(Copy of a letter sent to John Curtis in the Los Gatos Public Works Department)

This may sound ridiculous at first, but there's this thing that you can do to prevent our parks (like the one we just spent $1 million on in the center of town) from drying out and having to be replaced every couple of months. It's called water. The downtown park is entirely burnt out now because of someone's inability to program a watering system. It amazes me that something so simple, so basic can be ignored. Do you not drive through town? Do the big brown patches of lawn (especially the ones you keep replacing) not give it away for you?

I have tried not to say anything since the park's opening last fall—this has been nothing short of a disaster with respect to the fountain not working, the grass having to be replaced countless times, the flooding of the lawns, etc. This is a literal case study in failed planning, poor maintenance and lack of attention to detail. It is so typical of our wasteful system. In the months following the park's opening, I have seen you rip up the entire lawn, replace it and now you let it dry out again? Is this your idea of job security or is it just plain ignorance? And you wonder why we need budget cuts?

As the highlight of our town, you have done a horrible job representing what is good about this town. It is an embarrassment to walk through this park.

So, who is responsible and accountable? How much additional money has been spent to fix the problems caused by someone's poor planning?

I won't even get into the downtown redevelopment. When I leave for work I see 11 guys huddled around a manhole drinking coffee and laughing. Is this your idea of work? It's the typical California government at work—waste, waste, waste.

This is why our state is in a $35 billion budget deficit—because we let people who have absolutely no idea what they are doing spend our tax dollars.

—Arif Razvi, Los Gatos


Tip a waiter for service, knowledge

I am writing to comment on storeowner Cara Finn's "Etiquette important when bringing wine to an eatery" article. I would like to act as the receiving end of the article's focus, the restaurant patron and wine enthusiast.

Why should I automatically assume I am supposed to fork over "a large portion of the bill" to tip a waiter regardless of service or wine knowledge? It almost seems, from your article, that the reason would be because owners of establishments want customers to. I am baffled as to why the majority of our society can avoid telemarketing scams and Internet fraud to be easily persuaded to fork over 20 to 50 bucks to some rude waiter who doesn't know the first thing about proper service or wine etiquette.

I agree on reasonable corkage fees on wines that are also available at the establishment. However, why should consumers suffer because establishments can't afford to carry a large wine inventory? We are already paying half of the server's salary with the tip. Why not invest that other half on some wine choice for loyal customers?

This whole thing also affects the servers as well. Being a server at a local winery, I can only anticipate an average gratuity when I provide great service. Although I am probably the only server in the world to say this, the following advice could possibly make the world a better place:

* Tip 15 percent for a server who has made a conscientious effort

* Compliment (to the manager) and tip 20 or more percent for a server that was great.

* Stiff a rude server, explain to them why, and save your money for the good ones.

—Steve Morris, Los Gatos


Urging town to support solar power

Solar power should be actively encouraged by the town, not discouraged. The federal government gives incentives in the form of tax credits. The state gives incentives in the form of actually paying for the cost of installation. The town should be in there, too, supporting this wonderful technology.

Solar power is dependable, affordable, clean, practical and easy to install. Our home system will pay for itself in about five years and gives us the satisfaction of not contributing to energy demand when power is in short supply. We actually produce more power than we consume.

Yes, solar panels look different. They may not be "beautiful," but I think we should try to come to accept them as a symbol of our willingness to find alternatives to fossil fuel.

I urge the town council to reverse the planning commission's denial of Akena's permit and allow the solar panels as installed.

—Dr. Tim Coughlin, Los Gatos


Doctor gives his congratulations to Ankeny

I would like to submit my congratulations to Linda Ankeny for the Nurseweek California Nursing Excellence finalist recognition that she received recently. I have known Linda for 13 years in her capacity as a nurse and manager at Community Hospital of Los Gatos and have also known her as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

Linda has played an integral role in the development of cancer services at Community Hospital and was intimately involved in the development of oncology nursing proficiency, chemotherapy training, community programs and education, support groups, interdisciplinary pain and palliative care rounds, tumor boards and the distinguished lecturer series at Community Hospital. She is also an excellent bedside nurse.

She is quiet about her work and doesn't like to bring attention to herself, which makes her accomplishments all the more noteworthy.

I feel very lucky and proud to have had the opportunity to work with Linda and her nursing colleagues at Community Hospital of Los Gatos over the years. Our nurses are treasures who deserve the esteem and admiration of everyone in the community.

—A. Richard Adrouny, M.D., F.A.C.P., Director of Medical Oncology, Community Hospital of Los Gatos


Wildlife Center cartoon shows no humor

OK, Decinzo crossed my line of fair and appropriate. His "cartoon" of June 4 regarding the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley was absolutely out of line. First of all, WCSV does not rescue pigs, goats and roosters. They rescue baby birds, injured raccoons and other animals who have been harmed by encroaching civilization. What brought on such a crass attack? WCSV is a small, volunteer, nonprofit organization, caring for over 5,000 birds and animals each year with a very high release rate. Decinzo is ignorant of WCSV's mission and his cartoon shows no humor.

—Freddy Howell, Owner, Wild Bird Center

CORRECTION

There was an error in the June 4 story, "Housing complex's senior status threatened." Plaintiff Cyrus Hazari paid $90,000 for one of his Wedgewood Manor condominiums, but he is seeking $260,000 in damages.