Why is the city council presently so worried that passage of the dreaded Measures A, B and C will limit retail revenue any more than the council itself has done over the past 20 or so years?

Sure, maybe the current council didn't institute the business sign rules, but they haven't rescinded them, either.

What business wants to come here if it's going to be limited to one sign only and myriad rules about the size, color, placement and lighting of said sign?

Good grief, who even knew we had a mall here when the only signs say, "Vallco Fashion Park," and all of them are so small as to be insignificant, except the too-tall one on Interstate 280?

It's too bad, too, because Vallco Mall was a perfectly delightful place to shop and quite unique with its enclosed bridge over Wolfe Road.

It just might have a future if the city council can be persuaded to believe in advertising. Successful retail depends on it, regardless of which initiatives pass and which fail.

M.R. Bell

Cupertino

Lowenthal stands with
Cupertino townsfolk

DeCinzo's cartoons usually mystify me, so it took me a while to figure out the cartoon that appeared in the Oct. 5 issue of the Courier.

Then I looked closely and began to recognize people in the crowd opposing the CCC initiatives—the sheriff, a schoolmarm, the congressman, a shopkeeper, a carpenter, a forest ranger, a telegrapher and myself. To be a bit more accurate, Lowenthal should have been shown standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Cupertino townsfolk.

Stand up and be counted with our community. Vote no on A, B and C.

Charlie Ahern

Cupertino

Lowenthal thinks residents
are the dimmest of bulbs

I am writing in response to Vice Mayor Richard Lowenthal's opposition to initiatives A, B and C (Letters & Opinion, Oct. 5).

I would ask Lowenthal one question: How stupid do you think the residents of Cupertino are? Based on his arguments, I'd have to conclude that Lowenthal thinks Cupertino residents are the dimmest of bulbs.

He expects us to believe that high density housing results in fewer people and less traffic than low-density housing. I suppose he also believes that we are so mentally feeble that we'll believe that a $10 bill is worth less than a $1 bill.

I have absolutely no involvement in these initiatives, and frankly, I didn't even know what they were until I read the Courier's Oct. 5 issue.

What I do know is that initiatives made it to the ballot because of a failure on the part of elected officials to act in accordance with the public's wishes. And, when it comes to limiting growth, our officials have failed us miserably.

We know city hall's vision for the future of our community; it's on display at the corner of Stevens Creek and De Anza boulevards in what has aptly been described as a monstrosity. Vice-Mayor Lowenthal has demonstrated that city officials will say anything to protect their power at the expense of our quality of life.

Based on city hall's record when it comes to growth, if they oppose these initiatives, I, for one, will be voting in favor of them.

Craig L. DeLue

Cupertino

Silent majority didn't
know to voice an opinion

Hillside construction changes the face of Cupertino forever.

During elections, our current mayor and many of our city officials pledged to support hillside protection.

The silent majority of Cupertinians didn't realize that the time to voice their opinion on hillside protection was during General Plan discussions. Indeed, hillside protection was buried as a small subset of the massive General Plan. How can citizens understand implications of R1 versus RHS zoning, of building on 15 percent versus 30 percent slope when the city apparently doesn't require storyboards for construction plans by out-of-town realtors/developers/builders who rip up heritage oaks and hillside habitats to build oversize homes?

If people aren't given appropriate information and time to respond, of course there will be a silent majority—many of whom may feel angry and betrayed.

Many Cupertino residents look at the Lindy Lane Hills and wonder why one side of Lindy Lane escaped the RHS hillside zoning that applies to all other Cupertino Hills? And how can such immense structures go up without storyboards to warn people of the drastic changes to environment, aesthetics and neighborhood quality of life? Finally, we wonder what happened to the "hillside protection" pledges from our elected city officials?"

At the Oct. 4 council meeting, the Constitution was inappropriately invoked a number of times. Make no mistake, the U.S. Constitution was written to ensure equal treatment and fair laws "... by the people, for the people," not as a mechanism for endorsing the plans of a privileged few.

Sara Arzeno

Cupertino

Measure A would wipe
out affordable housing

As a longtime Cupertino resident and a rental property owner, I feel compelled to voice my opposition to Measures A, B and C on November's ballot.

