Hydroflushing sewer system also limited
Thomas M. Burns, MD
The long-anticipated Sewer Master Plan has finally been published and is available for public review. Your excellent editorial of Nov. 9 highlighting the city’s limited amount of public review of its sewer system just begins to scratch the surface about the discrepancies between Brown and Caldwell’s facts and the city’s fiction in regard to its sewer maintenance practices.
The city initially claimed that its goal was to hydroflush the entire system every 18 to 24 months; it later revised its goal to once every 5 years. The truth is that since 1993, only 20 percent of the entire system has been hydroflushed.
The city claimed that all properties connected to its sewer system required the installation of a backflow device. Brown and Caldwell did not even comment on this issue because no homes built to the applicable Uniform Plumbing Codes, as was my home, really need a backflow device as long as the city can keep the system flowing forward, as was its intended design.
Brown and Caldwell discovered that 92 percent of all sanitary sewer overflows and mainline stoppages were due to undetected roots! The city claimed that it has an excellent root removal policy. So why did Brown and Caldwell find that the city has a significantly higher rate of stoppages and overflows than similar communities?
The truth is that the city has been deferring maintenance for decades. Now taxpayers will come to the rescue and pay for this misguided management. Facts cannot be altered by fiction. Let’s hope the city gets it right this time around!
Positive aspects to Westwind programs
Meike Petry
Is there always a breeze around Westwind Barn, or does it seem like a strong wind these days?
People seem fixated on the negative emotions but aren’t giving proper attention to the positive aspects around the barn. I am out there almost every day, and I see a different side: There are a lot of people working hard to get the year-round riding program running, helping with the 4-H program, endlessly fund-raising to maintain the facility, and organizing events - and nobody ever asks if those who put in most of the work are residents or nonresidents. So many people just love the place and want to be a part of it.
When I first joined Westwind Barn I was surprised to see all the diverse activities - more than I had seen at any other barn. Now I appreciate them and take my kids to see talking birds at the annual Hoedown, Santa before Christmas, dressed-up Pony Club riders at Halloween and wild cats during Earth Day. Of course I take them up there when I have to do chores around my own horse - and to ride one of the 4-H horses once a week.
I sure value the exposure my children get to animals and nature at this place and am able to share my love for horses with them.
When different groups get involved in the operation of any facility, different opinions seem to be inevitable. Agendas take on a life of their own, and rumors spread faster than the truth. In times like this, open communication and a personal visit to see the situation for oneself exposes the true character and value of the barn.
Contest for submitting laws
State Senator
Joe Simitian
Notwithstanding the distraction of Tuesday’s special election, scores of my constituents have already submitted entries for my fifth annual “There Oughta Be a Law” contest, where I invite Californians to submit their suggestions for new laws.
I want to give anyone preoccupied by the special election a little more time to submit a proposal, so I’ve extended the contest deadline to Nov. 28. The winner or winners will have their ideas introduced as legislation and will get to testify at a hearing on their bill in the State Capitol.
The real “prize,” however, is the satisfaction of knowing that your winning entry can affect the lives of 36 million Californians. Since the contest’s inception, eight such ideas have become law.
To get an application, visit www.sen.ca.gov/simitian, or call my district office at 688-6384.
CUSD board candidate offers thanks
Lynette Lee Eng
My sincere thanks to the dedicated friends and family members who worked on my campaign for school board office, and to the thousands who voted for me.
I am pleased that the other candidates endorsed my views regarding the need for our Cupertino board to encourage public input. By listening to one another, we can surely all benefit. The future of our schools is important to us all.
Be prepared by taking CERT classes
Ron Labetich
Our citizens should be aware of the emergency preparedness classes available.
The CERT classes are practical, very informative and provide proven methods to care for you, your family and others in the event of a disaster - especially when a significant earthquake occurs. I recently completed the classes and highly recommend enrolling by calling 947-2776. Get yourself prepared.
