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Letters
Police surveillance needed because of drivers
I am writing in response to the article written by Eric Bracher "Police City," dated March 28. If Mr. Bracher believes that we are going towards a "police city" then he should consider this:
My statement is that if everyone adhered to the California Vehicle Code, then what is the need for surveillance? In my opinion, 90 percent of drivers either ignore and/or do not know the CVC. So, be part of the solution, and not the problem, by driving a motor vehicle in this state and by following the CVC.
Richard H. Priest
Glen Brae Drive
Why doesn't district respond to criticism?
It amazes me that the Saratoga Fire Department, commissioners and Chief Kraule, who are so proud and confident in their department and staff, have not taken public offense to the DeCinzo cartoons of the last few months. The last cartoon criticizing the need for a ladder truck should be of major concern. At a recent fire commission meeting, the three fire captains were asked about the need for a ladder truck. All three were in agreement and stated to the commissioners that SFD needs a ladder truck.
How can a cartoonist from Santa Cruz know more about the Saratoga Fire Department than the Saratoga Fire Department itself? Where is the artist getting his flawed information and why aren't the commissioners responding to these misinformed attacks? Is it possible the chief and the commissioners are in agreement with DeCinzo's views?
If they are, our problems are much larger than a new ladder truck or a vilifying political cartoonist.
David W. Dolloff
Sigal Drive
Give West Valley a chance before judging
As a 35-year Saratoga resident, I feel compelled to publicly address a key relationship within our community that has unnecessarily gone sour and deserves a reassessment and rejuvenation--the relationship between West Valley Community College and Saratoga residents.
For years, WVCC has educated a diverse student population from Saratoga and the surrounding area. It has also served its residents as a community resource, providing facilities to play sports, display local art, host the Saratoga Rotarians ... the list goes on. I have attended many community and family events graciously hosted by WVCC, and I am fairly confident that if you are a resident of Saratoga or any nearby city, you have, too. Put simply, West Valley is an integral and essential part of our community. The college is one of the few "things" Saratoga residents can call its own and be proud of--knowing it enhances our own neighborhood and benefits the larger regional community as a whole.
I find it difficult to understand why a few (very vocal) individuals are launching attacks on West Valley and its board. Let's be fair! It's time to put aside whatever differences occurred in the past, and focus on what we--Saratoga residents and the college--can do together to grow and enhance our community today and for years to come.
I urge you to join me in a simple effort, to listen to what West Valley has to say, to hear all sides of relevant community issues before making any judgments. Please do not allow the misleading perceptions and accusations of a few individuals to taint your view of the entire college. Let's work with West Valley to reach a shared goal--to provide deserving students a complete, well-rounded educational experience and to provide Saratoga residents and organizations an enhanced community resource and institution.
Michael E. Fox Sr.
Quito Road
Wives of firefighters ask Saratogans for support
We the wives of Saratoga firefighters, come to you the citizens of Saratoga Fire District with a heartfelt plea:
We are asking for your support in our endeavor to ensure the safety of you, your families and our husbands. As Saratoga continues to expand its community, it becomes more and more clear that due to a lack of equipment and staffing, our firefighters are not able to meet the demands of a growing service area. This puts everyone at risk.
We need your help to solve this problem. The firefighters are trying to enter into contract with Santa Clara County Fire Department, so that they will have access to more manpower and equipment, and thus be able to serve you better.
Please do not let our firefighters, or yourselves, be put at unnecessary risk. We ask that you step forward to support our husbands by writing, or emailing the Saratoga City Council at http://www.saratoga.ca.us/elected.htm, and the Saratoga Fire Commissioners at info@saratogafire.com.
Our husbands want to do the job they were trained to do, and they want to serve your community safely and efficiently. They need your help to continue in this effort.
If you would like more information, please visit the website of FACT (Firefighters and Citizen Taskforce) at http://www.ald.com/fact.
Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.
Gale Morrison
Robyn Seagraves
Jill Gilson
Vyonne Buress
Sandy Patri
Barbara Lellan
Kim Lemerman
Correction
The April 18 cover story about the new trend in adding basements to local homes incorrectly stated that the square footage of basements is not taxed. According to the Santa Clara County Assessor's office, the square footage of a basement is assessed as new construction and taxed, as a portion of the improvements to the property.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
