On Friday, Nov. 9, my wife and I were in downtown Saratoga where, despite the rain, we were going to have lunch and then drop a sealed Wells Fargo ATM deposit envelope, with two checks in it, at the Wells Fargo Bank. Unfortunately, we lost the envelope.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, the bank advised us that a nice gentleman had turned the envelope in to them, and we could come and pick up the checks. He did not leave his name.

Once again, thank you, Mr. Unknown, for being such a good citizen.

—Warner Brandenburg, Los Gatos


Actions of players impact other teams

I would like to bring to your attention an error printed in the paper dated Nov. 13, page 31, under "Warriors, Falcons both win despite slippery conditions." Please be advised that Westmont lost the game; no, let me correct lost to forfeited last week's game. Why the forfeit? The Westmont and Andrew Hill players got into a fight. This negative behavior on and off the field resulted in the teams forfeiting last week's game and a suspension from this week's game.

I would also like to add that the negative behavior of the Westmont and Andrew Hill players did not only impact them, it impacted two other teams—Prospect and Silver Creek—who were looking forward to their final games of the season. The Westmont and Andrew Hill players' disrespect for the game, along with their inability to control themselves and their actions, stripped Prospect and Silver Creek players of the opportunity to play their final game of the season, and for many senior players the experience of playing their final high school football game.

—Melinda Kong, Cabernet Drive


Newspaper presents its one-sided views

Just before election day, I received a card in the mail from the Saratoga News endorsing the "Block of 3": Nick Streit, Kathleen King and Norman Kline. I object to your one-sided views.

Streit and the city have a history of taking land from property owners—"you give the land or we do not process your permit." That is totally unacceptable.

You have lost the respect of many property owners in that respect.

I refer you to 14645 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, for an example. After years of protests and petitions from many neighbors, the city of Saratoga went on its merry way and forced a public access trail on that property. People around here are quite upset.

The three independents—Andrew Barnes, Shelley Williams and Neil Malhotra—pledged to support and respect property rights.


Troubled by approach of paper, cartoonist

In recent Saratoga City Council election coverage, I was troubled by the approach that the Saratoga News and DeCinzo took. I can only guess that they were looking for the easiest way possible to get their jobs done.

It is easier to paint a "truth" without having to find out all the facts. It is easier to attack a person than to challenge an idea. It is easier to go with the status quo than to examine new ideas. It is easier to tear down and attack than to build up and support. It is easier to hear yourself than to listen to others.

During this campaign, it appears that both the Saratoga News and DeCinzo decided to take the easy route. I cannot believe that their objectives were fairness, truth and value to the community.

So is this the role model we want for our children? Not mine.

I do not believe that our community requires personal attacks to inform, influence and move people to take action. I only hope that someday the Saratoga News and DeCinzo will use their influence responsibly and be able to earn our respect for taking the high road. I look forward to the time when we can either laugh at or be intellectually stimulated by satire, with class, in this newspaper.

—Mark S. Linsky, Barksdale Court