For the last 15 years, I have dedicated much of my spare time to historic preservation in San Jose with varying degrees of success.

I joined the San Jose Historical Museum Association, eventually becoming a member of its board of directors. We were responsible for saving several historic buildings from demolition by moving them to Kelley Park. Historic buildings should remain in their historic locations and should only be moved as a last resort of preservation. Though the History San Jose organization presently is not actively promoting preservation of historic buildings throughout San Jose, it is an excellent resource for research on historic structures and their previous owners. Another good resource is the California Room at the Martin Luther King Jr. Main Library in the San José Public Library system.

Several years after joining the association, I was appointed to the San Jose Historic Landmark Commission. The commission is responsible for creating an ever-expanding inventory of historic resources. These resources may become part of a conservation area, like Willow Glen's Palm Haven neighborhood, or become a historic district like the buildings along the Alameda, or become a historic landmark like the Clark Home at 1147 Minnesota Ave. in Willow Glen. The historic designation ensures that these buildings will receive additional review by the city before permission is granted to alter the structures in any way.

Unfortunately, while serving as chairman of the landmark commission, I witnessed the city council granting landmark status to a building and within the same year approving its demolition. Fortunately, due to the efforts of the commission, Preservation Action Council of San Jose, and a new mayor, the building was saved. Situations like this only demonstrate the need for a strong landmark commission.

The landmark commission could always use a dedicated commissioner with expertise in the Willow Glen area. I found my term as a commissioner an uphill battle, yet a very rewarding experience.

Shortly after serving my term as a commissioner, I was appointed to the San Jose Planning Commission, which advises the city council on land use issues. The planning commission helped develop residential design guidelines in response to the "monster homes" being built in our neighborhoods. When these guidelines were developed, the council agreed to review them to ensure they were adequately addressing neighborhood concerns. Presently, the commission is in dire need of a person with historic preservation expertise. Be advised, before volunteering, that the position requires a minimum of 25 hours of work per month.

Finally, having fulfilled one term as a planning commissioner and having witnessed the Preservation Action Council of San Jose in action, I chose to become a member of its board of directors. The council is a private, nonprofit, community-based organization that is dedicated to preserving San Jose's architectural heritage. It provides information to property owners and educates the public. It also promotes programs and policies for historic preservation and architectural designs that will ensure new houses fit in with historic neighborhoods.

The council has an outstanding track record when it comes to ensuring that both the city of San Jose and the state of California meet their legal responsibilities for historic preservation in San Jose. I have witnessed how one citizen can make a huge impact with this organization. I would recommend membership in this organization as a wonderful way for anybody to start his or her involvement in preservation.

—James R. Zetterquist, Cottle Avenue


WG insurance agency cares about its clients

We would like to respond to the Steven DeCinzo cartoon that was published in the Oct. 30 issue of The Willow Glen Resident regarding auto insurance increases.

While it is true that auto insurance rates have gone up, we at the Lozon Insurance Agency believe that you have stepped over the line by inferring that the staff at the Lozon Insurance Agency are blood-sucking vampires.

It's one thing to protest dissatisfaction with a large corporation, such as Allstate, but totally irresponsible to infer that the Lozon Insurance Agency had anything to do with rate increases. Allstate, along with many other California insurance companies, has submitted requests to the California Department of Insurance for rate increases. These requests were scrutinized closely and approved by the insurance department. Local neighborhood insurance agents have absolutely no involvement in that process.

All of us in our office understand the concern that some of our clients have had with the recent rate increases, particularly those individuals who are on fixed incomes. The entire auto insurance industry is experiencing these increases. We work with our clients to help them manage any increases and provide the best personal service possible.

We have been members of the Willow Glen community for 15 years, and we are saddened that you chose to lay the guilt on our doorstep for the economic woes of this community and the state.

The Willow Glen Resident should be trying to help our merchants in these difficult times, not defaming them.

—John and Connie Lozon, The Lozon Insurance Agency