Letters

Correction

The story on the Reader website titled “Helix Water District’s Info Flow Questioned,” by Grant Madden, included many factual errors. We regret posting it with minimal fact-checking.

Lucid Brews

Ed Bedford’s “Beer Heaven” cover (July 7) went down like the first pint on a hot day — tasty but too quickly. Having been a beer disciple of our local craft beer scene for 12 years, I give a polite but dismissive nod to my hometown of Milwaukee and the other pretenders in favor of heir apparent San Diego. My only complaint about the story is that it appears to be a one-pack on a subject clearly worth a weekly column. Too much talent in the county to cover — further research is clearly needed. Editors, the gauntlet is thrown. Mr. Bedford, can you stay as lucid consistently covering craft brew as well as cheeseburgers?

And Ed, if you need a Tonto to accompany you on your sudsquests, I’ve got a church key in my pocket. Hey, I like that. Tin Fork and his sidekick Church Key. Maybe we should get some spandex costumes?

Tom Bobzin
via email

Yellowtale

In the cover story on the beer microbrewing industry in San Diego County (“Beer Heaven,” July 7), the reporter incorrectly cited the name of one of Ballast Point Brewing Company’s brews, calling it Yellowtail Pale Ale. This is evidence that despite a visit to the brewery and an interview with one of its brewmasters, he did not discover that this name is obsolete. The brew’s name was changed to “Pale Ale,” probably in fall 2010. Three months ago, sandiegobeerblog.com probed the matter (sandiegobeerblog.com/2011/04/12/ballast-points-pale-ale-has-lost-its-yellowtail-in-name-only).

It has been rumored that last year, Ballast Point was sued for trademark infringement for the use of the name “yellowtail.” If indeed this is about an allegation of trademark infringement, the brewery has puzzlingly adopted a secretive handling that is uncustomary for such cases. The brewery did not see fit to announce the name change but left its customers to stumble onto it over months, if not years. The blogger contacted the company and was rewarded with a minimal confirmation from its CEO. In the end, the blogger reported being unable to pin down the date of the name change nor the reason for it, nor was he able to confirm the identity of any complainant.

Dale Chock
via email

Ed Bedford responds: Dale is right, but the name change has definitely been done on the QT. Nobody corrected me when I blithely used the “Yellowtail” word at Ballast. Jeff Hammett, in the San Diego Beer Blog article cited above, writes that Ballast’s Jack White emailed him, saying, “We are changing the name for legal reasons. We can’t discuss the issue in detail.…”

The buzz, which I can in no way confirm, is that an Australian vineyard with a similar moniker might possibly have had something to do with it. Notice I’m being cagey, too. These legal name disputes can get really nasty. Whatever, talking of the fish identity theme, the, uh, net result is that the Pale Ale is now the only one in Ballast’s year-round beer lineup not named after a fish. Like, Sculpin, Black Marlin, Calico, Wahoo, Big Eye — and for what’s probably their most recognizable beer, uh, Pale Ale.

Duct Tape Memories

Just as I have for many years, the first page I turn to is “Roam-O-Rama.” Today’s column was a very hard read (“End of the Trail,” July 7). To Jerry, I wish you all the best with battling your illness. The trail is hard, but the journey can be inspiring. I have carried your book Afoot and Afield in my truck since the late ’80s (you never know when you’ll need a good hike). Even though it’s held together with duct tape, it’s one tool I’d never give up. (And yes, I do have a newer version in the house.) You’ve helped me find places I never would have known, and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

Godspeed, my friend, and thanks.

Art Hoffner
via email

The Fabric Of Our Town

Jerry, I am very sad to hear of your battle with cancer. Your book and your columns have given my family and me literally thousands of hours of pleasure, hiking and camping in the backcountry of San Diego and beyond. As a scout leader, I have had the chance to share many of these beautiful locations with many others. Although I have never met you, I have considered you a friend for more than 20 years. Like Duncan Shepherd, Eleanor Widmer, and John Brizzolara, you were one of my favorite parts of the Reader, and collectively you partly defined San Diego for me. I truly wish you the best, and I thank you most sincerely.

Warmest regards,

Medford Dyer
San Diego

Don’t Need No Maps

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Schad, whose column and books have inspired me to go endless miles hiking on beautiful trails in our fine county’s backwoods. I still have my first copy of Afoot and Afield in San Diego County, beat-up and dog-eared, and several newer editions besides. I never bought maps, just used Jerry’s in front of each hike, and they got me where I needed to go. Thanks, Jerry.

Clayton Hinkle
Imperial Beach

Hikemaster

I only read Jerry Schad’s column in the Reader sporadically, but my husband and I have really used our 1999 edition of his book Afoot and Afield in San Diego County. I can’t tell you the number of great wilderness hikes we’ve enjoyed solely due to this incredible book. Mr. Schad, thank you so much for all you’ve contributed to San Diego. We’re extremely sorry to hear of your illness. Our kindest wishes to you.

B. and P.
Normal Heights

Trail’s End

Was saddened to learn that “Roam-O-Rama” was at the end of the trail. I have been a reader since the first column and have taken many of the hikes. Jerry opened many views of outdoor San Diego to me. I’ll always feel that Jerry Schad is my best hiking buddy.

Bill Nagy
via email

Well Wishes

Hate to hear about your stage 4 cancer. We’ll pray for a miracle. Just get well.

Best wishes,

Bill and Lorraine Babcock
via email

A Great Two Decades

It is with great sadness that I read about Jerry Schad’s departure.

I have met Jerry in person only three times, but I have met him hundreds of times through his writings. I’ve been hiking and biking in San Diego County for more than 20 years. His “Roam-O-Rama” column and his books have been invaluable for me and for many others.

He will be missed. He will be remembered. He will be honored.

Philip J. Erdelsky
North Park

New Adventure

Just read Jerry Schad’s last column! I have followed Jerry for many years and enjoyed some of his recommended hikes. I was sorry to read that he is ill, and I wish him the very best in his next adventure, wherever that may take him.

K. King
via email