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Publication Date: Friday, November 11, 2005

Let the streaker go

Editor,

The courage of the Aziz family in the face of a very difficult and frustrating situation is admirable. It is unfortunate that the school administration is so quick to dispense discipline before all relevant facts can be heard, and then persistently defends its position in the face of new information. The streaking violation did not constitute a threat to anyone, nor did it disrupt an academic activity. It is not clear that it caused any significant disturbance to the event at which it occurred, since it took place during the halftime break. Yet a student is deprived of access to education for three days and his school record is tainted - all without due process.

Much is made of the expectation that students display integrity, honesty, responsibility, respect, compassion and self-discipline. Perhaps the school administration should embrace these traits and values and - given their authority - one more: Justice. Mark Moses Past candidate for PUSD Board Staples Ranch not for senior housing

Editor,

I am writing in regards to the Oct. 14 article about the proposal to build car dealerships and 600-800 units of senior housing in Staples Ranch. Is anyone paying attention here? Pleasanton spent $80-100K four or five years ago performing a noise study of Livermore Airport due to east-Pleasanton resident (Wilde Ave., approx. 2.43 miles from the center of the airport) complaints. The end of existing Stoneridge Drive (at the gate) is approximately 1.95 miles from the center of the airport, putting this development as close as 1.34 miles directly in line with the extended centerline of the long runway and under the standard instrument departure path used by jets and many other aircraft.

Jet traffic at Livermore airport will increase in the future even if the master plan is not updated. We all know what commercial air travel is like. Fractional ownership corporate jets are on the increase and a whole new group of "very light jets" are in development. These are all newer, quieter technologies, however they do make noise on take-off.

Livermore is planning on performing a similar study due to complaints from west Livermore residents.

Building any additional housing in east Pleasanton (closer to the airport than any current housing) is only setting the stage for more conflict. The airport has been in its current location since 1965 (relocated from Portola St. to get away from development). Unfortunately, over the years, several poor planning decisions have been made allowing residential development too close to the airport. This is not a location for any housing (much less senior housing where people will be home more during the day) due to the proximity to the airport. Senior housing needs to be close to shopping and services, and be readily accessible by public transportation.

Car dealerships and other retail is appropriate and compatible land use for this property. Kevin Ryan Pleasanton Traffic engineer deserves no awards

Editor,

Pleasanton traffic engineer Jeff Knowles shouldn't be awarded anything but a swift kick out the door (Oct. 7, 2005 edition). Particularly now with record setting gas prices, the amount of gas wasted and pollution emitted while Pleasanton drivers wait for lights to change is appalling. Haven't you sat at a Pleasanton traffic light for minutes while there are no cars traveling through the green light? All of these lights should trip and change when a car approaches. The philosophy of "first come, first served" often seems alien to the Pleasanton traffic engineer. The Chamber of Commerce-like puff piece on the traffic engineer ignores all of the unnecessary long lights in the Valley. Jim Wick San Leandro

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