Because of the high cost of land, the proposed density requirement in Measure A completely wipes out Cupertino's ability to build affordable housing—the kind needed to build smaller homes, condos and apartments that our young families, firefighters and teachers can afford to rent or buy.

It is rare when such diverse groups come together to defeat an issue on the ballot. This is one of those times. Vote to defeat Measures A, B and C.

Marj Mancuso

Cupertino California Apartment Association, Tri-County Division

Measures will cut tax base
that pays for city's schools

I've raised my family here in Cupertino. I'm a local businessman and my wife Helen has taught at Regnart Elementary School for 30 years.

It's no wonder that the Cupertino Union School District board members are unanimously against the CCC initiatives.

Here's why:

*They severely cut the tax base that pays for our schools by banning expansion for Apple and Hewlett Packard and any other business that would need a building over 36 feet tall.

*They don't reduce the number of homes that will be built in Cupertino.

* Because they ban apartments and condominiums, it means that the 2,500 houses that the General Plan includes will be large and bring more students.

More students and less money mean a tougher time for our school. It's as easy as that.

Vote no on Measures A, B and C. They will damage our great schools system.

Bruce Ullmann

Cupertino

Records, stands on issues
should be criteria for vote

Cupertino school board candidates should be judged by their records and stands on issues. Recently a parent sent emails to every teacher attacking Lynette Lee Eng on a number of personal matters.

Eng was accused of having her picture taken with me (I had asked her to be in the picture).

Actually, another picture was taken of me with the principal of Stevens Creek School.

Eng was also accused of being friendly to a mother whose son was allegedly injured by a Cupertino teacher.

Let's try to judge candidates on their records and beliefs.

Lynette Eng is well versed in school and community affairs. She is a daily volunteer in Cupertino schools. She speaks Chinese and supports the immersion program at Meyerholz School. She seeks to have the school board conduct business in a more open and public manner.

Lynette Eng and Susan McGhie are worthy of your votes in November.

Ralph Otte

Cupertino

Only projects discussed
are high-density housing

Shwe, Cheng, et al. (Letters & Opinion Oct. 12) claim that the CCC is misleading people by "... falsely implying that certain projects have been approved." The CCC website lists six projects with comments on the approval status of only two.

Our website, www.Cupertino.cc, states that one project was approved in only eight days, and another is in process. Nothing is said or implied, about the approval progress of the four pending projects.

All of the projects discussed on the CCC website are high-density housing. The theaters at the Vallco mall are not part of the Rosebowl housing construction, as claimed by Shwe, et al. The theaters have been approved, but this is not among the projects on the CCC website.

Measures B (heights) and C (setbacks) would completely exempt commercial buildings, but not housing, within the area 500 feet from centerline of Wolfe Road. The exemption applies to both sides of Wolfe and does not "... exclude everything west of Wolfe Road," as claimed by Shwe, et al.

The city attorney's impartial analysis together with actual text of the measures in the voter pamphlets confirm these facts. This exemption was included specifically to promote business expansion in Wolfe Road commercial area. CCC believes we need more businesses to generate additional sales tax revenues for our city.

Many politicians oppose Measures A, B and C, because they would curtail their power and give residents a say in Cupertino's future.

Developers and some Realtors oppose the measures because they are making large profits from high-density housing projects.

Don't be swayed by confusing rhetoric from politicians and developers who wish to exploit our city for profit. Vote Yes on Measures A, B and C to protect our schools, our future and the suburban character of our city

Ned Britt

Member of CCC

No Octoberfest means
Europeans are left out

Cupertino's Octoberfest used to be a jolly get-together with a German band, dancing, good food and a pleasant atmosphere.

This year's event has been cancelled and the reason given was that the recent Cupertino anniversary celebration made it superfluous since it celebrated "diversity."

Apparently this argument does not apply to the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival, the Chinese Moon Festival and the Indian Festivals.

There is a sizable European population in this city and the city has chosen to eliminate their only cultural event.

"Diversity" by definition is all-inclusive and the city has failed to follow this principle.

