Critique Critique


    Just had to disagree with editorial letter from Steven Garner who has lived on the island for 18 years and doesn’t like the editor’s choices.
    I know it may seem like it is “undermining” the poll, but I love it.
    If I relied solely on what old-timey Alamedans liked, I’d never hear about any restaurant except Ole’s.
    Keep up the good work.
Name Withheld

Some Praise


    Loved the recent issue [November 2004]. You included lots of favorites plus places we know about. I liked seeing the top of Woody Minor’s head at Vines.
Judith Lynch
Alameda

Gay Alameda


    I just wanted to let you know that I just saw the article in the December issue about gay tolerance in Alameda [“Major Milestones”]. Thank you for a superb job. And what a great picture, too. Please extend my thanks also to Mary Eisenhart and to your photographer, Phyllis Christopher. Both superb people.
    This local press comes at a time when our denomination is also getting lots of press nationally and locally, not so surprising. First Congregation Church of Alameda is a local congregation of the United Church of Christ, a denomination that has been on the cutting edge of issues of social justice and inclusion since its beginnings being the first to ordain an African-American person, the first to ordain a woman and the first denomination to ordain an openly gay or lesbian person.
The Rev. Laura Rose
Alameda

More on LGBT


    I just got my Alameda Magazine [December 2004] and was delighted to see how well the article on the LGBT community came out. I think Mary Eisenhart really captured the current reality. Thanks for pursuing it.
Allan Mann
Alameda
Proud Alamedan

    The December issue of Alameda Magazine made me even prouder that I live in Alameda. Not only do we have a beautiful community, but we also have a kind, diverse and embracing community. You featured Mark Sorensen and Tom Squire, whom I know very well. They give more to this community in volunteer time and support to our many nonprofits - than most people. We are so fortunate to have involved, caring people in our town and that these individuals are welcome and that their contributions are recognized. That is what makes Alameda a real community and a very special place.
    In these divided times, I thank you for bringing to light not just the differences in our residents, but the similarities. Thank you for once again reminding me of one of the many reasons why I love Alameda.
Kathy Ledner Moehring
Alameda

New Zealander Feedback


    I’d like to express my thanks to Brian Higgins for such a nice article on our new restaurant in Alameda, the New Zealander, and to Robbin Kilgore for the awesome photos[“Pushing Pub Pies,” December 2004].  The article was written well and really gave the reader a lot of information on the restaurant and its owners. I agree with my co-worker Zoey Misiluti when she was quoted as saying that Clive and Donna Hitchens are great to work for and very ambitious.
     I can’t help but express the disappointment I felt when the bar itself wasn’t mentioned at all because the original mahogany bar has a feel of history, stories, warmth and friendship. The fact that full dinners as well as a quick pint and pie are served all day and evening at the bar didn’t come into play either. I take pride in working and helping in establishing a friendly bar where patrons fall into
conversations with each other. That small-town feeling is quite prevalent at our bar.
    The stories I’ve been told by my guests make me feel like I’ve been here for a long time, and I’ve only been in Alameda working since our opening. I love the fact that women feel (and have expressed to me) that our bar is so female friendly. Ladies come in alone, sit at the bar for a bite to eat and a glass of wine or beer and feel very comfortable with our well-lit and friendly atmosphere. I take pride in that.
Rosie Higham
Oakland

Feng Shui


    Thanks to all involved—Elisa Williams and Michael Wertz especially—on the article “The Feng Shui of Alameda” [July/August 2004]. It turned out beautifully, and I’ve already booked several new clients from this article alone. My best to you all.
Lea Saslav
San Francisco