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Speak Out
WG should count blessings, not issues
From the prospective of someone who has lived and worked almost my entire life in Willow Glen, I would like to address the recent letter to the Resident which chastises members of our community and laments the condition of our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Almost everyone can agree that while we may miss Bergmann's, Sawyer's, and Saturday afternoons at the Garden Theater, the present trend on Lincoln Avenue is an upswing from the interim period of store closures and thrift outlets.
On a daily and sometimes nightly basis, I walk our neighborhood. Always I am greeted by friendly hellos from dog walkers, joggers, and those tending their yards. Always I enjoy the beauty of our tree-lined streets, the seasonal decorations--currently the pumpkins, scarecrows and fall wreaths. Our schools, too, are improving. With the passage of the bond, facilities are being upgraded and in Willow Glen we have a good choice of both public and private schools.
From time to time Willow Glen has issues. Because we now have a local newspaper, residents read about these problems and we are exposed to the debate which sometimes can get heated. Naturally, those most affected will be the most vocal--fighting for their quality of life, their peace, safety, property rights, etc. This is no different from any other community. What is different from some is the way in which our residents conduct themselves.
Having attended numerous Planning Commission and City Council hearings over the years, it is clear that Willow Glen neighbors behave in a manner that brings honor to our community. At both the Planning Commission and the City Council, whether it be the Willow Street stop sign, design review of single-family homes, or The Glen, residents have been praised for their reasonable and organized approach. We are a class act.
In conclusion, let's show empathy toward those who may be involved with the issue of the day--realizing that we may be the ones with the issue of tomorrow. And let's count our blessings--because Willow Glen has many.
Kris Cunningham
Cherry Avenue
Take a look around at eyesore homes
We live in Willow Glen, one of the most prestigious places in San Jose, and yet there are people whose homes look like they belong in the ghetto. My question is why, and what does this say about the owners? I have come to a conclusion that there are five distinct features about an eyesore home. Will I be describing your home or one on your block? Take a look around your neighborhood. You will be surprised:
(1) The Landscape Nightmare Home: Overgrown shrubs, weed garden, dead or overgrown lawn. Zero effort is required to maintain these yards; (2) The Junkyard Home: A parking lot of vehicles. Must have either a boat, RV or broken-down car, usually with a blue tarp over it. Often with one car parked on the lawn; (3) The Yearlong Christmas Home: Christmas lights up all year long. Can you say "tacky"? (4) The Prison Home: Bars on the windows, front door and the perimeter of the yard. Ever heard of an alarm? What was your crime? (5) The Fixer-Upper: Weathered paint, roof, exterior. Needs cosmetic overhaul. Probably the same on the inside.
Those of you who have homes that fit one or more of the descriptions above, my question is for you: Why do you lack pride of ownership?
Willow Glen is one of the nicest, most desirable and priciest places to live in San Jose. Even the worst homes sell for a third of a million dollars. I wish those people would take more pride in their homes, and maintain the beauty of their neighborhoods and of Willow Glen.
J.S. Keller
Willow Glen
Community always has room to improve
Sue Evans ["WG isn't perfect, but it's close," Speak Out, Oct. 27] is exactly the type of person that Nancy Bentley wrote about in "Perfect community has turned 'greedy, high, and mighty,' " [Speak Out, Oct. 20].
Ms. Evans told Ms. Bentley that if you don't like it here, leave. Too many people these days are saying just that. Sure, it's easy to run away from your problems, as Sue Evans implies, but is that really a solution? I have been a resident here for over 20 years, and yes, Willow Glen is not the same as it used to be. Only a small, vocal minority of residents get involved with the community. Most of the neighbors do not speak, or help each other anymore; instead, they complain. They lock themselves up in their perfect homes, with their manicured lawns, scared that someone might think less of them.
Willow Glen isn't perfect, but it can be made better. People like Nancy Bentley remember the old Willow Glen, before it turned into just another extension of San Jose, and it's people like her that make Willow Glen perfect.
It is Ms. Evan's attitude that I would like to see leave, not Ms. Bentley's.
Rita Huomo
Potrero Drive
District has good reasons for changes
At least five times in the last few months you have published articles itemizing complaints by residents about the proposed changes to the SJUSD (the change to Booksin's boundaries, the new location of Broadway Continuation High School). While these complaints are valid, you have not given adequate coverage to the benefits of the proposed changes, which will affect many, many more families than the few complainers you have spotlighted.
First, a new school is opening at Canoas Gardens, which will provide a neighborhood school to those families. Second, River Glen is being converted to a neighborhood school, which will benefit families living near central San Jose. Third, these changes will significantly decrease enrollment at Schallenberg, Booksin and Willow Glen Elementary, a very positive move for all Willow Glen families. Fourth, the enrollment at these schools will become more "Willow Glen" focused, ensuring a more true neighborhood experience there.
Name withheld by request
San Jose
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Willow Glen, California Since 1992
