Letters Letters (July 30, 2004)

Ready to entertain

Editor,

My husband Emil and I want to thank you for the nice article about our new home that you published in the July 23 issue of the Pleasanton Weekly. I need to correct some inaccuracies in the article. First of all, the address is 730 Peters Ave. The lot on which we built is actually part of 403 St. Mary's St., which belongs to our friends, Bob Byrd and Kathy Morrison. Bob and my husband tinkered with the catalogue description and layout of the house as it was found in the Sears catalogue and made the interior of the house fit the size and shape of the lot. After they were satisfied with their design, they took their plans to Rob Mori to create the blueprints that are being used in the construction of our home. Both Bob and Emil have put a lot of hard work into the construction of the house, which makes it even more special. We have had a lot of fun planning both the exterior and the interior design, trying to keep everything as authentic as possible. I am sure that we will be entertaining more than the mentioned 25 friends! We have already been approached by Mike Carey to include our home on next year's home tour! Marjorie OxsenPeters Avenue Patriotic thanks

Editor,

Thank you for reminding your readers about "Celebrating Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution," the sixth annual all-volunteer Fourth of July community event at Lions Wayside Park. We particularly appreciated being included in your editorial regarding the many things to do in our hometown that weekend.

This year, an estimated 400 people made time in their lives for patriotic music and observances on the anniversary of the founding of our nation. Special thanks to Conductor Bob Williams and the Pleasanton Community Concert Band, soloist Ward Belding (as Uncle Sam), and Master of Ceremonies Ed Kinney. We appreciate being included in the Concerts in the Park series sponsored by Pleasanton Downtown Association.

Other partners in this endeavor included event sponsor Bank of Walnut Creek; music sponsor ACCUSPLIT; and food co-sponsors Raley's Market and Lions Clubs of Pleasanton.

Pleasanton Poet Laureate Kirk Ridgeway recited his stirring, original poem about the grim realities of war, and why individuals fight for what they believe in. This theme was reiterated by guest speakers Maj. Gen. Daniel C. Balough (U.S. Army, retired) and Mayor Tom Pico. Boy Scout Troop #908 paid "Final Honors" to the worn and tattered flag retired from the memorial flagpole in the park.

Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Fourth of July are the main times in our busy lives that we have the opportunity to pause and reflect on the founding principles upon which our nation was founded. We invite your readers to join us next Fourth of July to "Celebrate Freedom and its Evolution since the Revolution." W. Ron Sutton, Jerri Pantages LongCo-producers Enthused blood donor

Editor,

I just finished the encouraging July 16 article about donating blood. As a 35-plus-year donor I would like to encourage everyone to donate. It makes you feel good knowing you've helped someone you don't even know to perhaps live a little longer. Unlike Cheryl Doggett, I need to wait until the blood bank contacts me because I have AB+ type blood (somewhat rare I understand). But when I am contacted, I do just as Cheryl does; I put the date on my calendar and show up on the day I said I would (someone's relying on me to be there). Since I work in Fremont and live in Pleasanton I can donate in two places (no excuses). I donate at lunchtime in Newark or on a Saturday in Pleasanton. I especially like the time in the center after giving blood: cookies, juice, pretzels, water and coffee. I've even gotten T-shirts and key chains for donating one of life's precious commodities. If you need more encouragement or someone to hold your hand, call me. Patricia WaldenBelleza Drive 'You have a car problem'

Editor,

Please let me second this message from Debbie Bulger (Letters, July 23): Crosswalk removal generally only results in an initial increase in pedestrian injuries (as peds used to the markings compete with cars who apparently mistakenly believe there will be no peds if there is no crosswalk); thereafter, when pedestrians do finally give in and reduce their efforts to cross at a dangerous intersection, all that you have accomplished is a reduction in the quality of life for your citizens. People who cannot safely or comfortably walk across the road generally feel that they must drive instead, resulting in more cars for your neighborhoods. No one wants more cars on the road!

You have a car problem, not a pedestrian problem, if car drivers in your town are endangering the people that live, work and play there. Slow the cars, control the cars, ticket the dangerous drivers, conduct pedestrian stings - but please don't add to the demise of your lovely "Hometown USA" where a friendly walk is, at least for now, possible. Roger H. GrayMember, City of Pasadena Transportation Commission

E-mail a friend a link to this story.