Urban backpacking, “West End” skepticism and Scouts’ Honor get readers writing.
Float Trip
Re: “Urban Backpacking” (Cover, May 8): Georgia, I was skeptical when I first heard that you were going to write about what my hiking buddies do. I thought it would be like trying to staple smoke. But I think your article captures the spirit of our hikes, it really works. The way your story mixes in personal musings with beautiful descriptions of the coast makes the reader feel like they are floating along on the trail with you. Reading the article feels like a wonderful jaunt.
The quality of your writing, the cool cover shot by Chip Scheuer (brilliantly bringing the whole idea back to Santa Cruz), and the innovative quality of the Santa Cruz Weekly are an inspiration to all of us little guys who, sink or swim, insist on taking our own path.
Richard Stockton
Santa Cruz
West End Grrrs
Re: “Where Exactly is Our West End?” (Epicure, May 1): Either Ms. Waters isn't doing her homework, or her shock at the possible arrival of a second brewpub is ill-concealed favoritism for an existing entity which she favors.
Why otherwise would she say “To call this “unexpected” would be an understatement?”
For starters, she's talking about a one block area that already features 9 wineries cheek by jowl. Why then is a second brewpub joining the first a shock? Diversity of wineries is acceptable, but breweries isn't?
For closers, as a food critic, I think she'd acknowledge the fact that the existing brewpub features no food menu while the new one will have an extensive one.
I find her article obviously biased at best, ignorant and poorly researched at worst. I have to give her report zero out of four stars.
Chris Kaster
Santa Cruz
Living the Dream
Re: “Where Exactly is Our West End?”: It's disappointing that this article was written without any actual research done on the West End Tap & Kitchen, its owners, investors or really anything…If Ms. Waters did her homework, she would have found out that the owners are as local as local gets. Living in Santa Cruz for over three generations! The investors live in Santa Cruz and are just friends and family members of the two partners that are opening this new spot! Really the American dream at work.
It should be noted that the “Westside” was the original name that the two friends and partners wanted…but were warned by local law officers and business friends that it carries a negative gang tone and should be avoided. All of this and lots more would have been known if Ms. Waters would have made a simple phone call. Two great beer drinking spots next to each other only brings good, it's a little thing called synergy! Cheers.
Name Withheld By Request
Santa Cruz
FROM THE WEB
Not There Yet
Re: “Scouts’ Honor?” (Currents, May 8): Was pleased to see your article on Boy Scouts accepting openly gay boy scouts (but not openly gay older scouts or adult leaders). A quick note: Girl Scouts, Campfire Boys and Girls, and 4-H have accepted openly gay members for years.
Also note that the Boy Scout oath still requires “duty to god and my country.” So a teen who's agnostic or questions loyalty oaths is still officially barred from the Boy Scouts. We're not there yet.
Andy Neher
