Gated Communities

Like so many conflicts in the American West, this one began when newcomers put up a gate. It was an artsy barrier, much like the posh developments that began to swell Mammoth Lakes even before Dave McCoy sold the famed Mammoth Mountain ski area in 2005. Owners in the new gated communities said they were only trying to keep cars off Ranch Road, where locals had long parked to ski or snowboard the Sherwins, a series of much-loved powder chutes on the edge of town.

A gated domain of sports stars, A-list actors, media billionaires and nouveau riche Angelenos -- where 11,000 square feet constitutes a "cozy" house and a developer once built a $20-million manse on spec -- is embroiled in a legal fracas that shows once and for all that money can't buy happiness. The court battle began in May, when residents of South Beverly Park sued their confreres in North Beverly Park. These aren't just any residents.

The military's new strategy for Iraq envisions creating "gated communities" in Baghdad -- sealing off discrete areas and forcibly removing insurgents, then stationing American units in the neighborhood to keep the peace and working to create jobs for residents. The U.S. so far has found it impossible to secure the sprawling city. But by focusing an increased number of troops in selected neighborhoods, the military hopes it can create islands of security segregated from the chaos beyond.

IF a man's home is his castle, gates are the modern equivalent of living behind the moat. Gated communities, in fact, are the fastest-growing form of housing in the U.S., according to census data. Why? Those who opt for gates point to reduced crime and traffic, a safer environment for children and the prestige of living somewhere that's exclusive. But not everyone likes being sealed off from the world.

The recent crash that killed a speeding teenager in a gated south Orange County enclave left behind skid marks and a devastated family and has rekindled debate about traffic control that mirrors concerns in private communities throughout the state. Residents of gated neighborhoods have long complained about speeding and reckless driving.

FOR Ventura County resident Peter Zinnato, sanctuary is living on a private street in the secluded community of Solano Verde Ranch in Somis. Here, 39 homes sit on 20-acre parcels, and long driveways lead to elegant mansions. Privacy and safety drew Zinnato, 62, to the area four years ago. Peace of mind and a sense of community keep him here.

Denis came to the meeting in the community clubhouse with a four-page statistical analysis. Howard came with a cocktail. Perhaps it was inevitable that they would eventually get testy with each other. "Are you going to overtalk me, or am I going to overtalk you?" Howard said at one point, as neither would yield as they reacted to a woman's comment. "Well, I guess you're going to overtalk me," Denis said, adding, "I'm still going to take five minutes when she's done." "You can take 10," said yet another person in the crowd.

The list of residents reads like a who's who of the local -- and national -- elite. Richard Egen, a former ambassador. Christine Lynn, a philanthropist. Greg Norman, a golf legend. Their massive homes stretch across acres, meet manicured greens and kiss sparkling waters. Here, the rich are protected from the struggling economy, as if by their security gates. Here, they pay with cash for a home costing $5 million or more. They knock down impressive homes to build bigger, more impressive ones.

The article on Martha Stewart, "Humility, Done to Perfection," Feb. 26, had me gagging on my Cheerios. It was one of the most ridiculous stories I've ever read in The Times. Yeah, so she went to prison -- I mean, she was found guilty, correct? But to say, as her lawyer is quoted, that she can now "be seen as someone who can come back from some very tough places" is patently absurd. Five months in a cushy "club fed" hardly rates as a tough place. Her "comeback" really means she can come back to enjoy her millions.