Dear Editor:I'm asking all of you to educate yourself to exactly what a hookah lounge is. At least two have opened their doors in Downey. ("In Downey, Signs of a Growing Nightlife," 7/7/11) They cater to young adults that are 18 or older. A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke flavored tobacco such as bubblegum, etc. These pipes are popular in parts of the Middle East and South Asia. As one owner of a hookah lounge [in San Francisco] said, "You come here to smoke. If you don't want to smoke, stay away." Yes, it is legal to "smoke" at 18 but how much more addicting might it be if people are going together in groups just to smoke? A gentleman at City Hall informed me it was a great way to get young adults coming to our city - to smoke hookah pipes. He also informed me they do it in San Francisco. However, I believe they are now trying to shut them down because some violate state and local laws on indoor smoking. Please educate yourself and the young adults in your life. If you think this business is not a good thing for our city or your own family, please act accordingly. -- Loretta Scott, Downey

********** Published: July 21, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 14