East L.A. Classic

Re “Is Proposed Move of Football Classic a Smart Play?” by George Ramos, May 8:

You bet it is! It surprised me that Ramos would have the audacity to think he is speaking on behalf of the East Los Angeles community and the high school alumni of Garfield and Roosevelt. Perhaps he can’t see the opportunity presented to both schools by moving the annual classic football/Eastside rivals game to the Pasadena Rose Bowl.

As many as 7,000 people are turned away each year due to the limited seating capacity at East L.A. College, where the games are now played. These same people and more would have the opportunity to see and enjoy the classic rival game with alumni dating back 68 years. Both schools would benefit by the increased revenues they would receive for education.

With a 98% yes for the move, according to the surveys taken at previous games, and the support we have received thus far from top officials and sponsors, the next East L.A. Classic will kick off at the Pasadena Rose Bowl! Where there is plenty of room for the whole familia .

FRED SANCHEZ, Chairman

East Los Angeles Classic

Diamond Bar

* Ramos is absolutely right! Back in the ‘40s the greatest cross-town rivalry was Alhambra versus Mark Keppel. The game drew 15,000-plus, trying to cram into Moor Field every year.

It was moved to the Rose Bowl, where the crowd seemed tiny (spread out over 100,000 seats), the noise level dropped and the entire luster vanished. It never regained its popularity--even when returned to Alhambra.

Moving the Roosevelt-Garfield game to the Rose Bowl will kill it.

PAUL CROWLEY

San Marino