Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Editorials

Sometimes 'wiggle room' does make perfect sense

Over the past year or two, some citizens of Monte Sereno have promoted the idea that rules and regulations need to be interpreted through a filter of common sense. They call it "wiggle room."

This newspaper has not been alone in condemning what appears to be a cavalier attitude about local zoning laws and ordinances.

Now Los Gatos officials are faced with having to tell the management of The Meadows that they can't sell beer and wine to their residents in their own dining room. Because of the retirement community's location, ordinances that prohibit the sale of alcohol in residential areas apply. This seems like a situation ready-made for "wiggle room."

Planning Director Lee Bowman says he wants to help. Still, rules are rules, and when it came time to make a decision, he had to turn the application down.

The Meadows is appealing to the Planning Commission, but the staff has already advised the commissioners against changing the law.

Councilmembers have been consulted; a lot of town officials are scratching their heads over the dilemma.

The state Department of Alcoholic Beverages could issue a specialized license to The Meadows--but not without town approval.

It makes sense for the town to prohibit alcohol sales in residential neighborhoods. Still, those who live in homes near The Meadows are not restricted from enjoying a glass of wine in their kitchens and dining rooms.

At The Meadows, there are 205 residents. Not all of them want to purchase a glass of wine at dinner, but some of them would like to.

Clearly, what's called for is "wiggle room."

It takes teamwork

When Jim Peckler and two of his children--Jill and Jeff--were killed in an automobile accident caused by a drunken diver in January, the entire community was thrown into a state of shock.

Nearly 2,000 friends showed up for the memorial services. The entire Peckler family served the Los Gatos community tirelessly, particularly in youth-oriented causes.

Now the community is invited to honor the Pecklers by participating in the first annual Peckler Memorial Relay, a fundraiser for CASA, the Teen Counseling Center of the West Valley and A Place for Teens.

In the spirit of teamwork that characterized Jim, Jeff and Jill Peckler, the 15-mile course that winds through the streets, hills and parks of Los Gatos will be run by teams, whose members will each take responsibility for individual portions.

It would be fitting to have a big turnout for the Oct. 26 event. Athletic Performance and the Runner's Factory have information, or call Lisa Richardson, 358-4915, or Joanne Rodgers, 356-1858.

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