Above the Crowd

Knowing KTLA’s Jennifer York is flying above L.A. in the Channel 5 helicopter every morning is like having a guardian angel looking after us. She is one of the main reasons I religiously watch the “KTLA Morning News.� She deserves a great deal of credit--and an Emmy--for her coverage of the Northridge earthquake and its impact on traffic conditions.

Bob Canning, Burbank

Mad About Hunt

It’s about time Helen Hunt (“Mad About You,� NBC) was recognized as the fine comedian that she is. (During the Jan. 22 Golden Globes Awards show on TBS, Hunt won best actress in a comedy series.)

Sid Lazarow, Orange

More Van Patten History

Regarding Dick and Joyce Van Patten (Just Asking, TV Times Jan. 16): Joyce actually appeared with Dick back in the ‘30s--and didn’t wait until the ‘50s. I know because they both acted with me in a play titled “Come Home to Roost,� playing my children. They were about 6 and 4--and totally beguiling.

Philip Truex, Carlsbad

Van Dyke Makes Three

Carroll O’Connor and Andy Griffith, two outstanding veteran actors whose shows have run the gamut from early sitcoms to high-level drama, now can be joined by a third--Dick Van Dyke. He is excellent and affable in his role of doctor/sleuth in CBS’ “Diagnosis Murder.�

Gary Traxler, Oxnard