Misperceptions of Broadway’s Vitality

Thank you for the article on Broadway (“At the Crossroads,” Feb. 13). You have managed to capture so much of the essence of what that area is and means to so many people. It is also an important distinction that the street was not taken over by Latino L.A.--but abandoned by the “mainstream.”

Since moving to Los Angeles seven months ago, I have been to Broadway at least once a week, every week, to buy clothes, shop for groceries, eat lunch or just enjoy a Saturday afternoon. And the prices on almost everything are so much better than just four blocks west! I have often wondered why people are afraid of the street and tried to coax them out of their misperceptions.

I am a USC film student and, with my partner, was given the opportunity to make a short film this semester. When we sat down to figure out what to make the film about, our very first idea was to do a documentary on Broadway. The street is so rich with stories that our only challenge has been to decide what not to include!

If there is a lesson that we can take from the street, it is that Broadway is as alive as it has ever been. For every troublemaker on the street, there are many more hard-working and industrious patrons, employees or business people. All the street needs is a little more attention and love from the “mainstream” that never gave it a second chance.

C. B. SMITH DAHL

Los Angeles