Letters: An L.A. story that resonates

I have enjoyed Christopher Reynolds’ pieces on the local scene and especially “A Touch of Elegance” [Sept. 25].

As a native who grew up in Beverly Hills, graduated from Beverly Hills High and UCLA and has lived in Culver City for the last 34 years, I found that his article touched on many periods of my life. I always thought La Cienega was in Los Angeles (only part of it is), and I had never heard of the Mosaic Hotel — you are never too old to learn. Glad also to learn the reopening date of the Hotel Bel-Air.

Thanks again for the fine work. I am an avid traveler and always look for Reynolds’ byline.

Jim Morrow

Culver City

Sneaky fees

One of the letters Sept. 25 regarding a “resort fee” at a Las Vegas hotel that was not disclosed to the traveler until check-in time was troubling. This $44.80 fee was in addition to the standard fee originally quoted. I would have let it go, but the last line in the letter stated that other hotels also do this. Is it possible that because of the horrendous economy, our adult “Disneyland” is seeking questionable ways to make up for lost revenue? I would hope that this is not the case, because it would be considered downright sneaky even by Vegas standards. If it is the case, why not be upfront with full disclosure?

Honesty has a way of attracting repeat business, whereas sneakiness typically repels.

Bill Spitalnick

Newport Beach

Courage inspires

Having climbed Longs Peak twice, I found David Kelly’s article “Two Tough Journeys, One Tougher Survivor” [Sept. 18] very moving, inspired by the journey and the truth that “fear is fleeting” and lives only while we cling to it.

Steve Pope

Colorado Springs, Colo.

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We lived in Longmont, Colo., for five years, and I never did climb that dang mountain. After reading Kelly’s article, I have added it to my summer schedule next year to celebrate my 55th. Congratulations to Kelly on his success.

Dave Pyeatt

Northridge

Carry-on blues

I enjoyed Catharine Hamm’s column on “Dissecting Fees for Carry-ons” [On the Spot, Sept. 18].

I just got back from a Las Vegas trip with my daughter. We were in the cheap seats in the rear of the plane. The first 15 rows were empty. Some passengers wanted to move up to the better seats, and the airline attendant said no. Some passengers wanted to move up to the better seats, and the airline attendant said yes. How fair was that? I think you had to be young and good-looking. It cost me $80 to bring my daughter’s bag and mine on the airplane coming home. Going it was $60.

Kerry Eyre

El Segundo

Prayers are lost on Paris

Regarding Foreign Briefing [Sept. 25]: Wow! I was under the impression that the name Paris stood for Prayers And Recreation In Street! Since whining is not banned in the streets of Paris, may be its City Council could consider changing the name to Waris and getting rid of the letter P in its name. Akhtar H. Emon