Letters

I left Locke after a mere semester because of the violent atmosphere in hallways, classes and school grounds. I decided to spend my considerable energy working with more mature students at adult schools and community colleges. Adult students are focused, dedicated and serious about taking advantage of educational opportunities. (Many adult students, by the way, are former high school dropouts who have learned that knowledge is a good thing — and that prison, poverty and illiteracy are bad things.) I have never regretted leaving Locke. I’m not a saint or a warrior. I’m just a teacher, and too many students made a very difficult and challenging situation far, far worse on far too many occasions. Why should I subject myself to verbal attacks, physical threats and continual stress? I deeply respect, therefore, the teachers, administrators and office staff who work in very difficult conditions, for minimal pay and with limited gratitude, on a daily basis. They are not paragons, but they are resilient. The vast majority are trying to bring information, insight and perspective to misinformed, testy teenagers who believe Tupac is a god. They are trying to help students and making a difference. It’s not easy, fun or glamorous. These teachers don’t get on the cover of the L.A. Weekly.

May I suggest Mr. Ehrenreich walk a few miles in Ms. Webb’s shoes before he so condescendingly second-guesses the difficult judgments made by a dedicated professional under exceptionally stressful and chaotic conditions? How many hours did Mr. Ehrenreich spend at Locke before he felt justified in slamming the teachers and staff who work there full time?

—Eric H. Roth Mar Vista

WHEN IS A DOOR NOT A DOOR?

If Greg Burk had turned 14 pages past his Concert Pick of the Week [“The 21st Century Doors,” February 14–20], to the Politics Pick of the Week on Page 150, he’d have had the answer to his question (which was written quite eloquently, I would like to add). Obviously, if I am playing a benefit “For the Arts” in Santa Monica schools, I am over the ear affliction. It’s the integrity thing that is holding me back from cashing in with the 19th Century Doors (to me, they are looking backwards).

—John Densmore Los Angeles