‘Printing and Getting That Shit on the Newsstand on Christmas Eve Is Pretty Low, Even for You’
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OUT IN THE OPEN
As a fellow church musician, I can empathize with Bob Gunn and the pain he has been through [Gustavo Arellano’s “Out of Tune,” Dec. 19]. Mr. Gunn is probably one of the most talented church musicians in America. It is a choice, though, to either hide one’s sexuality when working with and for evangelicals who are still homophobes, or work within the ranks of open and affirming congregations and denominations such as Methodist, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, or Church of Religious Science. Thank God for organizations such as soulforce.org, who are trying to educate misinformed church denominations. The risk of being outed is always present, and there are senior pastors, music directors and church musicians hiding in huge closets worldwide. This is nothing new. God is ultimately the final judge, and someday the accounting ledgers will be justified. Until that time, educating church leaders on appropriate ways to handle delicate issues surrounding terminations would be a start. To defame an employee from the pulpit just doesn’t make sense and is wrong—period—during or after the fact.
When these elements are connected to any religious organization, the ramifications are always hurtful and can result in a catastrophe if not handled swiftly and professionally. Often, ministers will exploit the creativity of gay and lesbian people and allow them to operate in the closet—this is also wrong. I have no doubt that Kenton Beshore and other members of the staff and board at Mariners Church either sensed or knew Mr. Gunn was not a heterosexual, but they exploited him for his talent and ability for many years, and when someone chose to out him—the game was over. There are many issues here, very complex, with very sad outcomes. I appreciate OC Weekly for bringing out this situation, and may it be a lesson for all concerned.
Art Scott, Aliso Viejo, via ocweekly.com
COVER ME!
So, how exactly does the cover drawing of the ex-chief and the two Debs (nice job on Hoffman and Sheriff Mike, by the way—horrible likeness of Mrs. C) tie in with your “Best Movies of 2008” article [Dec. 26]? Are you that desperate to flaunt the depths of your hatred for the guy? Printing and getting that shit on the newsstand on Christmas Eve is pretty low, even for you.
Ken, Anaheim, via ocweekly.com
DIRTY WORK
Good piece [Jim Ridley’s “The Sound of One Audience Member Clapping,” Dec. 26]. It’s nice to see filmmakers not whining about how people won’t do things for them and instead actually taking on the work themselves.
Price Jaccobi, Santa Ana, via ocweekly.com
BONES TO PICK
Man, I hate that Catholic “everyone is picking on us” defensiveness [Matt Coker’s “Grave Situation,” Dec. 26]. Mission San Juan Capistrano messed up. David Belardes called them on it. The city caved because all the rich, powerful people go to the mission and Anthony Rivera loves the spot because the mission supports his bid over Belardes’.
South OC Resident, San Juan Capistrano, via ocweekly.com
[SOMETHING ENDING IN -IZZLE GOES HERE]
This is a great article [Ryan Ritchie’s “Snoop, There It Is,” Dec. 26]. I share much of the same love of ol’ Snoop-a-loop and his show. Yes, it’s a reality show, but it depicts the family side of him. It makes Snoop seem that much more like a real person.
Gabrielle, Westwood, via ocweekly.com
I hate rap music, but I love Snoop’s reality show. He’s got such a down-to-earth family.
Judith, Orange, via ocweekly.com
DOOBIE? DOOBIE?
You seem to have a vendetta against people who just want to make some chilled-out music to vibe to [Ben Westhoff’s “Lowbrow Bros,” Dec. 26]. I know a lot of people whose lives revolve around money, hookers and blow. These guys—Shwayze, Cisco Adler and Skeet Skeet—aren’t the worst influences. Maybe you should get off the blow and write something positive. Hey, maybe even smoke a doobie now and then.
Wow, Malibu, via ocweekly.com
SOMETHING FISHY—AND FANTASTIC
As usual, OC Weekly has found another diamond in the rough [Edwin Goei’s “Secretary of Aquaculture,” Dec. 26]. Mariscos Puerto Esperanza has it all. Friendly, clean, warm and welcoming, nice atmosphere, plenty of parking, and easy to get to. The food was fresh, with great plate presentation, excellent service, hearty portions and very reasonable prices. I find great suggestions for food, drink and entertainment in the OC Weekly, and I will drive from Irvine to LA or San Diego and all points in between for a good meal. This place really was a hit! Please keep ’em coming.
CP Hollander, Irvine, via ocweekly.com
