Arcata Omissions

As executive director of Arcata Mainstreet (a nonprofit group that promotes downtown development), I don’t feel that you gave the whole picture of the Arcata experience in the “Adventures in Logland” article (Aug. 16). Although it was a quick stop on the way to the airport, you might have had a chance to see and write about:

* Arcata Marsh, a world-class wildlife habitat that is an important stopover in the Pacific Flyway, in conjunction with the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

* Humboldt State University, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful campuses in the Cal State system.

* Arcata Forest, a hiking, picnicking, cycling and jogging experience, with favorite surfing beaches.

* Arcata Plaza, the center of town since the early 1850s and the site for many activities, including a farmer’s market every Saturday from April through November, with live entertainment and organic produce.

We are also the only city in America with a majority Green Party council.

PAUL REX, Arcata

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Thanks for your article on Northern California. The pictures of the Gingerbread Mansion and the gumdrop trees in Ferndale brought back memories of my childhood, when I spent most of my summers in that small town. Earthquakes are a part of life in that region, and I knew that even the 1992 quakes would not keep Ferndale down for long.

MARY SHELTON, Riverside