Saratoga News

LETTERS

Purveyor of melodic strains will be missed

After many years in Saratoga, we will be moving soon. There are many things I will miss, most of which are of interest only to me. There is one, however, which in my opinion deserves public recognition.

Somewhere in the area of Blue Hills Elementary School dwells a piper, and to that purveyor of melodic strains wafting through the air and ultimately reaching my most appreciative ears, I just want to say, "Thank you so much."

I, for one, have enjoyed immensely your contribution to the serenity of life experienced so rarely in these hectic times--particularly since the arrival of the ubiquitous freeway sounds.

I hope you will continue playing, and I hope that I will be privileged just one more time to sit in my swing, lean back, close my eyes and be influenced by your music. And oh, yes, I will buy bagpipe music to play at my new house.

Farewell, my piper. And one other thing--to the golfer whose morning practice drives from Kevin Moran Park sent a golf ball flying through my bedroom window, I just want to say, "Nice shot!"

Lisa Kuto

Sea Gull Way

An open letter to Raveesh Kumra

This is an open letter to Mr. Raveesh Kumra, owner of the Mountain Winery property and to the citizens of Saratoga.

In the April 10 issue of Saratoga News there was a cover article about the Mountain Winery. In the April 24 issue, my letter to the citizens of Saratoga was published in which I asked our friends and neighbors what they thought.

I was very pleasantly surprised to receive phone calls at home and letters from these good people who also feel strongly about protecting the property. They took the time and energy to find me. Their input was positive and upbeat: "What can I do?", and "How can I help?"

Mr. Kumra, I understand you live nearby and I just have to believe that you too imagine the use of this beautiful place should be for all the people.

What a great legacy to have. Art festivals, the summer concert series, picnics and wine festivals, winter holiday celebration, weddings, graduations, a springtime renewal. Just think of the wonderful events into perpetuity that Saratoga and its citizens can enjoy on those grounds.

Mr. Kumra, with this open letter, perhaps more Saratoga residents will contact me with their ideas. Perhaps even you will contact me. I have spent a lifetime trying to resolve issues where everyone feels good with the results. I do not have any idea what you envision for this property, but I and others believe that it would be best if the property were publicly owned and operated. Only in this fashion can we assure its preservation for the future.

To those of you who contacted me, thanks. To our other neighbors and to Mr. Kumra, please call or write me. All I want to do is help with a plan that makes sense and keeps the land open and usable for the public. There must be a way to do it.

Chuck Desmond

Quail Run Court