Letters

Rehab center something to be thankful for

Recently my husband suffered a stroke, leaving him paralyzed, depressed and helpless. He was referred from Good Samaritan Hospital to the Community Hospital of Los Gatos Rehabilitation Service. While in their care, he received extraordinary attention, understanding and highly professional treatment.

As immigrants from Russia, citizens of U.S. for only four years, we can compare the treatment here to what we would have received in our native country. It is not only the high skill of the doctors, physical therapists and nurses, but their humanity, compassion and sincerity that was limitless.

The people of Los Gatos do not know how lucky they are to have such a fine rehabilitation center available if they should need it.

Our sincere gratitude to the staff at the rehabilitation center. My husband is doing much better now and has a renewed feeling of hope, thanks to the wonderful staff.

Tamara and Norman Noten
Campbell

Begin parking garage where few problems exist

This letter is in response to questions, comments, and suggestions that were solicited at the public meeting regarding downtown parking in Los Gatos that was held on Oct. 9.

We, as owners of downtown commercial and residential properties in Los Gatos, are concerned about the amount of money and time that have been spent to develop plans and models for Lot 2 [at Bachman Avenue and Royce Street] that apparently have been based on an inaccurate footprint provided by the town. The design presented for Lot 2 was based on a portion of property that the town does not own and the use of which appears not to have been discussed with the property owners.

We are concerned again about the resources that have been spent and are being spent on concepts for two parking structures to which we as a town still have no concrete method or plan for payment. The cost for Lot 2 alone has gone from $3 million to more than $5 million, and will continue to escalate. We are concerned that by the time we finally agree on plans--if ever--costs will have risen well beyond our means if they haven't already. Even with the interest compounding on the $3 million contributed by the town, we're far short of meeting the need.

Because of the problem with Lot 2 mentioned above, we propose that with costs being approximately equal that we reconsider starting with Lot 6 (formerly Lot 13). There appeared to be fewer obstacles or controversy expressed at the public meeting over this lot [on W. Main Street near N. Santa Cruz Avenue]. Our preference for Lot 6 would be the one level below and one level above grade design option. We feel confident that architectural design elements will be able to enhance and camouflage its function. Some reasons in support of this proposal appear to be as follows:

* University Avenue residents have expressed reluctance to live in another construction zone so soon after the completion of the Old Town redevelopment; starting on Lot 6 would avoid this;

* Lot 2 will affect numerous adjacent residents; Lot 6 will affect only one small residential complex;

* The current design proposal for Lot 2 is based on property the town does not own. This is not the case for Lot 6, and resolving this issue for Lot 2 may be time-consuming and costly;

* It appeared that the one level above grade option for Lot 6 had more supporters. This option would eliminate seeing a mass of parked cars at grade, would allow for a street facade on Main Street that could mimic downtown storefronts, and would eliminate St. Mary's School's concerns about no pedestrian access near the school yard;

* And lastly, if memory serves correctly, it provides more new parking spaces.

Without geologic studies on both proposed sites, we may be spinning our wheels and wasting our resources. There is every likelihood that below-grade options will be out of the question at both sites due to the water table and the added engineering costs. We are still in favor of ultimately having parking structures if an equitable means of paying for them can be devised.

We, as downtown property owners, have paid into each of the last three parking assessment districts, and feel that it is time to broaden the support base. Adequate parking benefits all residents, not just downtown property owners.

Rents in downtown have skyrocketed, and any new parking assessment will be passed on to tenants. If we truly want to keep the quaint charm of Los Gatos it will not be accomplished by forcing out small, unique shop owners in favor of "mall giants" who can afford to conduct business in Los Gatos.

Other than a convenience for locals, what will draw visitors to Los Gatos if they can shop the same stores at their nearest mall? We suggest that the opponents to parking structures step forward and present viable alternatives for addressing and paying for parking. One suggestion might be to take the town's more than $3 million contribution, place it in the bank at even a simple 5 percent interest rate, and have at least $150,000 per year to use for providing shuttles or some other alternative solution during peak seasonal traffic times. Parking has been an issue for more than 30 years and it has not, nor will it, disappear or resolve itself.

Juliet Libante Panter
On behalf of the Libante Family Los Gatos

Soccer complex is the best use for North Forty

I commend the residents who spoke out in favor of alternatives to commercial or residential development on the North Forty. The last thing Los Gatos needs is more strip malls, or new homes to crowd its already crowded public schools.

I coach a LGUSL competitive boys soccer team, and am appalled at the lack of facilities we have for these youngsters to play ball. Their peers in Almaden, Cupertino and many other places have superior facilities, including goals with nets and level fields; we're sharing fields with three other teams in San Jose, and on Los Gatos fields our kids compete with dog-owners for space.I moved here from New York City in 1996, and in those three short years I've seen the town grow dense with commercial and residential development. I chose Los Gatos over towns like Palo Alto because it seemed smaller, less dense. Before I moved, friends back east told me I was fortunate not to be transferred to L.A. "The weather may be great," they said, "but it looks like Long Island with palm trees."

That's what Los Gatos will look like if it continues to choose strip malls and low-density housing over recreation. A sports complex with soccer fields would pick up the tournaments now hosted at the Morgan Hill Complex, which are being replaced by condominiums. During weekend soccer tournaments from August through December it could attract thousands of customers to local hotels, restaurants and shops that have already invested here, without requiring a lot of new infrastructure or civic services.

Corporate and individual champions in the community will have to step forward to subsidize the idea, but it's clearly what we need most. As the old Joni Mitchell song said, "They paved paradise and put in a parking lot."

Don't let it happen here!

David deMilo
Los Gatos

Powder Puff was a great success

Friday night's football victory over arch-rival Saratoga was considered by some to be the "The Big Game"!

However, on Sunday, witnessed by a packed grandstand, the "Real Big Game" was played by over 200 football players, 60 cheerleaders, and 25 coaches.

Powder Puff XI boasted the highest student participation of any athletic event. It was a "classic" by all definitions.

Of the many who contributed to the success of this event, Shelby Edwards most deserves to be recognized. As a recent University of Oregon graduate and former Los Gatos High student athlete, she volunteered to co-chair this big event! If ever we question the dedication and commitment of our young people, let us remember and believe that the best is yet to be. She is the perfect example of our bright future!

Congratulations, Shelby, for what many believe was the best Powder Puff ever. We all thank you.

Judy Peckler
Co-Chairman

Police Report

It's an offer Pocket Dwellers shouldn't refuse

Surveys show that drug use at LGHS remains high

Elemental Arts Gallery features local artists

Picture From the Past

Sports Briefs

Cats come back for win against Mustangs

LG frosh-soph team defeats Homestead

Wildcats take second at Mt. Sac Invitational

Basketball registration now underway