Memories of Potatoes in Perris

Many thanks for the delightful article on California’s food capitals, not to mention the great recipes (“The State’s Best Tastes,” by Andy Meisler, Style, Aug. 7). I grew up in Perris, Calif., and I wish it could have been mentioned in the article too. At one time we raised some of the greatest potatoes, onions, beans, etc. In the summer we had the Perris potato festival with its mascot, Potato Pete. Unfortunately, much of the finest farmland is now covered by tract homes and strip malls. I hope people enjoy the places that are left while they’re still there.

Iris Grewing-Spencer

West Los Angeles