December 21, 2006

ValleyViewpoints

Don’t want Leland lights? Go to dinner… or better yet, join us at the game!

Editor,
In rebuttal to the letter that was published in your Dec.1-Dec. 7 edition of Almaden Times Weekly on the night game issue at Leland:

First, I do appreciate Bob Boegman's comments to the issue. He does have some valid concerns that I am sure will be carefully considered and addressed accordingly. Thank you for addressing them. However, he does forget to mention that a lot of us move to the Almaden area for our wonderful schools, not only for the academics but also for the "activities" that make them the sought-after schools that they are.

And yes, Almaden is known for its close neighborhood community, but this community does have in the center of it a middle school and a high school. But also think of this, our close neighborhood community really doesn't have any general activity outlets nearby for our youth. As a parent of a Leland freshman, I would rather have my child involved in sports at the school or outside sports rather than having time to make other poor decisions.

Something else that is not mentioned, by placing lights at Leland this could also help alleviate the lack of field space we seem to be currently experiencing with the ever-growing popularity of outside sports in our community. This could assist with some of the scheduling difficulties we currently have and free up some field space that is normally scheduled for school daytime games. The district has indicated they will make a commitment to the community to allow no more than 10 night games that are Leland school games ONLY (five football, two soccer, field hockey, and lacrosse). No outside sports would be allowed nighttime usage.

Also, all Leland's sports that would play at night seem to take place mostly between the months of September to January (only a few months out of the year). So really these lights not only benefit the school but the community as a whole.

It seems to me that the main concern seems to be traffic and noise. I am of the understanding that the district is willing to address and discuss these concerns. However, in my opinion, if you chose to purchase a home near a school then you also assume some risks with that purchase. So, if it is a huge concern, what better time to decide to take your family out to dinner on each of those 10 nights and avoid the frustrations? Or, better yet join us at the games! Be proactive and be involved with your neighborhood community!

Julie Herbert
Almaden Valley

Note: The San Jose Unified School District will be holding the following community meetings to discuss installing stadium lights at local high schools: Tuesday, Jan. 16 and Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Leland High School; Tuesday, Jan. 9 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Pioneer High School. All meetings will be held at 7 p.m. in the school’s cafeteria.

Reader who bashed cheerleaders needs to look at big picture

Editor,
In regard to Dec. 15 Letters to Editor, I wish to comment on Ed Robinson bashing of the young cheerleaders.

Mr. Robinson is obviously a man who could find fault with winning the lottery. Calling the young girls who are serving their community, "morons" in a public place is outrageous behavior by any adult. Much applause should be given to Maria Stich and the girls for accepting your apology.

Maria writes a perfect rebuttal in your paper to a stubborn person who cannot see the big picture. The cheerleaders were out volunteering their time trying to make a difference in their community. What does Mr. Robinson do with his time besides finding fault? Mr. Robinson type of thinking is like other liberals who want everyone else to do something for the homeless while he sits back and judges if they did a good job or not.

Mr. Robinson was not involved in the collection of the clothes at the Safeway, but he wants to put his two cents in on how the clothes should be distributed. Not your choice Mr. Robinson! And I know I do not want to be shopping with my family at this store when the homeless man disrobes to put on a new shirt.

The girls absolutely made the right choice by not giving anything. The girls were also smart to keep their distance from a stranger and not put themselves in harm’s way. Lets not lose sight of the fact that the homeless man made a choice to be homeless. He either has an alcohol, drug or mental health problem.

If Mr. Robinson is so concerned about the homeless man then why did he not give him a shirt? Or better yet take him home? Then the homeless man is not homeless anymore. If you took them all home then Almaden would be homeless free. No Mr. Robinson that would be an inconvenience to you. You would just rather sit back and judge others who are trying to make a small difference. Look for something else to complain about. I bet there is a long list.

William Smith
Coleman Avenue

Note: Ed Robinson said in a phone interview that he did give the homeless man in question a shirt in his desired color, blue.

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The Almaden Times Weekly
1310 Tully Road, Ste. 107,
San Jose, CA 95122