I'm writing this letter on behalf of Mr. (Alex) Shultz and all of the teachers at Los Gatos High School.

I am a student at UCLA and graduated from LGHS in 2004. Before attending UCLA, I thought I had absolutely no chance of academic success at such a top university. However, once I started classes, I realized how much LGHS had prepared me. Mrs. (Elsie) Taketa and Mrs. (Kathleen) Eaton were not kidding when they said we had one of the finest educations in the country. I have been maintaining a 3.8 GPA and I give the credit to the staff at LGHS.

The education I received has prepared me and put me ahead in the classroom, which will put me ahead in life. Thank you, LGHS. The current students at LGHS should feel very lucky and honored to have teachers that care about their achievements in life and will help them reach their goals.

Jackie Pimentel

Monte Sereno

County libraries
provide access
to more books

The Saratoga Library is a treasure trove of books and programs. The Los Gatos Library is closer for me than Saratoga and has a lovely sitting area, but Saratoga has access to a lot more books. It doesn't bill seniors for overtime unless someone is waiting for the book, so I don't have to make frequent trips.

The other day I wanted to reread a book that I had taken out from the Los Gatos library some years ago. Los Gatos no longer has the book, but the Saratoga Library found a copy in the Los Altos branch library (the same one, do you suppose?). Having such a huge pool of books available is like having insurance. You may not need it today, but it is great to have it if some member of your family needs a special book. Also, reading is addictive, so it is important that children develop the reading habit.

Every time the library cuts its open hours, it has to lay off librarians. They can't live on part-time wages. As it is, it would save the book hunters' time if there were more librarians. The big parking lot is always crowded. With fewer hours, the situation will be even worse.

The Santa Clara County Library system is one of the best in the country. Running the system are nonprofit board and professional staff who do not waste your tax money. So please sign measures A and B when your ballot comes. You get a lot for $33.66.

Dorothea Bamford

Monte Sereno

'Yes' on measures
A, B investments
in the community

What a sad day it would be if our Saratoga Library had to close another two days each week because our citizens failed to vote for the two modest measures on the ballot on May 3. For a city that is proud of its academic institutions and the accomplishments of its students, this should never occur. Books, news media, videos and the Internet are vital for the enlightenment of all of us.

Another service that the Saratoga Library provides is its support for important community events.

Please vote "yes" on measures A and B. I cannot think of a better investment for our community.

Fred Armstrong, M.D.

Saratoga

New labels on fish packaging aid to consumers

During the first week of April, Los Gatos grocery shoppers may have noticed "Country of Origin" labels on most fish, since the federal law requiring this went into effect April 4. This should be a big help to those interested in using local rather than remote sources. Incidentally, it also illustrates just how global this industry has become.

Looking at a broader view of this issue, one can see that most local supermarkets continue to offer fish species on the "avoid" list noted in the consumer guide published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium (www.seafood
watch.org). These guidelines are based on whether stocks are depleted by over-fishing, harvested by methods that also kill non-target species or are destructive to the ocean environment. Examples of such fish include orange roughy, ling cod, Atlantic cod, monkfish, shark, Chilean sea bass and swordfish.

Because corporate supermarket chains in our area have failed to heed the warnings, it is up to knowledgeable consumers to refuse to buy the listed species, complain to local managers or contact corporate headquarters to register concern. By so doing right here at home, they can help preserve the marine environment and the fish, providing sustenance for much of the world's growing population.

Robert Moncrieff

Monte Sereno