THE PINE CONE CONNECTION

Squid probably doesn’t agree with the Pine Cone’s Paul Miller on many things, but they are both promoting a Carmel High grad competing to be a Victoria’s Secret Model (“Squid,” Nov. 25-Dec. 2).

Their catalogues are an environmental disaster. They actually mail out 1 million per day – mostly produced by cutting Canadian forests. They sell clothing trimmed with fur from wild animals caught in leg-hold traps.

The retrograded image of women Victoria’s Secret presents is another reason not to support the company.

Should a father encourage his daughter to compete for the dubious distinction of being associated with this reprehensible corporation? --Marilyn Ross | Big Sur

ANIMAL RITES

The folks at AFRP featured on your cover (“Feed the Need,” Nov. 25-Dec. 2) do great work. I congratulate anyone who has given a home to one of the animals they sponsor and promote that was deemed “least adoptable” But please don’t forget that the county shelter kills highly adoptable animals every day that don’t require bank-breaking surgery or necessarily have heart-breaking back stories but will love you just as much. --Dick Whittington | Big Sur

ALTERNATIVE SOUNDS

Your cover story regarding the Ol’ Factory Café (“Bittersweet – The ups and downs of the Ol’ Factory Café,” Nov. 12-18)states: “Carmel Valley music promoter Greg Pool says the Ol’ Factory filled a niche for touring folk and indie bands, all the more critical since Monterey Live closed, making it the only spot for live music in Seaside-Sand City.” This is incorrect, as your own publication will reveal. Please note that the Alternative Café not only has a live open mic every Sunday but also features other live music performances, including recent performances by Ryan Bisio, Matt the Electrician, and Adam Roach. I’m sure the error was an inadvertent oversight, but please issue a correction so people will understand that the Alternative Café is bringing live music to Seaside-Sand City, as well as groundbreaking underground art, comedy improv troupes, Dr. Sketchy’s Roadshow, and myriad other community based events. It remains, in your own words, “the best reason to hang out behind a 7-11.” --Brian E. Turlington | Monterey