Promoter: I'll Stay Away

Re The Fly—promoters city permits ("Who You Calling a Promoter?," March 26): I am saddened to hear of yet another restriction to nightlife in downtown San Jose. Promoters have been the heart and soul of what is left of our arts scene. While the city has millions to bail out the Rep and AMT, they routinely underfund smaller (and profitable) theater companies, and make live music nearly impossible.

I run a successful jazz series at West Valley College (8–10 concerts a year). As a S.J. resident, I was interested in promoting some jazz events in downtown. Currently there are five concerts scheduled at City Lights. I am also bringing my jazz band to Theatre on San Pedro Square.

If I am going to need a permit to even think about hosting a jazz event in S.J., I will stay here, in Saratoga, where my patrons eat on Big Basin Way, parking is free, and I have an excellent theater that seats 400 people.

My wife and I had dinner this past Thursday night at Original Joe's. As we walked home down South First Street, all we saw were empty buildings. Where will the occupants of all these new high-rise condos buildings go for evening entertainment? Santana Row?

Gus Kambeitz

Director of Jazz Studies

West Valley College

Outsider In

Hi, I just wanted to say that I was very impressed with the article on the new Lake Cunningham skate park ("State of Grind," Cover Story, April 2). When non-skateboarders write articles concerning skateboarding, they usually come out sounding pretty funny, but I feel the author of this article did a very good job. Not only did he not overextend himself by attempting to use "skateboard lingo," but he also presented many of the skateboarder's criticisms, rather than simply rave about the park. The article was professional, interesting, and did the skate park justice.

Benji Osias

San Jose

Tuba Truth

Thank you for a wonderful review of my performance (after waiting 27 years) with Symphony Silicon Valley (Arts, March 19). One small thing, no one calls me Tony the Tuba; they haven't since grade school.

Tony Clements

Campbell

As grade-school nicknames go, Tony, we've heard a lot worse.—Editor

Meat Reality

Thanks to Elisa Camahort for her thoughtful article on eating meat (Silicon Veggie, "The New Meat: A Veg Response," March 19). She is entirely correct that it is possible—perhaps even desirable for many—to ignore the reality of where our meat comes from. But if we are to be truly human, we must be humane. That requires being informed about reality and honest with ourselves. Embracing ethics isn't about deprivation, it is about being a truly good person.

Matthew Ball

Tucson, Ariz.

 

Vote Against Animal Cruelty

Re "The New Meat": Have you ever considered the animal welfare consequences of your food choices? Factory farms routinely cram farm animals into cages where they can barely move, compromising their health and yours too.

Nearly 800,000 Californians have signed petitions in support of placing an anti-cruelty initiative on the November ballot that will provide this most basic protection to laying hens, pregnant pigs and veal calves—nearly 20 million animals. The Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act simply requires that certain farm animals be able to turn around and extend their limbs.

This ballot initiative is supported by California veterinarians, family farmers, religious leaders, and the Humane Society of the United States. We can each make a difference for animals simply by voting yes on this ballot initiative on Nov. 4, 2008.

For more information, visit HumaneCalifornia.org.

Ellen S. Sweeney

Cupertino

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