Jungle

The Republican Party wants to cut down on regulation of big businesses, bust labor unions and eliminate plaintiff lawyers and laws that protect the rights of working people. If Republicans get everything on their wish list, we won't have to read "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair to see how intolerable working conditions were in America 100 years ago--we'll be living it! PHILIP R. BLUSTEIN Beverly Hills

This is just a note to inform you that I was particularly delighted to read Ruth Ryon's insightful article. Imagine my surprise when I saw the headlines in the Real Estate section referring to my neighborhood, "The Jungle." I have lived in "The Jungle" since 1967, when it was a community of predominantly young black professionals. Though it has made a transition to housing many low-income people, and the community now must contend with crime and drugs--there are still many black professionals living in "The Jungle."

A wall of mud, water and debris swept through part of a jungle town, leaving at least 21 people dead and about 100 missing, authorities said. A natural dam, which had formed on the Cachiyacu River, broke and a torrent devastated a portion of San Miguel, a town 425 miles north of Lima. Some residents managed to swim to safety, and 300 were left homeless. At least 83 homes were swept away.

According to the World Book Encyclopedia, empires flourished in Ghana, Mali and Songhai during the Middle Ages, and civilizations had developed on the African continent as early as 5,000 years ago. African Americans are weary of the "jungle bunny" stereotype perpetuated by statements such as Heston's. As a musician, I empathize with his frustration with "union politics"; but as an African American, I take offense at the carelessness of his remarks. ELIZABETH TATUM Pasadena

El TULE, Nicaragua--American Eugene Hasenfus returned Sunday to the Nicaraguan jungle to inspect the wreckage of the cargo plane in which he was flying to deliver supplies to U.S.-backed contras when it was shot down last month.

Siesta Suites Hotel is a charming place, in the heart of downtown Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, but serenely peaceful. It's small (20 suites with kitchens ) but comfortable. There is a long patio for relaxing and enjoying the gardens and the odd bird tweet, yet the Giggling Marlin and the Jungle are only a block or so away. It's professionally managed with friendly help. Siesta Suites Hotel, Calle Emiliano Zapata, Cabo San Lucas; (866) 271-0952, http://www.cabosiestasuites.com . Standard room or suite, $69 a night; penthouse, $80 a night.

As a near-lifelong resident of Los Angeles County, it's hard to imagine living any other place. Where else is there such a moderate climate and cultural diversity? Where else can an hour's drive take us to museums, the beach, the mountains or to Disneyland? Yet a person doesn't even have to pick up a newspaper to realize that crime, pollution and traffic congestion are all ever-present and increasing threats to us. These are problems that must be dealt with before L.A. becomes an overpopulated, lawless jungle.

We can do without cute remarks in the Television Times' Movies on TV column (Aug. 2), such as " 'Sheena' should probably be projected only on waterfalls. . . ." We want just the facts, man. Or quote from Halliwell's Film Guide. Keep in mind that we dial twiddlers can tell in five minutes if a movie is to our taste. So your movie guide could tell us that "Sheena" is a tastelessly made fable about a female jungle lady, perhaps not suitable for children. John E. Adair, Los Angeles