Letters

The new bus-safety law is about more needless government

I just read your cover story about the school bus law that is being ignored. I am troubled by the underlying assumption that yet another law is justified so long as there is some chance that a child's life might be saved.

What this law did is change the system whereby if students were simply unloading, the bus driver would turn on flashing yellow lights. This would caution drivers. If a student was going to be crossing the street, the driver would turn on flashing red lights and all traffic was expected to stop. Now the driver is required to turn on the flashing red lights in both cases.

The article mentioned unloading Booksin Elementary students. As children file into the school, one might seek a quick escape and dash out into the street; however, this could happen whether a school bus was there or not.

Where this law really falls down is on a street such as Meridian. On this four-lane, divided high-traffic street, the law would have all traffic stop and watch while a teenager is let off in front of his house to amble up to his door.

This is why the flashing red lights have been rendered meaningless. And as the police and media try to enforce yet another unreasonable law, the respect for all law diminishes. As more and more laws are diminished in this way, only the threat of force insures compliance. You can imagine where this leads.

I suggest the importance of the flashing red lights be restored by repealing this law. Until that happens, flashing school bus lights will be as obeyed as the 55-mph speed limit was.

Jascha Lee
San Jose

Say 'right on!' to houses that fit their neighborhoods

In response to the letter written by K. Burnett in the Feb. 10 issue of the Resident regarding the building of "mini-mansions" in Willow Glen, I have to say, right on!

I've lived in Willow Glen for over 20 years now, a small amount of time compared to some, and have been horrified at the building of these enormous, oversized homes. First of all, instead of being called Willow Glen, I think we should rename our community "The Hotel Capitol of the World!" What in the world is going on? Is it the goal of these homeowners and contractors to outbuild one another? Is there a contest to see who can build the largest, most overwhelming home in our community?

I have several issues that need commenting on. First, the "Winchester Mystery House" on the corner of Minnesota and Cherry. Don't get me wrong, this is a gorgeous style house. But it certainly does not belong on such a small lot! When you drive by that house it stops you dead in your tracks with wonder that a house that big could fit onto a lot that small!

Second, there is one being built as I write on Carolyn Avenue, one of the oldest streets in Willow Glen. This three-story monster dwarfs the neighbors, one of which is a very nicely remodeled two-story house. On the other side there is a Spanish-style that looks like a pinpoint when compared to the dimensions of the Hotel Carolyn being built next to it! Is it really necessary to build a house this large?

And not to be left out is Camino Pablo. Here is a street where it seems each neighbor tries to outdo the other! I was wondering how many guests each of these resort-size homes could handle for an overnight stay!

Come on, people! Our community had charm and quaintness, now we have a "who can build the biggest hotel, disguised as a house" contest! Please, think before you build these monsters. If you need a bigger home, how about Los Gatos or Saratoga? At least there you will have some land to go along with your monster house!

Name Withheld By Request
Willow Glen

Less trash, more art and Founder's Day(s)

This letter is in part a comment about the trash that tends to build up around the bus stops, as well as up and down the street due to lack of trash containers, and how we could find a way to turn it around and clean things up.

Perhaps we should ask some local artists/craftpersons to either paint (hopefully) soon-to-be-existing or self-created containers which would give us cleaner areas along with some local art and color. Cement can be smooth and painted or maybe we could really dream and wish for someone to do some original sculpture.

We could do both, it seems. And they could sign their community "works," of course.

It seems I am far from the only one who regrets what has happened to Founders Day (at one time, Weekend). I miss the crafts and the weekend. As I have stated here before, most of the craft folk and car show people come at their own cost. What is the deal?

Once it is set up (toilets, etc.) why not let it be fully enjoyed for another day? Ideas?

Without these things, isn't it for the most part another Dancing on the Avenue? (Though that is enjoyed, as well.)

Last--why not more sidewalk sales? Strollers get to know stores they may not have entered before, or for some time. And Avenue restaurants could make new customers with a booth or possibly a small cart. Maybe even use a parking lot or two for the purpose. (It could be held when the Farmers Market is open for business.)

These are just some of the ideas I have acquired over the years. I enjoy the Glen.

Sodah Sparks
Lincoln Ave.

Glen is meant for houses, not hotels

On your opinion page in your Feb. 10 issue I read an interesting article. It was about the very large homes in Willow Glen. The interesting thing is that these homes were all originally small homes.

I totally agree with the letter-writer, K. Burnett, who mentioned that these homes do not fit in our neighborhoods. Boy, is that the truth! I wonder what she thinks about the "castle" on Cherry and Minnesota avenues. This monster house ate up the entire lot!

What a shame Willow Glen is losing that small town feeling. Please, homeowners and contractors: look again at the neighborhoods before building these "hotels" instead of homes and cottages that once was our charming Willow Glen.

Anna Casetti
Pine Avenue

Around the Glen

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