Saratoga News

LETTERS

Young journalists really need a voice

I read in your April 17 issue of the Saratoga News that West Valley College's journalism program will be cut at the end of the spring term. And with the program will go Richard Cameron, one of the program's key instructors and the advisor of The Norseman campus newspaper. I haven't taken any of Cameron's classes, but when I was on the West Valley College campus to participate in the first evening session of an adult literacy workshop one evening, five years ago, I walked up to Mr. Cameron and told him I must have been lost because I couldn't find my ride home. Around 9:30 p.m., he walked with me from one parking lot to the other--from one end of the vast campus to the other--to help me try to find a student, my friend, who would give me a ride home. Mr. Cameron and I were looking for a motorcycle, on which my friend and I had ridden to the college earlier that evening. But I later discovered that my friend had gone home and had returned to college in his truck.

Sadly, Mr. Cameron, who has been given other assignments by West Valley College administrators, will no longer be teaching aspiring journalists one important lesson: how to be compassionate.

Have faith. Don't give up on that volunteer newspaper idea, all you aspiring journalists. And Mr. Cameron, although you say other volunteer newspapers have failed, particularly if they have no instructor, remember that some volunteer groups have succeeded, those with skilled fundraisers (hire a mentor or a consultant), a solid mission, and with members dedicated, hardworking and knowledgeable.

Journalists know so well what Bill Moyers expresses as "The Power of the Word." Students need a voice. Even those in kindergarten. It's only fair.

Diane Hoda

Campbell

Why not join citizens in celebrating the Fourth?

I was dismayed to see Mrs. Miller's and Mr. Wanka's letters [May 1] objecting to the planned "Old-Fashioned Fourth of July" at Montalvo. How can anyone object to Saratogans celebrating this wonderful day? Of course there will be noise. The noise of happy people. The noise of people celebrating their freedom. What else would one expect on the Fourth of July? After all, this is a birthday party. We are talking about from 1 to 6 p.m., on one day of an entire year. Surely they don't begrudge their fellow citizens the right to enjoy themselves for five hours once a year!

We intend to do our very best to see that the event pays for itself. Montalvo has generously allowed us the use of its facilities (which normally rent for many thousands of dollars) at no cost to the city. We already have several thousand dollars committed from community-minded organizations, and it is our plan that the entire event will be privately funded.

As for Mrs. Miller's complaint about inviting Senator Dole to speak and her question as to whether that is legal, I am unable to fathom why she would question the propriety of inviting a U.S. Senator to speak. He's running for President! Would she claim that we couldn't invite President Clinton to speak because he happens to be a Democrat? Politicians have spoken at Independence Day events since the birth of our country.

We have given serious consideration to the issue of possible fire danger. Appropriate steps will be taken to assure that there is adequate protection against such dangers. We are also aware that there is limited access to Montalvo, which is why we are hiring shuttle buses. These will significantly reduce traffic and pollution problems. No one is "running roughshod" over the neighborhood, as Mr. Wanka charges. The city has never had any events at Montalvo. Is once a year too much to ask for? Why must people see some sinister plan to destroy their neighborhood in every effort that the city makes to do something good for its citizens?

The City Council has approved the event. The city is one of the sponsors. I am proud of that. Cities and towns all over the country sponsor similar community events. Why not Saratoga? Instead of criticizing our efforts to do something festive and joyful for the community, why don't Mrs. Miller and Mr. Wanka join in, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate their independence with their fellow Saratogans?

Paul Jacobs

Mayor, City of Saratoga

Thanks to Pet Network, Misty may be found

My Irish wolfhound mix was lost in Campbell on April 14 while my daughter was taking care of her.

I live in Aptos. I spent days and nights searching for Misty. She is very shy and was running wild in the hills above Saratoga off Pierce Road.

I cannot walk without a cane, but when Cheryl Kleder of Pet Network found out about my lost dog, she went from house to house putting up posters. Also up and down creeks calling for Misty.

People have seen her twice, but she has turned wild and no one can catch her at this point.

I still have hopes of getting her back because there are people in this world like Cheryl Kleder of Pet Network.

Linda Ball

Clubhouse Drive, Aptos

Kudos for commentary

Thank you for your April 17 commentary, "Children play inside and outside the library."

I have written a letter to the library. What else can we do?

Ginger Good

14391 Quito Road