
“The East Bay’s Tow Hustle,” Feature, 11/14
Isn’t This Criminal?
In the case of tow companies operating without proper licensure and permits, how does this not constitute grand theft auto and extortion? I’m not a lawyer and welcome input from those more educated than me in this area, but why can’t the people who had their cars towed press criminal charges against either the company or the tow driver?
Stefan Oste
What a Scam!
How about the scam of getting your stolen car back!
My son’s car was stolen in Berkeley a few years ago. Soon afterward, he got a call from Richmond police that it had been found parked on a city street and we had one hour to get it. It was impossible for us to make it in time; it took us two hours to get to Richmond police headquarters — only to find that they had had the car towed. We got ripped off two times: once by the thief and again by the towing company for close to $400 (and my son’s his battery was stolen, so we had to rush out to buy one so that extra fees would not be assessed for leaving the car overnight.)
I wrote to the Richmond City Council about the rip off and got a response from one of the councilmembers who had similar outrage over the same type of event. She contacted me and had the incident recorded in the Contra Costa Times in a letter to the editor. What a scam!
Bob Waks
It’s Not Just PPI
The actions of PPI Towing sound both legally wrongful and mean spirited.
We should also note that if you park in a store’s private lot and then go shopping elsewhere, you are being abusive. This is not OK. If someone parked in my driveway to visit someone else, I would have them towed in a heartbeat.
It takes a lot of nerve to park in someone’s driveway or block it. So, why is it OK to park in someone else’s private lot out of your personal convenience and ill-founded assumption that the behavior is OK? They had no excuse — including it was only going to be for 30 minutes. Sounds like Discount City has been abused by freeloaders and chose to do something about it. That is not victimizing of the freeloaders — Discount City is not allowing itself to be victimized.
Michael Good
“Towing for Dollars in Alameda,” Feature, 11/14
What a Joke
This company [PPI Towing] took my car from an unmarked free parking spot when my complex had my vehicle information and the property manager had signed nothing. I paid for about two days-worth of parking when my car was towed overnight on a Friday. This business is a joke.
Georgia Friend
“Pro-Tenant and Pro-Housing,” Seven Days, 11/14
Wicks Is Anti-Tenant
You neglected to point out that Buffy Wicks is also anti-tenant. She came out in opposition to the Proposition 10. In fact, the Express rescinded its endorsement of Wicks after she announced her opposition to Prop 10.
Steve Solnit
Sour Grapes
Buffy Wicks trounced Jovanka Beckles because she was the far superior candidate on many levels. The money angle is the only thing Beckles supporters could come up with because their candidate lacked the ability to grasp and address complex policy issues and was deeply flawed personally, as shown by the comments of her fellow councilmembers and the fact that her own mayor wouldn’t endorse her. We, in Richmond, are so glad to be rid of Beckles and her mean-spirited divisiveness. Thank you, voters, in Assembly District 15.
John Henderson
“Maejoo Is Small But Mighty,” Dining Review, 11/14
Outstanding!
I have eaten there, and I must say the food was really outstanding. This was the best Korean food I’ve had by far!
James Coker
Amazing!
We have eaten there, and it is an amazing place, with the variety of foods to satisfy a fastidious vegetarian and a gluten-sensitive wife. We were completely pleased but had little room for dessert. We will be more careful next time. It was just too good to stop.
Antonio Chian Wong
“Tony Thurmond Wins State Schools Chief Contest,” News Online-only, 11/16
So Proud
Tony Thurmond is the best and the brightest, and the best hope for excellence in public education for every student. I am proud to have walked precincts for him when he first ran for California Assembly.
Salud, Tony!
Diddo Clark
Fantastic!
So excited to hear that Tony won. In the gloom of the smoke and the grief with the fires’ devastation, this is a joy to read. Congratulations, Tony, from one social worker to another.
Monica Nowakowski
Loss for Charters
This was clearly a win for public education! Let’s get real about charter schools — you wanna start a school? Then open it to all the students: special education, English language learners, kids with behavioral issues, etc. Charters have been skimming dollars and high-end kids but don’t have any better results to show for it.
Douglas Spalding
Great Campaign
We all knew Tony Thurmond was and is a winner! Now it is official! Thank you to everyone who voted for him and encouraged others to do likewise! But Tony won on his own — campaigning hard, long and hard! Voters of California chose the person who can move education in the right direction! Congratulations, Tony! And good luck!
Cate Burkhart
Congratulations, Tony!
Our family voted for public schools! Way to go, Tony!
Marina Anderson
“Democrat Rebecca Bauer-Kahan Wins the East Bay Assembly District 16 Race,” News Online-only, 11/16
Karma Wins
This is a true win for trees. [GOP incumbent] Catherine Baker inundated voters with 20-plus mailings a week. And if that weren’t bad enough, many of those were just slandering her opponent. Karma wins again.
William Beckwith
Strange
Funny how Democrats always win at the last minute after the Republican is out in front. And all of it, generally, by mail-in ballots.
Imagine that.
Angela Brbant
Nope
Not a surprise to me. I voted by mail early. I was not subject to the smear mailers that Ms. Baker’s supporters sent out. Such a waste of paper and money. Smear campaigns should be in the past. Congratulations, Rebecca!
Virginia Jinny Fahey
“Further Evidence Emerges that the Oakland Police Under-Reported Use of Force Incidents,” News Online-only, 11/16
Grave Concerns
This information, along with independent monitor’s commentary in a report that OPD was “resisting” fully analyzing its Stop Data (matter discussed at a recent Oakland Police Commission meeting), raise grave concerns about OPD and its leaders taking steps to reform culture and practice necessary to reaching compliance.
Mary Vail
“Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft Wins Alameda Mayor’s Race,” News Online-only, 11/9
Bye, Trish!
Mayor Trish Spencer has been an absolute disaster. Good riddance!
Rod Johnson
“Yummy Grill Brings Afghan Cuisine to Fruitvale,” Dining Review, 11/7
A Gem
This place is a gem — been there a bunch of times, and it was fantastic every time. The owner is very nice and attentive. Bring some time, because certain dishes take time to make.
I quote: “I bought some nice lamb this morning; I will cook it fresh for you.”
Yes, please!
Christian Petke
“Where’s That Byline,” Feature, 10/10
Where’s Gina?
Hmm. I wonder where I am?
Gina Arnold
Still Around
Gina Arnold was the first name I thought of. What luck! Still around/alive/here.
Phil Allen
Correction
Our Nov. 14 music story, “A Classical Tribute to Ghost Ship,” mistakenly stated that the piece Ghost Ship Concerto was Ghost Ship Requiem.