Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Editorials

Power to the people, especially in storms

Should PG&E build a bigger and better substation at the corner of Lark Avenue and Winchester Boulevard? The neighbors certainly don't think so. And on a balmy summer day, many Los Gatans would probably agree with them.

After all, there's a potential for noise and outdoor lighting that could keep nearby residents awake at night. Some have suggested that a spark could ignite a nearby shake roof. And who knows what dangers might be lurking in electromagnetic fields?

Who would wish such a thing on fellow Los Gatans?

Well, just possibly some of the mountain residents who've gone for days at a time with no power in the winter. Or maybe a few merchants who had to close their stores several times during storms two years ago because their power went out--and stayed out for a very long time.

Those who live in the immediate area recently won a battle to keep the town from installing a compressed-natural-gas station near the PG&E site. And they are heady with the power of grassroots organization.

We don't disagree that they have legitimate concerns that PG&E should address. And certainly, there is strength in numbers.

But PG&E has dealt with unhappy neighbors before.

When the town tried to exercise some control over the utility company by requiring a conditional-use permit, it became clear that its authority is limited to a consulting role. It's the Public Utilities Commission that is in the power position here.

While the town is right to hold a public hearing and to make clear neighbors' fears to the PUC, town officials can't ignore their responsibility to the entire community, which has paid a price for a substation that's currently too small for local demand.

Let's hope the immediate neighbors, who now have lawyers working on their behalf, and the town can find a way to negotiate a solution that meets the needs not only of the neighbors, but also of PG&E and its responsibility to serve all of its Los Gatos customers.

Celebrate the Fourth

The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate and to reflect on what it means to be an American. It's the one day of the year that it's impossible to be too schmaltzy. We say, let the drums roll; let the flags wave; let the potato salad be tasty.

A good place to share the pride of being a part of the great democratic experiment is at the Fourth of July concert on the Los Gatos High School lawn.

The San Jose Wind Symphony will strike just the right patriotic chord. There will be picnic lunches, sunshine and friendly chatter with neighbors young and old.

A good reminder of why living in a democratic society is worth the effort it takes to make it succeed.

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