Central Valley

* “Contest Offers Chance to Reshape the Central Valley” (March 13) seems more like a search to find just the opposite of saving what is probably the world’s largest bread basket.

In my view, contrary to the so-called experts, the solution is simple. All the Legislature has to do is to pass a law that will preclude the conversion of agricultural land to any other use. Doing this, which is no doubt politically difficult, would not only save this most precious natural resource, but would strictly limit a population explosion, whether by birth or by migration.

No new housing, no place to live, no migration. Very simple. I shall eagerly await my prize money.

JAMES R. PRATLEY

San Diego