Letters

Museums, crematoriums continued discussions

In your Sept. 26 issue, you quoted me stating I was against the city's purchase of a Sunnyvale Avenue house for a historical museum. I did not say that. I requested the city council to please do a financial analysis of alternatives before spending close to $2 million of our money on that purchase, and further, to allocate additional staff time to assist in this study. I am sad to say the city council agreed to neither request. I strongly believe the Martin Murphy story is a unique and stellar example of democracy in America. Sunnyvale should be exceptionally proud of this piece of its history and do everything possible to find the most sensible location to retell it.

I believe Mr. Smith's letter to the editor regarding his crematory business insults the citizens of Sunnyvale. He neglects to point out that the Bay Area has an over-capacity of crematories and that this type of business is more profitable than simply providing funeral services. He seems to miss the point that his opponents are not against crematories, but rather are asking that a crematory be located so as not to cause public nuisance and harm.

The fundamental question here is whether a human crematory is an appropriate land use of a residential zoned property in a residential neighborhood. Mr. Smith's letter implies that because the Fremont crematory has not yet killed any children, then it is sufficiently rational for allowing his operation in the midst of Sunnyvale homes.

Despite claims to the contrary, it is a certain fact that the crematory will exhaust approximately two-dozen highly toxic emissions, including several carcinogens. Anyone can easily confirm this with the EPA or our local air quality personnel. Their analysis of this crematory calculated the health risk and number of new deaths that could be expected from toxic emissions. Though that number is small, it is unacceptable that he request and the city council agree to expand business operations in a way that is known to have adverse and potentially dire effects on the health of residents.

While experts can give different opinions about the degree or severity of ash, odor, noise, smoke and toxics, they don't dispute that they do exist. Other cities, counties and states that have taken the time to study this issue have recognized the dangers and passed regulations mandating a separation of human crematories from all neighborhood residences. The city of Sunnyvale has no prior experience with crematories and has publicly admitted doing a flawed review of this matter.

It's past time that the current city council stops the reckless business intrusion, development and densification of our hometown. It's past time that citizens and neighborhoods "should be listened to," then voted against.

If Mr. Smith and the city council would like to contribute this service to Sunnyvale in a responsible fashion, they should do so by locating the crematory in a commercial area where neighborhood families and elderly persons do not have to subsidize Mr. Smith's business with their own health and property.

Michael Gulasch
Sunnyvale

Miller responds to Esteban

Judy Esteban states in an ad paid for by Ada and George Bull that she is committed to putting Sunnyvale residents needs above the ambitions of special interest groups. Interesting. Ada and George Bull are her primary campaign contributors. Ada and George Bull seem to be her special interest group, and she seems to be listening exclusively to them. Now, I ask the voters of Sunnyvale--do you want to support an individual whose campaign contributions come largely from two individuals who have a personal grievance about one particular issue with the city?

Or, would you rather re-elect an incumbent who has proven her worth to you by listening to you and your concerns, citywide, for the overall benefit of Sunnyvale? I listened to and worked with the neighbors in the Eichler neighborhood to get a single- story overlay to protect them from the onslaught of monster homes. I listened to and worked with you to increase public participation at our city's council meetings by moving the start time to 6 p.m. I listened to and worked with you for the new senior center, a new 50-meter swimming pool under construction, a new noise ordinance, and a new air quality monitoring station. Because I have been an active council member, committed to the needs of ALL Sunnyvale residents, I have had the honor of being supported in my campaign by a broad spectrum of individuals who live, work and do business in Sunnyvale. The San Jose Mercury News has also endorsed me.

This is a great country, and Sunnyvale is a terrific city. I have enjoyed working with my fellow residents the last four years, and I look forward to working with you for the next four years. Thank you for your support, and your vote on Nov. 6!

Julia Miller
Sunnyvale City Council

Another side of council

I would like thank you for the well-written article regarding the council/staff softball game. It was a very humorous and refreshing piece. I appreciate the Sun covering this and exposing the human side of the city council and staff in Sunnyvale.

Thanks again,

Tim Risch
Sunnyvale City Council

Public Safety

Endorsement: Vote for Fowler, Miller, Howe

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