"The Hunt for Green," Alan Prendergast, April 26
Waste Not, Want Not
Thank you for the informative article about Waste Management. We've been wondering how that system works. Our church got a dumpster for recycling paper from whichever company was doing it at the time; we could fill the dumpster in about two weeks, but as apartment-dwelling neighbors began using it, we went to weekly pickup. We received a nominal payment based on weight.
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We recently realized we had not received a check for some time. Our dumpster was now part of Waste Management and a receptacle for single-stream materials. When we called, we were told we would no longer be paid, as there was no way to gauge the weight of a mixed pile. That was okay, the money was negligible, we were committed to recycling as part of a larger commitment to eco-stewardship. We've changed all the lights in the building, replaced our heating system with one that doubled the efficiency, and we are exploring placing solar panels on our roof. All of that is a substantial financial commitment in addition to the theological/philosophical part.
After telling us we would not be paid for pickups, we were told that they might start charging us $35 to $50 a month for pickups. The person we deal with directly said he would try to forestall that as we are a church. Paying would raise significant challenges for us. I understand the attraction for Waste Management to make money at both ends of this process, but if I understand this article, the city is already paying them for picking up. We've seen a real desire on the part of apartment dwellers to participate. Charging businesses and apartment houses would be a dis-incentive, as it would be a burden for nonprofits and churches.
Pastor John F. Backe
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Denver
"Faith, Hope...and Charity," Luke Turf, April 19
Charity Begins at Home
I was very touched by the story of this family. I gig here in town with the Jakarta Band. We were talking about trying to do something to help this woman and her children. We would like to put on a benefit for the family, but I'm writing to make sure I'm not treading where I'm not wanted. I know some folks will not take charity. But if possible, we would like to do something. I will speak to other musicians in the Denver area and come up with something. Please let me know.
You have a great and blessed day.
Stephen Wilburn
Denver
Editor's note: The response to Charity's story has been overwhelming, with many people wanting to help the family. Reporter Luke Turf is forwarding any such offers to Lisa Norwood; e-mail him at luke.turf@westword.com.
"Square to Be Hip," Adam Cayton-Holland, April 19
Pocket Full of Posers
I must say, Adam Cayton-Holland's line about the cock of a Mexican busboy was priceless! In response to that column, my new word for "hipster" is BRITENDER -- aka Brit-pop posers.
Jessica Lombardo
Denver
"Pretty Ain't Enough," Jason Sheehan, April 26
Rants in His Pants
I have become accustomed to Jason Sheehan's rants over the years. I have always enjoyed them, even if I disagreed with his position. So you can imagine my disappointment when Jason didn't unload on La Sandía. Some of the issues that Jason has raised with people and places in the past didn't warrant the rant that was issued; this time, however, he had a bright green light to unload on La Sandía. And he flaked, completely. A dollar for ice, lime and salt? If that doesn't warrant the full Sheehan brunt, what the f* does?
This city's love affair with Richard Sandoval is beyond me. No matter how one tries to dress up a plate o' Mexican grub at Tamayo (or anywhere, for that matter), it's still just a plate o' Mexican peasant food. I love Mexican food, don't get me wrong, but I have never had a plate of Mexican food that justified an $18 to $25 price tag. Has anyone in this town actually gone to a Mexican market and shopped for authentic Mexican ingredients? I have one word for everyone: cheap. Shop for these ingredients yourself, and then justify the prices charged for "Modern Mexican Cuisine." The only thing modern about all of this nonsense is that there are people in this modern world dumb enough, or egotistical enough, to shell out twenty bucks for an enchilada plate -- or pay a buck for a michelada setup.
"Ridiculous"? That's putting it mildly. It's not that I live to read Jason tearing some place down, but if any place deserved the wrath o' Sheehan, wow, this was it. Hope he isn't gettin' soft on me.
B. W. Buckalter
Lakewood
After reading Jason Sheehan's review of La Sandía, I can't help but feel it was a bit unfair. It was very apparent that Mr. Sheehan is not a fan of Richard Sandoval. Regardless of his personal feelings for the man, the review of the actual restaurant (food, drinks, service) was so minute compared to the bashing of Richard Sandoval's business decisions. And as far as his assumptions as to how the chile poblano potatoes are prepared, that's irrelevant to the flavor, which he did not mention. Same goes for the shrimp quesadilla -- how did it taste? And what about the cocktails? Did he really review a Pacífico beer? I can't believe that the editor would allow such a personally biased review to be printed.
