Attachment 25 - Public Comment received between 1101, December 1, 2017 and 1100, December 5, 2017From: Jerry Salsbury <jsalsburyvasona@gmail.com> on behalf of Jerry Salsbury
<jsalsbury@vasonamanagement.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 7:35 AM
To: Rob Rennie; John Lochner
Subject: Veterans Memorial
Mayor Rennie please except this e-mail in my support of the Veterans
Memorial. I have been a donator and supporter of this project from the
beginning and after many years of planning and compromise I think we
finely have a memorial to be proud of. My father was a veteran of WW11
and received the Purple Heart. Spending the final days of the war in a
Paris hospital the war forever changed him and even today looking back
at my own childhood I remember times when my father was silent, lost in
the war many years past. There was little support or understanding what
a toll serving can have on a person. This Memorial will show the Town
of Los Gatos not only remembers but will show continue support for years
to come. I thank our new Mayor and Town Council for considering this
final stage of our new Veterans Memorial. Happy Holidays and thanks
again Jerry
Jerry Salsbury
Vasona Management, Inc
And Proud Lion of
Los Gatos Lion's
ATTACHMENT 2 ,;n
From: Peter Wallace <peterwallace1152@att.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 7:28 AM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: The Veterans Memorial
Mr Mayor,
We are asking for your support The Veterans Memorial at the upcoming Dec 4th meeting.
Thank You,
Peter Wallace
From: Peggy Koen [mailto:peogy(akoenfamily.com]
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 10:34 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Proposed Veteran's Memorial - Environmental Impact and CEQA
For inclusion in the Addendum to the December 5, Town Council meeting, Item 15.
Dear Mayor andTown Council,
I am very supportive of an appropriate Veteran's Memorial which honors the men and women in uniform
who have taught us about strength, duty, devotion and resolve. In war and in peace, their service has been
selfless and their accomplishments have been extraordinary.
Because any new construction in our Town must be harmonious with the surrounding environment - size,
location, and design matter. Reading the November 30, 2017 staff report, I was interested that the Town
found the proposed project categorically exempt from the guidelines for the implementation of CEQA,
section 15303: New Construction and Conversion of Small Structures.
However, the October 27, 2014 staff report to the Town Council states that the Memorial will likely
require an environmental review for some or all of the following features: "lighting, aesthetics, traffic,
parking and biotics". Building a "world class" memorial could attract a world class amount of traffic and
visitors, change the function of the existing redwood grove from destination to backdrop and change the
architectural integrity of the existing Civic Center.
My question is what evidence did the Staff use to come to the conclusion that the project falls within and
meets all of the elements of the Class 3 exemption? The proposed design is not a single family residence
or multi -family structure being built in a residential zone, but rather the proposed Memorial includes 6
walls, the longest being 83 feet long and reaching a height of 8 feet constructed in a C-1 PD zone. The
Memorial will be located in an area surrounded by 10 protected trees and will be brightly illuminated with
up lighting. Since the purpose of the Memorial is to honor those who have served by encouraging
individuals to visit and stay for reflection or Veteran's events, this will result in an increase in traffic and
exasperate the parking shortage in the Town Center.
Given the above, I believe there is substantial evidence that the project has features that distinguish it
from examples in the exempt class. There is a fair argument the project, as proposed, will have a
significant effect on the environment and that the Class 3 categorical exemption would be improper.
As many others in Los Gatos, I hope to see our veterans honored both with our intents and deeds, but the
Town should comply with CEQA and conduct and share any study to determine whether the proposed
project may have a significant effect on the surrounding environment.
Thank you for you consideration and leadership,
Peggy Koen
88 Wissahickon Avenue
Los Gatos
Sent from my iPad
To: Hon. Members of the Los Gatos Town Co
From: Leonard Pacheco and Diane Roberts
Subj: Veterans Memorial Proposal
While we agree generally with the assessment of the proposal
by Larry Cannon of the Cannon Design Group, we feel that the
appraisal take -away is that the proposal needs refinement and
possible design changes or alterations.
