Historic Site

* Historic Campo de Cahuenga, relatively unknown but probably the most significant historic place in California, must be preserved! This is the place where, in 1847, Col. John C. Fremont, representing the United States, accepted the surrender of Gen. Andres Pico’s Mexican forces, thereby ending the war between the U.S. and Mexico. The signing of this treaty led to the subsequent inclusion of California as a state.

During excavation by the MTA for the subway station near the front of the property along Lankershim Boulevard, a portion of the original foundation of the building was discovered. The foundation extended out under the boulevard.

Now the Los Angeles Department of Transportation is proposing to pave and cover another 17 feet of this historic foundation, further reducing the size of the existing property to postage stamp size. An alternative was proposed which would only take a few feet of the property. We urge the adoption of this alternative.

HERBERT W. PENCILLE

North Hollywood

* Why doesn’t somebody get excited and shake up Los Angeles officials to save the most important and historical site in all of California? Patt Morrison wrote about it (April 22), but only California history buffs seem to care.

What does it take to wake up the city to the importance of the spot where in January 1847 California became a part of the U.S., right here in Los Angeles? Wake up before the site is destroyed by Universal Studios and the MTA. Let Universal give a little land and add something more to its tour for visitors.

ROSA M. KEEHN

Alhambra