We are delighted your reporter had an enjoyable experience at the exciting new restaurant addition to the Rodeo Collection (“Cowboy Chic,” Feb. 28). But his lunch, or dinner, seems to have dulled his ability to see the impressive improvements taking place at the Rodeo Collection.
One quote from an unnamed Beverly Hills merchant (could we possibly assume competitor) regarding street visibility was particularly misinformed.
On a street that has had some sensational success stories and some incredible failures, the Rodeo Collection has certainly experienced both. But what the report seems to have completely missed is the exciting vitality created by the outstanding additions at the Rodeo Collection. From the largest new restaurant on Rodeo Drive to the soon-to-open innovative Mac Kenzie-Childs, to world-class retail leaders including La Perla, Montblanc and Fogal, the Rodeo Collection is very much alive and a must-see destination for tourists and locals. We are also home to Bijan and Northern Trust Private Bank.
Historically, the creation of the Rodeo Collection set the high standards that helped make all of Rodeo Drive a world-famous shopping street. Your reporter mentions street visibility as a problem: Tommy Hilfiger had one of the most visible street-corner stores on Rodeo, but couldn’t match his splendid merchandise to his Rodeo Drive-type clientele. He didn’t succeed on Rodeo Drive, but far less visible retailers have.
Thanks for helping us welcome Reata. As for the rest of the story, we are convinced it would make a good movie title: “Eyes Wide Shut.”
RUDY COLE
Rudy Cole and Associates
For the Rodeo Collection
What About Palmdale Airport?
Your Feb. 21 article “Regional Airports Loom in Importance” failed to include any discussion of the viability of the Antelope Valley’s Plant 42 and Palmdale airports.
Plant 42, which has a contract with the Los Angeles World Airport Authority for 400 flights per day, is equipped to immediately handle air service today. A new cargo ramp is also scheduled for construction at this site this year.
In a major development, Swiss Air has chosen the Antelope Valley for its North American aircraft maintenance headquarter operations, which will bring thousands of new jobs to the region. Fox Field, which is also located in Lancaster, recently expanded its runway and now has the capacity to house commercial and cargo air services.
Regional airports located in the Antelope Valley and Ontario are the solutions to the air services problem in Southern California. The Business Journal’s failure to include a discussion of the potential use of the Antelope Valley airports is part of the reason why the myth of LAX expansion as the solution to the air services problem is perpetuated.
MICHAEL D. ANTONOVICH
Supervisor, Fifth District
