Dear editor,

Erica Ahmann’s commentary regarding the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act raises interesting issues, but nothing that should prevent anyone from supporting this common sense animal welfare reform (“Questioning the concerns on farm animal cruelty,” Feb. 10).

Ms. Ahmann refers only to the beef industry, but this initiative doesn’t deal with the beef industry at all. It only deals with the most cruel and inhumane confinement practices associated with the egg, pork and veal industries.

This act — which voters will hopefully get a chance to vote for in November — could hardly be more moderate. All it requires is that certain farm animals be given enough space simply to turn around and extend their limbs. It really is that basic. Unfortunately, there are millions of egg-laying hens and thousands of pigs confined on factory farms in our state who are caged so restrictively, they can barely move at all for months on end. By passing this initiative, we can meaningfully reduce these animals’ misery.

Anyone wishing to learn more can visit HumaneCalifornia.org.

Michael Christophel

Napa

Help for

veterans’ kids

Dear editor,

Children of veterans with a disability that is considered to be “service-connected” by the Department of Veterans Affairs (“The VA”) may qualify for waiver of tuition and other statewide fees at any state community college, state college and even state university.

The veteran does not need to be in receipt of compensation — a “zero percent rating” is sufficient to qualify. A zero percent rating can often be granted for something as simple as hearing loss caused by military service or even a scar received during military service.

Eligibility is based on the previous year’s income of the student. For the current academic year (2007-2008), the student’s income for calendar year 2006 may not have exceeded $10,488. For students enrolling in the fall 2008 semester, the maximum income for calendar year 2007 is $10,787.

This waiver could also apply to spouses and children of veterans with a 100 percent disability rating, or who died from a service-connected illness or injury. In this case, there are no income limits, but age limits do apply for the children of the veteran.

For further information and an application, please call 253-6072 or send an e-mail to vets@napavets.com.

The Napa County Veterans Service Office can also help veterans and their dependents apply for VA and other federal, state and local benefits.

Patrick J. Jolly

Napa County Veterans Service Officer

Standing by

Whole Foods

Dear editor,

I was happy to know that the Napa County food facility inspection took place, report dated Jan. 31. But I was very disappointed that the Register sensationalized the report. I have been to the Whole Foods Market five times — twice for lunch, once to look around, and twice to purchase some items. As the article’s last sentence states, “The Bel Aire Plaza store opened on Jan. 16 to intense local anticipation,” the store had been opened for a mere 16 days from the time the report was dated. Would it not have been the fair thing to do to have waited until the next report was issued before writing an article?

And, to know that the author of the article is listed as a business writer, the author should know that new businesses sometimes open with some kinks that they quickly address! I believe that the proper procedure should have been for the report to have been given to the management of Whole Foods without any public fuss, and the management would have attended to the matter quickly, as they have proven to. I will continue to visit the market with confidence, and I am sure that I am not alone!

Armando Garcia

Napa