We are all very fortunate to live in beautiful Saratoga. Saratoga offers a high quality of life, with beautiful neighborhoods, green surroundings, a charming downtown and great schools.

For years, parents in the Saratoga Union School District have generously donated time and money to maintain a high quality of education, despite low state funding. With the current budget crisis, SUSD—like many districts—is facing drastic shortfalls that will compromise quality of education. In order to balance the budget, many classroom teachers and other staff have been given layoff notices. Consequently, class sizes will increase significantly next year.

Parents have been raising additional funds to reduce proposed increased class sizes. However, community participation is also needed to maintain the quality of education in our district. Compromising education will have a direct effect on all of our property values. We urge you to support our schools by making a tax-deductible donation to the Saratoga Education Foundation, P.O. Box 2392, Saratoga, 95070. It will take a community effort to keep our schools great.

—Madeline Morrow, Shinku Sharma, Terrie Creamer, SEF board members


Saratoga parents are ready for Grad Night

The Saratoga High Grad Night committee invites interested residents, family members and friends to stop by the school on Thursday, June 12, 2­5 p.m., to preview this year's Grad Night decorations.

The party is planned as a fun, safe and sober place for graduates to celebrate. Under the capable leadership of Velita Behnke, Michelle Crosby and Sandy Lewis, more than 100 parents have worked tirelessly on the event since September, arranging for chaperones and workers, constructing and installing the set and coordinating entertainment, games, prizes, memorabilia and food.

About 100 local businesses are also involved, donating services, prizes, materials and food for the event.

As always, the theme of the evening is being kept a secret. The high school's quad area, little theater, small gymnasium and bathrooms will be transformed for the occasion. Last year's theme was New York City. Previous themes have included the S.S. Saratoga and outer space. This year artist Maggie Blackwell and Velita Behnke are the creative geniuses behind the decor.

To raise the money and resources necessary for this year's all-nighter, the seniors have bought bids and the community has made donations.

—Linda Allen, Merribrook Drive


Kraule continues to serve community

Recently I read that longtime Saratoga Fire Chief Ernie Kraule had retired. This is from a friend, far away in Alaska, wishing him well as he finds new ways to contribute to his favorite community and enjoy life, whether he's guiding the construction of the long-awaited new fire station in the Village or flying across the Sierra Mountains, one of his favorite ways to relax.

When I was Chamber of Commerce manager in Saratoga in the late 1970s, Chief Kraule served on the board of directors. With his help, we convinced Montalvo to allow us to hold an art, wine and flower festival at the former estate of Sen. Phelan. Chief Kraule was both a champion of local small businesses and the citizens of Saratoga. He was on board when we held antique shows at West Valley Community College to raise funds to keep the doors of the Chamber open to serve the community and visitors, and he championed small-business seminars to aid local businesses.

Sometimes we disagreed and that was OK. Together we worked with other board members to find positive solutions to the needs of the community, something he continues to do today.

—Sandi Sumner, Eagle River, Alaska

CORRECTION

In the May 14 story on a Victor Place second-story addition, a statement made by Vice Mayor Ann Waltonsmith was incorrect. The correct statement is that clerestory windows allow light to come in and prevent others from looking in.