To the editor: It would be unfair to compare the shadow of a palm tree with an Indian laurel fig or a living oak of the coast (“He desperately needs it more shadow. So why were 77 palm trees near Lacma?” September 4). It is a false paradigm, how to ask how many TouchDown passes has launched Clayton Kershaw or how many home runs Shaquille O'Neal have hit.
Palm trees are loved by their sculptural and evocative landscape qualities. They also provide good habitats for some birds and mammals. Give Lacma, Metro credit and the city's service office to recognize that the purpose of the landscape is not only to provide shadow, but also to improve urban landscape and harmonize with architecture.
James Manzold, Claremont
This writer is a member of the Botanical Garden Board of California.
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To the editor: So, like everything in the United States lately, environmental concerns are in the background, this time thanks to the City Council and Lacma. With the increase in world temperatures and rain reduction in California, I think that these policy formulators would take into account what is best for most people and not only for the few privileged who have money and influence to call the shooting.
Vicki Rupasinghe, Ojai
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To the editor: The reasoning of the director of Lacma Michael Govan to plant palms of Mexican fans as a memory of the history of the city falls. Before the demolition of the anterior Lacma campus, including the lamente Bing Theater, attended concerts and films in The Bing in the Nightings. At the end of summer, the fragrance of sicomorous trees east of Lacma buildings would flow into the theater and campus. He was lovely and attractive. The palm trees of Mexican fans do not delight with a fragrance.
The tired Cliché de las Palmeras does not honor the history of the city, and particularly Lacma. On the other hand, it is the dignity, the strength, the size and beauty of the trees of the sicomor what they do.
Matthew Hetz, Los Angeles
