When we begin to raise our daughters in the light of true love, pride and self-esteem, I expect to hear fewer stories like Carrie Klein's ("Cage of Innocence," April 5-11). No woman should waste her life and self for the benefit of worthless fools.

ANNIE WILLIAMS, BIG SUR

Bless Beasts, Children

I am writing in response to your cover story on cat hoarder Richard Partridge ("Kitty Cornered," March 29-April 4). I adopted one of his feline victims from the SPCA, a calico named Trinity whose left eye has been destroyed by infection and disease. When I first brought Trinity home, she was skittish and afraid. After only three weeks she is now one of the greatest, sweetest cats I've ever had.

Though my cat and some others have found homes, there are still many left at the SPCA, unwanted because of scars or missing eyes. These poor cats need loving homes with families willing to work with, and treat, any medical and psychological problems they may have.

Every time I look at Trinity playing with her toy mice, playing fetch with paper, or licking my toes, I wish there was something I could do for the cats still at the SPCA. Kittens may be cute, but you'd be amazed at the love you get from a cat who knows you saved her life. Those cats (and dogs and rabbits) need someone to save them. Hopefully this letter will help.

BRIANNE BLAKE, SALINAS

The Vultures

Well, it's official. The greedheads have taken over the asylum. In the aftermath of the housing summits held in Soledad, Salinas and Seaside, a series of closed-door sessions will be held to chew on the emotional testimony given by Everyman. Not only is the public not invited to participate in these meetings, but also anybody who could be expected to represent the victimized tenants is mysteriously disinvited.

The participants include, as promised, reps from some of the cities involved, real estate agents, builders, and not one but two representatives from the League of Women Voters. It's nice to know that those who have the most to lose by some form of rent control are in the decision-making process. What about those whose lives are being ripped to shreds? Sure, the 6,000 county homeless have a voice, but let's face it: Their rent didn't go up 12-32 percent, or three to eight times the consumer price index. Who is representing the displaced elderly, the suffering hospitality workers, the soldiers on food stamps?

And it's not just these groups that find themselves in extremis--what middle class family of five can afford to pay over $2,000 monthly to cram their family into a three-bedroom apartment? The median income for Monterey County families is $59,000 before taxes. I did the math, and it looks like Joe Public is paying significantly over 50 percent of his disposable income on rent. That is, if he can afford it.

These landlords won't be satisfied until they're picking rancid meat from all of our decaying carcasses.

CLIFF LYNN, MARINA

Big Surprise

Did anybody else notice at the Seaside Housing Forum the Monterey Plaza people complaining about losing over 90 workers this past year because of the high cost of living? How many more do they expect to lose before they take a hint: PAY YOUR WORKERS LIVABLE WAGES AND BENEFITS! And this is the same company that will manage the new Monterey Peninsula Hotel on Cannery Row?

No doubt there's an awful problem with housing costs on the Peninsula, but none of the union hotels, where pay and benefits are significantly higher, lost 90 workers last year (and some are a lot bigger than the Monterey Plaza).

JAMES L. FORD, SEASIDE

When Will He Learn?

I saw the review of Taqueria del Mar wherein the reviewer told the tragic yet heartwarming story of a Danish student falling off his bicycle and being helped by a chef standing nearby. It was punctuated at the end by a comment something to the effect of, "Oh, and the beef and chicken burritos were good."

I could not believe your guy could review that restaurant and not talk about the squid tostadas. If he saw one he would say, "What is that? Let me try one."

I'm sure this is a cause celebré by now, but his reviews sure don't say much about the food.

DAN MATTERSON, SEASIDE

Begging Your Pardon

I am writing this to respond to the letter by Mr. Schwab (March 22-28) concerning the products and goods available in Marina.

I am a resident of Marina, and I do know that there are plenty of products and goods available here. Mr. Schwab stated that there are no clothing stores in Marina. I do know there are two, and we have two drug stores, several markets, and a new hardware store, several video stores, good restaurants, two liquor stores, banks, and several specialty shops.

I believe that if one has to go to other cities for products and goods, it's not because of a lack thereof, but because it's a choice.

ROBERT DAYAP, MARINA

Heartfelt Appreciation

Many, many thanks for the outstanding article on William "Bill" Campbell, our own Seaside hero ("Wild Black Yonder," March 22-28). We are very proud to have Bill and Wilma Campbell living in our city and to count them among our friends and neighbors. We are very proud of Mr. Campbell's role as a Tuskeegee Airman and his subsequent career as an instructor at the NPGS. We are also proud of his continual involvement in our community through his work with the Monterey Peninsula Branch of the NAACP.

Again, we thank you for highlighting one of our heroes. Hope to see many such positive articles about the role of African-Americans in this community.

HELEN B. RUCKER, PRESIDENT,
MONTEREY PENINSULA BRANCH NAACP

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