Island life in the city

RE “Against the Flow” [May 11]: The question Lynell George raises of how public this public space is should be looked at from a viewpoint larger than the invoice received [by Highways Performance Space and Gallery for the removal of six “unlawfully posted” signs] from the city of Santa Monica. The question actually ties into 1st Amendment issues of free speech and public assembly.

Traffic islands in L.A. and other parts of the country have traditionally been used for assembly and may therefore be public forums – spaces that receive heightened protection under the 1st Amendment for public assembly and free speech. It is in this spirit of democracy that traffic islands – spaces normally overlooked by urban planning and architecture but large enough to hold groups up to 30 people – can be used in a safe, engaging and responsible manner to create community, cultural interchange and discussion.

Ari Kletzky

Highland Park

ARI KLETZKY is definitely onto something. A college major in rhetoric? Only in Berkeley. He is perfect for CalArts. God knows how he will develop this public art concept while there and find new avenues (no pun intended) to pursue. Thank you for a fascinating story.

Sandy Maroney

Concord

Johansson in song

ANN POWERS name-drops over 30 actors and musical artists in her “review” of a new album of Tom Waits songs by Scarlett Johansson [“Singing Film Stars: Is This Just an Act?” May 11].

Wouldn’t it have been more honest for Powers to just write a column called “30 or 40 Performers I’m Into Right Now”? Then just follow it with a little sidebar review of Johansson’s album in a more succinct, Variety-styled “Good Field, No Hit,” jargon, where Powers could say that she likes Waits’ songs, likes Johansson’s album producer but doesn’t think Johansson is there yet.

That would give potential buyers a direct assessment; let Johansson go back to her multi-million-dollar film roles and Paris Hilton-type parties; allow Powers to go back to whatever she does when she’s not in her I’m-so-much-hipper-than-my-readers role. A win-win-win for everybody.

Lee Moldaver

Santa Barbara

MY HAT’S off to Scarlett Johansson for taking a musical risk and not following expected commercial trends for her first album.

She has paved the way for upcoming singers such as myself.

I’ve been recording an album of Mick Jagger covers for my debut album, reimagining some of his obscure solo compositions, also working with guest artists and musicians.

It looks like Scarlett Johansson is a breakthrough artist, after all.

Katharine “Kat” Kramer

Valley Village