Residents Concerned With Quality of Life

In “It’s a Sign: Market for Commercial Real Estate Is Reviving” (Oct. 4) by James Flanigan predicts that the Los Angeles region is headed toward a “mighty future” economically. That may well be true, although time will tell. Yet he seems perplexed about why Southern Californians are not more excited and enthusiastic about this prospect.

The answer is simple: Southern Californians have always been more concerned with maintaining their enviable quality of life than with economic growth, and they have seen their overall quality of life markedly deteriorate in the past 10 years. Furthermore, while there may be the promise of economic growth, it is sure to bring more problems such as congestion, pollution, traffic, crime and overcrowded schools which have made many Southern Californians feel disillusioned and lose faith in their future here.

For many middle-class residents, the Los Angeles region has become like New York City, only more spread out. Who would choose to live there? Southern Californians in increasing numbers are asking the same question about where they live.

KENNETH MOSCARET

Pasadena