Letters

VOICES FROM THE DEAN TEAM

In “Yellowcake Rising” [July 18–24], John Powers rightly criticizes Democrats for showing up late to the anti-war game, but then appears to quote Howard Dean as an example of this. In fact, Dean alone was criticizing Bush’s war back when it (should have) counted — before we invaded Iraq. Dean said on February 7, 2003, “I firmly believe that the president is focusing our diplomats, our military, our intelligence agencies and even our people on the wrong war, at the wrong time, when our energy and our resources should be marshaled for the greatest threats we face.”

As a longtime Dean supporter, I’m glad the other Dems are finally “discovering” Bush’s lies. But my boy demonstrated his bullshit detector long ago.

—Damian Carroll
Sherman Oaks

John Powers’ coverage of the once-cowering congressional Democrats now suddenly emboldened in the face of Mr. Bush’s arrogant and stupid “guerrilla war” (and that’s quoting one of his generals, not his secretary of defense) was truthful and accurate. As for Howard Dean, it should be noted that he is no Johnny Come Lately to the anti–Johnny Got His Gun crowd. In fact, the meteoric rise of Dean’s popularity is precisely because he stood against the war, and not — à la Mr. Kerry and Mr. Lieberman — against war after hypocritically voting for it. Mr. Dean calls for Mr. Bush to be accountable. Will the media now rise to the occasion, or will they once more be Mr. Bush’s passive flunkies?

—Dave Coleman
Van Nuys

THE GOOD OLD NEW BEVERLY

Paul Cullum’s piece on the New Beverly Cinema [“The Last Picture Show,” July 18–24] is an urgent alarm for the Los Angeles film community. Cheers to Cullum, Julien Nitzberg and owner Sherman Torgan for getting the word out before it’s too late.

The New Beverly is more valuable to the L.A. area than the well-funded museums and film schools simply because the price of admission is low enough for everyone to enjoy its offerings. If it closes, then thousands will never get to laugh at the Marx Brothers alongside giggling 10-year-olds, will never drop a flask in the dark during The Third Man, will never be able to ditch class to see a Peter Sellers double bill. The loss of the New Beverly would render extinct the precious ritual of seeing classic movies in public.

Where are the millionaires and corporate sponsorships when they’re actually needed? If the big bucks don’t come through, we need a massive outpouring of grassroots assistance. I urge all members of the philanthropy class to skip the radio pledge drive this year and divert some money to a real public service that is in danger of closing down.

And to all my young peers: Don’t buy it on DVD. See it at the New Bev.

—James Adomian
Long Beach

The New Beverly Cinema has been my celluloid nepenthe since I moved back to SoCal in 1996. I know of no other flick house in the U.S. that comes close to the New Bev. A hearty thanks to Los Angeles cine-geek know-it-all Paul Cullum for inking the article.

—Emmy Collins
Pearblossom

Although every word Paul Cullum wrote about Sherman Torgan was right on target, he overlooked one salient point: Adherence to the schedule is a religion to Torgan. In all the decades I’ve been patronizing the New Beverly, I have never walked in on the wrong half of the bill or had to twiddle my thumbs for 20 minutes or more waiting for the film to begin. For that, I’d say Torgan deserves a special Oscar, and I’m sure lots of other movie buffs/regular attendees are just as appreciative of his track record as I am.

—David R. Moss
Los Angeles

DON’T FORGET THE PANANG CURRY

Re: Jonathan Gold’s “Fajita Pitas, Octopus Tacos and the Birth of California Cuisine” [July 18–24]. This is my childhood! How many kids at the age of 14 are taken to lunch at Ma Maison? I’ve eaten at every single restaurant on this list. I celebrated my 21st birthday at Angeli Caffe. I still remember the John Dory with vanilla sauce I had at Fennel. And I think we would all agree that the noisiest restaurant we’ve ever been to was John Sedlar’s Saint Estephe in the Santa Monica shopping mall. I will cherish this article.

—Nancy Rowe
Burlingame

While I am a longtime fan of Jonathan Gold and am always awestruck by the eclectic range of his palate, I was surprised that in his very comprehensive coverage of the 25 most significant developments in eating in L.A., he left out one that I know is near and dear to his heart — the evolution of Los Angeles as (arguably) the best place to eat Thai food outside of Bangkok! Twenty-five years ago, there were only Chao Praya and the Tepparod to satisfy a craving for pad Thai and satay.

“Little Thailand” on a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard has been admirably reviewed by Jonathan, whose support and encouragement have undoubtedly added to the development of first-rate restaurants throughout the city, where the fare is not only “authentic” but wide-ranging. And it was Jonathan who first brought to my attention the fabulous entertainment provided by the “Thai Elvis” (who is actually Filipino).