FIGHTING WORDS

This is my first trip to Southern California. I have been in an Irvine hotel for more than two weeks. I can’t stand the lack of service in the hotel and restaurants, and on the phone and in shops--all because I speak only English, and the maids, waiters, some desk clerks, phone operators and valets speak no English. They may be grand workers, but I could not get an extra pillow for three days because neither the maids nor the housekeeper spoke enough English to understand my request.

California may have many nice things and people--but when I am forced to be uncomfortable in a $100-a-night American hotel because of a language barrier, I see no reason to come back.

JACK REYNOLDS

Baltimore, Md.