CUBAN CONNECTION

The June 14 Times contained a Calendar article decrying the horrible condition of buildings in Havana, and ascribed the deterioration to “40 years of neglect under Castro’s communism” (“A Crumbling Legacy,” by Patrick Pacheco). The same edition also contained an Opinion article about decaying buildings on our own Broadway, but failed to attribute a political cause for their condition. Could it possibly be 40 years of democratic rule that has undone our beloved downtown?

The truth in both of these situations is probably not political. Humans are inventive but untidy; they love to build, they hate to maintain. They also love to concoct elaborate theories about their own foibles using their greatest weapon of mass destruction, propaganda. The implication in your Cuba story--that the buildings would not have decayed under democratic leadership--is absolutely disproved on a street that borders your offices. Let’s do what we can to fix the buildings in Cuba and here at home, and leave the politics to the demagogues.

MARTY TRUJILLO

Westminster

*

In July 1996, while serving as mayor of Pasadena, I made my first trip to Cuba as the guest of Conrado Martinez Corona, Havana’s mayor. I’ve returned five times since then and on each trip I’ve been amazed at the progress made by my Cuban counterparts in their efforts to recapture and preserve the architectural heritage of the charming city, most especially in Old Havana.

Most Americans’ conceptual reference point of Havana begins from 1959 forward, overlooking the fact that it was once the heart of the Spanish empire in the New World. Indeed, it’s precisely that Spanish heritage that we in Los Angeles County have most in common with Havana. Too bad the state department refused to issue a visa to Mayor Martinez for my reciprocal invitation to him last year.

WILLIAM M. PAPARIAN

Councilman, District 4

Pasadena

*

Having just returned from Cuba, my husband and I were both stunned by the magnificence of Havana’s architecture and terribly saddened to see building after building in varying degrees of shambles.

There is no question that the U.S. economic embargo has succeeded in all but bringing Cuba to its knees. Whether one loves or hates Fidel, it is a wrenching sight to see the poverty, pain and suffering, the paralyzed infrastructure as evidenced by its crumbling buildings, and very serious food and medical shortages.

Thus far Cuba has met the challenge by beginning to shore up its infrastructure by means of joint ventures with foreign countries with whom they have diplomatic relations. I say to the U.S., lift the embargo; and to Cuba I say, apply the same joint-venture formula with U.S. investors and preserve your fabulous historic architecture.

SUZANNE MARKS

Los Angeles