Saratoga News

LETTERS

What is the fate of historical home?

Thank you for the beautiful picture of the historical home on Douglass Lane. It is sad to see that so many of the homes have been destroyed in the past years.

What is the fate of this Douglass Lane home and what is the city policy when contractors develop land with historic homes on the property?

Please continue your excellent coverage in attempts to alert the residents who love and care about preserving the history of our beautiful city and the homes that make it a unique place to live and raise a family.

This home would be a wonderful addition to the restored and maintained orchard on Fruitvale Avenue. It would be the beginning of a version of Williamsburg in our own little historical patch of Saratoga history.

Mary Reitano
Saratoga

Pinn Brothers Construction Co. plans to demolish the Crowell house on Douglass Lane in September, according to Chuck Bommarito, project manager. The property has been subdivided into eight one-acre lots.

The Crowell house, dating to the 1880s, is the third house of historic significance to be torn down in Saratoga in recent months.. The others were the Hannah McCarty house on Lomita Avenue, demolished as part of a remodeling project, and the J.C. Cunningham House at 14024 Saratoga Ave., burned in a fire-district training exercise March 16.--Editor

Dog-in-the-manger attitude is unfortunate

In the Saratoga News this week, I see yet another article about the city's first official July Fourth celebration at Villa Montalvo, and the whole-page advertisement placed by Mr. Wanka.

Mr. Wanka keeps referring to "neighbors" in his letters and his advertisement; however, I can only recall three names that have appeared in connection with the whole sorry story, and wonder how many neighbors there really are who are up in arms about Montalvo's events.

Had Mr. Wanka lived in his home during Phelan's time, I wonder how he would have reacted to the many parties given then, when whole regiments were entertained at the Villa, Native American gatherings, troops of Boy Scouts and many other similar affairs, no doubt complete with brass bands, tribal drumming and plenty of happy noise.

It seems obvious to me that the board of trustees of Villa Montalvo is doing its best to carry out the Senator's generous bequest (as stated in Wanka's advertisement) and has done so outstandingly well. In order to maintain the buildings and grounds, some of their efforts must include fundraising concerts and other events which reflect the spirit of the senator's will, and entertaining his own community on the Fourth of July would seem to fit in with the Villa having been willed to the "people of California," and Phelan's hospitable reputation.

If one opts to live near an historical home or public park, one should expect there to be many visitors. Villa Montalvo did have a period following Phelan's death when very little was going on, but this "down period" has come to an end, and fortunately for those of us who love and enjoy the Villa and all that it offers, there are now many occasions to draw us there. It is sad that those very few lucky enough to live near the Villa have chosen to adopt a dog-in-the-manger attitude instead of enjoying what they have with their fellow Californians, as most of Montalvo's other neighbors do.

Mrs. Ian Millet
El Quito Way

How best to fill board vacancy?

When Santa Clara County Supervisor Mike Honda wins a state Assembly seat in November, as he most likely will, the Board of Supervisors must then decide how to fill the board vacancy with some two years left on the term.

Expediency would dictate appointing someone. That would also appeal to those focused on cutting government costs, since an appointment would avoid the expense of a special election.

Yet would it be right? There is recent precedent in the county to say no! Examples include the race for a City Council seat in San Jose and the election of a new City Council member in Campbell. The special election to replace former Congressman Norm Mineta is another local example at the federal level.

The special-election approach to filling a key government position also opens up the process to us, the electorate--to participate as much or as little as we are willing to become involved. Despite its faults, we have the best system in the world.

I urge my fellow Santa Clara County citizens to contact their county supervisor and show support for the special-election process.

Bob Putnam
Former San Jose City Councilman, San Jose

Mayor's letter is vulgar and crude

I am apalled by the letter Mayor Jacobs sent to Mr. Wanka. I find the language vulgar and crude and the tone offensive.

Does the mayor understand that it is his responsibility to represent the citizens of Saratoga? He is certainly not representing me.

I ask that the mayor start acting like a gentleman by resigning his position immediately.

I do not know Mr. Wanka. I live far from Montalvo and am neutral on the idea of holding the festivities there.

Phylis Ballingall
Wendy Lane

Celebration has no place at Montalvo

I have nothing but sympathy for the people in the vicinity of Montalvo. Mr. Jacobs and the City Council have been overbearing and lacking in understanding concerning the Fourth of July celebration. That celebration should be held downtown--in the streets or in the park. It has no place at Montalvo.

Mr. Jacobs, in his letter to Mr. Wolf-Andre Wanka, was once again acting like a spoiled child who must have his own way. Mr. Jacobs' remarks after the last election, which did not go the way he wanted, were also like a spoiled child stamping his feet in protest.

I voted for Mr. Jacobs but would not again. He has his own agenda and does not seem to want to listen to the people of Saratoga, who are very much upset with the noise, traffic and congestion that our City Council seems to feel are progress. We moved to Saratoga because it was a quiet, pleasant community which we expected to stay about the same.

It looks like Mr. Jacobs and the City Council would like it otherwise.

Nancy Hoffman
Saratoga

We've grown weary of 'not here' whining

Please, Mr. Wanka, try to understand the amplified noise, pollution, traffic and crowds society asks my family to tolerate. We are just another home dealing with the freeway noise, the rumble of loud motorcycles and sirens down Saratoga Avenue. Every day, all day, all night. Always!

You'll get no sympathy regarding Villa Montalvo "noise" from us. We have grown weary of "not in my backyard" whining. The mayor is right on this one, so let's turn down the volume on the "poor me" attitude and live with the changes that build a stronger community, changes that allow us to recreate here through music, art and the beauty of Villa Montalvo.

Brett Cross family
Paseo Cerro