Re the Reader

More to the Arts

Perhaps I missed something, but I was quite disappointed that the Reader’s “2014 Guide to the Arts in San Diego” (February 13 cover story) apparently did not feature dance or music listings. I noticed a few advertisements placed by local dance (ballet) organizations, but these groups (and many others) received no column space.

I would welcome an explanation; our local scene obviously comprises more than visual art, spoken word, and theater.

• Lorraine Padden
• North Park

Missing Toes

I’m a little bit confused by Jeff Smith’s feature, Unforgettable: Long Ago San Diego. The first installment was in the February 6 Reader: “Extremes: The Life and Times of Father José Maria Zalvidea, Part One.” Then, today’s Reader, February 20, explains the final days of Father Zalvidea: “Extremes: The Final Days of Father Zalvidea, Part Two.” There was nothing in last week’s Reader, February 13.

I know that the February 6 installment is titled Part One. And today’s is titled Part 2. But there seems to be a discontinuity.

The first installment talks about Father Zalvidea and how he started out at San Gabriel and ended up at San Luis Rey. And today’s installment is all about how he died at San Luis Rey. So, there seems to be something missing in between. It jumps from Part One to Part Two. And there was nothing in last week’s Reader.

In the first part it talked about what he did at the missions and all that, and how he was sort of mean to the Indians. In today’s installment he’s old and crippled and dying. What happened to cripple him? Is there a missing part here or something that should have been in the February 13 and was left out by mistake or something?

I’d like to know what happened to him and how he lost all his toes and part of his foot!

• Name Withheld
• via voicemail

Jeff Smith responds:

Just the two parts. They cover what is known. Everyone who saw him described a different person. His harsh penances crippled him, as Part Two explains.

Doesn’t Sit Right

I’m calling concerning a recent article of yours concerning the water supply in Pine Valley (SD on the QT: “Pine Valley Has Water! Kill Them and Take Their Water!”).

The writer of this article said we should kill all the residents of Pine Valley and steal their water.

That is irresponsible journalism. Even if it’s in jest. Saying we should kill people just doesn’t sit right.

• Name Withheld
• Pine Valley