Insensitive Review
Dear Editor,
I’ve been a resident of Austin since 1989 and even got my first published artwork on the Back Page of the Chronicle in 2004! I’ve been a longtime reader, huge fan of Jim Hightower’s pieces. Huge fan. But I’m very disappointed in the recent article that was published titled “East Asian Eats and Horrifying Parking at the Crescent” [Food Reviews, Oct. 16]. It was insensitive and borderline playing on Asian stereotypes. Please have an editor review or have more staff with cultural background or expand your freelance list next time.
Best, Lizzie
Editor Kim Jones responds: We heard from a lot of our readers about the most recent Strip Club highlighting the Crescent, and we realize that we missed the mark badly here. We very much regret any offense caused. Thanks for calling us out on it.
Not a Sideshow
Dear Editor,
Beast fragments, references to U.S.-created wars, and complaints about parking – as if that’s not just America at large. I’m white Italian and Jewish. Next time this guy can instead visit our delis and complain about pork cheeks (guanciale) and stuffed beef intestines (stuffed derma). All manner of beast fragments, giblets, and paws to be had there too. [Taylor Holland’s] culture may have voluntarily erased their own collective identity but that doesn’t mean other cultures are a sideshow to be gawked at.
Anthony Lusardi
Thumbs Down for Council
Dear Editor,
I attended the October 23 City Council meeting, and left discouraged. It became clear that Austin’s public process is no longer truly democratic. The council may invite testimony, but decisions appear to be made long before residents speak. Citizens invest their time to participate, only to be met with polite disregard.
The convention center expansion highlights the problem. This project benefits well-connected lobbyists, hoteliers, and developers while leaving taxpayers to shoulder the long-term debt. Council members call it “economic growth,” but the public has repeatedly asked for transparency and fiscal restraint. The council has not produced a budget or design plan.
Public testimony should matter, not serve as a procedural checkbox. When leaders stop listening, they stop representing. Austin deserves a council that puts citizens first, not special interests.
Laura Templeton
Former Downtown Commissioner
SNAP Chat
Dear Editor,
This year, the government has managed to find money for billionaire tax breaks, ostentatious ballrooms, weapons of war, and private planes, but somehow, we struggle to find $6/day to feed hungry kids. That says something about the priorities of Sens. Cornyn and Cruz, and it’s not flattering.
According to independent foundations, SNAP is one of the most effective programs we have to reduce hunger and alleviate childhood poverty. It keeps children focused in school, helps parents bridge hard times, and strengthens our communities. The GOP Congress’ plans to cut SNAP for political revenge will jeopardize the health of 1.7 million children in Texas.
Childhood hunger isn’t partisan. It’s not urban or rural, left or right. Lawmakers should stop using SNAP as a bargaining chip and start treating food as the basic necessity it is. I implore Secretary Rollins to restore funding to SNAP. Texas kids deserve better.
Sincerely,
Natasha Marwah
Search Bar
Dear Editor,
Thanks for your informative article “Austin Bars That Offer More Than Booze,” (Oct. 24, pp. 20-22). I’d like to try them out. Why the heck didn’t you include their addresses?!!
Bill Meacham
This article appears in October 31 • 2025.