After watching and reading about the fires in Southern California one may ask, "How well prepared are we in this area to cope with a disaster being an earthquake or fire?"

After the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, the then Los Gatos Police Chief Larry Todd made the observation that a comprehensive evacuation plan for the residents in the hillside area needed to be drafted. However, it was never done.

In addition, some time ago a development was proposed in the Los Gatos hillside area. At the time it was determined the water supply in the hillside area was not sufficient to fight a fire if one was to occur. It is my understanding the San Jose Water Works will only deliver water up to a certain elevation. Any development above that limit must supply its own delivery system.

Years ago it was proposed that a study should be made of the delivery and distribution of water in the hillside area. For some reason it was never done.

Now we have a new administration and a new council in Los Gatos who may not be aware of the past history as mentioned above, so I will take this opportunity to make public something we all should be concerned about and hope some planning to cope with a disaster will be forthcoming.

I am concerned that most people in town hall are not aware of or choose to ignore the situation we have in the hills.

—Egon Jensen, Los Gatos


Community supporting TIP program

Thank you so much for your recent coverage of the Los Gatos High School Theatre Improvement Project. As a result, community members have conveyed to me their awareness of the impending Dec. 31 deadline for raising the initial $600,000. Numerous generous citizens have come forth with donations, and we are over the halfway mark in reaching our goal.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, Diane Rose, owner of Crimson Restaurant, is donating 10 percent of all her restaurant sales on Nov. 13 to the Theatre Improvement Project. This is one example of how our community is reaching out to support the project. I issue an open invitation to all to make reservations and enjoy wonderful cuisine while also making a contribution that will significantly improve performance space and opportunities for our youth and community.

—Diana Pleasant, Performing Arts Chair, Los Gatos High School


Crimson will support TIP with donation

The committee of the Theatre Improvement Project, a project of the Los Gatos High School New Millennium Foundation, wishes to thank Crimson Restaurant. It was the idea of Diane Rose, who is the chef and owner of Crimson at 15466 Los Gatos Blvd., to give back to the Los Gatos community by supporting TIP.

Diane offered her support by hosting a lovely appreciation reception last week on her outside patio for those generous donors to TIP.

In addition, she has also offered to share with TIP 10 percent of the sales generated from lunch, dinner or takeout business on Nov. 13. This is a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy fine food and beverage to contribute to our community Theatre Improvement Project. I hope to see you there on Thursday for either lunch or dinner.

—Darrell Monda, Board member, Theatre Improvement Project, Los Gatos

In the Nov. 5 article, "Toll House taking Internet outside—to the town plaza," the Toll House Hotel was identified as the sponsor of the free Internet access. It's actually the Los Gatos Opera House banquet facility, which falls under the same management as the Toll House, that is the official sponsor.