Proposition 6 makes it a "felony" (second offense) to sell horse meat for human consumption. Do we really want to lock up people for this? It makes it a misdemeanor to consume horse meat. What's the difference between horse meat and beef? Pork or lamb? Buffalo, alligator, rabbit, or ostrich meat? This proposition does not address any issues other than "for human consumption." It won't stop the same horses being transported in the same manner to the same slaughter houses for the making of dog food. On Jan. 1, 1998, over 1,000 new laws went in to effect, can you name 10? Do we need more like this? You let me down, Coast Weekly, in your support of this proposition.

GREGORY GOULARTE

SALINAS

RE: Prop. 11 Endorsement

In the Oct. 29 paper, your editorial board said in its endorsement of Proposition 11: "Since the passage of the nefarious Proposition 13, local governments have become more dependent on local sales taxes to keep the lights on at city hall. "

"Nefarious?" Prop. 13 did more to allow Californians of moderate income to own their homes than any other single event in state history. The very fact that the 'editors' of a local, tiny market, entertainment publication even put forth voter recommendations, is in itself ludicrous.

The only 'nefarious' thing here, is Coast Weekly itself...who purports to advise the public on how to vote intelligently, while running classified ads for prostitutes ("Private Sensuous Massage!").

JON ALBERT

JALBERT@IX.NETCOM.COM

What, No Ernest?

I'm having a hard time believing that there is no room in Coast Weekly for "Friends of Ernest." I'm hoping there is enough followers of Ernest to bring him back, and that you can admit you made a big mistake in removing this much-needed cartoon strip.

MARILYN WOODS

MONTEREY

Take Action

Most people in the United States regard the private car as the only way to get around. Few of us use the bus or carpool by choice, but we all want clean air to breathe

Many Americans are concerned about the environment, but do not know what they can do. On April 17, Saturday, 1999, Salinas will have an Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration at the lovely Natividad Creek Park. Come to the organizing meeting for the Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration. The meeting will be Monday, Nov. 9, 4pm, at the West Wing conference room at City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave. If you need more information call Denise Estrada at the Salinas Parks and Recreation Department at 758-7152 or MacGregor Eddy at 754-1705

MACGREGOR EDDY

MINDFUL@REDSHIFT.COM

Thanks, But...

Thank you for the great article by Catherine Coburn on our Egyptian Day Spa & Gift Gallery located in Carmel-by-the-Sea at 7th & San Carlos (in Hampton Court) It was especially important that her article mentioned that the Ancient Egyptians were the first to utilize herbs and essential oils in both beauty and healing practices!

Unfortunately my co-owner who designed and created our Egyptian theme, David A. Vanni (in the picture) wasn't mentioned in the article or the photo caption. In addition, our 7th and San Carlos, Carmel location wasn't mentioned.

TASHA BIRCH

CARMEL

Appalled By Safeway

Please be advised that as a long-time Safeway customer, I am appalled at the treatment and disrespect given to long-time, hard-working employees. The termination of Sandi Lewtschuk for not smiling and not thanking a "shopper" by last name is insulting to those of us who come through her checkout line each week.

Safeway's "smile" policy offends me! Sandi was real, not just perfunctory with her smile or treatment of customers. When I shop, I want service from a real person. Obligating checkers to thank customers by last name because of some policy developed behind the closed doors of the corporate boardroom is ludicrous! I will no longer be a customer of Safeway stores, even though I live within a mile of the Mid-Valley store. Furthermore, I will do everything possible to discourage my considerable amount of friends from shopping there.

JO M. JENNINGS

CARMEL

Online Is Great!

I rent a cottage in Carmel and come down to escape Silicon Valley chaos on the weekends. Coast Weekly online is what I use to plan my weekends. Thanks for publishing online! One thought: you could probably sell advance reservations for local events (plays, concerts, etc.) via Ecommerce on your site and you could probably offer specials and discounts from local restaurants and hotels--after all, we high-tech types come down here to relax and see the sights, but we usually come prepared to spend cash on lodging, eating and entertainment (get me some specials on Spanish Bay and Pebble golf)! Keep up the good work!

ROCK CLAPPER

CLAPPER @MBAY.NET