Saratoga News Letters Heritage Park would make good playfield If we can't look back to the good old days when we picked prunes and such, as the editorial in the Dec. 9 issue of the Saratoga News points out, then we should be able to take a portion of Heritage Orchard and make it into playing fields. According to the editorial, we must act in today's world. So, if playing fields are a greater need, put them at that site, not into an already congested neighborhood such as Marshall Lane. Gerry Barrett Marilyn Lane Not all Marshall Lane residents want fields The misleading headline "Parents, sports leaguers voice support for play field plans," in the Dec. 9 issue of the Saratoga News is biased. The people who spoke at the Dec. 2 City Council meeting were mostly from other cities, not Saratoga. Your story neglected to mention that 60 immediate neighbors to Marshall Lane School signed a petition against sports fields at Marshall Lane for good reasons. Your reporter was at the Marshall Lane meeting and knew the facts. Good reporting demands that you state all sides of the issue. Ellen Marshall Saratoga What happened to 'Saratoga feeling?' Concerning your article about the removal of trees in and around the Argonaut Shopping Center in the Nov. 25 issue of the Saratoga News: I didn't know that all those trees were going to be removed. How many others didn't know? Not only that, what else don't we know is going to happen? The Planning Commission approved the renovation plans for the center in February 1996. Did they approve the tree removal? If not, shouldn't the building contractor be called to court? Moreover--maybe I missed it--but I have never seen a layout of what the renovation will look like; a layout of the buildings, a layout of the parking area, an architectural sketch or rendition of the new center. I know in the Dec. 9 edition of the Saratoga News on page 11 there is some kind of drawing of "some kind" of building representing a store. Is this the best we can have? What will the entire center look like? What did the Planning Commission approve? What do the builder and Argonaut Associates really plan to build? I have a gut feeling it will be like the new El Paseo shopping center! Gad! Los Angeles all over! I thought the new center would reflect the overall feeling or spirit of the Village of Saratoga. I thought the architect was supposed to use his talents to arrive at something original. Something "Saratoga-ish." Something worthy of his fee. All I can see from the drawing on page 11 is another copy of all the others. What Los Angeles shopping center did he trace it from? Where is his originality--contributing to the "Saratoga Feeling?" Is this center going to be built--and then all we can say is Gad? Please--please tell me I'm wrong. John P. McManus Saratoga Detailed plans of projects in the planning process can be viewed at City Hall.--Editor Quito Road should be called Quito Raceway Those of you who enjoy a good road race no longer need to travel to Laguna Seca or Indianapolis. Just bring a couple of lawn chairs on down to Quito Road and settle back for some hot racing action. Heck, some of our best local drivers reach speeds of 60 mph between the Bicknell Road and Montclair Road checkpoints. By far, the most interesting vantage points, however, are at the s-curves near the Vessing Road intersection. Many drivers seem to take those 19 mph signs as a challenge to their driving skills and the resulting accidents often deserve ESPN coverage. Just last week, one rookie driver took out a telephone pole, and the race officials were nice enough to leave the car's bumper by the roadside to excite the other drivers. The most special thing about the Quito Raceway is that it is the only track in California built entirely through a residential neighborhood. Often times, completely innocent drivers returning to their homes after work find themselves in a virtual life-threatening driving situation, which certainly spices up the otherwise boring commute. Taking tongue out of cheek, wake up Saratoga! We all drive Quito Road and we are increasingly at risk. It is time to apply some minimal common sense to this potential death trap. Some suggestions I might offer: Step up patrol, especially on the weekends; place speed bumps on the s-curve section; put in a stop sign at the Bicknell/Quito intersection. These measures would help ensure the safety of Saratoga residents and all others who drive this deceptively dangerous "country" road. William Eddie Woodbank Way Clayden's story one of courage As a survivor of a head-on auto accident in southern Colorado two years ago, I can understand the magnitude of Marian Clayden's achievement in coming back from a cerebral hemorrhage, the cover story in the Dec. 16 issue of the Saratoga News. No one can really prepare you for how long the neural healing process takes. It's reassuring to read about someone who has overcome the physical and psychological difficulties, and continues to make valuable and fulfilling contributions. I also was assisted by physical therapist Linda Goshgarian, as well as therapists Carol Moore and Darrell Musik. These folks are all extremely dedicated to helping those of us with neural challenges function to the best of our ability. In my own situation, the therapists' encouragement was very valuable during times when I otherwise would have despaired of ever improving. Support of family and friends is also crucial, but Clayden's story illustrates that it's the upbeat attitude of the patient that's most important to the healing process. It's always good to remember that every day above ground is a great day. Mark Bohrer McCoy Avenue [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, December 23, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.