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Letters
Coach's true colors blemish his team
Well, the true colors of the track coach have come through. He complained about the tactics that St. Francis had at their dual meet. On Friday at the CCS finals, we finally saw what kind of coach we had.
Because of his apparent attitude, his star runner was disqualified. This was a taught behavior, not learned. Who taught her other than a coach who claimed outrage that a school would use these same tactics to win a race?
I would think it is time for parents to see what we have as a coach and ask for a replacement.
Fred Norris
Los Gatos
A runner was disqualified for allegedly throwing an elbow at another runner in the finals of the 800-meter run. --Editor
Assumptions in letter about church were not valid
First let me state that I totally disagree with Steve Zientek's attack on St. Mary's Church and describing me as a representative of St. Mary's in the June 7 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times. Let me make it clear, I do not represent St. Mary's church, but a large group of tax-paying Los Gatos residents, who happen to be parishioners of St. Mary's.
I, too, have read case histories on the concept of preferential permit parking. This, however, doesn't mean that we as Los Gatos residents shouldn't feel that we are being discriminated against and should challenge it or anyone in favor of it. The dictionary definition of preferential says it all: "giving an advantage to one over another."
Let me also correct Mr. Zientek's allegation that the first and only solution put forth by me is that the residential neighborhoods should absorb St. Mary's excess parking.
I have offered several alternatives that I believe take into account the interests of all the stakeholders. For example, I suggested that the downtown neighborhoods have paid public parking for a maximum of two hours (with permit parking for residents). I recommended that the fee for parking in the residential areas be double what it is in municipal lots or on street parking in the business district. This strategy will discourage parking in the residential zones, but still maintain the inventory of parking spaces we need.
Additional parking facilities is the only answer to the solution of the parking dilemma in Los Gatos. To take any public area and eliminate parking 24 hours a day, seven days a week only compounds the problem. Omitting these areas from paid parking also deprives the town of revenues that will help to build more parking facilities.
Finally, Mr. Zientek does not have accurate information on the attendance at masses at St. Mary's. The records of St. Mary's show, that approximately 750 families in total, attend the five masses on Saturday and Sunday. The numbers at each mass range from 75 to 200 families. The site provides about 150 parking spaces, which means approximately 50 cars at a couple of the masses "spill" into the residential neighborhood. I venture to say that on Saturday or Sunday evenings the neighborhood residents probably have guests that may not be Los Gatos residents, which exceed 50.
Phil Micciche
\Los Gatos
Churches are not places of business
Does Steve Zientek's reference to St. Mary's as a "business" in the June 7 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times reveal an anti-religion bias, or does he really not understand that a church is not a commercial enterprise that exists to build profit on the bottom line?
People do not go to church for material gain. We go to pray, to baptize our newborn, to marry, and to bury our deceased. A community is more than fancy houses and good schools. Los Gatans are complaining that we are losing our small-town feel. Churches are a major part of Small Town, U.S.A. and the needs of our churches in Los Gatos should be respected and treated with the dignity they deserve.
Karen Brown
Los Gatos
Neighborhood changes add to parking crunch
In response to Mr. Zientek's letter in the June 7 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, if we want to give an historical perspective to the evolution of the parking crunch in the historic neighborhoods, we should also think about the increase in the number of vehicles per household as the neighborhood transitioned from retired seniors to young families.
And we should count the number of off-street parking spaces lost as home owners converted their garages to rental units so they can afford the high prices of a home in a neighborhood that is considered desirable.
Does anyone else see the irony that neighbors are complaining about one of the attributes of a downtown home that has appreciated their value and building their personal wealth?
Susie O'Neill
Los Gatos
Criticism should turn to thanks for volunteers
We hear a lot of criticism about the inefficiency of town government process using analogies to business practice. These analogies are inappropriate.
Proponents of this short-sighted sentiment overlook the most vital aspect of our town government: the volunteers who devote their time, intellect and expertise to preserve the intrinsic value of our town.
All the volunteers who participated on the General Plan task forces, the General Plan committee, and the planning commission are giving their best efforts to benefit the citizens and businesses of the town.
These hard-working individuals deserve our citizens' respect, heartfelt thanks and praise for a job well done.
Laura Nachison
Chairwoman, Planning Commission
Thanks for the patience on annual LGHS Grad Nite
On Friday, June 16, the Class of 2000 will become the 112th graduating class of Los Gatos High.
Once again, we want to ask for your patience and support as the parents and community will host a Safe and Sober party celebration for our students.
Grad Nite will begin at 10:30 p.m. and continue till 5:30 a.m.
During this celebration there will be additional music and background noise. We ask for your tolerance during this once in a lifetime event ... and we recommend earplugs!
Thank you in advance for your understanding, cooperation and support.
Judy Peckler
Chairwoman,
And the Class of 2000 parents and students
Experiences at Guardian were extremely good
My husband lived at the Guardian of Los Gatos from January 1998 to May 1999. The news media is accusing the family members of mistreating their loved ones by keeping them in the Guardian of Los Gatos nursing home. No way would I have had my husband of 60 years living in such deplorable conditions, if it was true.
Malnutrition would not have been possible in the time period my husband was there unless the patient refused to eat. If that was the case, why didn't the family doctor order intravenous feeding and fluids? Any problems I saw or had were corrected at once. Our doctor was always available if he was needed. He saw my husband at least once every month.
The Guardian of Los Gatos was my second home during my husband's stay. I helped with bingo games and other activities that were enjoyed by the patients who were interested. The home referred to me as an extended family member to all who lived there. I made so many friends and spent many hours with them.
I visited many other nursing facilities during the time my husband lived at the Guardian of Los Gatos and I found he was living in the best place. The cost was higher but I was always impressed with his care and the personal treatment the staff gave. Some of the nursing care was outstanding at the Guardian of Los Gatos. I also felt the head of physical therapy was so caring and capable.
The live entertainment was always a ray of sunshine in everyone's life, including my own. Popcorn was popped fresh for the movie days and served to patients and families along with lemonade.
Many families pay the bill on the first of each month and then wore a halo over their heads for the other 29 days. One has to spend time in the facility and with the patients to know how the treatment really is.
Alice Scott Fink
Los Gatos
The cartoon was especially good
Great job, DeCinzo. Keep up the good work. I'm referring to the cartoon Ancient Gladiator/Modern Idiot that appeared in the June 7 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times.
Keep 'em coming!
Bob Rosenthal
Los Gatos
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
