Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Subway shop should be
approved in the Village

I can't say as I've ever eaten a Subway sandwich. I do know the Glasauer family, and if there was ever a family that you would want as neighbors, they fit the bill: Wonderful people.

Without even taking the character of Myia Glasauer, who would like to do business in Saratoga, into account, not allowing a business to come to a town in desperate need of commerce is unconscionable. If I read the differing opinions correctly, the biggest issue is the Subway logo. What may I ask makes the Subway logo unacceptable to Saratogans while Wells Fargo and Bank of America's logos are just fine? Aren't the two banks part of a chain? Starbucks is a chain; what's with that? The Union 76 Station just across the street has a totally much more objectionable sign (a big orange ball) than Subway.

What is it with people in this town that makes things like these issues? It's not like the Pink Poodle is asking to open up a business in this location. What if the Glasauers wanted to open up a sporting goods store and sell handguns? Another perfectly legal business. I could just imagine the bunched panties this would cause.

All Myia Glasauer wants to do is open up a business selling sandwiches. Perfectly legal.

The other argument is that there are already 17 other places in Saratoga to buy a sandwich. Is capitalism somehow disbanded in Saratoga? Is Myia Glasauer the modern equivalent of Rockefeller's Standard Oil during the era of robber barons? Do those 17 sandwich shops need government protection from her predatory business practices? She only stands about 4 foot nothing. Does she really scare people that much?

Let her open her business. She either is successful (people coming to buy sandwiches) or she's not (people buying their sandwiches from the other 17 locations). It's her risk alone, and she should be allowed to make it. What makes the 18th sandwich shop in Saratoga so bad anyway? With 17 there already it's not like Saratogans don't like sandwiches.

Dennis W. Farmer

El Camino Grande

Adult care center
needs support

The Saratoga City Council recently voted to reallocate money normally distributed to the Saratoga Adult Care Center to another worthy charity. The day care center will receive approximately $4,000 less for the year 2006. The council reluctantly made this decision, recognizing the need of both groups and that the day care center traditionally received this money. In making this decision, the council noted that the center provided valuable benefit to many of the city's senior citizens.

My wife has attended the day care center as a handicapped individual following a brain hemorrhage in 1995. She enjoys attending and participating in many of the wonderful activities the center provides. My wife also looks forward to being with all the individuals who work so hard to provide the most pleasant experience. Respite for the caregiver is another benefit that enables me to work outside the house on a full-time basis. My wife has been enrolled for short periods in other centers. Saratoga has unquestionably the best people and program in the area.

Payment for center's services is based on ability to pay. However, even at the lowest monthly rate, the fee to attend is significant. The citizens of Saratoga are known for their generosity and often support worthwhile causes. The adult day care center is such a cause. It would be a shame if fees were dramatically increased or services reduced.

The center does conduct numerous fundraising activities throughout the year to supplement income; however, these cuts were unplanned and came on short notice. The center also does not have the staff to oversee increased fundraising activities. Should any individual or group be so inclined to contribute, I am sure any amount would be welcome. If you would like to donate, please contact Debi Synder at 408.868.1262 or write to the Saratoga Adult Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070.

Jeffrey B. Nickel

Via Ranchero Drive

DeCinzo's should show
more tact and taste

I just want to say how disgusted I am with DeCinzo's (March 1) cartoon. I find it baseless and in poor taste. I also wish for him to explain himself regarding just how the cartoon is appropriate. Did he see Mrs. Cohn's announcement? I did and it was a somber occasion. I do believe that in the future he should have more tact and taste.

Leon Cohn

Crisp Avenue

Trees should not be
removed for field

The Saratoga City Council has instructed staff and the design firm for Kevin Moran Park development to feel free to remove the grove of sycamore trees on the western border of the park. This could amount to at least 12 and up to 20 mature trees.

This grove of mature sycamore trees has been in this park for 30 years; they are as high as 100 feet, some with canopies up to 70 feet across. They provide an enormous amount of shade for the park and contribute substantially to the beauty of this park.

I cannot understand any rational reason for committing this egregious act. Why a rational person would even consider destroying these beautiful trees is beyond comprehension. But what makes it even worse is that it is totally unnecessary. The stated reason for removing these trees is to make room for a soccer field that could accommodate an "international" game. We don't need international games in the city parks of our neighborhoods. This makes absolutely no sense. There is plenty of room to accommodate a CYSA/AYSO regulation field with removal of but a few trees.

The task force consisting of neighborhood, CYSA and AYSO and city at large representatives, which the city council established, came to the city council with a compromised recommendation only to have it rejected. I guess they really didn't want a consensus solution, which this task force worked so very hard to achieve.

Does it really make any sense to remove these beautiful city trees?

Bob Alley

Northampton Drive