Distraction
Your article "Newcomer Challenges Liccardo," MetroNews, Oct. 23, was misleading about the Britannia Arms' involvement in an ill-advised negative campaign against Councilmember Sam Liccardo. The owners of the Britannia Arms have not met with Tim Hennessey and we do not endorse him. As vice-president of the San Jose Restaurant and Entertainment Association (SJREA), I can tell you that the majority of hospitality-related businesses do not share the views expressed by the article.
The reality is that the Brit has a strong and positive relationship with Councilmember Liccardo, as does the SJREA. We worked together, along with the mayor, other City Council members and the San Jose Police Department to improve the policing model downtown for the benefit of all entertainment zone businesses and patrons. I believe that downtown business owners, Councilmember Liccardo and the San Jose Police Department are dedicated to working with all stakeholders to improve our downtown. A negative campaign is a distraction we do not need
John H. Conway
Sunnyvale
Big Brother
This is work. Across the street from my shop was a known crack house. The police were there at least two to three times a week. Deaths, overdoses and attempted murders happened there regularly. The police did nothing about it. They didn't even have to dig very deep to find out that the landlord was more of the problem than the tenants. But the city had to shut me down because somehow I was more of a threat.
But enough of that rant. Back to the subject of Moto Amore ("Ridden Out of Town," MetroNews, Aug. 19). Granted, I'm sure there were complaints. It seems like everyone has a complaint about everything. The city acts like a big brother and bullies out the business that causes the complaint. Where Moto Amore was located, I can think of a thousand other things to complain about than his shop. Just stand on that corner of 10th and Santa Clara at 10 at night, and you will know what I'm talking about.
It almost seems like the city wants small businesses like Moto Amore to be located downtown, but they want it done their way or no way at all.
My two pennies.
Ben Skelton
Campbell
Toothy
Great job showcasing a local artist ("Materials Girl," Style, Nov. 4)! This is interesting. I have been making jewelry out of wisdom teeth for family members for the last 17 years! Most tend to think it's a bit morbid or creepy. Nice to see a write-up about "recycled" art!
Raquel Perez
San Jose
Laff Riot Grrrls
Thanks for a great article about the SF Women's Comedy Competition ("Lip Shtick Comediennes," Cover Story, Nov. 4)! More people in the Bay Area need to know about the great comedy scene here, and younger female comics need to know they can thrive here.
Dean Inouye
San Francisco
