City doesn't enforce its own rules
I am concerned that the plans for the July 4 celebration at Montalvo are generating more ill will than good will.
Montalvo's significantly reduced accessibility because of its extremely narrow, winding road and its inability to contain or control noise provide good reasons for Montalvo's neighbors, both near and far, to be extremely upset with the July 4 event.
Montalvo's neighbors also have every right to be upset by the cavalier attitude with which the event's promoters proceeded without consulting the nearby residents. For years, Montalvo's neighbors have been assaulted by noise levels that have repeatedly violated the city's noise codes. In spite of innumerable complaints from nearby residents, the city has been unwilling to enforce its own noise-limiting codes. Once again, our city officials have chosen to ignore their constituents' best interests; instead, they have chosen to promote commercial interests and/or their own personal agendas.
A similar situation also exists with West Valley College. The city refuses to enforce the event agreements it made with the college. In fact, it appears as if even the college is not abiding by its own prior agreements regarding scheduled athletic activities. The West Valley College neighbors are now experiencing the same noise problems that have plagued the Montalvo neighbors for years.
Why aren't our city officials enforcing the existing codes? Why are city officials closing their ears to these recurring violations? Don't city officials care about Saratoga residents' quality of life?
The city staff and council profess their desire to support the neighborhoods. However, not only are they once again at odds with Saratoga residents; this time, they are also at odds with the city codes themselves.
Marcia Fariss
Saratoga Glen Place
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, June 26, 1996.
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