Three Cheers for Ethnic Diversity

This letter is in response to the views of Councilman Barry L. Hatch of Monterey Park, as printed in the Nov. 9 San Gabriel Valley section of the Los Angeles Times.

I won’t make any attacks against the councilman’s character or racial attitudes, except to say perhaps he would be more comfortable residing near Hayden Lake, Ida. Mainly, I am surprised that he wishes to insult the excellence of the Chinese entrepreneurs in Monterey Park.

I’m an American with German, French and Irish roots. I’ve lived in San Gabriel, Alhambra and Pasadena for the past 10 years. During that time, I’ve noticed that the whole appearance and environment of Alhambra and Monterey Park improved as Chinese businessmen cleaned out old, dumpy, run-down buildings. Alhambra and especially Monterey Park came alive again.

I doubt people who visit Solvang, Calif., have any problem knowing they are in the U.S.A. Nor do those shopping in Monterey Park.

I voted for English as the official language. Everyone is proud to be an American and also proud of their foreign heritage.

If Mr. Hatch has his way, would restaurants like Don Ricardo’s have to be renamed Mr. Ricardo’s? Or how about the Irish Pub? Would it have to take its leprechaun off of its sign and rename itself the Tavern? Would we have to close down all the smorgasboard restaurants if they didn’t rename themselves as cafeterias?

I think one word would describe the result: boring!

--Mary Krismunando

PASADENA