The Cupertino Courier

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Referendum supporter
wants more reporting

The recent article (Courier, July 26) on the referendums is notable by the absence of questions which should be obvious to even the most casual observer, including your reporter. For example, why did Ms. Stow, who has repeatedly supported development, sign the petitions against development? Did she and the other parties to the lawsuit do so as part of a preconceived plan to file the lawsuit? Who financially supported the lawsuit by Stow, et al.? Later in the article, city attorney Charles Killian states: "It's up to [Toll Brothers and Vallco attorneys] to appeal or not." Does he have knowledge that Toll Brothers and Vallco owners funded the lawsuit using citizens as pawns?

The Courier could be much more informative to the citizens of Cupertino if it did more investigative reporting rather than omitting obvious questions of interest to all of us. Finally, after reading the article it could have been better titled, "Developers Fail in Attempt to Intimidate Citizens with Lawsuits."

Robert L. Garten

Cupertino

'F' for housing unfair;
fire the census taker

Because some bean counter sitting behind a desk in Sacramento has decided that Cupertino, along with most other California cities, rates an "F" in meeting new housing starts, we should all cringe. The mantra from those in politics seems to be, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help you."

Since almost every city--small or large--is failing the housing test set by those in lofty places, could it be the test to determine the numbers were faulty? Like most other places, Cupertino has a finite amount of land zoned for housing left to develop. Do we rezone from retail/commercial (our tax base needed for city services), or build multistoried crowded towers?

We live in earthquake country and know only too well that when the earth shakes, what goes up will come down. And we need our retail/commercial to feed, clothe and supply the populace. What city leaders should do instead of wringing their hands is challenge the unreasonable and misguided test goals and fire those who set them.

Stuart Chessen

Cupertino