I applaud the Saratoga leash laws. Now we have to go one more step. We live at the corner of Saraview Drive and Surrey Lane. Surrey Lane was a very pleasant stroll, especially for walking a dog. Apparently the area has attracted other dog walkers who do not have the decency to pick up after their dogs, who by the visible evidence are quite large. I have discussed the problem with other Saratoga residents who have noticed the same lack of courtesy and decency in many otherwise pleasant areas.

Charles Askanas

Saraview Drive

Utility tax essential to
maintaining city services

As a citizen serving on the revenue review committee, I would like to respond to Mr. Shaw's letter about the utility users tax (July 28, 2004). First, I agree with Mr. Shaw that maintaining the city infrastructure is very important. In response to his question about why city infrastructure has not been adequately maintained, the committee found in examining city finances that city revenue is, and has been for some time, inadequate.

After more than a decade of the state taking away funds (more than $11 million total), and losing the prior utility users tax in 1996 (a loss of almost $7 million), the city budget is dramatically under-funded. Even though the city has made sizable expense cuts including employee layoffs, service-level cuts and wage freezes, these measures have only been able to offset rising costs like the sheriff's contract. Clearly, new revenues are needed to prevent our infrastructure from further deterioration.

The committee found only two funding alternatives large enough to make a difference—a parcel tax and a utility users tax. While the tax is not deductible, it is protected from state takeaway since, unlike a parcel tax, a utility users tax passes directly from the utility companies to the city and is not directed through the state or county. A utility users tax also requires only a majority vote to pass, is consumption based, and is common among Bay Area cities; 26 currently have such a tax, including Cupertino (2.4 percent), San Jose (5 percent), Palo Alto (5 percent), Gilroy (5 percent), Oakland (7.5 percent), Los Altos (8 percent), and Richmond (10 percent).

If the tax does not pass in November, the city will need to consider additional reductions in services such as in public safety, outside agency support (i.e., SASCC, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) and selling city-owned property. Meanwhile, all costs will continue to increase—every $1 not spent on our roads today will cost us $4 by 2010. I also agree with Mr. Shaw that the voters of Saratoga need to understand why this tax is being placed on the ballot and why it is so important to maintain our city infrastructure now to preserve our quality of life and property values. More information on the revenue review committee's recommendation is available at cwww.saratoga.ca.us by clicking on the "Revenue Review Committee" link.

Doug Robertson

DeHavilland Drive

What Saratoga needs is
off-leash dog facility

In response to the Saratoga News article of July 21 regarding off-leash dogs, we believe there is a need for a reasonable off-leash dog exercise policy in Saratoga parks. Dog-owning families have safely exercised their pets off-leash for years throughout the city. Dog owners are members of the community who have space and exercise needs that are now not being met. Citing citizens and removing usable space is hardly a constructive solution, especially without addressing the needs of several thousand dog-owning Saratoga families.

We propose that Saratoga create reasonable off-leash dog exercise times and locations throughout Saratoga. A fair solution would allow dog off-leash exercise for a designated time in the morning and evening at several appropriate locations, away from children and traffic. As always, the pets require supervision, and there may be a need to certify or limit the pets based on behavior. Designating several locations throughout the city will allow pet owners to conveniently obey the rules, and prevent an excessive burden to any one area. This would be a win-win solution for everyone. Those interested in supporting a dog-friendly Saratoga, please contact Friends of Saratoga Dogs at our email address, friends_of_saratoga_dogs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Meeting the needs of the dog-owning families in a safe and monitored way will benefit the entire community. We will have healthier, better-behaved and socialized family pets. New dog owners can learn good responsible behavior from those more experienced. Since our family dogs would be in a specific area at a specific time, those who dislike animals will know how to avoid them. Moreover, we would build a greater sense of community among dog owners as well as those without pets.

Bob Luetz

Indio Court, Friends of Saratoga Dogs

Thanks to Heintze for
column on 'the Frug'

Thanks to Carl Heintze for tipping his hat to Jeff Smith, the "Frugal Gourmet" (Point of View, Aug. 4, 2004). We did see a brief note in the news noting his passing, and were sad to hear.

During the years when his show was aired, our family of five gathered each week to enjoy his charm and cooking delights. It was especially fun for the youngest, who was about 8 years old at the time. As our kids grew into their teens, they drifted away from small-world kitchen chat, but we stayed on. We have found that cooking shows are wonderful even beyond their immediate draw—good food—as they bring to all a certain joy of life and celebration for the sunshine and beauty that is around us in our everyday world.

Thanks to Julia and Jacques and Joey and Martin and Alice and many others, and thanks, too, especially to Jeff.

Susan Ping Wong and
Bart Connally

San Jose