Mailbag: Fresh popcorn isn’t that important

I’m an employee of Pacific Theatres Glendale 18, and there was a letter published in your newspaper about the quality of our popcorn (“Theater skimps on facet of enjoyment,” Nov. 28).

Our popcorn is not day-old. Every morning we start with a clean popper. At 9:30 a.m., you could’ve seen me popping fresh popcorn. If there aren’t enough guests to warrant more, sometimes it’ll stay in our warmer.

I understand where you’re coming from, Derrick. Everyone loves fresh popcorn.

When I come to a movie, I would love to have a fresh batch popped specifically for me, or a designated popper with my name on it to ensure freshness. But that’s simply not efficient. And we mix fresh with not-so-fresh so everyone can experience the freshest popcorn. Popcorn tastes better when it sits and the salt and oil has had a chance to dry.

We as a society are a little too self-focused if popcorn is the only thing we’re talking about. We still have a war going on and kids starving in our country. Why don’t we change our perspectives, and enjoy the escape of a movie, availability of concessions, smiling employees, a beautiful theater, a gorgeous Americana at Brand and time spent with those you love. After all, isn’t that what going to the movies is all about?

SARAH PARDOE

Los Angeles

It’s a cruel season for homeless

The weather is getting colder and colder. It is a cruel season for homeless people (“Winter shelter reaches limit,” Dec. 30).

That they do not have their own sweet home, regular job and family might make them depressed. During the holiday season, many homeless people rush into shelters avoiding the cold. But because of the economic crisis, more families are coming to the shelter as visitors.

If this situation continues, they could lose their drive to get a regular job, and remain in homelessness. Providing meals and beds is good, but homeless people need other help. Therefore, the government has to put more effort to help homeless people get back on their feet.

I hope in the next year there are fewer homeless people who need shelter, and more ex-homeless people who have their own home, job and family so they can enjoy the holiday season.

HYEIN LEE

Tujunga

Sticking up for replacements