I don't understand why the taxpayers are having to donate $200,000 to John Vidowich, to renovate his business site and the 7-Eleven on Fruitdale Avenue near Southwest Expressway ("San Jose Oks funds for renovations at 7-Eleven on Fruitdale," Sept. 28). John Vidowich has maneuvered so many people into paying for his investments in order to put money in his own pocket that just doesn't seem right.

The VTA Light Rail now stops a few hundred yards from this establishment, which along with the housing project being built nearby will bring additional profits to Vidowich.

The taxpayers who shop in this 7-Eleven are already paying more than enough to the owner. Since this is a franchise, shouldn't 7-Eleven be responsible for part of the maintenance?

If this site isn't profitable, why would anyone be involved with it? Is this really social justice, Mr. Yeager?

Virginia Bray

Willow Glen

Elementary school is terrific environment

Kudos to Willow Glen Elementary for its rising test scores! While API numbers are just one way to measure a school, the increase backs up everything my family has seen since enrolling our oldest child, now a second-grader at Willow Glen Elementary.

My husband and I carefully considered where to send our three children. We discussed moving to other districts, going private; we even met with Willow Glen Elementary Principal Dayle D'Anna. All roads led back to our neighborhood school.

Since then, we've been impressed with school's academic emphasis, enrichment opportunities in art, music, computers and sports, not to mention its teachers and terrific group of tireless parent volunteers.

Sure, some things could be improved, but we believe Willow Glen Elementary provides the best overall educational experience around. Hats off for its latest achievement.

Marilyn Ritchie

Michigan Avenue

Spreading the word
draws in shoppers

Thank you for the International Gift Faire article (International Gift Faire supports artists in developing nations, Oct. 12). We very much appreciate the in-depth reporting and the time and care put into the article. Thank you for the photo as well. For your support we're grateful.

When our Gift Faire shoppers register, we ask them to fill out a "Where did you hear about the faire" form. The paper is frequently mentioned.

We're not residents of Willow Glen, but the supermarkets in the area carry the paper. The news group certainly have a lively, community oriented publication. When I do see a copy, it always has a fresh, exciting look and a strong community spirit. Bravo.

Norma Voth, Media Publicity

Int. Gift Faire/Ten Thousand Villages

Will VTA become BART's cash cow?

If and when BART ventures into Santa Clara County, will BART share some of the money that passengers pay at a BART station, and then head for Santa Clara County?

If BART sends the projected 112,000 riders a day into our county (on rails that we'll pay for; right of ways that we've already purchased from Union Pacific for $8 million; and all the other capital costs borne by us), shouldn't we get something for it?

Has anyone addressed the turf wars that will erupt between BART and VTA management and union employees (where does Alameda County/ BART end, and where does Santa Clara County/VTA begin)?

How can the Silicon Valley Leadership Group expect to float a sales tax if it sinks us in BART's wake?

To put it succinctly: Will VTA be BART's cash cow?

Everyone in Santa Clara County deserves to be made aware of what we're in for, and what--if anything--we will gain from it.

Jeff Coykendall

Los Gatos