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Letters
Housing ordinance too restrictive
The city of Cupertino plans to impose new home building and remodeling rules which are, in my opinion, severely restrictive. They are discussing limiting the total square footage of two-story homes, including the garage, to 35 percent of the lot area unless a committee, and neighbors agree to possibly allow up to 45 percent. The issues involved are extremely complex. Few of us want to live near a "monster house," but neither do we want excessive interference in our own future building plans. Also, if our home is part of a retirement or inheritance plan, we don't want lower property values (widely predicted to follow these rule changes).
Although public opinion on this issue has been divided, I always thought it mattered. After the last council meeting, I'm not so sure. Many citizens spoke about how the proposed rules would harm them, and one told of his property sale falling through because of buyer fears. Another man suggested keeping the existing 45 percent size limit but having an impartial committee of building professionals monitor design and style to minimize neighborhood impact.
With the notable exception of Michael Chang, councilmembers appeared to dismiss speakers' concerns. I believe that a year of public hearings, signed petitions and even Planning Commissioners' opinions have largely been ignored.
This is the most important issue facing Cupertino in many years. I think the residents should make the decision, not the council I propose that we either have an election or a scientific opinion poll conducted by an independent outside agency. Let's inform everyone of the alternatives and implications, then let them decide. The next council meeting is on Monday, March 15, 6:45 p.m., City Hall.
Linda Roy
Cupertino
Please, don't let one aberration define an entire community
Recent events, media coverage and letters to the editor have called into question the integrity and commitment of Homestead High School's faculty and staff. For 37 years, one hallmark of Homestead High School has been the total devotion of professional educators and staff to provide a quality education for the students who have attended, are attending and will attend Homestead. That hallmark remains. Parents have a right to expect no less. They entrust their children to this staff, which, in turn, takes this responsibility as a sacred trust. Homestead educators will continue to provide the safest of schools, a quality education and diverse programs for all students who attend this school.
Certainly our community has been rocked by recent events. In fact, our shock has been pervasive. The staff, like a family, expects total security in spite of a precarious world, but often a harsh reality awakens us to the need for even greater vigilance. The one positive fruit that can grow from this unfortunate situation is that we pledge even greater and more renewed dedication to provide a safe environment.
The media and some writers used faulty logic to assume that this one instance defines the whole or that certain conduct was condoned by the staff. This is and always will be false. We still have faith that the system has and will prevail; but that system relies on immediate, clear truths. The students who did come forward are our heroes. Evil often exists because of silence. We will listen even harder, so have your children speak to us loudly not to each other in whispers. We refuse to accept or condone any teacher, staff member, student or parent who uses a position of trust to harm another.
Thank you for your continued faith and support that has lasted for 37 years. Please do not allow one aberration to define a whole community.
58 Concerned Members
Homestead High School Staff
-Editor's note: This letter was accompanied by a form signed by each of the 58 teachers.
Make your voice heard: write to the post office
The mail was delivered tonight at 7:25 p.m.--and then only a small portion of our block received their mail. The service in Cupertino stinks! I telephoned the 800 number listed in the phone book and was advised that if enough letters are written to the Postmaster General, Cupertino could see an improvement in it's delivery ... the old story of the squeaky wheel getting the grease! Come on Cupertino, start squeaking! We deserve to have our mail delivered at a reasonable time and to the correct address on a regular basis! Address your letters to:
The Postmaster General 475 L'Enfant Plaza S.W. Washington, D.C. 20260-0010
Let's give it a try, something has to be done!
Christie Lafranconi
Cupertino
Traffic is terrible when Kennedy lets out
Every afternoon when Kennedy Junior High lets out, kids swarm across Bubb Road without allowing cars to go through. Sometimes drivers get impatient and bully their way through. Other times they just sit and wait and wait and wait! One afternoon we waited a long time for a cleaning, and just as soon as we started out from the stop sign, a girl on a bicycle dashed out in front of us. My husband is a very cautious driver, and slammed on the brakes to avoid her. I called the school office and reported the incident and strongly encouraged them to put an adult out at the corner to stop the flow of students from time to time. That suggestion was apparently ignored, because nothing has changed. Will they wait until a student is seriously injured or killed before they do something? With that situation, it is bound to happen one of these days. I hope someone does something before that happens!
Naomi Fleer
Cupertino
Clinton and Lamson: What's the difference?
Teacher Jeff Lamson took sexual liberties with some of his female student 'interns.' The girl were young, very impressionable and found themselves involved with a role model at Homestead High, a married man with a family. The deputy DA said that Mr. Lamson can deceive and convince well-educated people that he had done nothing wrong. (Now just where have I heard that before!) Ergo his long list of supporters including teachers, parents, friends, family and clergy. Even his wife 'stood by her man.' He was caught, he confessed to several sexual acts offenses and one witness-tampering offense, and was sentenced. Justice was done.
Would that that was the same result for the family man in the White House. No longer can we cover up the double standard in this country. If your name "rises" to the politically correct people like O.J. or Clinton, you can get away literally with murder or witness tampering or sex offenses or perjury or any combination thereof. Aren't we fortunate that Mr. Lamson did not try the Clinton defense--to lie.
R. Bowlby
Cupertino
Hamilton's response was heartfelt
In reference to the letter regarding the Lamson issue, written by Joe Hamilton, superintendent of Fremont Union High School: While I find that a great deal of our area's educational leaders have proven to me that the voucher system is a better choice, Joe Hamilton is one of the few exceptions. For anyone who read his letter of response to comments on Lamson, know that what Joe Hamilton states reflects his sincere and true feelings with complete honesty.
Bob Hendrickson
Cupertino
Hoornstra will return
After a three-month leave of absence, Jon Hoornstra will return on March 24. Please look for his column in the upcoming weeks on this page.
Correction
The proposed minutes of instructional time for next year's junior high school schedule should have been listed as 1,575 minutes per week. Hyde and Miller junior highs have a 1,750 minute school week. Kennedy Junior High has a 1,590 minute week. Cupertino Junior High students have 1,570 minutes per week. Students at Hyde and Miller stand to lose 175 minutes per week.
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
