MORE ON GETTING OUT

I was so impressed with your article a few months ago about “Getting Out of L.A.” (May 19) that I photocopied it and sent it to all my acquaintances who did get out of Los Angeles.

I especially loved your headline on the front cover that said, “Everybody talks about it. Some people even do it. A report on ditching L.A. for the ‘good life.’ ”

While I have always been one of those people who talked about it, I never really took my own words seriously. I migrated to this city and have lived here for 21 years, and as much as I loathe Los Angeles with its crime, billion-plus people and high cost of living, it is my home.

I work for an international airline at LAX and I was informed recently that I am being “bumped” out of my position here and must relocate to secure my seniority with this company. My choices are simple: Chicago or Newark.

Leaving L.A. voluntarily is one thing. Leaving under forceful conditions is quite another thing altogether.

The thought of those cold winters, shoveling snow, winterizing my car, plus buying a pair of boots is absolutely overwhelming. I’m eager to see the expression on my cat’s face when we relocate. The little guy has never even seen snow!

Yes, Los Angeles is a melting pot. It’s crowded and expensive and awesome and not like any other place I have ever visited, and I am a world traveler. But it’s home, and I shall miss it dearly.

ROBERTA G. RYAN

Los Angeles