Jan Black

Cupertino

Measures protect property
from eminent domain

In June the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that local governments may use eminent domain to force citizens to sell their property to make way for private developers when local officials decide it would be of public benefit, even if the property is not blighted and the success of the new project is not guaranteed.

Many states have already taken action to protect private property but California is not among them.

Although a number of bills were introduced in the California legislature, they were shelved even though a simple majority was all that was needed to pass them (Google "eminent domain, CA" to learn more.). Thus eminent domain will continue to be used in our cities when local city councils decide to do so with the courts the only recourse for citizens affected.

Citizens can also protect themselves by passing local legislation that prevents the arbitrary use of eminent domain and allows citizens to decide when and if it can be used.

Cupertino Measures A, B and C on the November ballot, when passed, will provide the citizens of our city with such protection. Developers who wish to build monster projects that exceed the measures' standards, including the use of eminent domain, would have to win approval by a vote of our citizens.

Measures A, B and C are vital for the protection of your property from the use of eminent domain by local officials. Please vote yes on measures A, B and C.

Robert L. Garten

Cupertino

A,B,Cs would've blocked
buildings good for city

Undoubtedly measures A, B and C could prevent some ugly buildings from being developed. The problem is, they're extreme and will also prevent some buildings and businesses that residents here want and need.

The following buildings would have been prohibited due to setbacks: the Senior Center, Happy Days Child Development Center, Good Samaritan Church, Panera Bread, Peet's Coffee, The Shane Company, Washington Mutual, Armadillo Willy's, Bagel Street Café, Target (setback on Alves), Donut Wheel, Canton Delights, Rio Adobe, Panda Express, Roasted Coffee Bean and Wells Fargo Bank.

The following apartments would have been prohibited due to density: Biltmore, Glenbrook, Hamptons, Villa Serra, Stevens Creek Village, Vista Village, Aviare, Le Beaulieu, City Center, and Park Center.

The following buildings would have been prohibited due to height: Cupertino Library, Flint Center, St. Joseph's Church, Apple Computer, Sobrato, Semantec, the Ernst and Young two-story building next to St. Josephs and the Hilton Garden Inn.

The problem with the initiatives is that they go way overboard and prohibit lots of buildings that we could all agree are good for Cupertino.

Vote No on A, B, C because they go too far.

Richard Lowenthal

Vice Mayor, Cupertino

Residents should have a
say on what city is to be

The residents of Cupertino should have a say on what they want their city to be. I am a native son and a long time resident. My wife and I decided to live and raise our children in Cupertino.

We did not from the beginning nor do we now need paid consultants or special interests to tell us how the city should be.

Now all of you have a chance to vote on what you want the city to be by voting yes on A, B and C.

E. J. Conens

Cupertino

Cupertino meant to be
little town in South Bay

Anti-growth measures are not enough.

Cupertino was never meant to be a little San Jose—just a little country town in the South Bay foothills.

When does the poor planning and developing stop in Cupertino?

The Cali Mill Plaza has virtually no parking or pedestrian access and never needed the "Eyesore Hotel."

Cupertino should look to small successful downtowns like Campbell that have parking and pedestrian access.

Next underway in "Coop" planning is to tear down the former Measurex building site at Bubb and McClellan roads and build homes or condominiums. Anyone in the area knows the three local schools there are overcrowded, and traffic is at a standstill every morning. How can the school board be worried that the schools will suffer from these measures?

The student population in Cupertino schools is still going up. I think we need these measures.

Robert Ponce,

Cupertino

Vallco should have been
torn down and rebuilt

I don't like the idea of having condos at the existing Vallco Mall parking lot that do not integrate into the community and surrounding neighborhood.

In my view, they should have torn down the entire Vallco complex, as it is economically obsolete.

They should have rebuilt something that residents would be proud of—a place where neighbors can meet, shop, walk outdoors, and get a sense of the great qualities of our town.

A patchwork approach to the existing structure that adds a movie theater and building condos in the parking lot is one of the poorest ideas I've ever heard of. It is sad to see that being in line with the current plan for Vallco Mall.

I believe that concessions/ownership splits could have been mediated by the city of Cupertino between the owners of Vallco Mall and the major tenants and/or storeowners such as Macy's. That way, this mess might have been avoided.

