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Letters
Viewfinders document diverse racial landscape
Little known by the community at large is that a small group of videographers, known as the Viewfinders, is working with the 5Cs in producing a documentary on the ethnic revolution going on within Cupertino--a step in promoting a better understanding of the human landscape evolving within this once strongly agricultural town. Everything from cultural values, education, family traditions and the resulting impact of technology is being preserved for viewing over the city cable channel.
Controversial? Perhaps, but that's what makes Cupertino such a great place to live, for it becomes a venue where shared concepts, ideals and aspirations become a source of fusion for greater respect and understanding. I take my hat off to the Viewfinders.
Irvin H. Webster
Cupertino
Second-story add-on dwarfs residences
We watched the Fourth of July fireworks from our home, hoping this will not be the last year we see them. A neighbor started a massive second-story addition which dwarfs surrounding residences, deprives us of privacy, blocks the sun, which provides light and heats our pool, decreases property values and obscures our view of the foothills that we have enjoyed for 16 years.
This addition started mysteriously. No neighbors were notified. Before the second story was started, we questioned the city about this project. Work was stopped for a week and allowed to resume. The Planning Office told us there were no laws requiring a review of additions in duplex neighborhoods.
We were limited to negotiating landscape issues until we discovered the ordinances which required an Architectural and Site Review. In the interim, the Chiehs framed about half of the second story.
We quested the proximity of the addition. A survey showed it was too close. Two Planning Commission hearings produced little change even though 106 neighbors signed a petition against this addition. Neighbors suggested that the Chiehs enlarge their first story instead of adding a second story. They declined. The Planning Commission Chairman recommended the second story be reduced in size and hidden.
We feel that the neighborhood's rights have not been given the same consideration as the Chiehs' desires. Does the city want to increase the population density by encouraging second story additions regardless of the circumstances? Neighboring cities have denied second story additions. Why is Cupertino different?
Nancy and Henry Adelman
Cupertino
A thank-you to those good Samaritans
On Wednesday, July 7, my Ford Tempo had a sudden death at 3:30 p.m. at the left-turn lane, De Anza and Rodrigues. With me was an 83-year-old lady who has Parkinson's and requires a walker. Many good Samaritans came to my aid and, though I don't know their names, I wish to publicly thank them. One gentleman dashed into the Wells Fargo Bank and called AAA, telling them to put a rush on it. Another one held back the two oncoming lanes of traffic so that I could get the walker and my passenger out of the car and safely across the street. The first gentleman stayed with my friend and watched for the tow truck while I went into the bank to call home. Wells Fargo employees generously allowed usage of their phone. One customer offered a ride to my friend and I. These people were all wonderful, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. They more than made up for the many who impatiently tooted their horns, even though my flashers were operating.
Barbara Gil
San Jose
Tobacco trial: Who is responsible?
San Jose Mercury's Opinion page (7/14/99) had an article "Share the blame in the tobacco trial" stating responsibility falls on smokers and manufacturers. But the article doesn't lay any blame on the tobacco farmers that grow it or the government that subsidizes tobacco growing, and I wonder why?
Tony Di Leonardo
Sunnyvale
Baby ferret cause of terror, nightmares
I don't think we should allow ferrets in this state. I'm a 10-year-old girl and I've had experience with a ferret.
One night my dog saw a baby ferret. It was out in our patio. When everyone was trying to see where it went (except for me), it ran into the house where I was standing. I turned around and screamed bloody murder. After that night my mom had to sleep with me for three nights.
So, I don't think we should have ferrets because they can be vicious, they aren't that good around other animals, they can escape real easily, and they scare me.
Ricki Nicholls
San Jose
Images during a West Valley stroll
Local tourist afoot...On a morning walk the cool air feels good on my face. Along the way there are home gardens, suburban scenery to see. Pausing, I breathe deeply, enjoying the perfumes of jasmine and roses, a lemon tree and other fragrances. There on a stretch of sidewalk are some colorful chalk drawings by small artists. At another address, fallen tree blossoms of purple hue carpet my way. In the trees there is a gathering of birds peeping, chirping and warbling to the skies. (My feet are warmed now, moving.) Reaching Washington Park, I see the familiar grove of sturdy and graceful trees, spreading oaks and tall redwoods. I navigate curved pebbly pathways alongside green sunlit meadows. I rest awhile to drink cool water from the park fountain. Small delights are grand. Refreshed, I head for home.
Robert Thoen
Sunnyvale
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Cupertino, California Since 1947
