Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor (February 06, 2004)

Measure J for libraries and health too

Editor:

In two different articles in the Voice's January 23 issue, the reporter characterized Measure J as:

"...Measure J funds will go toward after-school sports, counseling services and music and art programs, among other services."

It should say "...Measure J will restore funding to keep school libraries open, to rehire health clerks who monitor allergies and administer medications for students, and to restore janitorial services, among other services."

While music, art, and sports are also important, it is misleading to omit the basic school services that Measure J will provide. Nelson and Robin Iwai Carmelita Drive
A strong counter to review of 'Memphis'

Editor:

I must disagree strongly with your review of "Memphis." I found this one of the best new theatrical productions I have seen in the last 35 years. Having grown up in New York City and had the pleasure of seeing shows like "Man of La Mancha" when it was still off-Broadway with Richard Kiley, I have a lot to compare to. I felt so strongly about "Memphis" that I sent the following e-mail to all my friends who live in the Bay Area:

"I normally don't send mass emails like this, but to all my local friends, last night I saw the best new musical I have seen in 35 years. If I had a spare $10 million, I would offer to be a backer. But I don't so the best I can do is suggest, nay encourage, you to see this play. It is called "Memphis" and is about the beginnings of rock and roll as an outgrowth of Black rhythm and blues. It is almost an operetta. It has social history without hitting you over the head, has amazingly wonderful voices, tremendous energy, and a lot of truly funny, funny bits. It has a little of the negative side of those years (1949-1962) but not too much to blow the good feelings of the experience.

"It is being put on by TheatreWorks and is playing at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. Go and enjoy."

Your reviewer must have been having a bad day because "Memphis" was spectacular! Micki Miller Mountain View Avenue
Caltrain does not come free but it does come cheap.

Editor:

I am writing in response to the Jan. 30 article "Weekend Caltrain service on the chopping block" and the corresponding editorial.

Caltrain should be congratulated for running such an efficient service and for so little cost. For $23 million, Caltrain delivers an excellent service that is 94.1 percent on-time to 3.4 million riders per year. In just a few short months, Caltrain will offer service that will get commuters from Mountain View to San Francisco in 44 minutes.

But this will only happen if the three transit agencies that help fund Caltrain operations come through with the money. The Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has been extraordinarily reluctant to properly fund a service that provides so much to so many Santa Clara County residents. I urge all those who are upset with the possibility of the San Antonio station being skipped during the weekend to contact Don Gage, VTA Chairperson or Joe Pirzynski, VTA Vice Chairperson. They can be reached through the VTA Board Secretary at (408) 321-5680.

San Antonio shouldn't get skipped but it might if VTA does not pay what Caltrain needs. San Mateo and San Francisco counties are willing to follow through on their commitment to Caltrain, and so should Santa Clara County. Patrick Moore Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter Transportation Committee Chair Wright Avenue

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