Improvements for Downtown Los Angeles

Christopher Leinberger’s “Top 10 Ways to Make City’s Center Greater” (Commentary, July 15) is a commendable set of ideas for making downtown Los Angeles a true world-class urban center. As one who remembers well when “going downtown” was something Angelenos looked forward to with eager anticipation, I would like to offer some additional thoughts.

When we think of the world’s great metropolitan centers, including London, Paris, San Francisco, New York, they all have in common a lively street scene, no matter what time of day or night. What makes that happen is the fact that people not only work in these cities, they live there within walking distance of the city’s core.

However, when you suggest to Southern Californians that downtown Los Angeles would be a good place to live, the first objection they raise is about safety. The solution to that problem is simple and cost-effective. It would take only a relatively few LAPD officers to secure the downtown area. Put them on bicycles during the day and on horses at night to increase their visibility and deterrent effect.

Downtown building owners need to stop the shortsighted practice of boarding up ground-floor space when the tenant moves out, not only because it’s bad for the city, but because it almost ensures the eventual decline and demise of the building. Give the space away if you have to, but keep ground-floor space occupied.

Transportation is another key. The truth is that our system of subways, buses and trains is pretty damned good. Add to our current system trackless trolleys that mimic Angels Flight cars and you have a charming, effective means of getting people around town.

For years, we have heard the hype about Los Angeles being capital of the Pacific Rim. Let’s conduct an annual Pacific Rim festival in downtown Los Angeles in which we showcase the culture, industry and entertainment of Pacific Rim countries. Make it a weeklong event strung along Figueroa from the Music Center to the Convention Center.

There’s lots in downtown L.A. to attract the kind of business we need to bring it back to life. All we need is a bit of creativity and determination to make it happen.

DONALD F. DICKERSON

Sherman Oaks

* Yes, our exquisitely beautiful City of the Angels on a clear day should be the greatest. The No. 1 criterion for the list: Eliminate the smog. “Bring back nature.”

The other nine tips are dependent on and secondary to the above.

ASTA YOUNG

Santa Monica