Readers voice options against Safeway, in favor of Eric Hammer, and query options for obtaining local farmland.
Like Good Little Villagers
[Re: “Flack Market.html,” Sept. 19] I remember Safeway’s catchy little melody back in the eighties: “Friendly neighborhood store and a whole lot more.” In the quaint village of Aptos these days, Safeway really is going to be a whole lot more, and she ain’t none too friendly about it.
How quickly the warmth and bright storefront revert to silent hostility when the community disagrees with a major expansion agenda. Ah, there’s the ruthless beast with the friendly façade removed. Grrrrr—don’t get in our way, just shop and leave like good little villagers.
The recent public hearing at Aptos Safeway where citizens spoke out about the expansion swallowing up family businesses was punctuated by the statement of Robert Lyman, Safeway architect: “I want to capture what Aptos is all about.”
Hmm—that must mean at present Aptos is not quite up to a level of being what the old lumber and apple vicinity is “all about.” In 1974, I recall a San Francisco developer and attorney wanting to show us what Lighthouse Field was “all about” via a sprawling convention center. In the spirit of a near revolt, the townsfolk have the same spirit starting by shopping at Nob Hill and Deerpark instead of Safeway.
Theodore F. Meyer
Santa Cruz
If We Had a Hammer
[Re: “The Fifth Dimension.html,” Sept. 26] As past executive director of Mountain Community Resources, I’ve observed the strong leadership and consensus-building skills of former Board President Eric Hammer. His leadership in expanding services to youth and into Scotts Valley, experience on the Boulder Creek Parks and Recreation Board and as a local businessman are why he has my vote.
Eric and I grew up in SLV with political parents. I am now a legislative analyst. We know via experience that SLV, Scotts Valley and the District face serious challenges such as balancing economic development with conservation; adequate funding for education and social programs to assist families on the edge; and issues such drug use among youth (especially methamphetamine), among other basic problems such as road infrastructure.
Our rural area has no local government like cities and municipalities. As a political analyst, it is clear that we have a disadvantage, even to Scotts Valley, and must elect a strong local voice who knows the whole District, not someone who suddenly shows up at election time—that’s what we really need. It’s not enough to have experience; it’s the kind of experience that matters.
Tove Beatty
Felton
Crop of Investors?
Thanks for the article on organic farmers, farmland and a strong local food system (“Plow of Silence.html,” Sept. 5). Your article emphasized the important issue of farmland loss. Is anyone organizing a community investment fund to purchase farmland so young farmers will have a place to grow the vital food we want?
Julie Esterly
Santa Cruz
The short answer: There are Community Land Trusts in Santa Cruz County raising money to purchase farmland. There are also groups like Slow Money and Food Commons dedicated to investing in the local food system. — Editor
