Sept. 7, 2025 7 AM PT
To the editor: It might be unfair to check 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 house runs Shaquille O’Neal has hit.
Palm timber are beloved 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 Road Providers credit score for recognizing that the aim of panorama isn’t simply to offer shade but additionally to boost the streetscape and harmonize with the structure.
James Manifold, Claremont
This author is a member of the California Botanic Backyard’s board of trustees.
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To the editor: So, like all the things within the U.S. currently, environmental issues are taking a again seat, this time due to the Metropolis Council and LACMA. With rising world temperatures and decreased rainfall in California, I might suppose that these policymakers would keep in mind what’s greatest for almost all of individuals and never simply the privileged few who’ve the cash and clout to name the pictures.
Vicki Rupasinghe, Ojai
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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 might attend live shows and films on the Bing within the evenings. Within the late summer season, the perfume from the sycamore timber 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 timber doesn’t honor the historical past of town, and significantly of LACMA. As an alternative, it’s the dignity, power, measurement and fantastic thing about the sycamore timber that do.
Matthew Hetz, Los Angeles
