Photograph by Ashly Cass

“Anywhere between 800 and 1000 parrots usually come around this area to roost for the night,”says Emily Routman.

School-stopping squawks

Great, fun article on birding in San Diego (“Parrots, Godwits, and Bushtits”, Cover Story, February 28). So nice to see an article that doesn’t involve guns or politics. I taught with Janis when PB Middle School opened in 1984. My classroom was on the second floor overlooking Diamond Street in the great ‘ol building which is now gone. The OB parrots would come periodically and land in the pepper trees lining the street. It was too loud to lecture, and we all just observed the birds until they moved on. They can make quite a racket! Maybe that’s where Janis got her love of birds. The old PB crew still meets once a year.

Steve Blumenschein

Clairemont

Food stamps and fish

Ian’s article about Tunaville Market & Grocery of Shelter Island was very nice (“Fab Fish Flavor”, Feast, February 22). So many of the features sounded so good, especially aged fish, sausages, ceviche, and salads. I used to be able to afford to go to Shelter Island and other places until the post-COVID. Inflation, transportation costs, and rental costs have killed my chance of getting out now. But I am hopeful. Hopeful in places that might have SNAP/California EBT use. Tin Fork teaches us about public transit routes. I’m wondering if EBT Food stamps, or EBT cash might be able to be used at places you review. Food Stamps helps a lot of OUR economy: local sales, jobs, manufacturing & even service potential. Thanks for your great & helpful newspaper.

Daniel Beeman

Clairemont