Learning from Others

Regarding Sam Hall Kaplan’s column (July 12) on the encouraging stand taken by architect Yujiro Honda to save the McKinley Mansion: Sometimes we Californians lose our appreciation of other architectural treasures that we have, and it takes someone who was born in another country to bring us back to our awareness of what riches we have!

I have, for some time, been associated with efforts to restore the Rodia Towers in Watts, and whenever we open them to the public, we’re surprised at how few (as a percentage) of our visitors are from Los Angeles, and how many of our visitors are from other countries. Our citizens from abroad can teach us a great deal about appreciating our rich cultural heritage. Thanks to Mr. Honda.

RON LUKE

Los Angeles