One thing missing from Tim Wright's otherwise fine piece on local movie theaters ("Flicks Nix," 1/4-10) was discussion of the cavalier attitude all Peninsula theaters display toward their audiences. More often than not, films do not begin on schedule, the theaters are sometimes filthy and poorly ventilated, and the popcorn, well, it generally sucks. Last week at a local screening, when the film had not started 10 minutes after scheduled, I found that the projectionist was taking tickets and serving concessions. In a matter-of-fact tone, she said she'd start the movie "as soon as I finish here."

Anyone who has patronized theaters in the Bay Area will tell you that audiences there would simply walk out of theaters that serve their customers as poorly as Peninsula venues serve us.

Allston James,
Carmel

Ghost Toasting

Thank you for the cover story "Ghostbusters" (12/14-20). Let's proclaim Patricia Bernardi Monterey County Person of the Year. She lit the candle which became the spotlight on some undesirable (to put it mildly) activities in the county planning department. To her and all others who participated, our appreciation, admiration and gratitude.

J. M. Cogswell,
Monterey

From the Anonymous File

Editor's Note: Although we have a policy against publishing anonymous letters, we felt compelled to respond to these submissions.

1. Shame on your judges! The short story "Hungry Messiahs" ["101 Word Short Story Contest," 12/21-27) is a complete and total rip-off of an extremely well-known sci-fi story by Damon Knight, called "To Serve Man." It even appeared as an episode on "Twilight Zone"... Signed: Kanamit #9

Oops... You're right, Kanamit #9. We bow to your superior knowledge...

2. Your cover for the week of December 28-January 3, 2001 ("Loco MoCo") was deplorable. Coast Weekly's racism is very clear by the cover you ran, specifically the depiction of Mayor Jerry Smith and Councilman Darryl Choates. What a mockery. Why did you not depict Monterey or Carmel? Your views are becoming more and more one sided and your newspaper has become the voice of racist numskulls. Signed: Reader No More.

Too bad you're not reading anymore. Maybe another reader will point out that, in fact, the City of Monterey is lampooned. So is Pacific Grove. And Monterey County. And maybe some reader will also point out to you that the caricatures represent several races and both genders.