Letters

Not coincidentally, this magnificent regional species is being destroyed, like Yucca Mountain, because some people think the open spaces are an endless resource. Sadly, they are not.

There should be an investigation into the environmental destruction of the Southwest.

Julie Gerstman
Joshua Tree, California

CLOSE-UP ON ARTHUR AVENUE

In Robert Sietsema's article "And 20 Things to Eat: 10 Summer Food Destinations" [June 4], he writes about "pair[ing] a visit to the New York Botanical Garden . . . with a southward trek to the Bronx's famous Albanian neighborhood, Arthur Avenue."

Arthur Avenue is a world-famous Italian neighborhood. It has been for the last 100 years. You can find references to it in movies such as The Godfather and A Bronx Tale. Ask any guy on Mulberry Street where the best Italian food comes from besides Little Italy and he will say two words: "Arthur Avenue."

The Albanian neighborhood is centered along Pelham Parkway, where I live, on the other side of the Botanical Garden.

Reinis Visners
Bronx

Robert Sietsema replies: In 2000, I reviewed three self-identified Albanian restaurants in Belmont, two of them on Arthur Avenue. As documented in theTimes and elsewhere, the Albanian takeover of Italian businesses in the neighborhood was then pervasive, and has continued in the intervening years. This represents the natural immigrant succession in the neighborhood. My intent in calling Arthur Avenue a famous Albanian neighborhood was facetious, but the assertion is, in fact, accurate.

DEFAULT IS IN OUR STARS

I love your Free Will Astrology column. I read it every week. But why does Rob Brezsny always skimp on Capricorns? He seems to disregard us. Perhaps I am exaggerating, but there appears to be more compassion for the other signs!

Jennifer Louis
Manhattan