Valley Secession

As a native Angeleno of 50 years, I can confirm that the quality of life in Los Angeles has deteriorated unforgivably. I have therefore supported the idea that we should explore the possibility that life might be better as a separate municipality.

In The Times article, “Petitions Qualify Valley Secession for Official Study,” March 16, I have tasted my first doubt of the organization Valley VOTE, [Voters Organized Toward Empowerment] and its primary advocate, Richard Close. Close cites his involvement in the “creation of Proposition 13” as a credential for this movement. Was it not the sloppy crafting of Proposition 13 that lead us to where we are now?

LYNN SEGAL, Woodland Hills

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The San Fernando Valley a new city? Has anyone done the numbers?

We add a new bureaucracy to our tax rolls; we are at the mercy of the Department of Water and Power and other utility providers; we need new police, fire and other emergency services. Does anyone think Los Angeles is going to hand over these services for free?

What we should do is reform county government and reduce the number of cities in L.A. County. Valley secession is an incredibly stupid idea.

CARL HOKANSON, Van Nuys