With every passing year, does it not seem more media coverage is being focused on the issues of water contamination around the world? Here at home, for instance, we have the Hetch Hetchy water system renovation issue.

Why are we using a disinfectant like chloramine when the long-term usage of chlorine has worked well in the past?

This chloramine is a combination of chlorine with the toxic chemical ammonia.

I am writing about this because, since the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission authorized the ammonia contamination in February last year, I have met more seniors with health afflictions from itchiness to asthma that were insignificant or nonexistent before February and now are being medically treated.

Take the case of my mom, who lives in Sunnyvale; she boils her tap water all the time.

She has complained this past year of throat constriction when she swallows. I found out that the vapors she was breathing could cause her condition and is now being investigated. I think it is appalling that the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is selling toxic water through our taps. No wonder the bottle water firms are thriving.

Albert Camps

Sunnyvale

Library is a helpful place
where everyone belongs

Every Wednesday, Mom and I go to the library. As I wait for her to find some new mysteries, I sit in a comfortable chair and watch people come in and out, and I marvel at the diversity of us all in this micro global village.

No matter how we dress or how we look, we belong, even those who don't have a present address. We are privileged to have a library card that brings the world to us.

I am grateful, too, for the kind people who work there--efficient, but not too harried to exchange pleasantries with Mom and me when we check out our books.

Young children and their moms on a pleasant outing, serious students with textbooks spread before them on long tables, intent computer users, lonely people finding new friends: We all belong.

Whenever I need help, the librarians find what I am looking for. And I appreciate the availability of books about spirituality, like my favorite one, Science and Health, and others that help us grow in so many ways. They fill a real need for so many of us.

Thank you, city of Sunnyvale, for maintaining our place so well. I like to say we are a city of neighbors.

Gloria Beasley Lausten

Sunnyvale

City needs more public
defenders to serve people

I'm wondering why Sunnyvale, which has a population of more than 130,000 residents, still refuses to address the continual problem of public defense. Since Sunnyvale is the second largest city in the county, but only keeps two out of 93 public defenders, how in the world is anyone to get fair and proper representation (as guaranteed in the Sixth Amendment)? All they want to do is make deals.

Sunnyvale (supposedly) is one of the safest cities in America but has one of the highest crime rates in the Bay Area, not to mention the nation. I'm sure a lot of cases were bogus. I should know--I was (unfortunately) convicted of robbery for breath mints (no lie). How is Sunnyvale so safe if it has such a high crime rate and police want to arrest everyone at least once to make the city look good? Only time will tell, and the reign of Sunnyvale will come crashing down hard. Just what this city needs. I hope you will print this, because Sunnyvale is not what its residents think it is. I know by experience.

Ronn Ward

Sunnyvale

'Sun', Perkins are good
sources of information

I wanted to give my thanks for the great job that you all are doing for the Sunnyvale Sun. I read it every week and always get good information.

I especially find Broderick Perkins' columns very informative and educational. I've cut out some of his columns for family members, e.g., the credit report articles. I also like to follow Silicon Valley real estate trends and just noticed the DeadlineNews.com website that Perkins writes for. I'll be reading that up.

Donna Cleveland

Sunnyvale

Liquidambar trees really
do present safety hazard

Thank you for your article on liquidambar trees. These trees and their seed balls are indeed a menace to one's safety and property. These trees have absolutely no redeeming value. I have the misfortune of having one of these trees on my lot. It is a total disaster. Roots everywhere, concrete damage and those rock-hard, spiky balls are a year-round nuisance and safety hazard.

I have applied to the city to have the tree removed. Application denied. I have also told the city I would remove the tree and plant another one at my expense. No reply. Surely the city can come up with a workable solution that will allow the homeowner to exercise their personal choice. After all, this is supposed to be a free country.

Ernest Maune

Sunnyvale

Kudos to the sustainable
garden group for victory

Congratulations to Josh Salans and Sunnyvale Sustainable Gardening for having such a wonderful vision for Sunnyvale and for successfully implementing their dream of bringing a sustainable garden to the city of Sunnyvale. I hope that this garden becomes the first of many in the city. As I watched the presentation by Josh Salans and all the members of SSG at the city council meeting on March 22, I was impressed by the dedication and passion that this group shows. They really understand what community building is all about. I know many of our wonderful seniors and other citizens will take advantage of this very exciting opportunity to garden. Best wishes to Josh and everyone at SSG as they start their incredible journey on this fantastic adventure!

Yolanda Risch

Sunnyvale