Speak Out

Sap is a sticky problem on streets and sidewalks

I wish that our councilmember, John Diquisto, would pay as much attention to the street trees in his district as he does to his own trees on the roof of City Hall.

The tulip trees planted by the city throughout many neighborhoods have been attacked by a parasite that causes them to ooze a sticky sap which rains all over the streets, sidewalks and any cars that happen to be parked near them. The yard waste residue that is left over after the recycle trucks have picked up what they can sticks to the streets and is impossible to sweep up. The sap on the sidewalks practically pulls the shoes off our feet when we have to walk through it, making it very unpleasant to stroll through our beautiful neighborhood. Last year, the city sprayed all of the tulip trees in our area at least twice, and we enjoyed a "sap-free" summer. With all the rain of the previous winter, this is one of the most heavily infested years we've seen. Yet when we called the city arborist, we were told that nothing was budgeted this year for spraying.

We elected our representative to take care of things like this. If he doesn't, then he's not doing his job.

Joseph Czosek
Briarwood Drive

The objections to Broadway students have socio-economic and racial overtones

As the brouhaha surrounding the relocation of Broadway High School continues, we have noted a most disturbing sidelight to the process. It appears that the primary objection to the relocation is not, as some would have us believe, the fact that a high school will be "co-located" with a middle school, or that a potential exists that some portion of a soccer field will be lost to the relocation. Rather, it is clear that the issue is one of presumed superiority over the kids attending Broadway High School, with definite racial and socio-economic overtones.

The article in the July 7 issue of The Resident quoted 13-year-old children as saying they are opposed to the move due to the fact that "the students of both schools will be able to talk and fraternize with each other," which, somehow, was supposed to cause problems. Another 13-year-old was quoted as saying "[the] Broadway kids are bad influences" and that she was worried about her safety even as a "back belt in karate."

We have been next door to Broadway High for almost a year and a half without one incident involving the students. No, they are not all dressed in Calvin Klein and some of the styles may be different from what we would like to see. Yes, some of the kids carry their children to school to be cared for in the day-care center. The critical factor, however, is that they are going to school, they are trying to find a place in our society, they are trying to give themselves a chance at bettering their lives. Despite their efforts, the kids are met with thinly veiled, or not-so-thinly veiled, comments that they do not belong in the neighborhood.

The cartoon by DeCinzo show a bear (Broadway High) ravaging the occupants of a tent (John Muir Middle School). It is clear that this is intended to represent the big bad Broadway students overwhelming the poor little school. This is not the case. Rather, it is the efforts of the overwhelmingly white middle- to upper-class residents trying to send the students off to the wilderness "where they belong."

One of the great benefits to the Willow Glen area is its diversity of cultures and peoples. We should support the efforts of the students to re-focus their lives rather than attacking their mere existence.

The students of Broadway are not the problem. We who cannot open our lives to others, who attempt to isolate ourselves from the world to "protect our children" are, and have always been, the problem.

Brian C. Gordenev Susan D. Mertens
Broadway Avenue

The Glen's owners seem to be pushing the limits of their neighbors' tolerance

You need to run a correction to your "Council Watch" column of July 21. There is no "Natalie Dodd" living directly behind The Glen on Blewett Avenue" as the writer stated. I know all the neighbors directly behind The Glen and there is no one by that name, nor is there a house with a backyard cottage behind that business. Your article leaves the impression that the people who live closest to The Glen are in total support of the 2 a.m. closing time.

Also, I would like to go on record as being opposed to the 2 a.m. closing time of The Glen. In my opinion, it is inappropriate to have any business which backs up to residential property open until 2 a.m. It seems that The Glen's owners keep trying to push their limits. They knew what the restrictions were before they ever opened their business. If they did not want to abide by the city's General Plan, they were free to find a location within San Jose that allows for the type of business they envisioned.

I agree with Peggy Rossignol's letter of July 21. The Glen's owners could be good neighbors by abiding with the city's General Plan instead of trying to change the rules to benefit themselves.

Joyce Swanson
Blewett Avenue

Editor's Note: News of Natalie Dodd's existence has not been greatly exaggerated. Ms. Dodd does in fact reside on Blewett Avenue, behind the Plaza Inn.

Even the dogs don't like to walk on the Willow Glen sidewalks

I have lived in Willow Glen for over 40 years and have walked my dogs for 20 years. The sidewalks are in deplorable condition and are getting worse each year.

Since the property owners are responsible for their sidewalks, all it would cost the city is the price of inspectors. I would think the city could fit this in their budget.

Rex Stickles
Harmil Way

Council Watch

All-news networks sank to new lows with JFK, Jr. coverage

Sports Briefs

Charlie Wedemeyer All-Star Football Game