To the editor: Like many lifelong Angelenos, Norm Langer, who runs the legendary Langer's Deli next to MacArthur Park, has done his best to help his family and community in ways that often go unnoticed. (“Langer's Deli owner eager for L.A. to clean up MacArthur Park, mulling closing,” column, Aug. 23)
His experiences trying to run a business and serve his customers and employees while surrounded by depravity and uncaring city politicians are harrowing, but all too common in 2024. Anyone defending this status quo should try eating a sandwich on a park bench across the street and tell how they feel.
As with Norm, my experience with the local City Council member leaves a lot to be desired. It really seems like the city is abandoning us and forcing us to follow laws and regulations that don't apply to homeless people and drug addicts.
I hope Langer's stays open for decades to come, but I certainly can't blame Norm for closing and giving up on pushing that boulder up the hill.
Adam Bray-Ali, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Steve Lopez's column brought back some touching childhood memories of Langer's that have little to do with the restaurant's excellent food.
In the late 1950s, my extended family of Salvadoran immigrants and I lived in an apartment building near 7th Street, just north of MacArthur Park. On the rare occasions when we had some extra money, we would go out to eat.
At 6 years old, I didn't understand why we stopped at several restaurants. When my uncle asked for a table, we would leave and try another place. Years later, my uncle explained to me that restaurants didn't want our Salvadoran family in their establishments.
We would continue until we reached Langer's, where the employees would greet us with smiles and seat us immediately.
I am now a lifelong lover of Jewish food and have introduced my children and grandchildren to Langer's Restaurant. All those other restaurants are gone now, but Langer's is still around.
Carlos Navarrete, Long Beach
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To the editor: A few years ago, I took my elderly stepmother to lunch at Langer's. I didn't think much of it, and soon we were standing in a long line outside in the midday heat. The employees at Langer's gave us all bottles of cold water and brought out a huge cooler similar to the ones you see on football sidelines.
When we sat down, we were greeted by Norm Langer himself. I told him that we had been treated better than anywhere else we had been at during our meal before we came in.
Langer's cares about its diners. Thanks, Steve Lopez, for reminding me to visit.
Hans Ghaffari, Encino
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To the editor: A few years ago, Echo Park Lake was in poor condition and not very attractive. In 2021, the city undertook a major cleanup and closed the park for a while. The project was a success and now crowds of people enjoy the park.
Couldn't the same be done at MacArthur Park? It would be a shame not to try.
Susan Borden, Los Angeles
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To the editor: After reading Lopez's column about Langer's and the current condition of MacArthur Park, I decided to drive there and grab a #19 sandwich (still the best sandwich in the world) and see if the area has deteriorated since my last visit.
Bottom line: yes it has.
This is a miserable dystopia where hundreds of sick and addicted human beings have been left virtually uncared for and the mostly low-income residents have received no protection or services. All levels of government have failed this neighborhood and all of its residents and businesses for far too long.
It is negligent and shameful.
Miles Crakow, Los Angeles
