I have to write to agree with Commander Von Armstrong (Letter, March 15) in his belief that Fritz Robinson (Letter, Feb 22) "needs to chill." I had the pleasure of working for the public safety department in Sunnyvale for over 13 years in various civilian capacities. I also had the pleasure of working with Armstrong and countless sworn and civilian members of that fine department.

Armstrong is correct that "stuff happens, and things change in a heartbeat." I was at work the morning that PSO Manny Lopez Jr. lost his life. I was at work the day that PSO Tony Maranon became a quadriplegic in an accident while pursuing suspected criminals. I was at work the day that Richard Wade Farley killed seven people at ESL. And through all of this, I witnessed the dedication, devotion, courage and emotional trauma that every man and woman--civilian or sworn--felt after each incident.

Contrary to what Robinson believes, Public Safety Officers Association members are not allowed to do anything they want in this city. Rather, they are charged with protecting the life and property of every person and business. It doesn't matter if the potential loss is from burglary, robbery or fire; it doesn't matter if their own lives are in danger while protecting. It's what they do. Period.

Over the years, I have had personal disagreements with many of the things the PSOA--or some of its members--has done or supported. But I have never felt anything but pride in the outstanding work that these individuals accomplish. Whether they take a coffee break or not, you always know that they will be there when you need them--whether you know you need them or not.

The Public Safety Department is even watching out for Robinson.

Larry St. Regis, former operations manager (1986-2000)

Boulder Creek

PSO officers have a right to decide who to support

This letter is in response Fritz Robinson (Letters,
Feb. 22).

Individuals desiring council seats present a profile prior to an election. Residents then elect their choice based on who they feel will best represent them in the operation of the city.

Many businesses and residents then support those candidates they feel would be most effective in the operation of the city.

Members of the PSOA, concerned about the smooth operation of Sunnyvale also have opinions about who they think would do the best job, and they actively support those they feel would best fill the council seats. Does Robinson believe the PSOA should not have the right to an opinion or to support individuals because their choice doesn't agree with his?

Robinson's statement, "The PSOA can do anything they want" displays his lack of knowledge of facts. Officers are controlled by more policies (on and off duty) than employees of any other business.

"That job you pay for" includes a multitude of activities, only one of which is driving around "to patrol."

During a 10-hour shift public safety officers are allocated one meal and two coffee breaks. All activities throughout the shift, including breaks are closely monitored. When an officer goes on break they verbally notify dispatch as well as log it in the vehicle's CAD system.

Robinson's reference that all Starbucks lots are continuously filled with patrol cars is a ridiculous and untrue exaggeration. Is he suggesting that as "your" employees residents should dictate where an officer takes a break and what they eat?

Bruce Dudley, Retired Sunnyvale PSO

Morgan Hill

Terry Hatcher is a victim of DeCinzo's bad taste

As a father and as a human being, I am deeply disturbed by the March 15 DeCinzo cartoon's attempt at lampooning Teri Hatcher's recent and courageous public disclosure of being sexually abused by her uncle. I feel the cartoon was tasteless, unwarranted, and minimizes the seriousness of the matter. It's hard not to characterize it as an outright attack. Though I am not a psychologist, I do possess enough common sense to see that the impact of DeCinzo's amateurish attempt at satire will be to strengthen the feelings of shame and guilt in other childhood sexual abuse victims. Furthermore, it will likely make other victims less willing to speak out against their tormentors for fear of having their motives similarly misconstrued.

The fact that this cartoon was included underneath the eloquent letter by Jeanne Labozetta of Family & Children Services reaching out to other silent victims only added to its vulgarity. I question the decision making of the editorial board in printing this cartoon on the same page as Labozetta's letter. Did you miss the emphasis on Hatcher's body and the fact that the issue is a sex crime involving a minor?

It's one thing to satirize public figures, officials or celebrities about their politics, public service performance, policies or opinions, but it is a completely different matter to lash out against anyone speaking out as a victim of a tragic and personal crime such as childhood sexual abuse with a sophomoric portrayal of their anatomy.

Wth the success of her new show, Hatcher's popularity seems to have been at a high level for almost two years given the frequency she is on the cover of checkout counter tabloids. Therefore, it is hard to see how her recent public disclosure could be interpreted as publicity-hunting. The fact that DeCinzo feels otherwise shows that there is something in his past that this subject irritates or he has serious issues with women in the public eye that drives him to minimize their voice with an unwarranted attack. Whatever the source may be, the result is that he comes across as pathetic, while the editorial board comes across as naive.

Craig Horne

Sunnyvale