I read with interest the letter from Peter Edler in the April 23 Los Gatos Weekly-Times. Although the animal Peter observed was probably a fox, it was more than likely a red fox or even a gray fox. Recent reports from the area of La Rinconada Park (near Rinconada Hills) show that a local fox is going through that neighborhood. Both of these foxes have a habitat that includes the Central Coast region, whereas the kit fox is normally found in the central and southern part of the state.

—Bruce Baker, Los Gatos Park Service Officer


Teacher praises parents for their support

Over the past few weeks I have been overwhelmed by the efforts put forth by parents from my class, school and district. I am a first-year teacher at Blossom Hill Elementary who two months ago received a pink slip. I am writing this letter to express my gratitude to all of the people who are helping to support and save not only my job but also several others in my school district. These amazing parents who, upon finding out that our district will be losing many new teachers, dropped everything to launch a campaign called SOS—Save Our Schools. Their goal in this campaign is to raise $1 million by May 15.

Having recently completed our teacher education programs, we are full of new ideas, creativity and a passion for teaching. Our district's new teachers are committed to providing the best education possible for our students. If these teachers are laid off, we will be losing a generation of new teachers and possibly jeopardizing our history of excellence in this district.

It has been my lifelong dream to teach and instill the joy of learning in children. The SOS campaign gives me hope that this dream will continue.

—Jennifer Naess, First-grade teacher, Blossom Hill School,
Los Gatos


Police confront flag-wavers in downtown

I am so pleased that the town is finally taking a patriotic stance in support of its nation. When I was home for leave before being deployed, I went to downtown Los Gatos and thanked some supporters waving flags and playing patriotic music. Never have I been so proud to be a U.S. Marine.

Then I learned that they were confronted by the Los Gatos Police Department! What type of police department confronts people trying to support the troops? Does this town hate soldiers like myself for serving our country or giving our lives for what we think is right? Or does our police department have nothing better to do?

—Thomas C. Gowdy-Ferguson, Lance Corporal,
U.S. Marine Corps


There are more important issues than flag photo

In the larger scheme of critical issues, is the Flury email/flag-burning photo matter worth a fuss?

Fact: Our kids, their parents, our local citizens—indeed, America's vast professional, well-invested, entrenched middle classes—aren't dumb. (A great many have better educational credentials than our president does.) Most people are patriotic and look askance at demonstrations of anti-American sentiment. At the same time, most people don't wrap themselves in the flag either. Patriotism, like religion, is emotional, with different comfort zones of expression.

Fact: Most of us stakeholders see symbolic gestures for what they are—limited, shallow, most typically hollow. Why? Because the aggregate that is America isn't a fragile symbol.

Give our people more credit in the cognitive department.

Shouldn't we be directing our attentions to truly important matters like local school funding, etc.?

—Joanne Hall, Los Gatos


Fisher's Laird asks Los Gatos to get involved

I have had the privilege of teaching in Los Gatos for the past 35 years. Over those years I have admired and appreciated the broad support of education from our community. Support comes in many forms—expert advice, volunteerism, financial donations—and the citizens of Los Gatos have always been there when our schools have needed them.

I am writing this letter in support of the Save Our Schools (SOS) campaign. This is an effort by many concerned local citizens to raise $1,000,000 for the Los Gatos Union School District. This is the estimated amount the state will cut from the district's budget.

The district must legally give the teachers their termination notices by May 15, and we hope to be well on the way to meeting our goal by that date. All the money raised goes directly to the district.

The campaign is off to a good start, but now is the time for all of Los Gatos to get involved. If you are a parent of an elementary school student, you have seen the information the SOS committee has distributed, so you are thoroughly informed of our needs and how your child will benefit from these funds.

If you are a property owner, you are no doubt aware of our fine schools and the fact that our reputation as educators has enhanced your property values. Business folks who invest in education are also a vital link in our community. On a broader view, a solid, well-rounded education is important for the continuance of our dynamic democracy.

We desperately need this money to retain our outstanding staff and continue some of the enrichment programs we offer at our Los Gatos schools.

The first $850,000 is slated to retain personnel, the backbone of our district. The remaining funds will be committed to continuing the soul of our district—enrichment programs at the elementary schools and electives at Fisher Middle School. If you want more information about the specifics of this campaign, visit www.lgusd.k12.ca.us.

Please write your check today to the Los Gatos Education Foundation and send it to 15766 Poppy Lane, Los Gatos, 95030. We all benefit from the quality educational programs that your contribution will support.

On Sunday, May 18, we will be celebrating the 140th birthday of the Los Gatos Union School District at Fisher School from noon to 3 p.m. I'll be there, and I hope to meet many parents, students, former students and community members there.

—Clyde Laird, Fisher Middle School, Los Gatos


Reader speaks out in support of Flury

Hooray for Robin Flury! What hypocrites those people are who are of the pro flag-burning persuasion.

Patricia Eastman and Denise Carter Wells, who wrote letters to the editor, went on and on in their letters about freedom of speech, and when Ms. Flury uses her freedom of speech against burning our country's flag they become extremely upset and almost rabid in their opinions of Ms. Flury's patriotism.

And about the teacher, Erin Schwartz, saying she was shopping in San Francisco on the day the protest and just happened to have a camera with her and just happened to snap the picture because she was unable to continue—how many people take their cameras with them when shopping?

What a coincidence to have it handy just as the American flag was being burned.

Hang in there, Robin. There are thousands of us who are on your side.

—Marlene McJunkin, Los Gatos


Saving schools will protect the community

This is the final week to support the Save Our Schools campaign by the Los Gatos Education Foundation and the Home and School clubs, and they need your help.

Los Gatos schools are the envy of the Bay Area and are one of the things that make this town of ours such a desirable place to live and a great place for our children to grow up.

But they are now under attack from state budget cuts and we need to protect them so that this town continues to be one of the best places to raise a family and be a part of a community.

Good schools are what make people stay in a town and when people stay, they build the kind of strong community which Los Gatans are proud of.

So go find that LGEF envelope now, write your check for $600, or give in monthly installments on your credit card (what could be easier?), but make sure you help keep Los Gatos schools a great place for our children to learn and thrive.

—Simon Patience, Los Gatos