Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

All residential
areas are 25 mph,
not just schools

I appreciated seeing the editorial stressing the importance of obeying the 25 mph speed limit around schools ("There's no pass, slow down in school zones," Oct. 9), where, but sadly these same people appear to be unaware that the speed limit on all residential streets in Saratoga is 25 mph as well (unless posted otherwise).

These same people who feel that the traffic laws do not apply to them are not only endangering the lives of schoolchildren but also the lives of all of us who (try to) enjoy walking our dogs, riding our bikes or walking with friends along neighborhood streets. We do these activities now in some fear that one of these many, many careless and lawless drivers will injure or even kill us.

These people have lowered the quality of life in Saratoga for the rest of us. They should be ashamed of themselves, thinking that saving a few seconds by speeding is worth someone's life or well-being.

I don't know if they think they are cool or special; I know the rest of us think they're nothing more than jerks.

V. Patton

Franklin Avenue

Speed limit signs
in school zones
are ambiguous

Firstly, I share your concern about the safety of children in school zones ("There's no pass, slow down in school zones," Oct. 9 editorial). You're correct that many vehicles move too quickly through these areas. However, there is an important issue that your editorial fails to address.

The 25 mph (school) signage states, "When children are present." Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that many drivers believe they area allowed to move through a school zone faster than 25 mph when children are not present. Moreover, I believe that many drivers don't clearly understand what the maximum speed should be in that situation (no children present).

In summary, 25 mph (school) signage is confusing and illogical as it relates to a school zone. Therefore, I strongly urge you to clarify this issue with the police department, and your readers, so that we may all better understand the exact language of the California Vehicle Code with regard to a 25 mph school zone.

William North

Los Gatos

Dolly was great
to work with, and
will be missed

Saratoga is experiencing a great loss. Recently, our community librarian, Dolly Barnes, retired. Dolly, our Saratoga librarian for 20 years, was relentlessly diligent in her efforts to discover what our community's unique library requirements were, and to provide them. Dolly went further, however, by initiating programs that widened the scope of the library experience, and doubtless contributed to the library winning, for several years, its No. 1 position in the country for a library of its size.

I have known and worked with Dolly for about a dozen years in my positions as library commissioner, board member of the Friends and member of the Library Expansion Committee. Dolly was readily accessible for anything from providing library information to help with special projects and much more. She was quick and cheerful in her responses, and displayed her professionalism, superior intelligence and wisdom. She was just a delight to be with, and I know we all will miss her. We wish her a well-deserved, wonderful retirement.

Ruth Gipstein

Charters Avenue