Seeing Other Sides of the East-West Debate

I got a real kick out of the Eastside versus Westside piece in Calendar Weekend (“The Ultimate Turf War,” by Leslee Komaiko and Christopher Noxon, April 18). As the ultimate Eastsider, I love this argument but, sadly, the strongest points in our favor weren’t included.

Here in Pasadena there are cultural institutions of international (not local) importance: the Huntington, the Norton Simon and the Pacific Asia Museum. These treasures pack a powerful punch and make Westsiders run with their tails between their legs.

Add to that a culturally diverse mix of people, great shopping in Old Town and the most beautiful domestic architecture in L.A., surrounded by glorious trees (remember those?), and you have the winner, hands down.

MATTHEW WHITE

Pasadena

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After reading the Eastside-Westside sound off, I’d just like to say: none of the above, thank you. While I technically live on the Eastside, anywhere away from these two bad-tempered complainers is where I’d like to live. I know this piece was supposed to be funny, but it’s just this kind of negative, me-first/I’m better/hipper attitude that’s turning our streets and public spaces into confrontational danger zones.

B. CORREA

Hollywood

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I absolutely loved “The Ultimate Turf War.” It was sometimes provocative, quite amusing and a great road map of the many fascinating things to do and see on both the Eastside and Westside. I honestly think that the match between the two sides was a draw.

But as for the SUV traffic jams near the ocean: Betcha a big percentage of the behemoths emanate from the Eastside.

RUTH PRINZ

Santa Monica

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Since when did the “Eastside” begin at La Brea Avenue? Your dueling “Westsider” and “Eastsider” hardly acknowledge the real Eastside--the one east of downtown. By denying the existence of this less fashionable Eastside, your lighthearted feature becomes a depressing example of the very real parochialism that does us no good.

KEVIN DUNCLIFFE

Los Angeles