Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (December 30, 2005)

Title doesn't mean endorsement

Editor,

Oh my. So now, the Mayor of Pleasanton cannot have a personal opinion if it doesn't fall under "local issues." Most elected officials make endorsements of one kind or another. Often, their title is used for identification purposes only and does not imply an endorsement of the organization. Otherwise, without a title, people would wonder what distinguishes them from John Doe. Have you never seen the lists of endorsements on the political ads that deluge us each election? For example, several years ago when Arnold was running for Governor, he held a rally at the fairgrounds. Councilmember Steve Brozosky and former Councilmember Kay Ayala were both on stage in support of Arnold, and yes both were introduced with their title. Why was there no public outcry at them representing the city in front of hundreds of people? Did this imply that the entire city was in support of Arnold? Of course not. Neither the Mayors for Peace ad nor the Arnold rally had anything to do with a local issue. They were private citizens, with a title, expressing their personal opinions. I wonder what the outraged veterans were fighting for in those wars. I thought it was to protect the very freedoms that those who are blessed to live in America hold dear. I didn't realize that you were only allowed the freedom to speak your mind if you agree with them. What makes us a democracy is that we have the freedom to express our opinions and engage in healthy, respectful discussion of issues. Let us not get so involved in our argument that we lose control of our faculties. I know that our military personnel are smart enough to distinguish our support of troops from a political discussion. Mayor Hosterman had it right, let's agree to disagree ... and move on. Enough already!

Angela Ramirez Holmes

Pleasanton Another side to Happy Valley Road

Editor,

I wish to present another opinion to the Dec. 9, 2005 Around Pleasanton, "Don't barricade Happy Valley Road." I do not agree with the statement that closure of Happy Valley Road to golf course traffic is "an arbitrary decision to please a few while inconveniencing many."

The Happy Valley Road residents and the county wanted to address safety and liability issues that could result from an increase traffic flow on Happy Valley Road. Unlike the recently reconstructed, upgraded and widened Sycamore and Alisal roads, Happy Valley Road remains a narrow and winding county road in disrepair. There are no sidewalks and in many areas, non-existent shoulders. This creates a hazard to those individuals who walk and cycle on Happy Valley Road. A major safety concern centers on the many driveways that are hidden from view by blind curves. Finally, entry into Happy Valley Road from Sunol Boulevard is through a narrowed road under a railroad trestle. Only one car in one direction can safely pass through this area.

The county and not the city would be responsible and liable for the safe use of the road. One possible solution would be to keep the current barriers at the "temporary golf course entrance" that prevent left hand turns onto Happy Valley Road. This could be combined with signage at the Sunol Boulevard-Happy Valley Road entrance advising that no golf course traffic is permitted on Happy Valley Road. However, I am sure that there would be a number of golfers who would ignore the barriers and signage.

Being considered by the county is a gate at Happy Valley and Alisal roads limiting use to those home owners who currently live "on the loop." Also being considered is a cul-de-sac closure of Happy Valley Road at the Alisal Road intersection. Emergency access could be provided by a locked gate.

E. Dennis Glafkides

A 30-year resident of Happy Valley Road @letterhad:Christmas cards a hit

Editor,

Thank you for featuring my local holiday cards in your Living section earlier this month (Living, "Nancy Eddinger's Christmas Card List," Dec. 2, 2005). If you ever wondered how many people read the Weekly, wonder no more: I have been astonished and delighted to have calls from every store you listed, saying that their supply of my notecards had been sold out! This year's card sales topped all the previous five years. In fact, I have been receiving calls and e-mails with suggestions for other local landmarks that could be included in the series. I now am thinking of doing one more holiday painting (a secret location for now), then switching to meet the need for non-holiday local notecards.

So many friends and acquaintances have told me that they enjoyed Jerri Long's article, and for many, it was the first that they knew about my passion for painting. You made me feel like a celebrity in my hometown! Thank you for your focus on local stories.

Nancy Eddinger

Pleasanton

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