Hungry Minds are Grateful

I was delighted to find Bart Schneider's column about the destiny of books in this week's Bohemian (Lit Life, "State of the Book," Feb. 25).

Bohemian readers may not know what a rich resource they have in Bart. His Hungry Mind Review and the far-reaching literary network it both stood for and nourished were deeply respected during its heyday. The fact of its having had to fold—along with too many similarly fine journals and independent bookstores—remains something that those who still love to read and write (and who still believe in books and need them like food) contemplate with amazement and sadness.

The Bohemian, to its great credit, remains one of the last strongholds, carrying articles and advertising about new literary works and independent booksellers. Long may it thrive.

Lovers of literature, please support your favorite local independent bookseller and your favorite local library, and teach your kids and grandkids to crave these sanctuaries, too. It's a way of voting for the voices you want to read, new, old and yet to be discovered.

Joan Frank
Santa Rosa

Twangfest success!

The Redwood Empire Food Bank (REFB) heartily thanks the creators of Twangfest, held Saturday, March 7, at the Mystic Theatre! Compassion, talent and a commitment to end hunger in Sonoma County merged in a single night to raise $6,777 in cash and 2,085 pounds of nonperishable food. The event's success was due to the amazing leadership of organizers Bill Bowker, David Gross and Brian Griffith from the KRSH; Frank Hayhurst from Zone Music; Susan Sulc and Gretchen Giles from the Bohemian; and the multitalented Sheila Groves of the Mystic. Appreciation is extended to the O'Donnell Family and the Mystic Theatre, as well as the array of local talent who graced the stage. Our gratitude, also, to event sponsors the KRSH, Zone Music, the Bohemian and Lagunitas Brewing Co. The many businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction and raffle also deserve to be commended for their generosity and commitment to help people in need. Strengthened by the talent and determination of our community's musicians, artists and businesses, the REFB will continue to provide food to 60,000 hungry people every month in Sonoma County. On behalf of the 60,000 people we serve, we deeply thank you again for your support and compassion.

Miriam Hodgman

REFB Food and Funds Drive Coordinator

University of Sakowicz

Soothsayer, clairvoyant, eyes to the future, John Sakowicz seems to say what many think ("Next Big Bubble," March 4). Refreshing insight and forthright honesty brought "The Next Big Bubble" bursting forth to the printed page. The numbers are staggering, the whole complexity of the pension mess and its unending costs to the taxpayers are overwhelming. This article and others that Sakowicz has written should be considered for continuing education credits. Thank you for showcasing his writing about our economic mess. Looking forward to the next installment.

Sam Rose
Occidental

PASSIONATE AND ACCURATE

Thanks for the article by John Sakowicz regarding pensions. I follow his column and radio show/updates regularly. No one is more passionate and accurate about what is happening at the state and federal level with respect to past, present and future economic issues. 

While much of what Sakowicz is writing about is both disturbing and frustrating to me as a taxpayer, I applaud you for having him provide his detailed, insightful and historical reporting based on years of expertise and practice in the area of finance. 

I look forward to more articles of this kind and thank you for offering them to us.

M. K. Massey
Indianapolis, INd.

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