Photograph by Ashly Cass

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

Prunes are okay

Thanks to Ken Leighton, we now have the perfect description of traffic and how it should flow (“Unintended results of five roundabouts in Oceanside”, Neighborhood News, Feb. 26). He is complaining that five roundabouts are like five prunes, and that is too many. If we follow the analogy along the gastro-intestinal tract, then stop signs and stop lights would be like constipation.

Adding more prunes (roundabouts) to the diet would definitely help! Ideally, cars west of I-5 would move slowly and continuously through the entire street system. People who are upset about “traffic” are usually just upset with the speed of cars. Roundabouts, diversions and bulbouts slow cars and create much nicer tree-lined streets in the process.

The issue with Coast Highway is that it is “I-5 West.” People think that they have an option and it may be faster. The reality is that the cars zoom zoom and then stop. Repeat at every light or stop sign. This is serious constipation and it results in frustration while zooming past all the businesses and then idling in a bunch of cars waiting for the light to change. Making streets work better for cars just encourages the problem.

Instead, focus on people and a healthier approach. When you have removed the constipation and you have enough prunes, the only thing left is to stop eating (cars). Rather than plan for all the cars, plan for a nice place where the time to get from one end to the other is the best it can be with continuous but slow flow. Provide options so people don’t “have” to have a car. Refrain from eating so much and enjoy a visit to our local businesses.

Joan Bockman

Oceanside

Chickens most abused

One evening I witnessed that magnificent flock of parrots fly over me, and it hit me: If we allow threatened animals to vanish forever like the dodo, our descendants will never forgive us (“Parrots, Godwits & Bushtits”, Cover Story, Feb. 29). It’s animals like these – in all their glorious beauty, and diversity – that make Earth an infinite miracle.

Bravo for pointing out that birds are, in fact, the only living dinosaurs left. And that chickens are the most populous birds. Did you know they’re the direct descendants of T. Rex? Tragically, due to barbaric, destructive factory farming, chickens are among the most abused animals. Another wise parrot said: “Be kind and healthy: eat plant-based.”

Jon Hinsvark

Chula Vista

Coyotes know what we eat, where we walk, how we live, and how to live among us.

Photograph by at

Coyotes are foxes of a different color

The story is brilliant (“Walked by Coyote”, Cover Story, March 13) and it reminded me of the coyotes that used to live in my San Francisco neighborhood (Diamond Heights) and also of the foxes I once observed in a London suburb. I am convinced that these are the same clever creatures wearing different colored coats.

What is the meaning of -at at the end of the coyote story?

J. R. Ranney

East Village

Editor: “at” are the author’s initials

Ed and Olga made a decision - “Fish tacos stay at 99 cents!”

Poway for poor stiffs

Great review. (“Poway Pilgrimage”, Tin Fork, March 14) Now this place, Taco Taco Poway, is a place I could afford. Even the other special items and “chalkboard menu.” Ed, I did notice fried rice on menu too; sounds and looks good...change of pace, and good for second bite on trails.

I am so happy a restaurateur is looking out for us poorer stiffs. Thanks Olga, Ed, and chefs.

Now a side note: when I had a car, I used to do Poway for hikes, which I see are available by MTS/NCTD buses: 944 & 945, routes that stop by Taco Taco Poway, too. Maybe hike your way in: Lake Hodges trails, rest and brunch/lunch, then another hike to Sabre Springs Open Space and back for Linner/Dinner. Also because Poway is a horse community, many off-the-roadway trails are hikeable too.

Daniel Beeman

Clairemont