are recovered and disposed of with proper dignity.

Last year, I pointed out the problem to a local real estate agent, whose advertisement was attached to a small flag at my residence. This year, she skipped my neighborhood.

- W.J. Wildman

Northridge