Chinatown

* Chinatown is open for business!

On behalf of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, I would like to point out that, as acknowledged in your March 31 article, Chinatown is a diverse community with a diverse mix of businesses. It is composed of businesses ranging from restaurants to herb shops and dental offices to jewelry stores. There are few other places in the Los Angeles area where one will be able to find stores that sell the finest jewelry and discount clothing in such close proximity to each other. However, instead of destroying Chinatown, this diversity is making Chinatown a vibrant community.

Chinatown had in the past few years experienced a downturn in business just as all of Los Angeles County had. However, it is turning around. As new businesses have moved into the Chinatown area, they have brought with them a broader economic base. Chinatown already is a major center for jewelry and herb stores.

The Chinese American community is and always has been a diverse community. Just because there are certain differences within the community that are more apparent to the outsider than others does not mean that Chinatown is a divided community. Such differences only add to the richness of the Chinese heritage and culture.

We welcome readers to come and rediscover Chinatown.

PETER WOO, President

Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Los Angeles