The Cupertino Courier

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Parent expresses her
support for lost teacher

In a city that prides itself on education among other things, it is disheartening to hear of Mr. Krieger's departure from Monta Vista High School (Courier July 19).

Mr. Krieger has been an educator and friend to both of my sons as well as an inspiration to hundreds of others. He has earned my highest respect for the level of devotion and energy poured into the development of our youth.

My family and I wish Mr. Krieger the best and cannot thank him enough for all that he has accomplished within our community.

Kris Wang

Parent of two Monta Vista graduates

Unqualified teacher didn't
deserve to get the job

The article (Courier, July 19) about a couple of teachers moving to Seattle together as a protest against the Fremont Union High School District board was a bit hard to understand. What's the basis for a controversy?

A teacher applied for a job for which he was not qualified. He did not get the job. He feels this was unfair, because of speculation that he didn't get the job because he made a false accusation against a student a few years ago. The student's parents challenged his false accusation, which was "found to be without merit." Unqualified and shows-poor-judgment don't seem good characteristics for any job applicant.

Perhaps he has other valuable professional characteristics? He's "popular," at least among some students. Since he, and the woman teacher also moving to Seattle, oversaw a student leadership program together, he probably developed a core group of loyal student supporters. However, it doesn't appear that the FUHSD board valued his popularity and the loyalty of students as highly as professional qualifications and good judgment. Isn't that what the board should have done?

News stories about school personnel issues often are frustrating. The employee gets to organize his supporters and selectively leak correspondence, while the responsible officials must maintain the confidentiality of the employee's personnel records. I sympathize with the school board's frustration, as indicated by Homer Tong's comment that, "There is a lot of misinformation." And, I commend the board for its restraint in the face of a one-sided PR campaign.

Of course, the most important question is: What did our children learn from this episode? I hope they learned that even though you are popular, you may not be hired if you are unqualified and have shown poor judgment at work.

Charlie Ahern

Cupertino

Just say no to 'big box'
condominiums, parking

I'm writing in regard to a continuing concern I have and believe many of the citizens of Cupertino have. This concern is the construction of high-density housing and other structures, in particular poorly designed, aesthetically unpleasing developments that appear to be downgrading our city.

The construction of the new multi-story parking lot behind Vallco is one. At the moment it appears to be just another nondescript parking structure--something I would see at an airport or university. Strictly utilitarian. Cupertino deserves better.

The second development is that going up on De Anza across from Albertsons: once again, a very straightforward, large box of a structure to house people. Little or no architectural creativity. Once again, Cupertino deserves better.

While I understand it is too late to alter these projects, consider all the new developments council is considering with regard to density, height, variety and architectural quality. I have yet to see any of the new projects being developed in this city under each council member's watch that give to Cupertino and its people what it deserves--quality.

Dennis Vaughn

Cupertino

The 'destruction' of Blackberry Farm?

I have lived in Cupertino since 1933, and my family has been here for over four generations. I am a life member of the Cupertino Host Lions Club. Over the years, Blackberry Farm has been the site for various functions including many of the Lions Club fundraisers.

While I agree 4,000 people in the park at one time may be too many, I believe the city's Park and Recreation Department can come up with a better plan than to reduce the group picnic facilities to 800 people, with parking for only 350 vehicles.

I am also opposed to the city's plan to do away with the Fallen Oak picnic area, which is one of the most unique picnic areas in all of Santa Clara County.

I believe the problem started when those residents who built homes surrounding Blackberry Farm decided they didn't want to live next to a place where large groups gathered and were in turn able to convince city staff to destroy what has been here for more than five decades. Has the city considered that if there is not enough parking, cars will park in residential areas, further impacting those residents who are so displeased already?

Nonprofit groups such as Cupertino Community Services, the Cupertino Lions Club and the Fremont Alumni Association have all utilized this facility to hold fundraisers benefiting the less fortunate. It is my wish that the city will continue to allow these groups to utilize the park for large annual fundraisers, but where in the city will these groups be able to continue to hold their events during the estimated year or so that Blackberry Farm is to be closed?

Would the city be willing to let us use Memorial Park free of charge for however long the facility would be closed?

The city originally purchased Blackberry Farm for approximately $18 million. How much is still owed?

While I am not opposed to the city making improvements to the farm, I am asking them to come up with a better solution than what has been proposed.

Joe Camarda

Cupertino

Foundation supports district's leader

The purpose of the Fremont Union High School's Foundation is to support and enhance programs within the Fremont Union High School District. We support our students, our schools, our district and our superintendent and his staff.

On June 28, there was a letter to the editor of the Courier stating that the relationship between the High Schools Foundation and the superintendent of the Fremont Union High School District was at an all-time low.

The foundation would like to clarify two issues:

The writer of the previously mentioned letter to the editor does not speak for the foundation.

The foundation has a very good working relationship with Dr. Rowley.

The foundation looks forward to continuing our positive relationship with Dr. Rowley and his staff as we further support our students and the Fremont Union High School District.

Erica Headley

Executive director

Laurie Dean

Co-president

Kathee Kraker

Co-president

Correction

The number for more information on an Aug. 28 golf tournament to benefit the new Cupertino Veteran's Memorial is 408.821.9436. Tournament registration begins at 10 a.m. at the Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club, 3900 Alexis Drive, Palo Alto. The entry fee is $250 and includes greens fees and a dinner.