No Sympathy for Trader Joe's and Anchovies, Anyone

January 15, 2002

Dear Editor:

Recently, Kelly Olsen has been receiving some criticism from a few folks concerning his uncovering of Trader Joe's attempt to circumvent local zoning codes in its attempt to build a new store on Wilshire. In my opinion, this criticism is wholly undeserved.
Kelly, as well as the Planning Commisssion as a whole, should be commended.

I recall the Planning Commission we had in Santa Monica 10 years ago every time I have to contend with the consequences of the overly dense commercial development that they routinely approved over the forceful objections of the surrounding neighborhood and other Santa Monica residents. I find it refreshing to have a conscientious commission that is so sensitive to neighborhood issues like density, parking, noise and traffic.

As for Trader Joe's, I am unsympathetic. In my opinion, Trader Joe's adds nothing to this community. One particularly galling incident that I witnessed ocurred when Santa Monica residents attempted to obtain signatures in Trader Joe's Pico Blvd. parking lot in connection with a local initiative, only to be photographed by store management and threatened with arrest dispite the fact that the signature gatherers were friendly, polite and Constitutionally protected.

In northern California, Trader Joe's has gone so far as to seek injunctions and restraining orders against such people. I don't always agree with the initiatives on the ballot, but I feel little sympathy for anyone that treats people like that.
So which of the two really cares about the community? I say "Kelly".

Bob Seldon
Santa Monica

January 12, 2002

Dear Editor,

(Re: "Follow the Anchovies," WHAT I SAY, January 11)

I am another person that always has anchovies in the pantry or refrigerator. Below is one of my favorite anchovy recipes that you might enjoy. It is a spread that is loaded with fats so it is not part of my regular healthy diet, but more as a company treat. Is there something strange about our clogging our guests arteries with cholesterol? Have to think about that for a bit.

Through experience, I have learned not to tell anyone there are anchovies in this dish before they taste it and are already hooked. My (Austrian) mom called the spread Liptaur and said it was either Austrian or Hungarian in origin. The amounts of all ingredients are approximate and all are "to taste" so it can be stronger or milder depending on your preference.

1. cream together:

• equal parts soft butter and cream cheese. (8 oz. of each provides a good company amount of spread)
  

2. add:

• app. 1 TBS (or more) of strong mustard (brown deli-type mustard without seeds)
• app. three anchovy fillets (or 2 TBS anchovy paste)
• app. 1 to 1 1/2 tsp finely chopped onion
• app. 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. paprika
  

You can dust the top with an extra sprinkling of paprika and circle the rim of the spread with some finely chopped flat leafed parsley -- for a company presentation.