Westlake’s Citizenry

In the Nov. 28 Letters column, a reader expresses concern about Westlake Village being a “predominantly white community” and questions whether minorities are welcome there (“Is It Just a Great Place to Live for Some?”)

Westlake Village is a single community divided into two cities. On the east is the city of Westlake Village in Los Angeles County. On the west is the neighborhood of Westlake Village, which is part of the city of Thousand Oaks in Ventura County. Yes, both parts are predominantly white.

Larry Horner, who lives in the Thousand Oaks part, served several terms on the Thousand Oaks City Council and was mayor more than once. Now Horner is the local field deputy for Rep. Brad Sherman. The fact that Horner is black has been irrelevant to receiving the trust and respect of his neighbors.

DAVID E. ROSS

Oak Park

*

Grace Wilson’s Nov. 28 letter asks if the phrase “the predominantly white community” meant that “blacks, browns and yellows” are not welcome in Westlake Village.

I felt I had to respond to this article because I don’t believe it has anything to do with your color or religion but how much money you have.

I am what is called a WASP, and my family came to this country in 1634, and I am not able to buy in Westlake Village simply because we cannot afford it.

The funny thing is that my husband and I were just talking about how much we would like to be able to buy a house there, but we have to be realistic and realize we do not have that kind of money.

I think it is time for everyone to take a step back and not get so defensive on every little thing. “The predominantly white community” means that it is not all white and there are some minorities that evidently can afford to live there and do.

PAT CASH

Panorama City