Letters

Town's wildlife decision a shock

I wholeheartedly agree with reader Susan Bjorlie-Score in her letter in the Aug. 25 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times concerning the town of Los Gatos' decision to not fund approximately $4,000 for injuries to wild animals in the surrounding area.

I cannot believe with the amount of money flowing through Los Gatos that $4,000 cannot be allocated to the group that cares for injured wildlife.

California is a state which is typically very progressive in wildlife issues. It is disappointing that Los Gatos feels the need to be cheap about its responsibilities concerning wildlife in the surrounding mountains.

Chris Sherman
Los Gatos

Residents just want town officials to listen to them

Several weeks ago, local resident and businessman Larry Arzie invited concerned citizens to his home for an "Open Public Forum." Frustrated with the slow and conflicting process, lack of response from town policy makers and alarm about the rapid and disconcerting development of the entire town, approximately 100 people responded and dedicated a Sunday afternoon to this forum.

However, the prevailing opinion from the group and consensus of townsfolk I meet is that the town government may not be listening to its constituency. While members of the Town Council state they, too, want a small-town atmosphere, their description does not always match the citizens'.

The residents want locally run and unique stores. They do not want the chain stores that are eagerly moving into distinct and charming towns such as Los Gatos.

The residents voice concern over traffic problems. Many of the developments recently approved, such as 330 University Ave., which undoubtedly will snarl the intersection with Highway 9, only create new congestion, and exacerbate the problem rather than increase safety and efficiency in town.

A hotel is going in across from the high school, in spite of 300 opposing signatures. Residents near Villa Felice are ignored and are arrogantly strung along by developers who are only mildly rebuked by the council.

Consistently, the citizens voice concern over the loss of neighborhood character and yet plans for the generic mall in the North Forty gallop along. The vision statement for the North Forty Specific Plan draft document, with the Town Master Plan, governs land use, and until vociferously objected to in the last few weeks, proposed "... a comprehensively planned and developed commercial mixed-use facility with emphasis on new goods and services." The charter from the council was to develop a strong tax base!

What do many people want from the town government? We would like the councilmembers and town manager to go out to rediscover what the community desires. Hold town meetings where you really listen. Stop ignoring our voice. Listen to us when we write, phone, sign petitions and try to communicate with you. Many of us cannot come to meetings time after time. When we do communicate by other means than appearances at meetings, do not interpret that to mean we are less concerned. You are our representatives.

Most importantly, try to understand what we mean by a small town. Do not always make decisions based on revenue to the town (which often is then needed to provide the increased services demanded of the developers). Any definition of excellent financial planning for the town must include preserving its character.

Lee Fagot
Los Gatos

Los Gatos is no friend of wild animals

As a Wildlife Center volunteer for many years, I find it sadly ironic that the only valley town named after an indigenous mammal, and using the bobcat as its logo, refuses to shoulder its share towards rescue and rehabilitation.

Pamela Nesbet Lavin
Saratoga

Town dropped the ball, let's pick it up

We are dismayed that the Town Council has refused to allocate funds to pay their fair share to support the important community work of Silicon Valley Wildlife. We think this is very shortsighted.

Access to programs such as this contributes greatly toward making Los Gatos a desirable place to live.

Let's get involved and pick up the ball that the town has dropped. We will start by pledging $500 to the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, and encourage everyone who is interested in the success of this center to give what they can. Give us a call (356-1223) and let's challenge the town to match what we contribute!

David Towle and Luvonne Stewart
Los Gatos

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The history of Holy City

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Picture From the Past

Sports Briefs

Courtside Tennis Club teams take prizes in competition

Shirley Church wins age division in Western States Endurance Run