THE WAY IT USED TO BE

I can identify with Wanda Coleman’s feeling like a stranger in her hometown (“Native in a Strange Land,” Three on the Town, Sept. 27).

I hear people say: “We’ve been here for 20 years, and now these people are moving in, taking over.” That’s what I said 20 years ago when my neighborhood was “taken over” and changed forever.

And 40 years ago, smog in L.A. was a curiosity. You could pick sweet, juicy oranges off the trees, and even leave your front door unlocked.

I, too, long to go home, Wanda, but my dream is as elusive as yours.

CYNTHIA COLESCATT

Long Beach