Do you agree or disagree with the view some people hold on the necessity of speaking Spanish in Los Angeles?

Only the ethnocentric, bigoted individuals say that. It's a good tool to have, but not necessary. Even the amigos in front of Home Depot know that English is the language of the realm, and if you want the gringo's money, you need to know a few words of English.

From the other side, I find it mighty handy to know Spanish, but not necessarily use it. I use it on occasion to speak to the gardeners (back when I had them) or the housekeepers (back when I could afford THEM). They spoke English, but I used it as a courtesy to them, and to communicate better. My favorite thing to to is to just chill out, look like a big ol' gringo, and let people speak Spanish at restaurants, or out and about. Sometimes, when they say something particularly nasty, I'll shoot something back in Spanish just to let them know I'm no ordinary gringo. The looks on their faces are priceless!

So, it's not necessary, but quite handy.

I disagree with you. The thing is that Spanish is spoken and taught because of the heavy mexican population in Los Angeles. There are businesses to take care of. And education . Some families will not speak english. They have to be taught to speak it or the anglo, African American population have a better understanding by speaking bilingual. As it is needed in schools and other businesses.

disagree. its a nice bonus (in the professional world for example) to speak spanish but its not necessary. i also disagree that LA is "being" mexicanized, it always has been and forever will be mexicanized; it's part of LA's roots. did you know LA's original name was "El Pueblo de la Reina de los Ángeles"?

Los Angeles is a city in the United States of America, and as such only English should be used there.

I totally agree with you!