Dear Editor,
I enjoyed the SF Sun article on the dedication of the Ritchie Valens Bandstand at AL Post 176. It is true his music is celebrated worldwide. When I accompanied my son in early 2000 on a Sylmar High School trip to London, the students and chaperones took the long trip from our hotel going on the Tube and walking several blocks to visit Covent Garden.
After much effort to get there, the first thing we encountered was a band playing La Bamba on a street corner. It made me feel proud being from Pacoima and being a W’68 SFHS alumnus to hear a song from Pacoima being played in London, England. Ritchie Valens’ music and influence lives on across the miles and years.
Sincerely, Irene Galvan
Sylmar Resident