Letters

Teen Center needs special help right now

A Place for Teens serves the needs of area youth, providing a safe, supervised place for middle school and high school teens to hang out after school, study, obtain free tutoring, participate in recreational activities, such as pool, video arcade games, attend concerts and dances, and develop enabling skills for good citizenship.

To offset our expenses, we, the teen and adult board members, have spent considerable effort raising funds, and philanthropic organizations, local merchants and the citizens of Los Gatos have responded well.

The result has been teens who are away from risky behavior, growing up to enjoy their youth in town, while learning responsibility.

Since opening more than six years ago, our building has had considerable use, and, last year, we repainted and carpeted a well worn interior. Unfortunately, we have recently discovered cracks in the tile and it needs quick repair.

We have a volunteer who will remove the old tile, but the cost for new tile and installation is almost $7,000. A Place for Teens, or as the kids call it, The Outhouse, has several events to raise money, and we are making a direct appeal, as well, to help us with this special fundraising. All contributions are tax deductible, and donations can be sent to Box 1476, Los Gatos 95031.

If you are not able to participate financially, we are also looking for adults, who can volunteer with several of our programming activities to work with teens, such as chaperoning dances, etc., or assisting with fundraisers.

On April 2, from 2 to 8 p.m. we will hold an open house for adults at A Place for Teens. The intent is to provide an informal, drop-in atmosphere, where interested adult volunteers can meet current and past board members and get answers to questions on volunteer opportunities and open board positions. Phone 408.395.5553.

Lee Fagot
Los Gatos

Story added to the controversy about addition

I read the March 15 article about the Town Council decision on my Chester Street house with dismay. It not only contains a rather notable factual error, it also is not in line with a personal request I made of the reporter to exclude from publication any comments which might add further to the controversy over my neighborhood, and my house in particular.

It is my sole wish to take forward a revised application and to work with the planning department and the Planning Commission to get the necessary approvals as quickly as is possible. My disappointment with the Town Council's decision was only due to the extraordinary amount of time and money that I have already spent with this process. I am satisfied that each member had valid reasons for their final vote.

As to the error of fact, at the council meeting I stated that my son-in-law has a disability that makes winters in Canada particularly hard for him and that extended visits to our warmer climate would benefit him. If in fact he came to live with me, I would certainly have a problem with the size of my home, since I would also have to accommodate my daughter and their two children.

I realize that there is a great deal of interest in planning issues. I ask that you and your staff respect the fact that it does not serve me, or other citizens in my position, to alienate those who will be asked to approve my project.

Sandra Foster
Los Gatos

Monte Sereno can preserve open space with contributions

On March 13 the San Jose Mercury News ran the headlines that the Packard Foundation has, in two years, achieved its five-year goal of purchasing open space in Northern California. At no time was private land seized, nor was land ever purchased without the consent of the owner.

Now, why would some of the residents of Monte Sereno think that their City Council would purchase private land without the owner's consent in their quest for open space? The city has, for a long time, piggy-backed on the open space of surrounding towns.

I believe it is now time for Monte Sereno to help purchase open space, to ensure the tranquil surroundings we have all come to love. The City Council should consider donating to the current acquisition of the Alma College property by the Midpeninsula Open Space District. All donations made by May 31 will be matched.

This land can thus be preserved for enjoyment of the many. Please remember this the next time you go to a park, hike the trails in the wilderness, or simply look out your window and enjoy an unobstructed view of the hills.

Kyle Lanza
Monte Sereno

Thanks to those who saved the day for Victorian

Our sincere thanks to all of the Los Gatos and Santa Clara County firefighters and the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department for their excellent work in saving our 114-year-old Victorian home at 130 Edelen Ave. on March 15, when she was struck by fire.

Our sincere thanks to Chris, who, on his way to work, spotted the fire and called the fire department, and to the two unknown women joggers who ran to the Fire Dept. on University Avenue to ask for help, our neighbors, friends, family, and town officials, who have been so kind and supportive.

Even when things in life get somewhat charred, it is always a comfort to have caring people around you. Again, thanks to all of you who cared and extended a helping hand.

Ken and Diane Thompson
Los Gatos

Firefighters and paramedics are absolutely great

Hats off to some unsung heroes--the personnel of our local fire department and paramedics, who do their job so efficiently and professionally at all hours of the day, night or weekend.

On a recent Sunday afternoon at Forbes Mill Museum, there was a medical emergency during a public reception for the "Los Gatos at War" exhibit. The 911 response was so prompt that we could hear the sirens while the docent was still on the phone requesting help. The firefighters were calm, quiet and caring. Their arrival did not even interrupt the talk our director was giving at the time as she calmly carried on, while the firefighters and paramedics expertly attended to the patient and transported him to the hospital. Fortunately he recovered.

Last July on a Saturday morning, I personally experienced the care and professionalism of these emergency crews--they were wonderful! I have spoken with others who have great words of praise for them, too.

Everyone grumbles about the traffic in our area and many discuss moving to more remote parts of the country, but who could find a place where the emergency responses are comparable to what we have right here in delightful Los Gatos?

Martha Carlisle
47-year resident

Volunteers make all the difference

Once again, I write to express thanks to volunteers who go out of their way to express kindness and caring for the elders who have helped to build Los Gatos into a strong community. On March 11, with Los Gatos High School graduate Corrin Hastings in the lead, a group of 16 volunteers from the Junior League of San Jose gave their time to brighten the lives of homebound seniors in our community. They planted flowers along walkways and in planters on patios, for those who live in their own homes or in apartments. Each senior also received a special homemade bag lunch to enjoy. The service recipients were also grateful for the company and conversation with the young people.

Several seniors commented, "I am reminded of their kindness every day when I look at the beautiful flowers."

The Junior League has also donated a new slide projector to our Nutrition Program. Those who drive to the center and those who make use of the volunteer drivers to get there, enjoy slides presented by staff or community volunteers.

We are lucky to have a wealth of people who are able to volunteer individually, or through our local service clubs. People with varied opinions, backgrounds and goals can accomplish amazing things for the greater good and gain personal satisfaction while doing it. Everyone has a talent that can be of service to another. Together we can make a difference!

Deborah Kranefuss
Director, Live Oak Senior Nutrition and Service Center

Correction

In the March 22 issue of the Weekly-Times, it was incorrectly reported that the Villa Felice Hotel on Winchester Boulevard is no longer in business. Developers who bought the property had planned to close the hotel, but the project never received town approval. The Villa Felice Hotel remains open.

Photo: Oak Meadow Park fire engine

DeCinzo: Joel Gambord

Photo: The Mighty Avalanche Choir

Bob Lewis Volkswagen owner wins Quality Dealer Award

Picture From the Past

Sports Briefs

LG boys tennis team wins three

Wildcats beat Lancers at track meet

Los Gatos girls defeat St. Francis in swim meet