Thank you for publishing the wonderful letter from Robert Zager regarding the proposed tree ordinance. It is a powerful wake-up call for Saratoga citizens who think their property rights still include the trees they planted.

What seems to be coming is not just draconian tree removal and planting requirements, with no limit on what cost the city may impose, but tree pruning permits and strict limitations on who may do the work, with the requirement that a "registered arborist" be present when work is done. And if you violate the proposed requirements? How do fines up to $50,000 sound to you? That is one of the "suggestions" to the committee studying the proposals. Saratogans better heed Mr. Zager's letter.

And, by the way, if you seek more information from the director of community planning (who presides over the ordinance revision), I wish you better luck than I had. When I called him to ask if I might "listen in" on a meeting of his advisory committee, I was told politely, "It is not required by law."

—Robert Dwyer, Farwell Avenue


Community theater thriving in Saratoga

The staff, board members, and the membership of the Saratoga Drama Group really wish to express our thanks for the truly excellent coverage of our recent production of The King and I, as well as advertising for Gypsy and the West Valley Light Opera production of Hello, Dolly. We know that your help will serve to acknowledge the existence of this lovely venue in Saratoga. We realize that there are many citizens who do not know that there is a theater at 13777 Fruitvale Ave., but they do now. What looks to be the city offices is also used for community theater of the best kind.

—Roberta Savage, Producer of The King and I, Saratoga


Student supports League position on PATRIOT Act

I am a senior at Saratoga High School and I have read the letter published in the Saratoga newspaper from Patricia M. Weber, president of Southwest Santa Clara Valley League of Women Voters, informing her opinion about the PATRIOT Act. I agree that the further expansion of the USA PATRIOT Act would hinder the liberal rights of American citizens.

The USA PATRIOT Act can be a violation of citizens' rights instilled upon the Constitution of the United States, especially our first-amendment rights. After the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, I have been moved and interested in following the actions against terrorism, but I believe that the USA PATRIOT Act was passed due to the astonishment and fear about terrorism.

However, even though the PATRIOT Act is a law to capture and punish terrorists, the problem is that the law infringes on innocent American citizens' and immigrants' rights. The PATRIOT Act is a violation of individuals' privacy and right of expression and free speech.

The laws approved by the PATRIOT Act, such as the right of holding suspects without bail, is a direct violation of America's traditional laws enforced since America was first established. I hope that the Congress will make sure that the PATRIOT Act does not take away the rights of American citizens and immigrants.

I believe that, especially after the Sept. 11 terrorist attack, America should stand up for our democratic values and protect what America is most proud of. America should be more united, not making laws that suspect citizens of terrorism and that violate individuals' rights. I am glad that our community newspaper addresses this nationwide issue that affects every individual in the United States.

—Cathy Pak, Saratoga


Terrorists are no more than criminals

In his earnest Nov. 19 letter to the Saratoga News, Lance Corporal Tom C. Ferguson, USMC, promotes the utility of the USA PATRIOT Act by stating that, "Terrorists operate without any concern for women or children, elderly and newborns alike. When they do plan to attack, it will come swiftly, without much time between the planning and execution phases. Not to mention terrorists are trained to blend in with their environment, leaving little warning."

Well, the exact same thing can be said about your average, garden-variety criminal.

Terrorists are no more than criminals attempting to commit crimes without being caught. And the protections afforded the citizens of the United States as specified in the Bill of Rights (which, by the way, is what the Marines are fighting for) should not be flushed because criminality has been given a new name. These protections were voted in place to keep the government from suppressing dissent by manipulating the law in their favor and by using fear as an excuse—which is exactly how our enemies function on a daily basis.

To deprive United States citizens of their rights while fighting a war in the name of those same rights is hypocrisy in the extreme.

—William Lorton, Saratoga High School alumnus, 1988, Los Angeles


PATRIOT Act is straight out of Orwell's '1984'

Lance Corporal Ferguson should read the book 1984 by George Orwell. The present administration and the PATRIOT Act are right out of the book. Shame on those who forsake the Constitution and the Bill of Rights for a false sense of security.

—Phillip P. Pflager, Cupertino