Naming Communities

Your editorial “New Names Create More Division, Less Community” (Oct. 6) is absolutely correct. But you offer no solution. What a pity the issue wasn’t given more exposure when these self-serving changes started.

I take issue with your assertion that “residents, of course, have the right to name their neighborhoods whatever they want.” Why? Unless it is a newly established community, they should only be able to do so if special circumstances exist. Otherwise our communities’ names will change at the whim of any group having enough influence to do so. Imagine the ramifications of such whimsical actions; where would it stop?

Having grown up in Europe, it amazes me that we can obliterate our history so arbitrarily. When people move into a community, the name, apparently, is not a concern. What causes it to become one? As you noted, if these same people were to make the effort to maintain their environment, then it would be a better place for all.

This is an issue that is going to become more important as special-interest groups seek ways to extend their influence. One answer would be to petition the City Council to create an ordinance ensuring the interests of the greater community are taken into consideration, before any name change could occur.

WILLIAM H. BRADY

Canoga Park

(Officially West Hills)

* West Hills. North Hills. Valley Village. West Toluca Lake.

Why not rename the whole San Fernando Valley “North Beverly Hills” and be done with it?

CARLO PANNO

Tarzana

(Formerly Reseda)