Supes must balance agritourism with protecting the environment
Dear Editor,
With regard to your news story of April 27 about Santa Clara County’s proposed ordinance revisions for wineries (“Changes proposed for local wineries”), the complaints of some wineries about the “draconian” permit process overlooks the fact that this process is there for a reason: to make sure that these properties are equipped to handle all these events.
For example, a winery that has a small parking lot can’t host a 300-person wedding without creating traffic problems. Some wineries may not be up to code in terms of fire regulations; to allow them to host events there would put people in danger in case of fire. The permit process examines all these issues; it’s there for the protection of everyone in the County.
It is important to remember that currently, the regulations for wineries are exactly the same as for every other rural landowner in the unincorporated area. Wineries aren’t suffering under a disproportionate burden; they’re merely required to comply with the same rules as everyone else. As the County Supervisors go through the process of trying to change the rules to give wineries a break on the permit requirements, they must carefully balance the desire to encourage agritourism with their responsibility to protect the County’s residents, quality of life, and environmental resources.
Alice Kaufman, Legislative Advocate, Committee for Green Foothills
Community deserves answers from councilwoman, not rhetoric
Dear Editor,
Second hand smoke is a serious issue with many people, including those with asthma, other respiratory ailments or compromised immune systems. The research is very clear on smoking health risks. The public should not be subjected to such risks while in public places.
Morgan Hill City Councilmember Marilyn Librers’ reply in voting against the proposed ordinance and all motions for it because it is an over-regulation of government is inappropriate and thoughtless.
This isn’t congressional chambers but council chambers. The comment suggests that Morgan Hill over-regulates and I would like to hear the Councilmember explain where there are other instances within the city where she felt there was over-regulation? If there is, why hasn’t she used her four years in office to address such concerns? If the councilmember is applying her federal concerns to that of the city, that is just inappropriate.
The reality is that this is an ideological/political response that has no value in council chambers. It is liken to council addressing issues of foreign policy, or the national debt. Such posturing does not help our community but may influence a few in her upcoming re-election campaign as a symbolic jester of strength when it is really one of weakness.
Ms. Librers, if you feel that there are issues with the ordinance, then I would like you to address them specifically as opposed to broad and inapplicable ideological response. I would like to hear if you believe or do not believe in the health risks? I would like to hear why those in public places should not be protected?
I would think our community deserves answers and solutions, not rhetoric.
Mark Grzan, Morgan Hill
Real Americans need to get out and vote June 5 and Nov. 6
Dear Editor,
Every Republican in the House voted to replace Medicare with a voucher system. This benefits insurance companies, at the expense of real American citizens who see the doctor, stay in the hospital and need real medical attention.
Every Republican in the House voted to cut benefits for real citizens, medical benefits for women, instead of cutting benefits to oil companies. We can hope that real citizens have the wisdom to let Republicans become the minority in the House and the super minority in the Senate.
Real citizens vote June 5 and Nov. 6.
Frank Crosby, Morgan Hill
