About 10 p.m. on March 26 I saw an animal that at first resembled a coyote wandering through the Rinconada Hills townhouse complex near Quito and Pollard in Los Gatos. On closer inspection, however, its stature and behavior was much more like that of a fox.

After doing a bit of research, I am now certain it was the endangered San Joaquin kit fox—vulpes macrotis mutica. It is known to reside in Santa Clara County. It is described as running with its tail horizontal, as opposed to the coyote, which runs with its tail lowered. Both it and the coyote are described as having a black-tipped tail, but some pictures of each don't actually show the black. The tail on the one I saw did not appear to have an obvious black tip, even when following it for over a minute with the high beams on in my car.

I thought I should bring this to the public's attention. The San Joaquin kit fox is listed as endangered by the federal government and listed as threatened by the state of California—so you can't terminate him. You, of course, might be able to have him moved.

—Peter Edler, Pierce Road


There must be more we can do than go shopping

One of the most inspiring things in my life has been a tin sign that hangs in my garage of "Rosie the Riveter." This sign is a replication of a World War II poster produced by artists organized as "Artists for Victory." The victory signs produced during World War II urged every citizen, young and old, to conserve such things as rubber, paper, tin and even fat left over from cooking. People were urged to drive less, and carpools were formed to save gas and oil.

Our armed forces may not need these products like they have in the past, but as citizens we still need to know that we have had some hand in helping this great nation. In wars of the past, politicians have asked that we conserve with pride and honor.

After Sept. 11, President Bush asked Americans to go shopping. Go shopping! Somehow this just doesn't give me the same feeling I get when I look into the eyes of "Rosie," with her shirt sleeves rolled up as she flexes her biceps above the caption reading "We Can Do It." Isn't there something more patriotic we can do than spend money on ourselves?

—Wendy Potter, San Jose


West Valley is going against court ruling

Last year West Valley College lost its six-year-long court case with the city of Saratoga over development of a football stadium on the West Valley campus. The appellate court ruled unanimously in the city's favor. The college district took the case to the California Supreme Court, which rejected the district's petition for further review, ending the matter. Or did it?

The result of the case was that the district's attempt to exempt itself from Saratoga's zoning ordinances—and its own use permit—was ruled invalid. The district assured the city that it would comply completely with the city ordinances and the district's use permit.

On March 15, 2003, the college conducted a large, all-day non-West Valley track meet on the stadium site, beginning at 7 a.m., with amplified sound cranked all the way up. That was in direct violation of the appellate court decision, the city's zoning ordinances and the college's use permit.

The West Valley Homeowners Association has notified the district that if there are any further violations, our association will seek a finding of contempt of court as well as appropriate civil redress. The neighbors surrounding West Valley College have offered the district detailed compromises. After 35 years, it is time for the college district to follow the law.

—Victor Monia, Granite Way


Schools should make cuts in administration

I recently read an editorial in your paper that called for people to oppose Gov. Davis' ideas to cut school spending, but I noticed that you mention nothing about cutting the salaries of the "administrators" in the district offices or the county education office, which does nothing for students. Why don't you call for those cuts?

—Bill Becker, Los Gatos


Community room would work well for council

After cogitating on the various arguments presented by our city council and the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries regarding the usage of the new library's community room, a question arose: Isn't holding city council meetings in the community room the essence of a facility being used by and for the community?

For several years, city council members have expressed a preference for meeting in a room that presents a less threatening atmosphere than the current arrangement to persons wishing to address them at meetings. Having council members seated at an elevated level is intimidating and conveys a feeling of superiority. Eliminating the current "two-tiered" arrangement would encourage citizen input and promote an atmosphere of equality.

Marcia Fariss, Saratoga Glen Place

CORRECTIONS

There was an error in a name in the April 9 article about the Saratoga Library community room. The correct spelling is Edward Hand, who is the president of the West Valley Light Opera Company.

On the "Dining" page in the April 9 issue, the photo caption incorrectly identified the Juice It! staff. They are Larry Barella, his son, Terran, 8, and his daughter, Breanne, 10.