Letters & Shout-outs (Jan. 16, 2015)

Letter: AT&T trying to shut down unprofitable landlines with poor maintenance
Editor,
The article about AT&T not repairing damaged landlines sparks several comments:
Since when do landlines go out during storms? Mine never have, no matter how windy.
AT&T can’t repair them “due to continued inclement weather.” What inclement weather? It’s been sunny since that storm.
They offer to forward landline calls to another number, even though many have no cell phones or live in areas with incomplete or no cell coverage. Or just plain don’t want expensive cell “service” with a lot of features they won’t use, and complicated contracts that leave customers with no rights.
Our local district attorney’s office refers customers to the California Public Utilities Commission. That’s protocol, and I’d do it if my landlines were out, but it’s probably useless. The CPUC has proven itself completely corrupt, at least in its “oversight” of PG&E.
Personally, I’d also be contacting the state D.A.’s office since they’re in charge of the CPUC.
A May 27 article on The Utility Reform Network’s website (http://turn.org/issues/telecom/item/755-verizon-att-leaving-landline-phone-networks-to-rot-complaint-says.html) quotes a letter from several consumer organizations saying AT&T and Verizon are trying to shut down unprofitable landlines by neglecting them and forcing customers to switch.
Looks like we’re their latest victims.
Ann Thryft, Boulder Creek
Letter: Alternative to Weight Watchers available to local residents
Editor,
I understand the outrage of the Weight Watchers members who now have to travel to Capitola for their weekly meeting.
Unfortunately, when you are in business the dollar is the bottom line and it is the basis for remaining in business or not. Weight Watchers is a business.
There is an alternative — TOPS. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a non-profit weight-loss program in existence for over 100 years.
The members are encouraged to learn about healthy eating, a healthy lifestyle, and are supported in their quest for losing pounds.
This is truly a group of people who want the best for each other. It is inexpensive, the Felton club is only $2 per month. It takes an hour or less of a day one time a week. They “weigh in” from 8:30 to 10 a.m. every Wednesday morning.
Program meeting time begins at 10 a.m. and is over in one hour. Everyone is welcome. There are both male and female members.
The meeting is at the Felton Fire Protection building at 131 Kirby Street. So “outraged” weight watchers, give the “alternative” a try.
Pearl Sanborn, Ben Lomond
Letter: Diversity has always been a major part of Intel
Editor,
I have to chuckle at the current brouhaha about Intel’s diversity issue.
From what I remember, in 1970, in the old Union Carbide building on Middlefield Road, this was mostly the make-up of the engineering and design staff in the front of the building: the women included three Americans, one German, one Dutch (me), one Japanese, and one Hispanic. The men included two Hungarians, two Americans, one Israeli, one Italian, one Chinese, and one engineer straight from Japan. This was our team — in those pre-politically correct days; we jokingly called it World War III.
Intel was built on diversity. It was a fascinating place to work. And we changed the world.
Julie Hendriks, Boulder Creek
Letter: Reserved seating removes joy from moviegoing
Editor,                                                                        
I agree with a letter that was sent into the Press-Banner.
Scotts Valley Cinelux and Santa Cruz Cinema 9 are taking the enjoyment out of moviegoing. I refuse to go to any movie theater that I have to pick out my seat in advance.
Who could I be sitting next to? People who do not bathe, too tall to see over, talking et cetera.
This needs to change. I am not alone. Please understand you will not see any of my money.
Change is always needed in life, but sometimes it is wrong to think only of your corporate issues and not the patrons.
Mike Smith, Boulder Creek