War Is Not The Answer

The Board of ALBA is concerned that the Weekly presented the complaints of two of ALBA’s 24 tenants in a hostile manner [“Land War,” April 3-9]. The facts in this situation do not support the dramatic headline. There is no war, and ALBA has certainly not geared up for any battle.

Despite assertions to the contrary, ALBA remains fully committed to its mission to advance economic viability, social equity, and ecological land management among limited-resource and aspiring farmers. To fulfill that mission we must serve as wise stewards of our resources. We share that duty with ALBA farmers through our expectation that they fulfill their contractual obligations. 

ALBA strives to treat all of its students and tenants with respect. We are fully aware of the differences that can arise across the several cultures represented within the ALBA family. When these differences lead to misunderstanding and conflict, it saddens all of us. Yet we must expect all farmers to adhere to appropriate and effective farming practices. In this way, farmers will achieve their goals and ALBA will continue to attract the resources needed to continue its educational programs.

We appreciate all points of view regarding ALBA and its work. Learn more at albafarmers.org and please send your comments to my attention at ALBA.

GOP WILL DO ITSELF IN

I certainly understand the angst that Editor Tina May [“Twenty-Year Itch,” Local Spin, April 3-9] feels as the two Democratic contenders snipe at each other while John McCain enjoys a free ride in the media. But no need to despair. November is a long way away, and once the Democratic nominee is decided—probably sooner than later—there will be at least several months until the election. Plenty enough time for the runner-up’s followers (probably Hillary Clinton’s) to lick their wounds and unite behind the Democratic nominee (probably Barack Obama). Plenty enough time for the economy and the Iraq occupation to inevitably worsen and highlight the differences between the bankrupt, stay-the-course Republican policies and the Democratic Party’s plans for change and progress. Plenty enough time for McCain to reveal his bad temper, cluelessness about Iraq, age-related confusion, and innumerable flip-flops. Plenty enough time for voters to reflect on the damage Republican policies have done to our country and the world. Yes, democracy is messy, but there remains plenty enough time for Democrats to win the election and start to clean up the god-awful mess the GOP has left behind.

Who Are The Real Fools?

On April 1 (April Fools Day), at the Alameda City Council meeting, residents spoke out for more than an hour against the Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) pesticide spraying in our residential areas. Not one wanted the spraying to be done.

Councilman Frank Matarrese asked California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura, “If sprayed on an open field, would people be allowed in the field?” He asked this several times before Kawamura finally answered, “No.”

Why, then, are we being sprayed in our residential neighborhoods? This is no April Fools joke, people. This is reality!