Gambling on Cruises

We are writing to ask your assistance in undoing one more of the absurd acts perpetrated by the California Legislature. We refer to the new state law prohibiting gambling on ships sailing from one California port to another (News and Briefs, Dec. 20). We neither participate in gambling nor care whether other people do. What we do care about is rational laws, the wonderful spirit of cruising and the beautiful island of Catalina. The economy of Catalina is partly dependent on the visits by cruise ships. And starting this month, half of these will be curtailed. This law is resulting in economic losses to an already fragile little community struggling in an era of devastating recession.

What does this law hope to do, save us from gambling? As part of these short cruises, gambling is not significant but the destinations of Catalina and San Diego are. In a state that organizes and controls gambling activities including horse racing and a state lottery, and permits cities such as Gardena to have poker arenas, what is to be achieved?

FRED and MARGIE HESSE

Huntington Beach