Urban Gardens

Re “Development Uproots Urban Gardeners,” Jan. 25: The removal of the downtown urban garden illustrates much of what is wrong with the big city and demonstrates that there is often a higher use of land in an undeveloped state.

This garden brought together people of diverse backgrounds, allowing folks of all races and classes to mingle in peace and learn acceptance. Any activity that gives humans something real to do besides pursuing passive, artificial diversions such as watching television and movies, attending sporting events, amusement and theme parks is good for people of all ages. Seeing a little greenery between the concrete has a psychological benefit, allowing persons to experience the natural world regularly and providing an organic way to relax and a healthy way to unwind. If money was the only factor in land-use decisions, there would be no parks; community gardens deserve equal status.

RICHARD BAKER

Beverly Hills