Port Communities Can’t ‘See the Stars’

I wish to take this time to express my deepest gratitude for the recent series of articles that you have written regarding our community. You “hit the nail right on the head” on many points and facts that were mentioned. I am a lifetime resident of Wilmington (32 years), and I am also aware that we are indeed a “community of contradictions.”

I have overheard many insults, derogatory statements and racist comments made against the community over the years, many times by the very persons who either own and prosper from business or by individuals who make their living in Wilmington, but reside “on the hill” or in other affluent neighborhoods throughout Southern California.

I am going on nine years as a homeowner in Wilmington and have seen some improvements, only to be offset by new problems. My wife and I indeed feel that our area has suffered from neglect, but we also feel that we will be treated more fairly when Wilmington residents become more involved in demanding change and making their voice heard in the voting booth.

For my wife and myself, the simple solution would be to uproot and move out of Wilmington. We instead elect to “stand our ground” and demand economic justice to this area we regard as the “Cinderella of L.A.” and perhaps Southern California.

RUBEN SAENZ JR.

and CAROL SAENZ

Wilmington