March 18, 2004

Letters to the Editor

Reader concerned about same-sex marriage recognition by city of San Jose

Editor,

My name is David Ethridge and I'm a concerned parent of three children and a lovely wife.

Mitch, 14, Brian, 17 and Madeline, 11-years-old.

My wife and I have put a lifetime of moral teachings and wisdom to now openly expose the extreme form of sexual relationship from same-sex partners as an acceptable form of society?

When did we lower our standards as responsible humans? You will be held accountable some day for every decision you make either with spiritual or physical accountability.

Are you willing to lower your moral standards for the sake of more votes and revenue for those of you now coming up ending your terms in 2004?

I thought public officials when they take office swore to uphold the law of California for the sake of the majority and for the sake of what is morally clean and right.

Have we in this country decided to fulfill the needs of immoral humans? They have chosen to live this lifestyle but, at the expense of the natural righteous relationship?

Don't get me wrong in any way. I truly love and respect my friends who are gay and help people all the time to better their lives. But same-sex relationships are flirting with shocking our children—exposing them to very uncomfortable situations that should be kept in the privacy of a person's bedroom or home.

Marriage is a God-given creation and if we abuse, corrupt and pollute this country with same-sex marriages, we will be held accountable spiritually and physically in the awesome country, founded under our fathers who believed in creating a nation under God, not part-time, sometimes or never.

We all return to the grave some day and will have to answer to the maker. Are you willing to answer to God why you compromised your morals?

San Jose will suffer the consequences of financial aid, voters and support if the culture of this neighborhood turns for the worst.

I along with many other citizens have decided not to spend another dollar in any part of San Francisco for the unlawful decision making of a mayor who is breaking the law.

Why should I participate in any businesses or propositions for upgrading San Jose or to give money for any reason if I find the city council can't be responsible for moral decision making?

Please, for the sake of San Jose, keep it clean and a welcoming haven for families to bring up their children in healthy environments, not confused ones.

David Ethridge

Blacklock Court

This letter was also sent to San Jose City councilmembers who voted to recognize same-sex marriages of City employees. Councilmember Linda Lezotte's reply:

Mr. Ethridge,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your comments. It is invaluable for me to have multiple perspectives on this issue. Our community continues to grow and change.

With the participation of interested people such as yourself and the dedication of our city staff, San Jose continues to be a great place to live and work.

Mayor Gonzales and Council member Yeager are proposing that "The city of San Jose recognizes all marriages of our City employees certified by other jurisdictions."

"Direct staff to make any necessary changes to our benefits policies to ensure that all marriages of our City employees certified by other jurisdictions are treated equally and fairly."

There is a second memo from Vice Mayor Dando and Councilmembers Reed and Williams to "Direct staff to follow California law in recognizing marriages of our employees. Direct staff to identify and return to the Council with a report of areas in which domestic partnerships and marriages are treated differently by the City of San Jose and with recommendations for changes to achieve equal treatment, within the limits of California law." ( Editor's note: the first memo from Councilmembers Reed, Williams and Vice Mayor Dando was printed in the March 12-18 edition of the Almaden Times Weekly which can be found on the Web site at www.almadentimes.com )

Please feel free to contact my office at linda.lezotte@sanjoseca.gov or (408) 277-5438 with any additional questions or comments you have.

Councilmember Linda J. LeZotte

Reader urges pro-active control of wildlife when considering restoration projects

Editor,

The March 12 issue of the Almaden Times Weekl y has an editorial, "Coyotes on the prowl in Almaden streets" by T.G. Wilkus and an editor's response featuring comments from Mike Phillips, Santa Clara County vector control agent. In the article, Mr. Phillips is quoted: "There are going to be more problems with animal attacks as we encroach on their environment."

I take issue with this perspective. We aren't necessarily encroaching on their environment. We are creating an environment that meets their needs within our own high-density, residential community. Consider, for example the extensive Alamitos Creek, Guadalupe Creek and Guadalupe River Restoration efforts of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, projects being done in cooperation with other governmental and environmental agencies. Santa Clara Valley residents look forward to recreational and environmental opportunities afforded by these efforts. Few people are going to

object to the wonderful climate created along San Jose's rivers and streams; but this climate must be one safe to people and pets. It is obvious from recent reports that the safety issues have not been fully addressed; and most certainly, future incidents will be on the rise.

Consider for example, the Guadalupe Creek restoration between Camden/Coleman and Almaden Expressway. This project is only two years old. Cover for wildlife is in the early stages of development. Water now flows year around in the Guadalupe. With an increase in cover and thus a concomitant increase in food supply, there will be more deer to attract more mountain lions, and more birds and mammals to attract more coyotes. As creek restoration continues, what is currently a problem for residents along the Alamitos, Los Gatos and Guadalupe Creeks will become a problem to residents along the Los Gatos Creek and Guadalupe River; in Campbell, in Willow Glen, and eventually in downtown San Jose. It is time to address the situation. Pro-active control of the number and distribution of wildlife within these greenbelts should be a mandatory consideration of Creek and River restoration projects. To my knowledge, this is not the case.

It is time to establish policies to address the issue of wildlife interactions with humans and pets along the South-County watersheds in light of the current restoration efforts.

Pat Pizzo

Oak Canyon Drive

Reader objects to picture of two men kissing

Editor,

I thought that it was in poor taste to publish a photograph in your newspaper showing two men kissing (page 22, March 11 issue). As a mother of two young children I am no longer comfortable leaving The Almaden Times out on my coffee table.

You could have used a less explicit photograph to get your point across.

Kristin Ballard

Almaden Valley

“Passion of the Christ” is Gibson's view; gay marriages should be called ‘unions'

Editor,

Considering your letters to the editor in the March 5-11 edition of the Almaden Times Weekly I decided to write about two issues.

I study the Wiccan religion and believe that all the controversy over “Passion of the Christ” is ridiculous. Everyone has their view and they should. No one should be offended by anyone else's views, or by the fact that they didn't get to give an opinion. The “Bible” is a man-made book of stories. Mel Gibson made a movie about one story, in his view. That's it and that's fine. You don't have to see the movie; that's your choice.

About the gay ‘marriage' situation: marriage is between a “man and a woman” as states the definition. That should be left alone. If gays want to achieve civil and legal rights then let them call their rights a ‘union', because that's what it is. Do not ask me to explain to my kids why the definition must be changed for a word to suit certain individuals. I'm not against a ‘union,' but leave marriage alone. It is what it's always been. There should be compromise and this is the right way to accomplish that. I can't believe adults haven't resolved this issue sooner.

Chrys Jayne

Almaden Valley