SAN FRANCISCO’S OK

So San Francisco has a civic crisis of self-esteem, eh? (“Oh San Francisco, Poor San Francisco,” by Tom McNichol, April 12). Problems, sure. A lack of affordable housing for an increasing number of transients; a selfish executive controlling the fate of our pro baseball team; a whining daily columnist prone to remembering a better day, and locals who have long reviled Fisherman’s Wharf. So what! We also have real rejuvenation on a number of fronts.

I’m tired of explaining to Southern California that, really, we’re all right up here, and no, they won’t get mugged running in the Bay to Breakers. That we’ve actually made a miraculous recovery from a cataclysmic earthquake (1989) and fire (Oakland, 1991). That we do have debris on our streets, like any aging city, but still know how to throw a great party. Maybe you all are just a bit afraid we will vote to create a 51st state that’s 100% L.A.-free. I know I will.

BRAD WIENERS

San Francisco