I just wanted to take time out to say a great big thank you to all the downtown folks, my street coordinators, all my Willow Glen neighbors and Bill, Jan and Dave in particular for making the area so festive with lights and Christmas trees this year. It looks so great but could not look like this without all the wonderful volunteers and neighbors that make Willow Glen the absolute place to be come Christmas time. Thanks again.

Steve Denton

Willow Glen

Locals have the right
to use the new track

On, Nov. 24 I went down to the new track at Willow Glen High School. I had noticed activities starting on the new field (football game, etc.). While at the track, I asked a worker if they were going to lock all the gates with keys. "Yes," was his reply.

I then did what I was told to do by all the important people with the authority to regulate the track's usage. I walked over to the principal's office. I was referred to her secretary, and she told me the person I needed to talk to. I called the woman and she preached to me about how people are already misusing the facilities. She also gave an example of how someone had tried to hammer stakes into the new football field. This is typical of what I heard when they fenced us out last time (vandalism, etc.)

She then informed me that the public doesn't understand that you can't use a synthetic football field the same way you use a field of grass. I then was told I was out of luck. They had already had a meeting about its usage.

Since I missed the posting in the San Jose Mercury and the Willow Glen Resident, I missed the meeting. Booth gave me the names of the "new people" who are now "in charge." These people are the superintendent and a few other administrators whom she didn't name. Booth went on to explain to me that whatever "they" decided will apply to every new track in the San Jose Unified School District. No consideration will be given to people like me who have used the track for over 20 years. If you use the track in the mornings, then I suggest we unite and visit a school board meeting and let our voices be heard. If not, we will be running on the streets and driving long distances to find a friendly school district who will let us use the facilities that we paid for.

Thomas Sutton

Westgate Avenue

Theater series helps
schools programs

The performance at the tree lighting by members of Willow Glen High School's advanced choir and jazz choir, provided a glimpse of the wonderful music program at Willow Glen high school and middle school. This program, which includes almost 300 students in choral and instrumental classes, is a gem that Willow Glen can be proud of.

However, funding for arts education in our schools is limited, and we are working hard to raise money to buy a piano for our theater, help our low-income students participate in music festivals, pay an accompanist, and purchase costumes and instruments. I invite those of you who would like to support the program and have an enjoyable, inexpensive "neighborhood night out" at the same time, to come to the Dec. 16 "Thursdays at the Theater" concert at the school's Little Theater from 7 to 8 p.m.

This third show in our new benefit series will feature the wonderful Kaye Roze and The Jazz Affair, and promises to be a terrific evening for all ages.

Linda Krakow Eaman

President, WGMS/WGHS Music Boosters

Correction

In the Dec. 8th story about Larry Ames being recognized for his years of service in the county, the headline should have read County recognizes Ames for his years of service.