Why the second-largest U.S.-based mall real estate investment
trust would ever imagine that it could come into Glendale wielding
their big bats, and engage the services of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher to
strike out Americana developer Rick Caruso has to be the joke of the
century. This issue has nothing to do with Caruso's wealth or his
connections, as some of his ardent opponents have suggested. This
issue is based solely on Caruso's track record of developing highly
successful outdoor communities with the highest degree of
architectural appeal. In furtherance, General Growth forced a special
election, which was not only very expensive and unnecessary due to
the City Council's unanimous vote of approval, but suspect of some
pretty dirty tactics displayed by many of their petition signature
collectors.
Notwithstanding the voice of the people in favor of the Town
Center, they have continued to thwart the progress of the development
with their ludicrous injunction, claiming that the old fire station
is historical, and should be preserved as a monument to mankind.
I would bet anything that once this case is heard on its merit,
the State Court of Appeal will uphold the lower court's decision.
General Growth, you are preparing to open the gazillion-dollar
mall in San Antonio in September. You will continue to flourish
throughout this millennium, but it is my personal belief that you
will not be completely satisfied until you overtake Westfield
Shoppingtown. That's cool, if you eventually succeed, but in the
meantime, lift your injunction and leave Glendale to the voice of its
populace, for if you don't, you will continue to see a downturn in
your tenants' business, which will ultimately hurt your bottom line.
Is all this turmoil worth it?
ARNIE LEIB
Glendale
Arnold was elected for a reason, remember
I take exception to the June 29 letter from Molly Bosted in
attacking Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ("Poor ratings show how people
really feel about Arnold").
Doesn't she know that Schwarzenegger was elected by California
voters to replace Gov. Gray Davis, because they wanted him to take
action in reforming the state's pitiful financial condition (which is
near bankruptcy or it may be there already). This is exactly what he
is trying to do, yet the same people who placed him in office are now
attacking him for what they wanted him to do. Does this make sense?
Bosted goes on to write that the new governor "should spend his
energy honestly seeking consensus with the legislature ...." The
