Councilwoman Kris Wang should be commended for her stand on behalf of Cupertino regarding the Moon Festival. Wang advocates that major festivals in Cupertino be run by our citizens for the benefit of our city. The Hsinchu sister city committee should be responsible for the Moon Festival consistent with the Japanese sister committee's responsibility for the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Wang has been unfairly vilified by nonresidents who, regardless of past history, seem to believe they should dictate what our city does or does not do.

Most astonishing is that these nonresidents would threaten a recall vote on one of our city council members. Given this, other city council members would show their true colors if they did not vigorously defend their fellow council member, Kris Wang.

Unfortunately, some other city officials seem to have a history of paying more attention to outside organizations than their own citizens. Thus, organizations such as the Housing Coalition, Urban Ecology and now the Sierra Club regularly attend our city council meetings and take positions opposing, for example, the CCC initiatives even though these organizations do not reside or rent space in our city.

These organizations have a right to speak but not be heard over the voices of thousands of citizens. Cupertino needs more people like Councilwoman Wang, who will stand up for our city when nonresidents seek to push their agenda on our citizens.

Robert L. Garten

Cupertino

Wu and Wang contribute
much to the community

I would like to express my concern over the controversy between my friends Lucia Wu and Councilwoman Kris Wang. I find it very disturbing that the controversy has persisted so long that a lot of energy has been drained from our community.

I personally have known both Lucia and Kris for many years. Being the chair of the arts and culture subcommittee of Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association, I traveled with Lucia to Taiwan twice. Chairing the stage performance at the Lunar New Year Unity Parade, I worked with Kris very closely. They both are very capable community leaders and have gained my respect as promoters of cultural diversity and social harmony. It is very unfortunate that the controversy has cancelled out much of which they and many of us have achieved.

Cupertino is a great place to live because many organizations have been established to serve our community. Each organization has its mission, goals, and projects. Structured like a nonprofit organization, Cupertino's city council is to serve its citizens and it should focus on city issues.

Moon Festival Silicon Valley is expected to have another great year and the date is just around the corner. I am glad that Cupertino-Hsinchu Sister City Association has been working diligently on its student exchange program. In CPAA (Chinese Performing Artists of America), we have been busy performing at several Bay Area festivals.

Ann Woo

Executive Director, CPAA