ACRE-Y, BREAKY HEART
It was great to see Ray Bradbury in person [Chris Ziegler’s “What the Man Said to the Martian,” July 2], particularly in that kind of setting, but overall I found it to be a somewhat depressing affair. The fate of Acres seemed to be echoed in Bradbury’s own failing health, and I almost felt we were watching two funerals in progress, standing there in that room. Neither of them seemed to have very long left to live on this Earth.

STEVE CREWS
Via thedistrictweekly.com

I cannot understand how we had a visit from a timeless, world-class author in the Second District and no political representation was present. No Suja, no Foster, no Lowenthal of any sort—hell, no lackey of any kind came to greet this legend. What, was there some lame-ass ribbon cutting going on at the same time? It’s just embarrassing and a perfect example of the short-sightedness that is a constant in this city. Luxury condos, my ass.

LISA
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COMMISH-MASH
City officials need to remember who their constituents are [Dave Wielenga’s “Parking Rot,” July 2]. It appears to be a Long Beach government-wide policy to blow off anyone who questions any policy or decision made by a city representative. It is unfortunate, but the only recourse an individual has is to go public, and/or CC the city council with your concerns. Saddest of all is the fact that instead of being ignored by one or two city officials, now Mike Ruehle will be ignored by 25 city officials.

CURIOUS
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What has Mr. [Mike] Ruehle done for the community? Seems that his activism lies solely with causing grief for the independent business owners of Belmont Shore. Mr. [Kurt] Schneiter has contributed both his time and money to the betterment of Long Beach. But this may not be known by most residents, as he does not seek publicity for his donations and improvement projects. Perhaps Mr. Schneiter’s comments were out of line, given his role as commissioner, but this was also in an e-mail between two adults. It was not said during a commission meeting.

PRO BELMONT SHORE
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ROCK ON, ROCK ICONS
Thanks for a lovely and unreal read [Kevin Ferguson’s “The Hard Ride,” about biker-rocker Davie Allan & The Arrows, June 11]. Actually, few people speak about another song by the Arrows from that period called “Mind Transferral,” a real psychedelic “nugget” of all time that preceded “stoner” songs by years. Regarding Wild Angels being a Nazi-biker movie, I have my doubts; Iron Crosses and swastikas have always been rock icons but that doesn’t mean the people who used them were right-wing. The same controversy happened years later with the “SS” in KISS. History repeating.

ROB
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USE YOUR NOODLE
Unfortunately, The District Weekly doesn’t understand what Number Nine is about [Miles Clements’ “White on White,” July 2]. You fail to mention many important aspects of this new hip vibe on Retro Row: The meats are 100% natural, free range, and grass fed; the place is spotless; the design is Mid-Century modern; the food and beer are always fantastic and 10 times healthier than those other places. The truth is you get what you pay for, and at Number Nine you are paying for clean, breathtaking ambiance with damn good food and beer! This place should be considered a five star restauraunt priced well below market for the feel.

JOHN VU
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Twenty-five to $40 for “clean, breathtaking ambiance . . . priced well below market . . . ”? We’re talking Fourth Street in Long Beach, right? Are there velvet ropes and a bouncer with an earpiece, too? “New hip vibe” sounds like something Starsky would say to Hutch.

ANDY
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