In light of a recent article in the San Jose Mercury News (April 23) about auctions of puppies at charity events, I would like to advise readers that one will be held by Saratoga High School for its sports boosters fundraiser on May 16 at the Mountain Winery.

As a representative of Northern California Golden Retriever Rescue, I am concerned about the acquisition of young animals bought on impulse, instead of thoughtful planning, to raise money. No reputable breeder will donate a puppy without knowing in advance where it will be homed. In fact, the AKC has denied registration for any young dog sold at raffle or auction unless it is microchipped or tattooed for identification purposes ahead of time by the breeder.

Many of these puppies come through brokers who represent puppy mills either in or out of state. In Rescue, we have gotten such auction puppies relinquished by owners unwilling to deal with their health or emotional problems.

Also, the California Education Code 233.5 requires schools to promote the humane treatment of all living creatures. By auctioning dogs at their events, schools are unwittingly promoting an inhumane and archaic concept, no matter if there is a protestation that "this has always been done."

I urge you to be aware of this not-uncommon practice of raising money at charity events where young animals go to the highest bidder, not necessarily the most satisfactory home.

Pamela Nesbet Lavin

Saratoga

Disgusted by the entire Danser saga

I am thoroughly disgusted and appalled reading the saga of inept Judge William Danser. I think it is despicable, unconscionable and deplorable that a judge has to stoop so low as to blame a cop for his shortcomings and then lie about it. As far as I am concerned, the policeman is no better.

This is an extreme embarrassment to the community and a mockery of our judicial system. If we can't trust a judge, then who can we trust? My understanding has always been that a judge is supposed to be moral, ethical and above the law. We are supposed to respect him and look up to him. If Judge Danser is so easily swayed by outside forces to bend the law like he did, then he shouldn't be a judge to begin with.

My question is, "Where are his ethics and morals?" He has done far more than just fix tickets to hurt other people's lives and he should not only be ashamed of his immoral actions but he should be punished to the fullest extent of the law and removed from our judicial system for good. We don't need any more corruption in our judicial system.

A. Mitchell

Los Gatos

CUPs serve, protect the community

With all due respect to former mayor John Lochner, his criticisms regarding conditional-use permits—particularly their cost—do not reflect the bigger or real picture. Many of us "mom and pops," who have opened businesses requiring CUPs and have made subsquent changes as we needed to grow and become more competitive, would consider it the cost of doing business.

It is a check and balance system for the health and welfare of the community at large. Any state-licensed business such as a restaurant, bar or liquor store that offers a service or a controlled substance to or is in direct contact with the public must be under CUPs in Los Gatos. So why shouldn't all businesses that hire independent contractors or employees who are hands-on with the public and have state licenses not be under such a regulation?

The fact of the matter is that CUPs will not drive the small person out of business. They have absolutely nothing to do with being a chain store or an independent small business.

Sallie Robbins-Druian and Jay Druian

Los Gatos

Sallie Robbins-Druian and Jay Druian are the owners of the French Cellar on Main Street.

Blossom Hill Elementary School students Kimberly and Tiffany Zai, Roshni Desai and Priyanka Mullan competed in the K­3 premier section of the CalChess State Scholastic Championships for Northern California. Blossom Hill student Peter Goodlin's father's name is Jim.