Argonaut is truly an international school. Many, many thanks for publishing the article titled, "Around the world in 80 days? No. 30 minutes" (Feb. 8). The much-deserved credit or encouragement goes to none other than the soon to be retiring principal, Mrs. Sue Brooks, who has always encouraged diversity and fully supported the International Day celebration at Argonaut.

I have been part of past Argonaut international events that ranged from elaborate outdoor country tents to hosting international charities between 1999 and 2002. Now, after becoming an Argonaut parent once again, it was exciting to be part of International Day and to represent Pakistan.

I have loved how each event always had hands-on learning for all Argonaut students and how each set of chairpersons have kept a unique blend of activities. While writing names of all children in Urdu was tedious and time-consuming for me, the appreciation and amazement from the wonderful Argonaut kids and teachers is priceless!

Mrs. Brooks's dedicated involvement from beginning until the end of the day fully depicts her unique character as a principal.

Our family, including our current kindergarten and ex-Argonaut students, will always appreciate Mrs. Brooks' positive sentiments toward Pakistan due to her own childhood experience there and would like to wish her a happy retirement. She will be greatly missed, and future International Day celebrations will not be the same without her.

Reshma Hyder

Blauer Drive

DeCinzo's cartoon
was shocking

I have recently read the opinions section in the Saratoga News and was shocked to discover the Feb. 8 DeCinzo cartoon. Basically, it had a picture of terrorists firing into Kevin Moran Park. Although I do support the development of Kevin Moran Park, I do believe this has crossed the line. It is ridiculous that someone could get away with stereotyping Muslims as terrorists. I can see the intention of the cartoon, but that stereotype (turban, long beard) as justification for portraying terrorists is offensive. Please take into consideration the sensitivities of those around you.

Rishabh Jethanandani

Redwood Middle School

Event could be called
the 'Oxalis Walk'

After reading the report and viewing the charming photographs of the Mustard Walk in the Saratoga News (Feb. 15), I feel compelled to voice the following observation.

As anyone knows who is interested in gardening or wildflowers, the majority of the yellow blooms carpeting the Heritage Orchard belong to the Oxalis family--in particular, Oxalis incarnata, commonly known as yellow oxalis. These are the flowers that the children depicted in the photographs were gathering, not mustard. Although the much smaller mustard flowers are to be seen above the oxalis in places throughout the orchard, yellow oxalis is very invasive, and it appears that it is taking over. Should we be thinking of renaming the annual festival the Oxalis Walk in future?

Margaret Magill

Monte Vista Drive

'Appalled' by editorial
in the Saratoga News

Has there been a quail-hunting accident in Saratoga? The last time I looked, freedom of the press and freedom of speech were time-honored traditions in Saratoga as they are in the rest of the towns and cities of the United States.

Therefore, I was appalled recently to read the editorial comments from the Saratoga News, which stated that the city council had "ruled" on Kevin Moran Park and that no further comments to the paper were appropriate (in so many words).

Excuse me, but Kevin Moran Park is only one of the many repugnant actions that this city council has foisted on the people of this town. Others include the celebration of Krispy Kreme, endorsement of Starbucks, the sale of what could have been a lovely and appropriate soccer field in the North Campus, and on and on we go. Now, I read that they are trying to put a Subway in downtown Saratoga. Thank God election time is coming soon.

If the Saratoga News is unwilling to publish its citizens' comments, perhaps we should rename it "The Saratoga City Council News."

In any event, I trust that the citizens of Saratoga will remember the names of this city council clearly in the context of their "achievements."

James and Linda Williamson

Newport Court

Think outside of the box
to solve field problem

There has been much discussion and upset about the placement of a soccer field in Kevin Moran Park. This one soccer field will not solve the problem expressed by the soccer groups--the lack of usable field space in and around Saratoga. There is much upset, time, effort and expense, as well as possible permanent changes to the character of the park, with the ultimate result being just one soccer field.

I really think it is time to look at the larger picture. What is a reasonable solution to the lack of field space plaguing the local soccer groups? Is this lack of field space limited to Saratoga or do the cities of Cupertino, Campbell, Sunnyvale and west San Jose also have a similar problem? As housing development in all the cities in the area increases, the available open space is rapidly shrinking. I would think it would behoove the local soccer groups from these cities to band together, find what open space there is and find ways to develop that space for their use.

As one example, there is a plot of land on Stevens Creek Boulevard between Tantau and Wolfe Road that has been undeveloped for at least 23 years. This property is no longer an orchard. It is not surrounded by housing, yet it is centrally located on a main thoroughfare. What a great place to put a sports field. Maybe the local soccer groups could band together and negotiate a deal with the property owner for the use of this open space. I'm not saying that this space is instantly usable as a soccer field, but there is potential there. With all the soccer and sports groups working together, I am sure there is a way to make this space or a similar space usable for many young soccer players.

Locating a field here or there will not solve the larger problem. I believe that it is time to think outside the box and find a solution that will serve for the long term. I urge all the local soccer groups to work together with other sports groups to find field space that is usable for sports without impacting the park space that currently exists.

Teresa Lorenzen

Desanka Avenue

Mustard Walk a success
because of so many

Many worked hard and gave their time and talents to make this year's Mustard Walk, as one family said, better than going to Disneyland. Special thanks go to Lee Murray for organizing participation of the many artists and entertainers; to Rick and Ann Waltonsmith, Jean Hayes and Anita Jury for the donkey cart rides; to the Saratoga Historical Foundation for historic photo displays; to Bob Semichy for providing antique cars; to Chuck Schoppe for old farm equipment; to the Saratoga Fire Department for the old-fashioned fire truck; to Gene's Fine Foods for mustards and the Butter Paddle for mustard tasting; to Norm Koepernick for the beautiful banners and behind-the-scenes support; to the Saratoga News for pre- and post-coverage of the event; to the city, the Rotary Club and the Conrado Company for their sponsorship; and to Phylis Ballingall, this year's Mustard Walk chairwoman, who attended to every detail to ensure a fun-filled day for all.

Patricia Bailey

Mustard Walk Volunteer Committee