Save the Bungalows

An overlooked point in the article (“While Classic La Jolla War Rages, a Bit of History Fades,” Sept. 12) on the significance of the two bungalows at the Cove Beach, is that they were the most important affordable housing archetypes that a democratic society can claim in an age when less than 5% of the population can afford to build their own home.

It must be remembered that we do not have castles and country homes, as Europe has, as our heritage. But we do lead the world in search for a better family home. The two red bungalows are the progenitors of American residential prototype. The stars of our heritage.

If there is an architectural treasure that we should save, it is the first of the California bungalows.

EUGENE RAY

Professor of Environmental Design

San Diego State University