Los Angeles Culture, as Seen From the East

I recently moved to the Los Angeles area from the East Coast, and every day I become more aware of cultural and life-style differences.

On July 12 I saw the great Ella Fitzgerald perform. It was my first visit to the Hollywood Bowl, and I was impressed by the casual surroundings, which make for a festive atmosphere not often found in the East. I also saw signs saying: “Late Arrivals Will Only Be Admitted During Appropriate Intervals During the Performance.”

To my disbelief, about 15 minutes into the performance, hundreds were allowed to enter, disrupting three of the songs. Miss Fitzgerald appeared to ignore this lack of respect.

Those few hundred who arrived late may consider this a display of Los Angeles sophistication. Back in New York we call it a display of a total lack of class.

MIKE GALLAGHER

Redondo Beach