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Letters
In the July 28 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, the letter below ran with Jen Linhart incorrectly named as the writer. Linhart is an intern working for American Baptist Homes of the West. ABHOW's president and CEO is David B. Ferguson. We hope to set the record straight by running the letter again, in its entirety, with the correct attribution. We apologize for the error.--Editor.
Senate Bill 335 discriminates based on age
If you're following the current debate surrounding stricter testing for California drivers age 75 and older, you're aware of the difficulties posed when society must balance the rights of all its citizens.
The California Department of Motor Vehicles certainly has a valid point in wanting to keep state roads safe; however, the arguments against Senate Bill 335 are also valid. The American Association of Retired Persons opposes the bill on grounds that it discriminates against senior citizens; AARP lobbyists say other states have resolved this issue without enacting laws that target seniors.
About 830,000 of California's licensed drivers are above age 75; 106,000 of those are older than 85, according to DMV records. SB 335, introduced by state Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles), includes a provision authorizing the state to develop alternative transportation programs by Jan. 1, 2002, for seniors who lose their driving privileges (but no funding is included for that provision).
As president and CEO of American Baptist Homes of the West, one of California's oldest providers of senior housing care, I know intimately the balancing act that is required when serving seniors who are independent while also providing care when necessary. Most of the residents in our residential facilities still drive, and competently driving symbolizes independence. But even if skills diminish, the thought of losing that privilege creates stress. For many older citizens, loss of driving privileges also would mean actually losing independence.
Striving to balance our residents' desire to remain independent with our mission to safeguard their health has made us more innovative in how we provide service. State lawmakers are now caught up in a similar balancing act.
Also known as "Brandi's Law," SB335 is named for 15-year-old Brandi Mitock who died in November after being struck by a car driven by 96-year-old Brian Cox of Santa Monica, Mr. Cox was sentenced to five years probation.
California drivers with clean records receive automatic renewals, but that practice would end when drivers reach age 75, if SB335 passes. If passed, the bill would impose mandatory behind-the-wheel driving tests for drivers age 75 and older when renewing licenses. Additionally, the time between license renewals would be shortened based on age.
The bill won a narrow victory in the California Senate and is now in the Assembly Transportation Committee. Disagreements about it do not fall along age lines. Sixty-seven-year-old state senators Richard Mountjoy (R-Monrovia) and Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach) argue opposing views. Mountjoy says the "bill punishes one group of people simply because of their age." Karnette counters that it protects that group. "It's because we care about them," she says.
Truly caring about senior citizens requires being sensitive to their needs, especially that dearest one of remaining independent in their final years. With luck, we'll all face the same issue in our lives. Would you be willing to have tougher standards because of your age?
David B. Ferguson
President and CEO, American Baptist Homes of the West
Public must stay aware of decisions affecting the town
The most important event that will shape our way of life in Los Gatos is taking place right now and you probably don't even know about it. The Town Council is in the midst of tweaking and changing the General Plan, which by law every city must have and follow religiously.
The committee responsible for doing the footwork is called the Plan Review Committee, of whom I am hearing complaints--even from our planning commissioners--that they are rubber stamping the council's wishes. I am told by the committee that they must take direction from the Town Council. They can take public testimony but discount it, as the Town Council is the ultimate authority. Gee, I told them, I thought we the people were the ultimate authority. In effect, this committee is only doing the council's bidding and not following the will of the community.
Important decisions are being made about traffic, parking, housing, hillside regulations, density issues and even a regional shopping center on the North 40. Why am I often only one of two or four people in the audience? Why isn't the community at large being vigorously invited to participate?
If you would like to know how you can participate, please join your neighbors at my house for a private-public discussion on Sunday, Aug. 8, at 4 p.m. at 18000 Overlook Road. Let's get the information we need to be better informed and get involved.
Larry Arzie
Los Gatos
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
