Youth / OPINION : L.A. From Afar: ‘A Land of Excitement and Confusion’ : JANELL BARNGROVER / Senior, 17, Highland Park High School, Topeka, Kan.

Los Angeles is full of gangs, guns and a bunch of bums, or that is what some people say. I’m sure this might be partially true, but L.A. has the same problems as any other big city does. The difference: more people to cause trouble. If everyone perceived a city by the way television and newspapers portrayed them, no one would want to travel. People would seclude themselves in their own home.

When I think of Los Angeles, I like to think about a big city, bright lights, expensive shops, and lots of palm trees, like Beverly Hills. I also think about the movie stars. After these, I then think about the Rodney King riots and gang members.

So if someone mentions L.A., what should come to mind? A big beautiful city with lots of people struggling and living life to its fullest? Or, a big problem city with too many gang members, much too much violence and crowded freeways? I prefer to think of L.A. in the positive. I would hope others would to.