Elvin Bishop, not Stephen

Diet data disputed

I recently read your article, (“What Gets Lost in a Road Diet”, Cover Story, May 30, 2024) in the San Diego Reader. I appreciate the effort you put into exploring the complex issue of road diets and their impact on urban communities. However, I noticed a few points that I believe are contrary to scientific evidence and would like to offer some feedback for your consideration.

1. Climate change concerns: the critique of road diets as a “misguided war on cars fueled by climate change concerns” overlooks the broader benefits of promoting alternative transportation. Encouraging biking and walking not only addresses environmental goals but also public health. According to the American Public Health Association, increased active transportation can lead to significant health benefits, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and improving overall community well-being.

2. Impact on traffic congestion: The article implies that road diets contribute to increased traffic congestion and frustration among drivers. However, evidence from cities that have implemented road diets indicates that they often maintain or even improve traffic flow. For instance, a study by the Federal Highway Administration found that roads with reduced lanes can accommodate similar traffic volumes with fewer conflicts and delays, thanks to better organization and reduced speeding.

3. Safety and head-on collisions: in the article, it is mentioned that residents feared a rash of head-on collisions following then implementation of advisory bike lanes on Gold Coast Drive. While concerns about safety are valid, multiple studies have shown that road diets generally result in a reduction in crash rates. According to the Federal Highway Administration, road diets can reduce overall collisions by 19-47% by calming traffic and making roads safer for all users.

I hope you find this information helpful. Road diets are indeed a topic of debate, but it is crucial to consider the comprehensive research and data supporting their benefits. Thank you for shedding light on this important subject, and I look forward to reading more of your work.

Joe Ippolito

Serra Mesa

Belushi vs. Bishop blooper

I think you got your Bishops mixed up (“Elvin Bishop at the Belly Up”, Live Five, June 13, 2024). Stephen Bishop is the one from San Diego who got his guitar bashed by John Belushi. Elvin had the hit song “Fooled Around and Fell in Love”. The other two songs mentioned were by Stephen. Otherwise love reading the Reader every week.

John R.

Chula Vista-Eastlake

Even Sanford nods

Jay Allen Sanford’s Live Five is misinformation (“Elvin Bishop at the Belly Up”, Live Five, June 13, 2024). Elvin Bishop doesn’t sing, he just plays guitar. Steven Bishop was playing acoustic guitar in Animal House and his hits are “On and On” and “Save it for a Rainy Day.” Not Elvin Bishop. Please check Mr. Sanford’s certificate for music knowledge. As a Baby Boomer, everyone knows the difference between Steven and Elvin. Rookie move, Mr. Sanford.

Peter Charest

San Diego

It’s “Stephen Bishop,” not “Steven Bishop.” But thank you for your kind attention in this matter. — Ed.

Blast from the past

No news isn’t good news if its to maintain access to philanthropic donations alleged to be a “war-chest of jewels” courtesy of the Gildred Foundation (“Tom Gildred’s Wife Carolina, Goes to NY Courts”, City Lights, July 26, 2017). The San Diego Reader insists on publishing a one-sided story, optimizing online prints of an expired one-sided story and lack of coverage of up and coming news reports as long as it is not focused on butter-cupping the names involved.

The San Diego Reader in its reporting of Tom’s alleged unethical conduct is focused only on a 2017 lawsuit in New York, Gildred v Foster, instead of the current lawsuit in San Diego Superior Court: Foster vs Gildred. It is fear to state this is a form of unethical journalism standards for the reasons: constantly glossing over Tom Gildred’s alleged misdeeds.

This letter to the editor requests that the San Diego Reader stops recycling lies, and focuses more intently on obtaining the truth.

Michael Foster

Rancho Santa Fe

The San Diego Reader article in quesiion focuses on the 2017 lawsuit and not the more recent lawsuit because it was written in 2017. The Editor is not aware of any mention of Tom Gildred since then. — Ed.