The Willow Glen Resident

Letters

Leaf-blowers make lousy alarm clocks

Despite the constant daily warnings in the media, it seems our local officials are deaf and/or blind regarding the most important issues of environment. While I'm writing this letter, some crazed gardeners are blowing dust, dirt and garbage with a gas-powered leaf-blower. It is a very stupid idea anyway, to blow the dust from one place to another, instead of collecting and putting debris in trash cans or dumpsters.

Behind our home there's a parking lot for a Hamilton Avenue-based Trust Company. Every Tuesday morning, screaming machines wake us up (is it legal to use noisy machines before 7 a.m. in this residential zone? Now, that's another question!) On Wednesday the next parking lot has the same "visitors." Dusty awakening continues! I wonder that in some areas this kind of activity is prohibited, even if it hurts the gardeners' pockets.

In Los Angeles the city voted to ban gas-powered leaf-blowers, despite the ugly response from the gardeners in that area. I suggest that San Jose officials take care of this business soon as possible. The fact is that these "machinists" don't care what's going on and don't give a damn about our health and laws. Instead of attacking our constitutional right to carry weapons, San Jose City Hall should consider this kind of health issue.

Tibor and Elizabeth Fuyer
Keesling Avenue

Dare you to print what you're writing about

Your July 29 issue featured a DeCinzo cartoon that makes me ask, what has he been smoking?

If The Resident goes along with this thinking, then I dare you to print page 128 of Always Running on your front page. Then we'll know if [banning the book] is the thinking of the Parents Rights Organization or of the general public.

Harry E. Carlsen
James Place

Book excerpts illicit outrage from one Willow Glen parent

I have been following the debate about the book Always Running. Your paper obviously takes the side of having this book in the classroom based on your July 29 article and cartoon (which I found offensive).

I decided you read some excerpts from the book in order to make a decision for myself. One such excerpt is included in this letter. Why don't you print it in your paper and give your readers a chance to make their own informed decision?

It's probably against the law to print this filth in a public newspaper, yet many are fighting for it in the classroom. Can you imagine the response you would receive if such a graphic sexual paragraph printed in your paper? And this book is being taught in the classroom! Where is the sense of decency and morality here?

I am shocked and outraged by the excerpts I have read. My question is, why are people fighting for this in the classroom? How can anyone think this is OK for kids? Would any parent actually prefer that their child read this?

If you are as offended by this as I am, please use your influence for good by standing against this. If you are not disturbed by this excerpt, then I am deeply sorry for you.

Kathryn Shaffer
Shadow Run Drive

The debate about the book centers on whether its contents are appropriate for high school juniors and seniors, and the excerpts in question deal with mature subject matter that would be inappropriate for younger children. Since The Resident is read by people of all ages, we will not print excerpts.

The Resident has not taken a position on the controversy. The views expressed by our editorial cartoonist, Steven DeCinzo, are his own and do not necessarily reflect the newspaper's position.--Editor

Kudos and thanks to Lincoln Glen Little League and parents

As a Lincoln Glen parent, I wish to thank the Little League and the parents who have continued to support the league. This year's group of 12-year-old All-Stars are 14 talented and dedicated ballplayers, and their parents are excellent examples of what Little League is all about. While we are winning, this team has never gotten down on itself and has just enjoyed the game. Much of the credit goes to coaches but, more importantly, the parents deserve the credit for 12 years of teaching their children values, hard work and family support.

I have never seen a more talented group of 12-year-olds. They have come together when the going gets tough, and when they don't accomplish something, they get tougher because they don't want to let their team down. There are no superstars: On any given day, each individual player may have a superstar day. But player for player, these 14 spirited individuals come to play.

My only regret is for the 12-year-olds who didn't make the team. As a parent, I've watched my son and the rest of the Lincoln Glen Little Leaguers grow and accomplish much as people. Thank you, Lincoln Glen, and thank you Lincoln Glen 12-year-old All-Stars. You have brought much joy and pride to this Lincoln Glen parent.

Michael Johnson
Jonathan Avenue

A good article, but a bad quote from Lincoln High grad

I am the recent Lincoln High School graduate featured on the cover of the July 29 issue of the Willow Glen Resident. As we do not live within your circulation area, I was glad that some friends got us copies of the issue.

I was overall very pleased with your article and portrayal of the school board meeting during which Always Running was discussed. However, I wanted you to be aware that there is a slight misquote of my words. What I said at the board meeting was, "Should we stop reading The Diary of Anne Frank because it portrays the German culture in a less than favorable light?"

Note, I said German, not Jewish. I can understand your error, but just wanted to let you know about it. Using the word "German" does make more sense in the context, since The Diary of Anne Frank doesn't portray Jews negatively (although the society of the book's time may have).

I'll be anxious to continue following the local media to learn the outcome of this whole controversy.

Leanna Kinsey
San Jose

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