Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Baratta-Lorton story
biased, incompetent

I have known Bob Baratta-Lorton for almost 27 years. In those 27 years, I have been privileged to hear many stories of his teaching days with Mary, as well as their philosophy of education that he carries on today. This philosophy emphasizes encouraging the spirit of discovery and mastery that he believes is present in each child. In a harsh world that often isolates and humiliates children, producing adults that are aimless and lacking self-efficacy, Bob nurtures the whisper of ability until it is a pillar of belief. He is truly the most generous person I have ever met, and there are countless teachers and children around the world that have been inspired by his work.

It is a sad commentary on American journalism that the article you published ("Unsolved Murder," Nov. 15) can be so blatantly biased and incompetent and yet still get published. What is the purpose of the article? Obviously, it wasn't an investigative piece; otherwise, it would have asked some basic questions such as, "How many murders go unsolved in the United States each year?" and "Of the murders that are solved, how many are committed by family members?" and "How do these questions impact a murder investigation?"

How hard is it to ask these questions? Not hard, especially in this age of Google. Did it not occur to anyone at the Saratoga News that this flimsy article might impact not just the life of one highly respected and loved man, but generations of children that might be exposed to his and Mary's educational philosophy? For what? So that Jason Sweeney can sleepwalk through his job? What a terrible shame.

Bob's work and Mary's work are where the most interesting and inspiring stories lie. Write about that, and the world will be better for it.

Nicole Henricks-Garrett

Arcata

Nicole Henricks-Garrett was a Saratoga resident from 1977 to 1983.

Thanks to all who
decorated wreaths

A big thank you to all the merchants and residents who decorated holiday wreaths for the Village this past week. Rockwood Design was responsible for 10 of the wreaths, and Gilbert Dupont Salon, the Bank Bar and Divinewear decorated two each, as did residents Laurel Perusa and Susan Zabkar. Ann Monroe, a local teacher, decorated one, as did the Saratoga Lodge, Knitting Arts, the UPS store, Butter Paddle, Echo Shop, Skin Prophecy Boutique, the French Taylor, Lupretta's Deli, Curves, Coldwell Banker, Mere Michelle, Deja and Co., the Fat Robin, Saratoga Gallery, Barbara D'Ercole Design, J&H Design, the Saratoga Library, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and the Book Go Round.

Please come stroll through our Village and look at all the lovely holiday wreaths adorning the light poles. Shops will be open Thursday evenings over the holiday season. Show our Village merchants your appreciation for their hard work! Their spirit of community as evidenced by the wreath decorating and enthusiasm for many other community events should be recognized and applauded.

Jill Hunter

Lomita Avenue

Looking for a new era
in Saratoga politics

Now that the dust has settled in Saratoga after the vicious fury of the recent city council election campaigns, I want to congratulate your editorial staff for enlightening Saratoga residents on political actions that have not always been to the benefit of the whole community.

More than 20 years ago when I was the only incumbent seeking re-election to the city council for a second term, I lost to a so-called slate of three candidates who were determined to take control of our city government. The "takeover" was further enhanced when the mayor resigned from the council rather than serve with the incoming council persons.

Serving on the city council in a residential community such as Saratoga demands a lot of time and effort and true dedication. (We received no remuneration 20 years ago.) Not everyone is always in complete agreement, but they should not be subjected to unfair attacks and false charges.

Now the residents have spoken, and hopefully we will see a new era in the political life of Saratoga with one common goal--to serve and protect everyone in the city, and all the areas of the city.

Peggy Corr

Los Gatos

Peggy Corr was a member of the Saratoga City Council from 1976 to 1980.

Chang is committed
to serving on board

First of all, I would like to thank you for re-electing me to the Los Gatos-Saratoga High School District board. I also want to thank those who worked in the many ways in this campaign effort to assure my re-election. I have been truly touched and humbled by your kindness and generosity.

Through this campaign, I have made a lot of new friends and reconnected with old ones. I also appreciate the opportunity of meeting so many people and learning about different issues in the high school district that encompasses Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga. It is my hope that we will have more articulations and collaborations among the high school district and feeder school districts to smooth students' transition from middle schools to high schools. I also would like to see more collaboration between the two high schools at the student, staff and parental levels. In addition, perhaps we can promote some activities to get all three cities more connected.

I am honored to have your support and trust and will try my very best to continue to serve the high school district as a committed and devoted board member for the next four years.

Cynthia Chang

Trustee, Los Gatos-Saratoga HIgh School District

Toni Ann Place