to the editor: Jenny Jarvie's article raised important questions about the population decline in Los Angeles County (“People are leaving Los Angeles in increasing numbers, and this could 'haunt us for decades.'” April 9). On the other hand, the benefits of a stable or even short-term demographic decline were not taken into account.
Los Angeles County, the most populous county in americaIt is more than populated enough now to affect house prices, air quality, demand for local services and traffic, all of which are probably among the worst in the country.
A pause in local growth may allow the stabilization of a quality of life that appears to be eroding, as well as allowing housing construction to catch up with housing needs. Additionally, several public transportation projects need breathing room to be completed. They offer the prospect of stabilizing or even reducing traffic on streets and highways.
Since the greater Los Angeles area is clearly already overcrowded, let's not wish for more of the same. As a retired economic development consultant, I believe taking a break from population growth would offer benefits that have been ignored. And don't worry: With Southern California's great climate, any decline in migration here will likely be temporary.
Gary Wartik, Palm Desert
