86, 94
Shame on you for endorsing Prop. 94 [“Super Choose Day,” Jan. 30]! I’m all for giving back to the Native Americans for the centuries of abuse and ignoring of their plight by our federal government, which is why I’ll be voting yes on Props 95 though 97. But the rampant greed and power mongering among the Penchanga leadership that has led to their disenrolling hundreds of their own tribe members should not be rewarded or condoned by allowing 94 to pass.
ANDREW
Via thedistrictweekly.com

PORT STAFF BLUES
The real truth of the matter—that a state law would have to be changed in order for the Port of Long Beach  to funnel more funds to the city—is treated as an aside in this and earlier reporting [Dave Wielenga’s “Holy Ship,” Jan. 30]. No one in the city has asked port staff to prepare any information supporting or rejecting Schipske’s idea, which, without legislation, is a non-starter. You can trust that most employees here at the port, which is a city department, would like to see revenues at the city increase. Instead, under Mayor Foster’s direction, our salaries have been increasingly chipped away in the form of increased contributions to our pension and health care premiums, lower benefits and postponed contract negotiations. Civil service salaries in Long Beach are among the lowest in the area and staff retention is a serious problem. Because the “news” is all about negative reporting, port staff has become practically demonized in this community. How about we all take jobs in Torrance or Seal Beach and just fold up the port? Huell Howser can have his Maritime Museum and the hundreds of thousands of commerce-related jobs in the area can go to Ensenada.
POLB EMPLOYEE
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APPARENTLY A FAN
I was so damned proud of Paperplanes latest CD I cried [Chris Ziegler’s “Full Bloom,” Jan. 23]. The lyrics were beautiful, intelligent and heartfelt. Some I rocked out to, some songs I just savored. Peter Tavera’s vocals were great—reminded me of Bruce Springsteen—he sang with so much heart and love and I knew he loved being there. Micah Panzich’s voice was really good, his guitar work par excellence and the drums were crisp and polished. Wow! I love this band!
DANA MCDOWELL
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THE “L” WORD
I loved Steve Lowery’s item about Tiger Woods [“Vector Control,” Jan. 30]. I couldn’t agree more when Steve wrote that “‘lynch’ is not some museum piece, like looking back at the Spanish Inquisition.” You get the feeling people thought this was like asking for Tiger’s thoughts on slavery. Lynchings or threats of lynchings are very real and someone of Tiger’s stature should speak out whenever presented with this kind of opportunity. He was, but he didn’t.
DAWN MAYES
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Another “brain” riding the media hype and using words to their own definition. Look up the word “lynch” in any dictionary! We are free to read and use the words, but isn’t it strange how individuals use basic words to their own interpretation when it comes to “fame and recognition”? Tiger and [Golf Channel anchor] Kelly Tilghman talked and settled the issue. It’s really no one else’s business! Let it go.
RICHARD HALL
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