Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Letters

Perhaps the shopkeeper was simply polite

In response to the commentary by Ann Lencioni in the Dec. 24 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times: Since our shop does not have a mini forest of pine, holly and thousands of white lights, I am safe to assume you were somewhere else when you perceived the slight of people looking down their nose at you and your companion.

What rings close to home, though, is that in today's retailing we no longer ask "May I help you?" as most specialty shops are not shoe stores, and we prefer the client to feel free to browse without our interference. We do, however, make eye contact and greet customers to make sure they are aware we know we are here to help if needed.

We also take merchandise from their hands and put it on the counter for them not so they won't steal it, but so they have their hands free to pick up more.

Being of a Latin background myself, I feel sure your friend was not the least bit insulted, as she is used to the hands-on approach taken in Latin countries, where the salesperson never leaves the side of a client.

Por favor, señora, sus protege a to amiga es muy admirador, pero no es necesario. Tipical perque to qurere. I have found myself in the same place when out with my Mexican cousins.

Justo Arzie
Los Gatos Porch

DeCinzo's constant attacks on Larry Todd ignore reality

As a resident of Los Gatos and the principal of Leigh High School, I applaud the actions of Ted Simonson and Larry Todd to combat drug abuse on the Los Gatos High School campus. I find it appalling the way some attack their efforts as violating the students' civil liberties, and I find it unconscionable how political cartoonist DeCinzo uses his editorial pen to carry out a personal vendetta against Chief Todd.

For those who believe the efforts of LGHS and LGPD are extreme, I suggest that you spend more time on and around high school campuses. For those who went to high school during the '60s and '70s, as I did, and hold the opinion that drug use did not harm them so "what is the big deal?" I suggest you take a closer look at what has become of some of your old classmates who were never able to pull out of their drug use.

As for Chief Todd, I have had the good fortune of working with him on the Los Gatos Drug-Free Community Committee for the past seven years. He has been supportive and helpful. Just as the drug bust was taking place at Los Gatos High School, Chief Todd arranged for the Santa Clara County Drug Enforcement Agency to set up a sting operation at the Stop and Shop store across the street from Leigh. I had spoken with the chief just two days prior to this about tips we were getting regarding drug sales at the Stop and Shop. The sting operation resulted in the arrest of a dealer and several purchasers. This is the type of relationship you don't find anywhere, and as a principal, I appreciate the prompt support of the LGPD.

Chief Todd has compassion for kids; but more importantly, he has a passion for maintaining a safe community for all of us to live and raise our children. It is this type of community climate that draws people to Los Gatos. For those who believe the police are too aggressive in dealing with drugs in our community, I suggest a move to Santa Cruz, Berkeley, Massachusetts or Arkansas may be something to consider. As for DeCinzo, this is not the first time he has hidden behind the skirts of the First Amendment to further what can only be termed a personal vendetta against Chief Todd; there is no place in true journalism for personal vendettas.

Jim Russell, principal
Leigh High School

Editor must live in fantasy land

We got a huge chuckle after reading the latest edition of "our" Los Gatos Weekly-Times. The editorial, "Democratic Process Moves Slowly, Surely," was, frankly, more than a reader should have to endure.

Those of us involved in the fight to save the La Rinconada/Monte Sereno area from becoming an environmental disaster could not believe the words penned by the Weekly-Times' illustrious editor. Anyone who thinks the mythical workings of our "democratic process" saved the area from monumental traffic and safety risks of a natural-gas service station at Lark Avenue and Winchester Boulevard is living in fantasy land. It took more than $8,000 and 500 volunteer hours to stop that ill-conceived plan. The Town Council voted 4-1 to support the residents.

Now we are engaged in the great "David and Goliath" challenge. PG&E has finally dropped the hot potato regarding placement of the 230kV wires, towers and massive transformers proposed for Lark and Winchester by placing it in the lap of the California Public Utilities Commission. The final site will be decided upon by the commissioners, [and their decision could be influenced by] a recommendation from the town. Public hearings in Los Gatos are scheduled for the week of March 23.

The "democratic process," however, was not responsible for placing PG&E in a position of having to negotiate a settlement. It was the hard work and financial contributions of the people who live and work in Los Gatos. Legal/expert consultant fees to save the area will be more than $30,000. Volunteers have put in nearly 1,000 hours on this project.

The Town Council has a chance to make a real contribution to this community by recommending placement of the transformers, 230kV wires and towers in a location away from populated residential and recreational areas. We only hope that the council will assume its responsibility in the "democratic process" and select a transformer site that everyone can support.

Bill and Ann Burns
Los Gatos

Snowflake memory deserves repeating

I just read Vern Hansen's opinion piece about the snowflake in the Dec. 24, 1997, issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times and was charmed by the voice and imagery.

I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to thank Vern for this marvelous story. Vern, send it to Readers Digest.... This piece needs to be reprinted every Christmas!

Ingrid McCleary
Sunnyvale

Correction

In the Jan. 7 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, the address for the organ transplant fund for Bahjat Alaadel was incorrect. The correct address is Box 291, 4960 Almaden Expressway, San Jose, 95118.

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