I completely agree with Shelly McNamara's suggestion that new tenants in the Garden Theatre building not be direct competitors and duplicates of businesses we already enjoy on Lincoln Avenue ("Prospective downtown stores aren't diverse," Jan. 25). We absolutely do not need another coffee shop: Elva's, Willow Glen Coffee Roasting, Starbuck's and Peet's have us pretty well covered in the caffeine department. Between Willow Glen Liquors and the Grapevine, I think we're set for fine wine, as well.

What we really need on Lincoln Avenue is a fun shoe store so we can avoid going to the mall altogether. Work and hiking boots, walking and running shoes are fun, but they don't go with most of the clothes sold on Lincoln Avenue.

We can shop at unique clothing boutiques, but to find shoes to go with those great outfits, we need to leave Willow Glen and fight for parking across town. If someone opens a fabulous shoe store (men's and women's) that stocks a wide supply of nylons and trouser socks as well, you'd be performing a much-needed community service. I'll sign up right now for your mailing list and line up for your grand opening. If you offer children's shoes, too, I'd fill my frequent buyer card in a month.

Kris Kelly

San Gabriel Way

Stores like Trader Joe's
would benefit downtown

Boy, am I glad to see that someone else thinks that downtown Willow Glen needs diversity ("Prospective downtown stores aren't diverse," Jan. 25). The town is actually a little boring. It's cute, and I'm glad I live here, but when I go into other small downtown communities, there seems to be more activity.

We do not need another liquor store or another Starbucks. We should have saved the small theater, but leave it to San Jose to kill a good thing. Since we can't bring it back, put in more shopping and more eateries. An outdoor flower and fruit stand would be a nice addition as well. Shelly McNamara's suggestion to bring Trader Joe's to Lincoln Avenue is a great idea. How about an organic grocery store? There are so many things we can bring into this town besides coffee and liquor, which I have nothing against.

Jessie Bernal

Willow Glen

Granny units program
needs stricter rules

Thank you for doing a great job with your paper. As we are looking for homes in the Willow Glen area, an area that my husband grew up in, we have been reading the Willow Glen Resident. Thank you in particular for covering the story about the noise level coming from the American Legion building ("Neighbors to Legion: too many parties and noise, Jan. 25").

We do have to make a comment about the granny unit pilot program begun in city of San Jose. Since this is something we have had for many years here in Santa Cruz County, please know that most, if not all, granny units at present are not being used by caretakers. It's a great idea, but we haven't seen it as perceived. Despite noise ordinances and landlord/renter laws, what many of us are finding is that the units are being rented to young students who cannot afford anything else. The downside in some cases is loud gatherings, many prompted by alcohol and drug abuse and other problems. We would love to have caretakers rent these.

I would suggest that stricter rules regarding these so-called granny units be adopted. Learn from our mistakes over here.

The McKay family

Santa Cruz

Police officer looking
to lower statistics

I could see the humorous side of your jaywalkers story in the Willow Glen Resident ("Jaywalkers: You do the crime, then you do the time," Jan. 25)

I would like to mention that perhaps the vigilance practiced by this police officer comes from the increasing number of pedestrian deaths. If he personally has had to respond to some of the more grisly scenes of pedestrian versus automobile deaths, he may indeed, feel a little sensitive about pedestrians jaywalking.

Perhaps he was hoping that ticketing your son would prevent him from becoming one of these statistics in the future. Just a thought.

Rosemary Kane

Willow Glen

Lincoln Avenue could
use a grocery store

I agree with Shelly McNamara regarding the lack of diversity in our Willow Glen stores ("Prospective downtown stores aren't diverse," Jan. 25). I know we're trying to play like the big boys, but we're cutting our noses off to spite our faces.

I'll never understand why we need four places to buy coffee, while I scratch my head in pursuit of a decent stationery store. And another place to buy liquor--that definitely does not excite me.

I love that Long's managed to come to the downtown after too much ado about nothing. It has helped a little in my shopping needs.

What I wouldn't give for a Trader Joe's or another fully stocked grocery store that's within easy walking distance from me.

But then I'm in the generation that no one really listens to much anymore, and certainly does not gear its products toward, so I suspect things won't change much.

Bonnie Osterman

Glen Eyrie