Education of the Modern Doctor: Marcus Welby vs. House 
Clarification
After last week’s editorial, “Port in a storm,” was published, Ron Powell, spokesperson for the Port of San Diego, asked us to clarify this sentence: “Two weeks ago, [the port and activists from the Navy Broadway Complex Coalition] emerged [from talks] with a tentative agreement to widen a linear park from hawthorne Street to Broadway and redesign the Lane Field project so that more of the property is dedicated to public open space.” We’ll let Powell’s own words do the trick:
“The Port committed to study the Navy Broadway Complex Coalition’s recommendation to create the linear park along with other suggestions from the public. The Port did not commit to build the 150-foot setback park. Secondly, the Port committed to engage in talks with the Lane Field developers to determine if the group would allow public open space on their project footprint. In truth, the Port of San Diego cannot commit property at Lane Field because it does not control the permit of the development group. Any redesign would have to come from the developers, who have a fully entitled project. All they are missing is financing.”
Can’t live without ’em
I really enjoyed reading Todd Kroviak’s “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays” column in the Aug. 18 edition of CityBeat. His piece was of particular relevance because, recently, I moved out of a 420-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment that I occupied for 12 years.
The cheap rent allowed me to replace a bulky LP collection abandoned in New York when I relocated to San Diego in January 1998. This economical music rejuvenation was done exclusively with compact discs, nearly all acquired second-hand.
Throughout my dozen years living in the “lunchbox,” I consistently cleaned out nonessentials to make room for necessities like oxygen. Questionable possessions were given the six-month rule; if I hadn’t worn or used it in six months out it went, except for CDs.
I agree, any time of the day I can tune into KGB and hear the popular hits of my favorite genre, classic rock. However, disposing of The Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet because I can hear “Sympathy for the Devil” on the radio would eliminate my ability to listen to the song “Jigsaw Puzzle” any time I desire. Or by selling Dylan’s Highway 61 Revisited for pennies because it contains “Like a Rolling Stone” takes away the pleasure I get listening to the 11-minute “Desolation Row,” reading the linear notes and being reminded that Al Kooper and Mike Bloomfield played on the album.
Not completely sold on this cyber world the new millennium has brought, I haven’t made the transition to keeping all my music on a computer or mp3 player. Until I do, I’ll continue to revel in my ability to program any song I want to hear simply by pushing a few buttons and not having to go to the record player to line up the needle every time I long for a non-commercial classic.
Gerald Vanderpot, North Park
Waterfront greed
About your Aug. 18 editorial regarding efforts to beautify the waterfront: Looks like we’ll get another project that is again focused on revenue while ignoring environmental, community and creative opportunities for building a truly magnetic public space. San Diego once again proves its ability to promote commercial interests that give passing recognition to art and ambiance. Our public spaces need to reflect the beauty of this marine climate and bicultural locale instead of corporate greed that drains character and meaning.
Steve Rabkin, Bankers Hill
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