Freedom of Religion
Dear Editor,
About the Cordoba Center (Muslim mosque) project, I just want to say that this country was founded on freedom of religion. Please help continue this foundation.
Mohammed Dessouky, Belmont
Who Owns the Parks?
Dear Editor,
Let me clarify a few concerns that were recently raised about parks within the city that have deteriorated. Some believe that it is the city’s fault and the city’s responsibility to maintain them. The small pocket parks in question are not city parks. They are part of a specific residential development. They are private not public facilities. The fee to maintain them comes from within the development or as commonly referred to an assessment district. In some instances, they serve as retention basins for storm water run-off that developers were required to provide as a condition to build to protect homes and property.
The parks today remain in private hands and are owned by the assessment district. Residents within the district may on occasion need to reassess costs and raise fees to pay for an increase in maintenance, water etc. The process is by a vote of those within the district. When the district decides not to raise fees as some have done, the parks will be minimally maintained and turf may die. In some instances, the districts have gone into debt which must be repaid.
Since the parks are on private property and the city does not have an obligation to maintain them. There are many such districts within the city. Many have raised their fees to fully maintain their parks. The question is, should the city assist financially those who elected not to raise their fees to maintain their parks? If it did, what about the districts who did decide to raise their fees and maintain their parks? What would prevent them for repealing their assessment and seek assistance from the City? What precedent would be set if the city starts to maintain private property? Why would not others ask for the same assistance? Does the community want to pay/raise fees or taxes to pay for these private parks? The answers are not clear and the decisions difficult.
At the moment the solutions are to resolve the debt issues, begin minimal maintenance and a process to restore and even re-landscape. The districts may want to reconsider their fee structure. A dead park certainly does not raise property values and detracts from surrounding homes. It is clear that these parks are subject to a number of issues that make them problematic. Let me assure all that the problem does have the City’s attention, and I will be looking to provide assistance in the matter if possible so that these parks remain an asset to our community.
Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill
Islam Misunderstood
Dear Editor,
I have read several letters to editor where county residents have expressed their reservation on the idea of setting up the Mosque and the community center. I believe this is due to misunderstanding and misconception about Islam. Part of the blame goes to the Muslim community itself which has not been proactive about educating the masses. Lately, especially after the tragedy of 9/11, there has been concerted effort to address the issue of misunderstanding about Islam. Local Mosques play an important role in doing that. For example, through open-house where non-Muslims can ask questions, inviting media to observe Friday’s congregations prayers, distributing literature etc. Mosques are good source of information for everyone who wants to know about Islam.
There are several Mosques and community centers in bay area and across America which have played a positive role in spreading the word of Islam and bringing harmony across different faiths.
In addition, like every community in America, Muslim community also has right to practice their religion and educate their next generation according to their faith and belief.
In my opinion, the proposed Mosques and community center will benefit everyone by bringing south county residents together.
Hassan Siddiqi
Finally Kissed WWII Famous Nurse
Dear Editor,
The Aug. 12 Day of Remembrance and Reflection commemorating the end of World War II at San Jose History Park was an inspiring gathering. Venerable WWII vets still “engaged” resonating with the familiar big band era music … 89-year-young Edith Shain’s strong delivery of illuminating remembrances. She of the famous Times Square nurse who was kissed by a sailor in the famous WWII photo.
Finally got to kiss her. She was most accommodating. I was a sailor in the Times Square throng that memorable day in ’45. Missed her then, not this time!
Bob Wylde, Morgan Hill
