New Year’s Celebrations

Re “L.A. Again Leads the World--This Time in Party Meekness,” Jan. 2: Perhaps science fiction author Ray Bradbury has been delving in fantasy too long. His mean-spirited remarks about Hollywood only serve to perpetuate a stereotype that is no longer true. If he had been in Hollywood during the holidays, he would have seen that our sidewalks were packed with tourists. He would have seen our successful private security force, and he would have seen that Hollywood is not overrun with “the homeless, the druggers, the prostitutes and the mindless.”

I find it interesting that the same day, in Calendar, Hollywood was listed as one of two places to watch in the coming year because of its revitalization. And as far as a place in L.A. for Angelenos to gather to celebrate historic events, that need will soon be met with the opening next year of the world-class Hollywood & Highland development. It will be a project for all Angelenos.

LERON GUBLER, President

Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

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I read with interest the article regarding the apparent failure of the city of L.A. millennium parties. Southern California already has its own well-established, well-received New Year’s celebration. It is 14 years older than the Times Square celebration in New York City--the Rose Parade. Since most of it is on wheels and outside in the daytime, it exploits two heavily advertised Southern California qualities--mobility and sunshine. The Times Square celebration has countless imitators but remains the best of its kind, to most of us Americans at least. Likewise, the Rose Parade has inspired imitators, but it is still the best parade around.

Don’t despair, Southern California boosters, we’re No. 1 after all.

BILL LORENZETTI

West Hollywood