Los Angeles isn’t very pretty. Paris is. It seems now, with Summer Olympics coming here next, we’re realizing that.
I know, I know: What makes Los Angeles interesting and beautiful is entirely different from what makes places such as Paris and Tokyo and other global centers stand out. People from here understand and accept that. So let’s get something out of the way: L.
A. can’t match Paris as the postcard-perfect, charming Olympic host. That city starred in the 2024 Games in a way that our humble metropolis cannot.
But there is work to do to get L.A. ready for the 2028 Games.
Since the Paris Olympics ended two weeks ago, The Times has published several articles and letters on how this city can ready itself up for the global spectacle in four years — not just for the athletes and visitors, but also for the roughly 18 million people who live in the area and must still go about their lives. Readers have offered their suggestions, including improving transportation, the housing situation and all-around cleanliness. Here is some of what they’ve written.
— Paul Thornton, letters editor ———— To the editor: I’ve been to Paris once. Even though trash bags piled up and graffiti marred historic structures, the city was beautiful. It has a long and incredible history reflected in its buildings and well-used Metro system.
Los Angeles is not beautiful. I’ve lived here all my life, and I wonder why L.A.
does not have more parks and trees. Streets and freeways are c.