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Letters
Commissioner needs to provide evidence
I strongly disagree with Ms. Dora Grens' comments in her letter in the Sept. 27 issue of the Saratoga News about the toxicity of copper when used in home building. Commissioner Bernald raised very appropriate concerns regarding Commissioner Barry's opinions about the use of copper.
Commissioner Barry has been given several opportunities since joining the commission to provide scientific evidence that the use of copper on homes poses an environmental hazard. To my knowledge, this information has never been provided. On the contrary, architects and designers have told me they know of no such hazard. In fact, copper piping is required in all new homes.
Ms. Grens also fails to provide any scientific evidence about an environmental hazard. It is commendable that Ms. Grens has a dictionary; however, her reference to copper salts proves nothing.
As a former commissioner, in my experience the planning commission has always been concerned with reducing environmental hazards. Marsha Kaplan, while a commissioner, was concerned with emissions from wood-burning fireplaces, and she provided speakers from the Bay Area Pollution District who explained the hazard to the commission. As a result of these efforts the city council subsequently adopted an ordinance limiting each new house to one wood-burning fireplace.
The point here is that Commissioner Barry needs to either provide scientific evidence of copper's hazard or refrain from discussing it. The unfortunate result of the expression of these opinions is that homeowners and applicants may be intimidated into believing that they cannot have any copper on their homes. This is not the way that citizens of Saratoga should be treated. Commissioner Bernald was speaking for all of those citizens.
Mark H. Pierce
Saratoga
Committee seeks input on design for new library
On Monday evening, Oct. 16, I urge the community to meet with Mark Schatz, the talented architect hired to expand our Saratoga Community Library. The design workshop, chaired by Mr. Schatz in the Community Room at 7 p.m., will allow Saratogans to consider some options for their new library.
The challenges are to preserve the ambiance of the existing library building, to respect the Heritage Orchard and to provide adequate parking, while creating beautiful, functional new library space. Mr. Schatz and his team are providing many options for site development.
Parking schemes range from an expansive landscaped lot and a more compact paved space to a two-tiered parking structure. Building designs include a compact two-story layout with either children's services or partial adult services upstairs, and single story designs with added wings and courtyard space configured in different ways.
The community spoke loudly by passing Measure N in March. Now is your chance to voice preferences for how this dream will be constructed. On behalf of the Library Expansion Committee, please join us Monday, Oct. 16th, 7 p.m., in the Saratoga Library Community Room.
Marcia Manzo
Chair, Library Expansion Committee
GGG no longer serves a meaningful role
Some comments are in order referring to the letter to the editor by Allen Roten in the Sept. 27 issue of the Saratoga News. I can sympathize with him for his choice in leaving Saratoga, where, in spite of its alleged shortcomings, as noted by Mr. Roten, it is one of the most desirable areas in California in which to live.
An indication of this is the premium value placed on homes.
Mr. Roten has been involved in local politics and as such was president of the Good Government Group, an opposition party for many years to those who now direct the policies of Saratoga. Opposition parties serve a necessary function in any democracy.
In its early years the GGG was composed of the longtime residents of the city, and no one could be elected to city office without their approval. Their philosophy was based on the rights of property owners to do whatever they wished with their property, without concerns for the city as a whole.
As Saratoga grew, with the increasing problems of density, the need for changes in the way city government responded to these needs also changed. The GGG failed to change and for the past decade has not had a meaningful role.
The city council has acted responsibly in the selection of a city attorney, of a new city manager, and its decision for a moratorium on commercially zoned properties. It is unfortunate that the recognized need to maintain a balanced budget does not allow more funding for the Chamber of Commerce, for street sweeping and code enforcement.
If the electorate truly wishes a high level of city maintenance, more financing should be available. However, at this time, this appears to have very minimal community support.
Roten refers to a so-called "entrenched power" structure, if one cares to refer to our elected council body as such. Our city council was elected by the will of the majority of the voters--not by any mysterious machinations on the part of those carrying out their designated duties.
F. L. Stutzman, M.D.
Park Drive
Saratogans are welcome at annual Peckler relay
We would like to invite the community to join us at the Fourth Annual Peckler Memorial Run and Relay on Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. at Los Gatos High School. Your participation will ensure that the event will continue to be a community-focused means of families enjoying themselves together to promote positive programs for youth.
Through this race, we remember the contributions of Jim, Jill and Jeff Peckler, killed by a drunk driver. Proceeds go to agencies with which their family was most involved: A Place for Teens, Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA) and the Teen and Family Counseling Center. Judy Peckler will present the awards and local businesses have contributed food, drink and prizes.
You may walk or run or participate as a team. You may choose your length as there are five legs. Call Pam Dunnett at 408.867.2546, or me at 408.867.0961 for questions or registration forms. We hope you'll join us on Sunday for a fun-filled morning. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m.
Mary Kay Breitenbach
Bonnie Brae Way
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
