I'm writing to ask that Pacific Northwest magazine feature charity profiles next to all the houses of greedy rich people. It's fun to dream about "Northwest Living" that consists of $3 million homes and $20,000 stoves, but presenting that in a vacuum lends it an air of acceptability. The juxtaposition of what money can buy in a charity versus what unchecked consumption can buy in a house may even persuade a few people to spend more in their United Way campaign and less on their remodel.

Such a change in focus is particularly warranted, given the current economic situation Seattle finds itself in. Unbiased resources evaluating local charities are hard to come by, and many people are understandably skeptical of the effectiveness and cost structures of these places. By critically evaluating these charities, The Times would be doing the community a great service. Maybe the new section could be named "Northwest Living and Giving."

— Eric Fisk, Seattle

Fair city no more

I grew up in Seattle from 1945-1957 (went to college in another state), came back in 1959-1962, married here and then moved to Oregon. Since my parents still lived here I visited often. I didn't see too many big changes until the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. I was impressed with what had happened. But, unfortunately, once the fair ended that is where many changes ended. The freeways stayed the same, downtown didn't change much, the Viaduct wasn't updated, etc.

By the time I moved back again in 1994, I was dismayed at the Seattle that is now. The freeways are the same and more congested, the streets are in bad repair; apparently, city monies have gone to social causes rather than keeping the city in good repair. I have become very disappointed in Seattle. It has lost its vision. Sure it was a hotbed for high-tech and Boeing, but look where that has led us. This city is so difficult to move around in that I rarely go downtown to shop or to attend cultural events. I miss the ease I had in Portland, Ore.

Many of these complaints and more are causing my husband and me to move out of the city. We are going to Anacortes where the simpler life still prevails. We like to jump in the car at a moment's notice and take off to events, different areas, to see quiet places in nature, places that are hard to get to while living in Seattle.

I am not optimistic when it comes to Seattle's future, what with constant initiatives being written to wake up politicians who aren't doing what they were elected to do, with the lack of planning for highways and roads, with Sound Transit being pushed down our throats when so few people want it, etc., etc.

I could go on and on about the problems here but I don't have many solutions. My husband and I are in our 60s now, volunteered a lot of our time when we were younger, and now want to live in a quieter place with not so many problems. Maybe we are running away, but the way things look now, what can anyone do without the help of those in Power?

— Sandy Berlin, Seattle

(Editor's Note: More letters in reaction to our ongoing series on growth and the future can be found at www.seattletimes.com/pacificnw/thebigsqueeze).

Hip to the Spin Man

I thoroughly enjoyed reading John Zebrowski's profile of KEXP's John Richards ("Spin Man," Jan. 5). John's morning show is, frankly, the only reason I turn on the radio in the morning. I think it important to note, however, that not all of John's listeners can be lumped into a category of unhygienic, so-called "hipsters." Those of us I know are actually reasonably well-dressed with professional careers. We're just as varied as the music that John, bless him, plays. And, trust me, I'm anything but hip. God, I hope so.
— Jim Morris, Seattle

A favorite critic, too

Nancy Leson's "favorites" restaurant list was a winner (Dining Out, Nov. 17). You had a wonderful assemblage of restaurants, not just the celebrity chefs or million-dollar-interiors joints. I especially appreciate the number of restaurants in your list that are sometimes, rather condescendingly, referred to as "ethnic." We have a luxury of variety in Seattle, and I for one can't eat out often enough to take advantage of it!

I try to read Leson's reviews and column when I have a chance, and like what you have to say (although I admit to being bemused by the occasional reference to Beppo's ‹ cartoon food in my humble opinion). Keep up the good work (and don't worry about the "stars" rating system ‹ real foodies don't pay attention to that oversimplification).