Response to ‘A Tale of Two Times’
In the April 9 edition of the Palisadian-Post, there was printed an interview with Roberta Stothart regarding her experiences as a child with World War II while living in the Palisades.
I was 13 when the USA entered the war after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese on December 7, 1941. At the time, I lived on Gale Drive, two blocks east of La Cienega Boulevard, just inside the Beverly Hills city limits, and I spent my high school career at Beverly Hills High School during the war, which ended several months before I graduated.
Ms. Stothart said in the article that there were shortages of various food items such as meat, butter, coffee, milk, etc., as well as gasoline. Yes, there were shortages; however, we were able to obtain all of the mentioned food items at the local market, but occasionally meat was not available. Also, shoes were available from time to time. Gasoline was rationed and there were issued A, B and C stamps. C stamps provided unlimited gasoline; and the A and B stamps had limitations.
She also said that Japanese airplanes were flying overhead with the threat of bombing California. The facts are that the Japanese never flew over California. A Japanese aircraft carrier never approached the California coast and it would have been impossible for them to do so.
What Ms. Stothart heard were American aircraft flying overhead. I remember the blackout curtains and there were searchlights on at night that were part of our defense system. Of course, those airplanes never dropped a bomb, as they were our airplanes.
At one time a Japanese submarine did manage to get close to the coast at Ventura and they shot a couple of rounds of bombs at a refinery but no damage was incurred. And that was it.
I have delivered talks about my experiences as a high school student during the war. My friends and I and other students had a normal high school life. We went to the movies and many were involved in high school activities such as sports, orchestra, and many more normal student activities. And we were involved in activities that would provide assistance to the armed forces.
As our country was never under attack, we went about our lives. However, about 100 alumni of our high school lost their lives while members of the armed forces. That was extremely sad. I knew many of them. I think of those young men often. They were never able to live a life. They were gone.
Robert L. Fox
The Doctor Is In
Dr. Raskin’s April 23 article was right on, perfect for this crazy time we are experiencing. Excellent advice on how to take care of our bodies and minds, emphasizing the value of a positive outlook and sense of control.
Every Thursday when the Post is delivered I immediately look for his column and always learn from it. I am lucky to have him as my physician and our community is lucky to have him advising us.
It wasn’t till got to “a ton” that I realized how unusual and clever this particular column was, in rhyme, keeping it on the light side while delivering really helpful information. He’s a poet and I didn’t know it.
Palisadian-Post: Thank you for “The Doctor Is In” by Damon Raskin, MD.
Dr. Raskin: Thank you for contributing to the health of our community.
Phil Trask
Recreation Center
As a long-time Palisadian, I am disappointed and disturbed by the opposition to the potential emergency use of the Palisades Recreation Center during the current pandemic. This is a crisis that is being unequally borne by those with the least resources or ability to manage it. We must use all of the resources at our disposal to confront it.
We should feel privileged to live in the Palisades and to have the Rec Center that can be utilized if needed.
If you are concerned about contracting the virus, follow the guidance of our public health scientists and responsible California and Los Angeles political leaders: Practice social distancing and stay home.
James Osterholt
The Palisadian-Post accepts letters to the editor via email at mypost@palipost.com or mail/hand-delivered at 881 Alma Real Drive, Suite 213, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the views of opinions of the Palisadian-Post.
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