Los Gatos Weekly-TimesLettersDog owners should bring pooper scoopers to Alta Vista School We have a problem. Where is our sense of social consciousness and responsibility? The dogs are running loose at Alta Vista School, with and without their owners. The dog poop is piling up, and the kids are falling in it. The school secretary has the unpleasant task of cleaning it off the children, and the custodian is constantly being called from his many tasks to clean up the messes. As I was walking past the school, I observed one dog owner allowing his dog to enter the school grounds, where the dog immediately made two large deposits. I reminded the owner that it is a problem to the children to allow this and that there is a leash law. He sarcastically agreed with me and imparted the fact that he knows 50 more people who allow their dogs to do the same thing. I told him, "Well you could be a good citizen and clean up after your dog." He ignored me! So I guess it is a case of "If everyone else is doing it, it is OK for me to do it, too." Heaven help us if that is the prevailing attitude! Actually, I think we are better than that. Let us use our sense of social consciousness and personal responsibility. This is our neighborhood; this is our town. Ultimately we are all individually responsible for the quality of our community.
Sydney Halversen Hypocrisy haunts Monte Sereno When most government employees retire, they choose an unrelated endeavor in which to apply themselves. But not Rosemary Pierce; she chooses to criticize her successors and embarrass herself with the same ineptness she demonstrated while serving in the city's government. When Rosemary was city manager, the City Council was regularly left unsupported as she failed to provide vital "staff work" essential to their review of important issues ranging from building permits to the performance of the Sheriff's Dept. She was an inept manager who didn't have job descriptions for city employees, nor performance criteria by which to measure them in their work. By contrast, the current city manager provides quality, in-depth staff work and management. Rosemary didn't do the job then but feels comfortable in criticizing now. What a hypocrite! And now she's joined by the equally inept Joel Gambord and Gordon Knight. Rosemary was unqualified for the job but got it by default when Monte Sereno couldn't attract a qualified professional. Then she got an incredible raise in salary "because it was unfair to have the city building official making more than the city manager" (her words). In her last year as city manager, this unqualified politico made more than $70,000 in salary, plus more than 25 percent in benefit costs. Four years later, Rosemary and her cronies Gambord and Knight complain because a trained professional gets a $76,000 salary? More hypocrisy! Now, Monte Sereno is in the throes of enduring the constant criticism of this retired malcontent and her cronies who disguise their intents as the Citizens FOR Monte Sereno. These unprincipled hypocrites want to completely destroy a responsible city government and have their archaic concepts rule those of us who want respectable, professional management as practiced by Carolyn Lehr and now Gay Strand. Hypocrisy and lack of principles can't prevail. It's time for the real Citizens of Monte Sereno to recall Rosemary's hypocritical friends Joel Gambord and Gordon Knight.
Bill Ferguson Recognition due to Bobbie Lee Shore We were delighted to read your article about the Seniors of Distinction stating that our longtime friend Knowlton K. Shore was chosen to be so honored. He has certainly given generously to the Los Gatos community and its citizens. But what a pity that his wife, Bobbie Lee, did not receive an award as well! When Boy Scout Troop 539 required Knowlton's time and effort, it was Bobbie Lee who tended to home and family matters.When state trails needed work, she would be "behind the scenes," manning the phone to take messages and field questions about the next Scout outing. When Lodge work needed doing, she would often be there as well, helping to plan and serve the endless meals required. She, too, has given generously to her community and has been Knowlton's helpmate in the finest possible way. We say, "An award for Bobbie Lee Shore as well!"
John and Joyce Ridgely Natural state is best for hills Golf had its chance in the local area and the economy could not/would not support it. Case in point are two courses: the one at Union & Branham; the other by the dump. My dream is to keep the hills above Los Gatos the way they are. For those who want to build inner strength and character, try a ride/walk/run through those hills.
Tom Calderwood Hooked on being a busy volunteer Whether it's 1,000 points of light or AmeriCorps, everyone is talking volunteerism these days. There are many ways to help our children and make a difference right here in Los Gatos. This year, I chose to join the nearly 75-year tradition of the Los Gatos Kiwanis, and as a new convert to the exhilaration of working on something beyond just my house, my stuff, and my job, I'd like to share my experience with anyone who is interested. I'm your neighbor; you'll find me in the phone book.
Alastair Dallas Council was right to reject Jiffy Lube I applaud the Los Gatos Town Council for its actions at the June 2 meeting regarding the proposed Jiffy Lube permit application. Thank you for listening to the community and not giving rubber-stamp approval to a bad Planning Commission decision. This was the first time I have felt compelled to contact our elected officials to discuss an issue of importance in my community. I found the council members to be accessible, responsive and sincerely interested in what I had to say. Even more important is how this issue has brought our neighborhood together. I have met some new neighbors, formed some lasting friendships and gained new insight into how the community vote can be heard more effectively. It felt great to give my children firsthand evidence of democracy in action.
Susan Arroyo Discovery Shop says a big thanks A big thank-you from all the volunteers at the Discovery Shop to the community. You helped us overcome the slow start we made after opening because of repeated street repairs and next-door construction. Both of these made our across-the-bridge location something of a mystery for several months. Thanks for the support you showed by attending our first anniversary Mad Hatter's Tea and Designer Night. Thanks for the increase in your donations of clothing and household items. Thanks for the growing number of you who come into the shop, friends in tow, to browse, buy and tell us what a pleasant place it is. We're on our way because of you. But please remember, continued success needs continued support. To fill our shelves with the items that bring you into the store, we rely on those contributions of gently used clothing and household items you bring in. Keep them coming. All profits from them go to the American Cancer Society.
Shirley Newsom and other volunteers Citizens just want sanity Regarding the "Citizens FOR Monte Sereno" editorial in the May 28 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, there are other opinions. The citizens group seems to be asking for sanity in government. We live in an atmosphere of fear. The owner plans to build on the lot next door. He might be planning a blacksmith shop or a distillery. He must get a building permit. The building inspector only protects the gullible from the greedy. Some zoning calls for architectural and site control. The fearful public gets a shot. PG&E proposes a new substation to improve local services. A high-voltage line is near the site; magnetic emission can hardly increase. Vehicles operating on liquified gas will continue to travel on local streets. Local "experts" want to design the station. Santa Cruz wants an invisible interchange. Enough?
Ed Steffani Correction In the story in the school section of the June 11 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, we mistakenly reported that clay classes for children would be held at a local school. The classes are being offered by Blossom Hill Crafts on the corner of Blossom Hill and Old Blossom Hill roads. For more information, contact Joanne at 356-9035 or Kim at 358-0403.
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This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, June 18, 1997. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||