That being said, I am hopeful that Vallco Mall can be one day revitalized for our city.

Raj Abhyanker

Cupertino

A, B, C will keep schools
from being overcrowded

Dave Lewis (Letters & Opinion, Oct. 12) asks 'what I consider "enough" band classes and "enough" funding for music. The answer is quite simple.

When a student selects band as an elective and doesn't get to take band because there are not enough band classes, that means that there are not enough band classes. This is what is occurring at Lawson and at other schools in the district.

As to "enough funding," it's not Lewis' fault, or the school's fault, or even the district's fault, that there isn't enough money to hire enough teachers for popular electives. This lack of funds means that many students don't get the classes that they sign up for, and are instead given classes that they don't really want.

The school administration apologizes to the parents and students, because there is just nothing they can do about it. In the case of music classes, parents end up sending their kids to private lessons, at considerable expense.

It's important to look at the big picture when performing long-term planning for the schools. If thousands of more students are added to district schools, the overcrowding and elective choice problem will get much worse.

This is why it is so critical that Measures A, B and C be passed into law. Without these sensible growth measures, our schools will be inundated with far more students that they can handle.

The number one reason to vote yes on A, B and C is the devastating effect that massive high-density development will have on our schools.

Steven Scharf

Cupertino

Sierra Club not influenced
by developers, but by study

At the Oct. 12 Rotary Club debate about measures A, B and C, Cupertino City Council candidate Raj Abhyanker alleged that the local chapter of the Sierra Club was "influenced" by developers in its opposition to the measures. This allegation is baseless and patently false.

The Loma Prieta Chapter of the Sierra Club develops its positions on local issues after extensive review by local volunteers. Neither the Sierra Club nor the volunteers receive any donations or remuneration or benefits of any sort in exchange for their positions. In fact, the Loma Prieta Chapter has spoken frequently against bad development, most recently in San Jose's Coyote Valley.

Abhyanker also alleged that the national Sierra Club would not take such a position against Measures A, B and C, but would actually support them. In fact, the national Sierra Club organization has a long-standing campaign supporting smart growth to fight sprawl as described at www.sierraclub.org/sprawl.

Furthermore, all positions taken by local chapters on ballot measures are reviewed by a state committee to ensure consistency with national policies.

The reason for the club's position on Measures A, B and C is simple—they promote sprawl, traffic and environmental degradation.

By blocking efficient use of developed land, these measures encourage the elimination of open space and destruction of natural habitats, things which the Sierra Club has fought since its founding.

Rod Brown

Cupertino

Current process allows
for input and flexibility

As a long time resident of Cupertino I plan to vote no on Measures A, B and C.

Limiting or controlling growth through ballot measures is not in the best interest of Cupertino.

We the residents should have the opportunity to review each project that comes before the city and be able to express our viewpoints. Currently, we have a process in place that allows for residents input and allows for flexibility if need be.

As a member of the General Plan Task Force, I had the opportunity to participate and share my concerns.

Residents were encouraged to participate and many did. We televise our city council and planning commission meetings and frequently notices are sent to residents where a project is being considered.

By voting no on Measures A, B and C, we the people are sending a clear message that we want to preserve our rights to be heard on each project which comes before the city!

Nicol Lea

Long-time Cupertino resident

Shoes on porch signal
this is an Asian home

Here is a tip for the Asian residents of Cupertino. Do not leave 14 pairs of shoes on the front porch. This is a definitive indicator of an Asian household, and therefore it contains gold and gems.

It is extremely easy to pick out the Asian occupied houses as I walk my dog around the neighborhood. Bring your shoes inside and stop advertising.

Steve Albrecht

Cupertino

The Cupertino Courier's endorsement of city council candidates and other city ballot measures will be published in our Nov. 2 issue.

Your letters

The Courier welcomes letters to the editor and hopes to promote an exchange of ideas. We accept letters up to 250 words long both via the post and email. Send letters to courier@com munity-newspapers.com. Or write to 1095 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126. Sign your letter and include a phone number. Letters may be edited for length or to correct inaccuracies known to us. —Editor