Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Letters

Young rose lovers deserve a hats off for their courtesy

One day last week I observed some schoolgirls gathered around a rose tree at the front of our yard. It is common for parents and children going to and from Van Meter and Fisher schools to stop as the rose is showy and very fragrant.

When I observed a rose in the hands of one of the girls, I stepped to the window and the girls were on their way. Just minutes later, the doorbell rang, and two of the girls returned to apologize for accidentally breaking the rose. I assured them that I understood and told them that they were welcome to continue to enjoy the roses and complimented them on their integrity. Monday all four girls returned with flowers and a beautiful handwritten card.

It is a delight to see young people who take responsibility for their actions, even innocent accidents! It took courage to face someone they didn't know. My hat is off to them and to their parents.

Dee Pannabecker

Los Gatos

Colorful balloons can be deadly to wildlife

Just a reminder that balloons, though beautiful and colorful, when sent aloft often come down on water and other wildlife habitats, where they attract sea/land animals that choke to death after being attracted by the lovely color.

So whether it's a birthday party or religious event like the one that took place at St. Mary's Church on a recent Sunday, the balloon decorations best serve our total environment when tightly secured and not allowed to be set free.

Elizabeth P. Zientek

Los Gatos

Los Gatos leaders want to spend money on fluff

Recent newspaper articles have reported that Los Gatos is cutting services, including crossing guards, and that there's a need to shift $500,000 from the general fund to the capital improvement budget for road repairs. Other articles tell about approval for downtown beautification. Eventually the town will spend $1 million for such important things as planter boxes, benches and a "gateway" for the main entrance.

I am a resident of a county pocket that is surrounded by Los Gatos. Every so often, the town tries to get us to vote to incorporate into the town. We would then be subject to the fees, taxes, etc. that the poor folks in the town of Los Gatos are paying for their leaders to spend on whatever. But it's clear where these leaders have their priorities. When are they going to get their heads on straight and do what is needed for the community instead of this fluff and waste of money (as compared to loss of jobs and services)?

You can be sure that the next time an annexation is up on the ballot, I'll be voting no one more time. Los Gatos leaders: Get real!

Kathy Ryan

Los Gatos

One Los Gatan, in particular, stands out

I live in Los Gatos and provide counseling services for kids and their families in the Luther Burbank School District. It's a pretty poor area, and many things kids and adults take for granted here in Los Gatos are true luxury items to families there.

Over the years, many generous people in Los Gatos have donated money, time, materials, clothing and food to kids I work with. I am grateful to every one of these individuals for their caring generosity.

One person in particular I am very grateful to is Richard Jones, owner of Richard's Health Foods.

Over the past four years, Richard has donated thousands of dollars worth of quality foodstuffs for distribution to the neediest of our kids.

I've offered to see that he receives publicity for his generosity or to write receipts to provide documentation for tax purposes of taking a charitable deduction, but Richard has always declined these--and not because he's a poor businessman. He's just a good guy with a generous heart. And I just want more people to know this and share with me in saying thanks for all his help.

Stacy Smith

Los Gatos

Remembering a special grandmother on Mother's Day

A true story about one of the most precious human beings in my life! A mentor who was so important in my childhood and teens that today, years later, she still maintains a great influence!

The lady's name was Jane Ann, and she was my maternal grandmother. She was always around with her loving heart, support and innate wisdom to guide me and answer my inquisitive, numerous childhood questions.

She was the mother of a son, John, and daughter Mary, and twins, Kathryn and Harriet, who was my mother. Everyone I knew adored and respected her. She was the matriarch of our family.

Grandmother Jane was married to my grandfather for over 50 years. The bond between them was loving and special. She once told me that Grandpa was her best friend. It was a giving relationship on both sides, respected and envied by all because of their profound love and communication.

My grandmother seemed to find time in her life for all the people she loved. I am sure we all took her for granted because she appeared ageless. We falsely assumed that this magnificent lady would be around to guide and love us forever.

When my mother and father took a trip, I would stay with her. She would fix up the guest room with all my favorite toys and books. She would stay in the room with me and relate beautiful funny tales of her childhood. It was a delightful experience because the time was spent with tea parties and happy, filled hours! Whenever she corrected my misbehavior with her left hand, the right hand was always there to hug me.

She taught me faith to believe in myself and that good prevails over evil. She taught me not to judge another, to accept differences and not be prejudiced against those that were different than myself. To strengthen my character in such a way that I would not be vulnerable to a path that would destroy my life, she taught me to believe in myself, pursue my dreams, to help others less fortunate and to realize life was short. She taught me that to reap the privileges one accepts in life, one must give back to the world in a special way.

She passed away when I was 23, but in my mind and heart she has always remained a great influence. She has helped me to prevail and appreciate the good things life has bestowed upon me. Yes, my grandmother gave and left me the greatest gift of all.
A legacy of love.

Cheri Mc Clintock

Los Gatos

Superman would love the mountain view at new center

If only I'd been blessed with X-ray eyes like Superman! Then I'd be happy as those Einsteins perched on the Planning Commission. Serenely I'd stare up at that beautiful green mountain top right through the new building on Los Gatos Boulevard and Blossom Hill Road.

Admittedly, like many, I'd forego a limb for a wide selection of cheap books. Don't forget the coffee, too. . . the cheap everything of a sparking new strip mall. . . all at my back doorstep. It just doesn't get any better than that, and it's worth the world to me. Hands down, I vote for the convenience and charm of concrete over natural beauty, any day.

Eureka! Why not just reengineer the whole town with a five story WalMart? Who needs a mountain view, anyway, especially when you have X-ray eyes?

Greg Hall

Los Gatos