Even with the recent tuition increase, California's community colleges are the best educational bargain in the United States. The community college system in California is also the largest higher education system in the world.

Unfortunately, California funds its community colleges 50th of the 50 states (and, by the way, the extra revenue from the recent tuition increase goes to the state and not back to the colleges).

In Mission and West Valley colleges we are fortunate to have two of the very best community colleges in the state here within our communities. However, both campuses are aging and the West Valley­Mission Community College District is the only district in the South Bay that has never passed a bond issue. That is why it is so important that we vote yes on Measure H, the district's bond measure.

Kellie Raczkowski

Mission College student trustee

San Jose

New building
a nice addition
to Los Gatos

I think it is time to recognize some of the great accomplishments that have been made under the current town council that is now headed by Mayor Steve Glickman.

For the past 20 years there was a problem piece of property at the corner of Los Gatos­Saratoga Road and University. This piece of land was odd-shaped and had many proposed uses in the past that did not work. Now, through the vision and direction of the town council, this beautiful new building at the corner is a wonderful gateway into our marvelous town. Thank you for this nice addition to our town and thanks to John Lein for his creativity in its design.

Randy and Darlene
Nelson

Los Gatos

Food Fest is again
a success, thanks
to the community

On Sept. 26, A Place for Teens held its ninth annual Food Fest on the Town Plaza, and it was a fantastic success, again, thanks to the 17 Los Gatos restaurants, more than 60 of our town's merchants, four local bands, and dozens of volunteers that came forward to put on a wonderful event this year. See our ad last week in the Oct. 6 Los Gatos Weekly­Times that lists these good folks.

There were six hours of nonstop music, some fantastic dishes served by our own local restaurants, and games for kids provided by Los Gatos­Saratoga Education and Recreation. And the good townspeople of Los Gatos turned out to participate.

Beyond the fun times and fine dining, what is so unique is that all these efforts were done to support the programming and teen activities at A Place for Teens. On behalf of our organization, we would like to thank the citizens of Los Gatos for this support. These businesspeople, during tough economic times, have demonstrated a commitment to their community, and specifically our youth. Some of these folks have participated for all nine years, supporting our fundraising through good times and the economic downturn.

This support is very encouraging to the volunteers and the teens who continue to benefit by such generosity. Los Gatos is blessed, and somewhat unique, to have such businesspeople so committed to giving back to their, and our, community. Shop locally, dine locally, and, thanks!

Lee Fagot , Keenan
Murray Cathy Miller

A Place for Teens

Buying in the
Manor not a
dollars decision

It didn't seem important to me to respond to Lee Ann Hernandez's letter (Sept. 29 Los Gatos Weekly­Times) when I assumed she was a Blossom Hill Manor resident with a different view of the annexation issue from mine. Now that I know she's a Realtor and has some influence on Los Gatos citizens, I need to respond. Her letter does contain myths and misinformation.

Let's talk about the old days when Blossom Hill Manor was undesirable and more affordable. My husband and I were house hunting in 1965. We narrowed our selection to a house on Glenridge and the house we bought in Blossom Hill Manor. The Glenridge house was lovely and larger and on the market for $34,000. The house we purchased was sold to us for $31,500. The Glenridge house had a tiny front yard and only cement and a guest cottage in back. We chose Blossom Hill Manor as the desirable place to raise our four children. Moneywise, we made a mistake, as the Glenridge house is worth a lot more. But we didn't make our decision based on dollars.

Blossom Hill Manor has always been a great place to live. Does Ms. Hernandez realize there are still original owners here? Many of them moved here for its rural setting.

I can't respond to the inspector comments as they have nothing to do with my wish to be part of Los Gatos.

It has been brought to my attention that Realtors now call our area Blossom Manor. We old residents prefer to keep the name Blossom Hill Manor.

Finally, who profits most from the hard work of the little red hen?

Rhodie Firth

Los Gatos

Supporting
Granas, Noe
for board

I am supporting Alex Granas and Karen Sanders Noe for the Los Gatos Elementary School District Board of Trustees. I am an active parent in the district. I have served as the Blossom Hill Home and School Club president and am currently a board member of the Los Gatos Education Foundation. Through this experience, I have come to understand that a school district is a business as well as an educational institution.

Our board of trustees manages a $20 million operating budget and a $91 million bond. I want to make sure we have people with the right experience at the helm so I can be certain that the financial decisions result in the best possible education for our children.

I have worked with Alex and Karen and I know that they have extensive business experience. Karen is business manager of a nonprofit organization. Alex has worked for 20 years for a large Silicon Valley firm in sales and engineering. They combine a wealth of business background with a passion for educational excellence.

I believe an effective board of trustees requires various points of view, all of which should represent the parents in Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. Though a teacher is retiring, the remaining board members include an experienced teacher, a businessperson, and a community and school volunteer. With the continuation of Alex Granas and the addition of Karen Sanders Noe, both parents in the community, the board will maintain a wide range of viewpoints.

Robin Mano

Los Gatos

Glickman's efforts help students learn

I would like to thank Steve Glickman for his kindness. His willingness to spend the time and effort to find outside sources to bring computers and software to Fisher School went beyond the call of duty. Through his efforts, Fisher School has a full complement of computers and computer-related products for students to learn and understand what computers are all about. Steve has also donated his time helping out and assisting at the school from 7 to 8:30 a.m.

Jeff McKinley

Los Gatos

CORRECTION

The photograph of the Opera House under construction that appeared in the Oct. 13 edition was incorrectly credited. The photo was procured by town historian Bill Wulf and donated to the Los Gatos Historical Museum.