Letters Letters (August 20, 2004)

Neighbors not consulted

Editor,

Good title on the "Victorian Secret" story on Aug. 6 - perhaps there may be more secrets. May I correct a few inadvertent misimpressions for the benefit of future historians who will use the Pleasanton Weekly as a source of our historic buildings' provenance? First, the main house was indeed built in the 1880s (fine local redwood timber in her), but the current two-story outbuilding is very recent. Old-time residents of the neighborhood (from the 1960s) recall that up until the mid-1990s a one-story tin shed was the only outbuilding on the site. Secondly, the quote attributed to Joanne Bell needs some context. She has resided on First Street for about one year, and was not in the neighborhood in the 1990s. Several neighbors who were there are adamant they were not consulted on plans for a garage/rental unit. Finally, while Pleasanton did not have zoning in the 1880s, it did have building codes in 1990. The city has had to prohibit occupancy of that outbuilding because of serious fire and earthquake code violations; the inspection report is on file. Had the permit process been followed, the current owners would have been spared the unfortunate but necessary renovations for safety. I applaud the efforts of our Building Department to ensure public safety. I find them genuinely helpful, and urge all homeowners to make use of that expertise when adding or renovating. Paul UsterEast Angela Street Chamber shows bias

Editor,

It is apparent to me that the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce is politically biased. It has U.S. Rep. Richard Pombo (R., 11th) speaking Tuesday, Aug. 24, and has ignored Dr. Gerald (Jerry) McNerney's standing request to speak to them in a non-political manner. Besides opposing Mr. Pombo for the 11th District seat, McNerney is a Pleasanton resident and a businessman. He is a leading expert in the field of renewable energy. With the price of oil exceeding $46 per barrel it would seem to me that the "unbiased Chamber" businesses would be interested in a plan to reduce their energy costs and create local jobs and new business opportunities.

I am retired and hate to see this hypocrisy in any organization. Bill EvansPleasanton

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