In November 2000, Santa Clara County voters approved a ballot measure known as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program. It created a countywide special parcel tax that promised specific accomplishments over a 15-year period.

The Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program is designed to protect, enhance and restore bay ecosystems, improve water quality, help keep neighborhood creeks free from trash and develop 70 miles of creekside trails in the county.

We have just completed our second annual report on the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Program and can report that the Santa Clara Valley Water District's Good Neighbor program was able to clean more than 11,000 square feet of graffiti in this area. The program also cleaned up more than 280 yards of trash and debris from major creek crossings, trails, local parks and schools. All of these areas collect heavy trash and are high-visibility locations.

I believe and can report that the voters of Santa Clara County can be proud of the investment they made in the Santa Clara Valley Water District.

Susanne Wilson

Chairwoman

Auctioning puppies at fundraisers is inhumane

In light of a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News (April 23) about auctions of puppies at charity events, I would like to advise readers that one will be held by Saratoga High School for its sports boosters fundraiser on May 16 at the Mountain Winery.

As a representative of Northern California Golden Retriever Rescue, I am concerned about the acquisition of young animals bought on impulse, instead of thoughtful planning, to raise money. No reputable breeder will donate a puppy without knowing in advance where it will be homed. In fact, the AKC has denied registration for any young dog sold at raffle or auction unless it is microchipped or tattooed for identification purposes ahead of time by the breeder.

Many of these puppies come through brokers who represent puppy mills either in or out of state. In Rescue, we have gotten such auction puppies relinquished by owners unwilling to deal with their health or emotional problems.

Also, the California Education Code 233.5 requires schools to promote the humane treatment of all living creatures. By auctioning dogs at their events, schools are unwittingly promoting an inhumane and archaic concept, no matter if there is a protestation that "this has always been done."

I urge you to be aware of this not-uncommon practice of raising money at charity events where young animals go to the highest bidder, not necessarily the most satisfactory home.

Pamela Nesbet Lavin

Pepper Lane