September 2008

As a follow-up to Clay Eals' wonderful article about Moe Beerman, Herald readers will be interested to know that a sampling of Moe's cartoons is being compiled. We hope to collect quite a few to display between late September and the Fauntleroy Art Show in early November.

Anyone who received a cartoon in card or poster form and is willing to have it scanned for this display should call Fauntleroy Church, 932-5600, by Sept. 25. We'll get it back to you within a day or two of your loan.

Judy Pickens

Fauntleroy

Bravo for the car free Sunday on Alki! Encore, encore!!

Candace Kramer

Seattle

I live close to 35th Avenue Southwest in West Seattle. My son is a University of Washington student but there is no bus from 35th to go directly to UW. He rides his bike and was about to be hit recently. Could we please have a bus from 35th Avenue Southwest to the University? Please please, we need it badly, Thanks Mr. Constantine.

Shahnaz Chahim

West Seattle

We are the Friends and Neighbors of North Admiral, a group of families and individuals working together to bring improvements into the Admiral neighborhood of West Seattle. We're working to design and develop a natural playscape in California Place Park (California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Hill Street) to provide a slice of nature for exploration and creativity, a place to gather and connect with neighbors and respite space for users of all ages.

What is a natural playscape, you ask?

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed such a day on Alki Beach as I experienced on Sunday Sept. 7. The length of Alki Avenue Southwest was for the most part closed to car traffic.

There was an eastbound lane left open for local residents and Metro transit, however, even that lane was not very busy. The lack of congestion was what was different. Easy to get in, and out of course, without a car.

The idea that ridding Seattle (or reducing the use) of "single use" bags will somehow solve our environmental woes is simply wrong. First off, as seen by Ireland's example, bag taxes don't reduce use of bags. Ireland's much touted tax reduced grocery bag use, but sales of packaged bags increased by nearly 400 percnt, resulting in a net gain going into landfills.

A much larger question is whether plastic bags, paper bags, and Styrofoam containers actually pose any real threat to the environment in Seattle.

I feel compelled to respond to the (letter to the editor) ("Why I will not vote for Barack Obama," Sept. 10) by Pastor Randy Leskovar stating that he will not be voting for Barack Obama because "he is pro-choice and believes in Roe vs. Wade."

I respect Pastor Leskovar's right to be against pro-choice for women.

I have listened to talk shows, read newspapers and gone online and I did not hear anyone speak to, what I think, is an important aspect of today's story about Palin's daughter. Without taking into consideration all the other issues around this particular topic, I find I am very angry and Palin and McCain. As a mother I cannot understand how she would even take a chance of bringing her daughter's difficult and sensitive situation into the public sphere.

I made it a point to attend the bike free zone on Alki last Sunday and am pleased with what a resounding success the event was. On a normal basis I try to avoid Alki because of traffic and the chaotic feel of the place. But without cars blaring their engines and music, the atmosphere was one of comfort and general camaraderie.

The day was perfect for a bike ride with just a hint of autumn in the air but comfortable enough to wear a T-shirt.

It's happened once again this year

My husband's so in love, I fear

With his new mistress, Football Dear

I cease to be, when she is near

From first light, as he leaves his bed

To dark of night, when all's been said

Unless a helmet's on my head

To him I might as well be dead

He craves the action she displays

As down the field she boldly sways