Despite allegations of predatory lending against Wells Fargo Financial, a subprime mortgage lending subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) approved Wells Fargo's takeover of Pacific Northwest Bancorp last week. DFI, however, indicated it had "serious concerns" with WFF's lending practices, and has asked the Federal Reserve Board to look into claims brought to light by low-income activist group ACORN ["All's Not Well," Sandeep Kaushik, July 24]. SANDEEP KAUSHIK

Police Win

Last week, The Stranger reported that citizens had little access to cop car video footage, unless there's a civil or criminal suit underway (i.e., a citizen is suing, or being prosecuted). If you want to see a tape starring you because you're considering filing a complaint, you're pretty much out of luck ["Lost Footage," Amy Jenniges, July 24].

A report presented to city council on July 16, however, says cops can request copies of the tapes for "training, evidentiary review, or in anticipation of a complaint." In other words, prior to a complaint, cops can look at the tape, but you can't. AMY JENNIGES

Nicastro Panders

In a stunning display of political courage, Seattle City Council Member Judy Nicastro has come out of the closet as pro-choice. In a July 10 fundraising letter, Nicastro implored supporters to "support those who have fought for choice."

"As a strong pro-choice council member," the letter says, "I am now faced with three opponents. All untested. Not incidentally, all men. Sit back and we may see an onslaught of anti-choice politicians."

(Campaign manager Jenn Forbes says the letter is a reference to challenger Robert Rosencrantz, who has gotten endorsements, according to the letter, "from politicians who do not have pro-choice records." Forbes did not know which politicians the letter referred to.)

As a daring pro-choice politician Nicastro has sponsored a proclamation recognizing the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, and she held a forum on the decision's 30th anniversary. And, perhaps most importantly, she has a uterus. ERICA C. BARNETT

Nickels Fails

On Friday, July 25, more than 30 members from the People's Coalition for Justice treated the new municipal building to its first protest. After trying to present the mayor with a "report card" grading his performance on police/minority issues (he got all F's), the protesters staged an unflattering mock interview in council member Nick Licata's office starring a Nickels impersonator. A sympathetic Licata told the crowd he "wouldn't want to bring those grades home to mother." AARON JENKINS