When we first saw the utility box covered with weird, dripping paint at Broad and Pismo, we assumed it was graffiti. We waited for the city to paint over it. Only upon close examination did we realize it was done on purpose. So what do all the tourists who drive by that corner think? It looks like our neighborhood has been tagged.

For three years, some of the neighbors (including Peg Pinard) have been asking the city about this. Suddenly, out of the blue, New Times is on a campaign to ridicule our concerns. Why devote 2,000 words of vitriol against Peg and the neighbors (“The debate of public art in SLO,” March 19; “Shredder Stew,” Feb. 19)? I’m sure the artist has many personal friends who think his work is great. But this is public art in the wrong place.

You say the biker represents San Luis Obispo. What about the deer with the gunshot coming out of its chest? And your argument that we are wrong to say it is public art even though it was paid for by the public and in a public space doesn’t make sense at all.

Thank you, Peg, for voicing our concerns to the city these past years. And shame on you, New Times, for trying to mock a group of concerned residents. You normally have higher standards than this.

-- Mary Riley - San Luis Obispo