Letters

Phonathon was a great success

Thanks to all the parents, community members, Saratoga Union School District administration and teachers, and community businesses (Innisbrook, See's Candy, Starbucks, Kwik Kopy Printing-Cupertino, Contempo-Century 21, Alain Pinel, and First American Title). Phonathon 2000 on Feb. 6 was a tremendous success.

This army of volunteers worked very hard at everything--phoning parents, preparing food and beverages, providing office space and phones, performing administration support and creating a fun-filled environment for the day. The exciting atmosphere and the sprit of community cooperation made for a very successful effort.

We are elated that our phoning efforts secured enough pledges to meet our Phonathon 2000 fundraising goal. If you haven't already done so, please send in your pledge today. Any additional funding we raise above our goal will be used for new or expanded programs in the 2000-2001 school year.

We contacted nearly 600 families, but if we missed calling you, you can still show your support of our children by sending your contribution to: Saratoga Education Foundation. P.O. Box 2392, Saratoga, Calif., 95070.

Again, a heartfelt thanks from SEF, SUSD, and all the SUSD students who benefit from the generosity of our community.

Cathie Thermond
SEF President

Many contributed to Measure N's success

Congratulations are in order on several fronts. First, to the board of directors and membership of the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries for their dedication and determination in educating the citizens of our community about the tremendous need to renovate and expand the community library.

For three months, FSL members conducted one-on-one interviews with Saratoga residents to determine what the community wanted in their library.

Thousands of pieces of mail were sent to help in the process of educating the community about the needs of the library. Without this board's tenacity, Measure N would never have been placed on the ballot.

Following the successful efforts of the Friends' Awareness Program, the City Council placed a bond measure on the March 7 ballot.

The YES on Measure N Campaign was launched. Sally and Don Lucas graciously accepted the position of campaign co-chairs, and, thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of co-managers Mary Jeanne Fenn and Bill McDonnal, another tireless team was drafted to campaign for the much needed library improvements.

Jim Givens is due a major salute for his remarkable job of public relations. Tom Blaisdell kept the financial records, and Cindy Ruby's team lobbied community members for contributions to offset campaign expenses.

Hats off to Sally Towse and Burt Kendall for their fantastic database contributions. There were too many hard working individuals to mention who helped in making Measure N a success. You all know who you are and we salute you.

Lastly, the voters of Saratoga who persevered through terrible weather to vote YES on Measure N are to be congratulated. Your determination to exercise your civic right to see your library improved is to be commended.

On behalf of the Saratoga Community Library Commission, we congratulate the FSL board and membership, the YES on Measure N Campaign committee and workers, and the citizens of Saratoga for their support in ensuring that the Saratoga Community Library will remain one of the city's most valuable assets.

Marcia M. Manzo, Chair
Saratoga Community Library Commission

Stolen Prop 22 sign stood against hate, discrimination

I have a problem. My "No On Prop 22" lawn sign is missing. Have you seen it? I'm not surprised that it has disappeared. This is the third time in two weeks that my harmless little sign has been vandalized. It was knocked down, then it was torn down, and now it has been stolen outright. It wasn't hurting anyone really. It stood to remind my neighbors to vote on March 7. It stood to remind my neighbors that gays and lesbians, whose civil rights are being challenged, live all around them, yes, even in Saratoga.

I ask you, again, have you seen my lawn sign? Made of only wood and cardboard, it wasn't fancy or flashy, but it stood proudly. It stood against wind and rain. It stood against ignorance, hate, oppression, and discrimination. I imagine it is safely hidden away in a neighbor's trash waiting for the Tuesday morning pick-up--along with my right to free speech.

It sickens and scares me to think that a place I have called home for most of my 38 years no longer feels safe, that the person I am isn't accepted on the very street where I played as a child. I dream of a world where everyone has the freedom to express his or her beliefs and live life without fear of retribution. Apparently, one of my neighbors doesn't share that dream.

Jill Prestigiacomo
18402 Baylor Avenue
35 year Saratoga resident

Adoptive parents must have a home study first

Your article "Foreign Relations" in the March 1 issue of the Saratoga News was excellent and informative. However, it was incomplete with respect to the process necessary to complete an international adoption. You omitted the essential first step, which is that adoptive parents must obtain a home study from a state licensed international adoption agency.

ACCEPT, an international adoption agency located in Los Altos, performs this vital function and did so for the two families interviewed in your article. Once the home study is completed, the adoptive parents then contract with a facilitator or liaison agency (such as RAFS) that identifies a child and assists in complying with the specific country's requirements for releasing a child to the United States.

After a child's arrival home, ACCEPT provides services necessary to complete a California adoption and to send required reports back to the child's birth country. Potential applicants interested in international adoptions are welcome to call ACCEPT at 650.917.8090.

Marjorie Hurwitz
Director of Social Work ACCEPT

Measure N: Voters pass measure for library bonds

DeCinzo

Family Daze

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

High school baseball: Prospect vs. Pioneer

High school softball

Saratoga High School track and field