Reflections on Census Numbers

* Re “Latinos and Asians Continue a Transformation,” March 30:

In the thorough coverage provided by The Times, Anaheim school board member Harald Martin is quoted as saying that “Anaheim is becoming a Third World slum.” Like Martin, I am also an Anaheim city employee. While we work as public servants in the same neighborhoods--he as a police officer, I as a firefighter--our views regarding the changing demographics of Anaheim differ significantly.

During the last decade, Anaheim has experienced a sizable increase in its Latino population, especially in the downtown neighborhoods. The overwhelming majority of this population are law-abiding, working families. Parents safely walk their children to school and actively participate in school programs, children play in public parks, and neighborhood businesses are bustling with activity. During this same time frame, crime, drug and gang activity and even graffiti have decreased significantly.

While the immigrant working poor of Anaheim make the best of overpriced housing and their children attend antiquated, overcrowded schools, the hard work, labor and services they provide have improved the quality of life for all of Orange County’s citizens and its visitors. Martin’s derogatory remark, aimed at the very community he represents, is not only inaccurate; it is divisive and serves no useful purpose.

RICHARD CHAVEZ

Vice President

Central Labor Council

Orange County

* Clearly, the person who picked the photo for the front page on March 30 and the person who picked the photo for the front of the Census 2000 section the same day have different understanding of “diversity.” Both photos, according to their captions, are intended to illustrate the diversity of the California population. The Page 1 photo has 20 kids; personally, I didn’t see a lot of diversity in that one. On the other hand, the photo on the Census 2000 section shows about eight kids: two whites, two Asians, two Latinos and the others indeterminate. Now that’s diversity. And it has an American flag, to boot! This is a fabulous photo that perfectly illustrates the point, and it should have been on your front page. My point is that too many still just don’t get it. It looks as if it’s up to the kids--in both photos--to create a society that truly embraces diversity.

ROGER BLOOM

Huntington Beach

* Re “Despite Flight, Whites Still Hold Slim Majority in O.C.” March 31:

In response to the flight of P.J. Dye, there are many of us in the Westminster-Midway City areas who appreciate the diversity found here. We don’t fear different accents, skin colors or eye shapes. We love being able to choose between a bowl of pho or a plate of chilequilas.

Our children have friends named Minh and Manuel as well as Stephanie and Brittany. So enjoy your bologna with mayo on white bread down in South County while we sprinkle some more cilantro on our carne asada.

L.Y. NUNEZ

Midway City

* Your March 30 front-page “Population Growth by Counties” chart indicates that Riverside and San Bernardino counties combined grew by 52.5%, while Orange County grew by 18.1%.

Does this not show a good reason why any airport in this area could best serve the public’s need by being built in Riverside/San Bernardino? Does Orange County really need another airport?

MARY DION

Laguna Hills