Our July 4th observance at Azule Park was a great salute to the birthday of our nation. We had about 425 people attend the third annual event. What I will remember, however, is not numbers but the willingness of friends and neighbors to donate their time, talents and resources to make the traditional event a success, followed by the patriotic enthusiasm of those who attended.

Our program included the presentation of the flag by the Boy Scouts and Pledge of Allegiance by retired Rear Adm. Ralph Metcalf. We were entertained with hand bells and a Chinese student choir. We all joined in for a rousing patriotic sing-along led by Tim Brandt. Mayor Kathleen King reminded us of our founding with quotes from the Declaration of Independence and former Congressman Ernest Konnyu rang our model of the liberty bell for the 13 colonies.

If you could not attend, you will be able to see the written program including the donors and a few photos of the observance at the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce website at www.saratogachamber.org. If anyone would like to be a volunteer or a donor next year, email Mallory58@aol.com or call 408.252.7447.

Jack Mallory

July 4th chairman

Residents should support
North Campus purchase

As many of you know, I have worked to elect several of the current (and past) city council members. Until fairly recently I have been satisfied that the results of my meager efforts have benefited our city. However, the city council majority vote to sell the North Campus and its persistence in enforcing the November sale date for the property has caused me to reverse my original assessment of their long-term views for Saratoga.

Setting that aside for a moment, I feel compelled to applaud Jack Mallory's efforts on behalf of the North Campus purchase; conversely, I feel compelled to scold our residents' apparent lack of willingness to donate funds toward this worthy endeavor.

Historically Saratoga has been a highly desirable city in which to live; it continues to be among the most desirable locations in the entire state. Those of us who have enjoyed the privilege of residing here have an opportunity (dare I say obligation?) to demonstrate our appreciation by contributing to the purchase of the North Campus.

The facility will be available to all Saratogans, not just the seniors. It behooves all of us to "pony up" and help save the North Campus for us, our children and grandchildren. Most of us know that only a few residents could make citizen ownership of the North Campus a reality.

If the campus is sold to a housing developer, not only will I be sorely disappointed in several of our city council members, but I will also be sorely disappointed in the residents of Saratoga.

Marcia Fariss

Saratoga Glen Place

North Campus site
is worth keeping

We spent a Sunday afternoon at the city of Saratoga property on Prospect Avenue presently called North Campus. We stayed several hours in awe and wonder at this marvelous purchase our city made a few years ago for our community. We believe strongly that selling this valuable property, acquired with vision, would be a great loss for our town and the people of Saratoga.

We understand that the Saratoga City Council recently voted 3-2 to sell this property to land developers who will build new housing. A number of concerned citizens pleaded to the city council to reconsider the vote. The residents' challenge was to present a feasible plan to the city council to keep it for community use.

Many of us who care very much at times pay too little attention to the difficult issues the city council faces. We expect them to deal with matters in our behalf, intending all their conclusions to be in our best interest.

Honorable city council members, we're paying attention now! Truly, we hadn't realized until the day spent looking at the buildings on the North Saratoga property, the paved parking, the beautiful trees, the spacious grounds and the sounds of music and people what good use there will be here.

The established buildings need some remodeling and new construction. It may be possible to be done more economically than the city of Saratoga has projected. If properly marketed, it is thought that North Campus can pay for itself while it is used as a unique resource area--an extension beyond our present community center.

We've lived in Saratoga since 1960, long enough to have seen and been a part of groups that had the chance to purchase--or to keep--adjoining or enhancing land or properties.

We realize that our city needs a lot of additional money to operate. However, since many people in the community are still unaware of your proceedings and plans, we plead for and urge your reconsideration. At this point, the planned transaction can be halted.

We will help the group of people who have started this movement of conservation by donating whatever time, energy and other resources we can help this group grow. In doing this, we expect to help our city council keep this valuable city asset.

This is a plea to us all: Don't be indifferent about this property and be willing to lose it at this time. It sounds like such a lot of money, but it can go so quickly. Proceed very slowly. Don't let this property go.

William E. and Mary L.
Dutro-Hotaling

Ranfre Lane