Responding to Lisa Toth's Aug. 4 "Time to Bond" article on the West Valley­Mission Community College district's upcoming $235 million bond measure, I respond it's the wrong tax at the wrong time!

The article does not make clear this is another "creatively labeled" parcel tax homeowners only are asked to repay (if an assessment is added to your property-tax bill, what difference does its label make?). Nor does it point out that property taxes already fund the district. Nor does it point out last March, Prop. 55 authorized $12.3 billion for community colleges like the district to upgrade/build new facilities.

Nor does the article disclose that over 50 percent of district enrollment consists of nonresidents.

Homeowners are on a property-taxing merry-go-round (counties, schools, libraries, fire protection, hospitals, parks, open space, etc.). How many "different" homeowner-only taxes are necessary; when is enough, enough; why are resident homeowners being taxed for higher education which benefits nonresidents; and, when do tenants/nonresident students pay their fair share?

In addition to Saratoga's utility tax and Campbell Union High School's parcel tax, countywide there will be 11 other such "homeowners only taxed" measures on November's ballot—many within the district's territory.

Although just like Saratoga, the district could tax all residents, it refuses because it knows tenants won't vote to tax themselves. Since tenants make up 42 percent of the district's adult population and its bond measure requires only 55 percent voter approval, why the artifice of an election? Although this wasn't Prop. 13's intent, according to the district, the ends justify the means.

Although only homeowners will repay the district's bonds if approved, the district's voting scheme excludes nonresidents. If you are a nonresident landowner, how would you feel being taxed yet disenfranchised?

The district's bond measure is regressive because it impacts those on fixed incomes, like seniors—the most who can afford it the least. Further, it's unfair because it does not tax uniformly. Because bond repayment will be based upon a percentage of assessed valuation, those with higher-valued parcels will pay more.

The district's bond measure is a waste of money. With underwriting, servicing and interest costs, its bonds will actually cost homeowners closer to $700 million, whereas a comparable parcel/residency tax would cost $235 million. The district would rather call an election requiring 55 percent versus 67 percent voter approval, even if it unnecessarily costs homeowners $470 million extra.

The article doesn't answer why the district hasn't planned for infrastructure repairs with a sustained capital improvement program over its last 40 years. Nor does it explain why ongoing maintenance does not appear to be a budgetary line item, yet the chancellor's annual salary with benefits of $200,000 does?

The issue isn't education's importance; nor the district's increased enrollment or needs; nor the deal with Saratoga which prevents stadium construction; nor Sacramento's budget cuts; nor keeping up with the district's neighbors. It's telling the truth; being fair, responsible and competent, and defining who determines who pays what.

Voters need to send the district the message that one, the ends don't justify the means; secondly, it should tax judiciously or not at all; and, three, it should tax everyone, not just homeowners, or
no one.

Aaron Katz

Saratoga

A median, not a
stoplight, needed
on Winchester

I was pleased to see the two letters in the Aug. 18 Los Gatos Weekly-Times regarding Winchester Boulevard and what to do about the excessive speed, etc. I, too, live on one of the cul-de-sacs that opens directly onto Winchester Boulevard, so I must use it each day. I am one of the brave (or foolish) who try to walk my two dogs toward Lark Avenue, but have to be very vigilant because of no sidewalks. Most cars do not observe the 35 mph speed limit, especially on that part of the boulevard. My husband, neighbors and I also bike on Winchester each day. Drivers treat it like an expressway, because it looks like one!

Back when there was so much debate about the proposed changes at the Daves Avenue intersection, I thought then that the best solution would be to make all of Winchester, between Lark and Blossom Hill Road, just two lanes. This would provide room for bike lanes, sidewalks and a beautiful wide median down the middle. Perhaps we could plant rows of beautiful crepe myrtles, to match the ones downtown. Then, Winchester would finally provide the beautiful entrance to our towns that they deserve, as well as remind drivers that they are in a residential area.

More stoplights are expensive and are not the answer.

Lynn Mirassou

Monte Sereno

Los Gatos should
give Winchester
to Monte Sereno

It's with great interest that I have been reading the letters to the editor from the residents of the city of Monte Sereno supporting Monte Sereno City Council member Mark Brodsky in his effort to improve and beautify Winchester Boulevard. However, all the letter writers fail to mention who will pay for this project. As it stands today, that burden falls on Los Gatos, in spite of the fact that Monte Sereno fronts a large portion of Winchester.

Since the financial resources of the town of Los Gatos are very limited, I would like to offer the following suggestions:

(1) The town of Los Gatos should turn over the part of Winchester Boulevard that fronts the city of Monte Sereno to that city. This would transfer the financial responsibility for maintenance, upkeep and repair of the road to the city of Monte Sereno.

(2) A Winchester Boulevard assessment district should be formed for the purpose of financing the plan suggested by Mr. Brodsky and his supporters for road improvements, lane elimination, median foresting, etc.

Egon Jensen

Los Gatos

Under 21 Club
says thanks for
a great night

Again we are writing to acknowledge the terrific support "Alive ... and Loving Life" has received from our community.

A tremendous thank you goes to Teri Hope for once again partnering with the Under 21 Club to host "Turn It Down A Notch" on Aug. 20 at the Los Gatos Coffee Roasting Company. More than 110 teens attended from high schools including, among others, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Castilleja, St. Francis and Mission. Teens came from as far as Fremont and Redding in California, from Boston, and even from London, England. The Los Gatos Roasting Company was a perfect place to spend the last Friday night of the summer. The staff—Amanda, Jose and Michelle—were courteous, and the offer of free sodas and a first free specialty coffee for each attendee was a great treat.

Thanks to Pizza My Heart for donating and delivering delicious pizzas. We appreciate your kindness.

Thanks to the chaperones who volunteered an evening to support Los Gatos youth, including Barry and Candy Bakken, Chris Miller, Mary Elliott and Patrick Lynch.

And thanks to those who provided the entertainment: Three bands—Penny Lane, The Basics, and Indra—donated their time, and a number of students performed at the open mic.

It was a great night. Thanks to all of you.

Submitted for the Under 21 Club by Jacqui Kemp

Los Gatos