Letters

Once upon a time, in a far-off place called California, gold was discovered.

Once upon a time, in a far-off place called California, there came to be a Shining City on a Hill.

Once upon a time, in a far-off place called California, a great university was built, and its surrounding valley was to become the mecca of the new age.

Once upon a time, in a far-off place called California, great factories were built to manufacture cinema and send entertainment, beauty and culture to all the world.

But somehow the wisdom of the tile roof eluded cognition in the minds of all these smart people. They knew all about hacienda and adobe, and somehow, in most cases, ignored the simplicity of the Spanish Mediterranean style of home building so close at hand in the neighboring states.

Such a basic case of stupidity, greed and lack of prescience defies all comprehension.

And, worst of all, Paris Hilton weeps.

Robert E. Stafford

Hampton Bays