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Speak Out
Converted garage violates city code
I am writing in response to The Willow Glen Resident's Sept. 26 cartoon by Steven DeCinzo and the related article, "Neighbor approaches WGNA for support."
I wholeheartedly agree with the basic sentiment of Mr. DeCinzo's cartoon--illegally converted living quarters in Willow Glen are gravely insignificant compared to the terrorist destruction of the World Trade Center. But then, I cannot think of any issue that is not dwarfed by the horrific events of Sept. 11. I certainly hope that terrorist bombings have not become the yardstick by which we measure all human acts. I also hope that no one uses this tragedy as an excuse for unlawful actions, no matter how trivial they may seem in comparison.
This brings me to the illegally converted living quarters to which I believe DeCinzo was making reference. The Resident reported on a Willow Glen Neighborhood Association meeting that addressed a converted garage owned by Tim Boehme, 1008 Ramona Ave. From the article, it appears that the information presented at the meeting was irrelevant and/or misleading. I would like to set the record straight.
The article suggests that only one neighbor opposes the converted garage. In reality, there were original complaints made by two sets of neighbors. The neighbors who supposedly support the structure signed a petition that did not disclose the facts.
The article states that Boehme converted his garage to an office. This so-called "office" contains a full bath with sink, shower and toilet; a complete kitchen with built-in cabinets, stove, sink and refrigerator; a living area with baseboard heat and a ceiling fan; a closet; a hot-water heater; and a washer and dryer. In addition, the garage door opening has been enclosed and interior walls have been reconfigured. At the time of the original complaints, Boehme's "office" also included a live-in tenant. Essentially, he has built a second home on his property. This was done with a permit that allowed only for garage space with a toilet and one sink.
Boehme stated that he feels discriminated against because other neighbors on the block have similar structures. The article fails to mention that these are older structures that I assume were built under different building code regulations. Also, they are located on the southwest side of Ramona Avenue where the lots are deep and back up to the parking lots of commercial properties on Lincoln Avenue.
In contrast, Boehme's property is located on the northeast side of Ramona Avenue, is only 0.11 acres in size, and backs up to residential properties. Boehme's second living structure is situated on the property lines of three other homes and hence involves privacy and fire safety issues that are not a concern with the other neighborhood structures.
As Boehme stated, he has done a great deal of remodeling on his property's original living structure and, therefore, is fully aware of the procedure for obtaining building permits. Boehme chose to violate the city's building codes that were created to protect all landowners. For several years, Boehme has rented a room in his home. The converted garage gave him space for a second tenant.
The Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement has devoted countless hours to this issue over the past two years and has tried to compromise with Boehme while working within the constraints of city codes. At this point, Boehme has been given the choice of either converting the space in question back to a two-car garage with two plumbing fixtures, as the original permit provides, or converting it to a one-car garage with a 200-square-foot accessory space and two plumbing fixtures. The accessory space could be used as an office, but not a living space. Boehme has not accepted either option.
More information concerning this issue may be obtained from the staff report on the Department of Planning's website at www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/planning/sjplan. Full documentation can be reviewed 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday at City Hall, 801 N. First St., Room 400. The public hearing on this matter will be held in the city council chambers, second floor of city hall, Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.
Rebecca A. Otto
Ramona Avenue
Now is time to teach patriotism for U.S.
As America has always been a trusting nation, it is hard for us to fathom, even now, how anyone could attack us in this despicable way. As a result of this terrible tragedy, we must change some of our ways for the betterment of our citizens.
First, all students must be taught the meaning of our symbols of freedom--our flag, the Pledge of Allegiance and its meaning, and the National Anthem. Daily, I believe, school should start with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Secondly, only English must be used in schools, as was passed by the electorate. In a diverse culture, one of the major things that binds us together is language. It is vital that all citizens can communicate and understand one another so that our democratic way of life can continue.
Third, we must focus on the teaching of our history. Every student must know well the struggles and sacrifices others have made to preserve our freedoms, our values and our way of life. Each student must know how to participate as a law abiding, contributing citizen in our democracy so that future generations, too, will be able to live in freedom.
Fourth, we are a nation of immigrants. As such, we should respect our diversity, the people of all countries and the individual ethnic celebrations they hold dear. However, we are all Americans first.
Our freedoms and our way of life were won for us at great sacrifice. We must be steadfast in preserving them. Let our patriotism and commitment to our country show.
Marion Langley
Husted Avenue
Retired teachers deserve thanks
California Retired Teachers Week is Oct. 14-20. This week has been set aside to recognize the extensive volunteer efforts retired educators perform throughout the state--in excess of 1.7 million hours a year, valued in excess of $23 million.
Teachers are our unsung heroes. Retired Teachers Week would be a great opportunity for former students to let a retired teacher know how much he or she made a difference in his or her life.
Retired Teachers Week would be a perfect opportunity to write or contact a former teacher who has made a difference in your life. I guarantee it would make that teacher's day.
Lu Messimer
California Retired Teachers Association
Santa Clara County Division
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
