A Better Life Elsewhere

One reader referred to the “California, Here I Go” article as an example of “irresponsible journalism” while questioning reasons for its publication. I feel that the author is doing a great service for Southern California by letting people know that there are options to having to tolerate unacceptable living conditions. Besides, where is it etched in stone that Southern California is the only place to live?

I love Las Vegas, and there is a life separate from the gaming industry. The town is relatively small, attractive and is surrounded by wide open spaces.

Even though it took years of contemplating, the best decision I have ever made was to move out of Southern California. That does not mean that others should follow suit. True, there may be crime in the area. However, the difference is that it is handled differently from the manner in which the Southern California law-enforcement agencies handle it. In Las Vegas, for example, the police are much tougher and take immediate action against a perpetrator. Police response time is less than three minutes. For all intents and purposes, the LAPD and its response time of a half-hour to 45 minutes, is just about useless.

Why are some people so upset about your article? This simply shows that they feel insecure about deciding to remain in Southern California while others choose to leave. As another reader stated, with each person leaving, Southern California’s problems of high crime, higher density living, overcrowded schools and traffic bottlenecks will be reduced.

ALEX ANDERS, Las Vegas