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Letters
Canadian now feels part of her adopted country
I am a Canadian by birth and a legal resident of the United States by choice.
When I came to Los Gatos nearly eight years ago, I was captivated by its charm, the beauty of its surroundings and the friendliness of its people. I knew I wanted to "belong" here.
One of the first ways I chose to do this was by learning the words to "The Star Spangled Banner" (not the easiest task--finding someone who knew all the words). Some time later, I memorized the verses to "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America." It was the beginning of my belonging.
At no time did my love for Canada or its anthems lessen--I simply added another dimension to my life. Never, though, have I felt more a part of this country and her people than in these dark days following Sept. 11. And never has it been more gratifying to know the songs that Americans sing--at the best of times and at the worst of times.
After Sept. 11, I attended a service at my church, Los Gatos United Methodist, and found comfort in the message, the prayers and the music, which included the beloved hymn, "O God Our Help in Ages Past."
In the evening, I stood beside my American husband at the candlelight vigil in the Town Plaza, surrounded by our fellow Los Gatans. Following Mayor Pirzynzki's reassuring and encouraging words, the assembled group, by candlelight, spontaneously began to sing those beautiful anthems to America which echo the faith and the hope of her people. Later, as we formed a procession that wound up and down N. Santa Cruz Avenue, I truly felt a part of the spirit of my adopted country.
I am a Canadian who loves Canada. I have chosen to live in the United States, and I know now that my heart and my voice are big enough for both.
Janet Gutierrez
Los Gatos
Star in the hills now has a special meaning
Last night we watched more news coverage of the devastating and tragic events that took place on Sept. 11. As it grew dark, my husband noticed a huge red glow in the foothills above Los Gatos. Every year someone puts this star up around Christmas. We were very glad to see it now, and it gave us a feeling of hope and of being united as a nation and a community. The star also made us think of a peaceful world family and as hard as that concept is to picture now, it is a goal to strive for.
The purpose of this letter is to thank the person or persons who took the effort to put up the star. We don't know them. We hope that everyone will take the time to look up into the hills as it becomes dark and look for the star. May it bring you comfort.
Cindy Reskovic
Los Gatos
Those against Elks'plan didn't do their homework
My name is Bill Quigley. I am retired and have resided in Los Gatos for more than 39 years. I'm a life member of the Los Gatos Elks Lodge, a past Exalted Ruler of the lodge, presently trustee on the board of trustees and in charge of the development of the property in question. Retired from the marketing division of a major oil company after 37 years, I have also spent 17 years in local real estate.
The medical building proposed by the Elks will soon be coming before the planning commission, and the purpose of my letter is to clear up some misrepresentations made by four or five people regarding the Elks and its members.
Mr. Jules Duc, a charter member of our lodge, sold this property to the Elks when it was in the county and zoned commercial, and this was before his subdivision was planned, where these five people live. When his subdivision map was presented to the town, the chief of the volunteer fire department would not approve it unless Newell Avenue was made into a through street.
The Elks Building was planned for its present location, and a cabana, and swimming pool was planned for what is now Newell Avenue. The Elks donated the area that is now Newell Avenue, and the property was annexed into the township of Los Gatos but was rezoned residential. This was the lowest zoning, as was explained by Messrs. Bowman and Lortz. When it was annexed, the Elks were promised that they could develop their property. This is evidenced by the fact that the Elks Lodge is where it presently exists. The statement by Mrs. Burns that "The Elks are the guests of the residents," seems to be a little bit misrepresented.
With the donation of property for Newell Avenue, the Elks ended up with three parcels. Lot No. 1 which has power lines crossing over it with a 100-foot easement and fronts Winchester Boulevard. There is not enough room on lot No. 1 because of the power lines to build a home; therefore, the best use for the property is for parking, and this is what the Elks had planned. Lot No. 3 facing Newell Avenue has room for only one house as residential zoning. With a little imagination and a variance, a beautiful building could be placed on that lot, which would conform with Winchester Boulevard and would be a service to the community, instead of a low-cost house with weeds, etc. The fact that more than two homes could be built on the two lots again reveals the misrepresentation in the paper and public hearings by these four or five people, including Mrs. Burns.
It has been suggested, by Mr. Pearlman, who moved next door to the Elks in 1979, that the property where the Elks building is, be sold or developed into six homes, and that the Elks could realize a healthy profit of $2 million. Why would the Elks give up a beautiful building and view when they were here before the residents, and Mr. Pearlman, and not in the real estate business?
One of the most stupid misrepresentations made about the Elks, is that we have a membership of only 29 members. Like all fraternal organizations, we have dropped from a high of over 700 members in 1979 to 276 now. We plan to put a cap on the membership of 400, as we do not have the facilities for a larger membership. Four or five people did not do their homework.
Another misrepresentation was that this lodge was financially defunct. The Los Gatos Elks Lodge is in one of its best financial positions in its history, and the trustees plan to keep it in that position.
The Los Gatos Elks Lodge has been an active organization in the community for more than 50 years, by devoting time and effort on behalf of its members to serving on councils, planning commissions, community and development commission, advisory board to the town council, General Plan task force and other activities. They have participated in town activities, parades, festivals, food programs and most importantly taken care of veterans. The Emblem Club (the ladies part of the Elks) have visited hospitals and convalescent homes to cheer up the unfortunate. Over the past 40 years, the Elks have donated thousands and thousands of dollars in time and money to the community. What have these five people and residents on Newell done for the town?
In closing I would like to say that the Order of Elks is distinctively American, linking the destiny of our order with the destiny of our country, we have made its flag the symbol of the crowning virtue. We pledge allegiance to our flag at every meeting, just like the council and commissions do at meetings. We believe in democracy and don't believe in a few people trying to control the destiny of the town and a lodge, which is part of the National Benevolent Organization. I hope the members of the planning commission and town council read my letter and take it into account when it comes time for a decision.
Bill Quigley
Los Gatos
Correction
In the Briefs section of the Sept. 19 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, the Internet address for the town of Los Gatos'website was incorrect. The correct address is www.town.los-gatos.ca.us
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
