To the editor: It will be unfair to match a palm tree’s shading capabilities to an Indian laurel fig or a Coast dwell oak (“L.A. desperately needs more shade. So why were 77 palm trees planted near LACMA?,” Sept. 4). It’s a false paradigm, like asking what number of landing passes Clayton Kershaw has thrown or what number of dwelling runs Shaquille O’Neal has hit.
Palm bushes are cherished for his or her sculptural and evocative panorama qualities. In addition they present good habitats for some birds and mammals. Give LACMA, Metro and town’s Bureau of Avenue Providers credit score for recognizing that the aim of panorama isn’t simply to offer shade but additionally to reinforce the streetscape and harmonize with the structure.
James Manifold, Claremont
This author is a member of the California Botanic Backyard’s board of trustees.
..
To the editor: So, like every little thing within the U.S. these days, environmental considerations are taking a again seat, this time because of the Metropolis Council and LACMA. With rising international temperatures and lowered rainfall in California, I’d assume that these policymakers would have in mind what’s finest for almost all of individuals and never simply the privileged few who’ve the cash and clout to name the pictures.
Vicki Rupasinghe, Ojai
..
To the editor: LACMA Director Michael Govan’s reasoning to plant Mexican fan palms as a remembrance to town’s historical past falls flat. Earlier than the demolishing of the earlier LACMA campus, together with the lamented Bing Theater, I’d attend concert events and flicks on the Bing within the evenings. Within the late summer time, the perfume from the sycamore bushes east of the LACMA buildings would waft towards the theater and campus. It was pleasant and engaging. Mexican fan palms don’t delight with a perfume.
The drained cliché of palm bushes doesn’t honor the historical past of town, and notably of LACMA. As a substitute, it’s the dignity, energy, measurement and fantastic thing about the sycamore bushes that do.
Matthew Hetz, Los Angeles