As noted by Mr. Cannon, there are problems associated with
the proposal. To mention a few:
1. The proposal is not sympathetic to the Town Hall
buildings and site context.
2. The space between the sculpture and pedestrian
walkway is too small.
3. The central sculptural element is too close to the
adjacent building, and would extend above the
roof height.
4. Elevation above grade probably doesn't justify
both a ramp and stair.
5. Tall walls as a backdrop -a more simple and refined
form might work better. (Cannon)
LANDSCAPING
1. A strong landscape setting with minimized walls should
be preferred over tall walls. (Cannon)
SCULPTURE DESIGN
1. The suitability, artistic merit, long term durability and
maintenance of the proposed sculpture and surrounds
should be considered. (Cannon)
The sculpture should be shortened, unlighted, (avoid the
look of a Christmas tree), and not sitting in a pool of
water. The "Soldier's Cross", a WW2 icon,
does not truly represent all veterans, and all military
services. It signifies war, not peace. The sculpture should
RECEIVED
DEC 05 2017
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING DIVISION
stand on its own without it.
THE HISTORIC FIRE BELL
Your staff report includes a detailed description of the
Fire Bell from its origin in 1899 to the present day. There
is a recommendation of where the bell can rest.
The Fire Bell should be taken out of the memorial site
proposal. It is not in the same context. It should not be
repurposed as a marker for first responders and other
associates. That can be done with an appropriate plaque.
The Fire Bell is a significant part of the Town's history,
and should be recognized for what it was, what it did,
and what it is.
Placing the Fire Bell at the entrance to the Memorial
promenade is inconsistent with a memorial site
design and disrespectful of the bell's history.
Consider having the Historic Preservation Committee
review the existing Gary Schloh proposal.
We ask that you continue the Memorial proposal,
pending resolution of the most obvious design flaws.
Thank you.
December 4, 2017
From: Mary Ellen Kaschub [mailto:mekaschub@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, December 05, 2017 9:01 AM
To: Planning
Subject: A prospective on the proposed Veteran's Memorial design
Sean -
I write to give perspective on the proposed veterans memorial design proposed at the Town Center.
A couple of points:
I have reviewed the consulting architect's review o the project and concur with his analysis which I
would like to Town Council to seriously consider.
From my perspectiv, the story poles in place do not reflect the scale and mass that the project will be in
actuality. They are mesh, the concrete in walls and walks are solid, hard and in places massive,
exceeding the height of the existing building..
The flame will actually be taller than the town building; the high walls will obscure the side and deck of
the building currently housing the Friend's library space and the museum.
In addition, the amount of green, sylvan lawn space that we currently enjoy will be severely disrupted.
The scale
While a memorial to Vets is a worthy idea, let's make it something the Town will be proud of, not the
disruptive element that will sabotage its intent.
One final note - the historic bell does not belong in that design - it should be mounted and held in honor
at the fire station on University or at the historic fire station on Tait.
I hope the Town can see past the enthusiasm the Vets to ensure a memorial that enhances our Town,
not creates an element that would find disfavor once built.
Sincerely,
Mary Ellen Kaschub
320 Massol Ave.
Subject: FW: memorial
From: Melinda Giordano <melindagiordano78@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 9:13 AM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: memorial
long overdue DO IT
1
Subject:
FW: Memorial
From: Cheryl <chehudPcomcast.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 1:32 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Memorial
We are out of town for a bit but wanted to express our support for the Memorial, the concept as well as the location. We live across
the road at 55 Church Street. We will be happy to see it every day.
Thank you,
Cheryl and Stan Huddleston
Sent from my iPad
Subject: FW: Memorial
From: Shirley Maxwell <shirlmax@verizon.net>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 4:45 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Memorial
Every American should support Memorials to our Veterans. They gave
their all to make our country safe. Honoring them with a Memorial is a
way to show that we care and appreciate their service to our country.
Thank You,
Shirley & David Maxwell
136 Wheeler Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
1
Subject:
FW: please support the Vetrans Foundation Memorial
From: Darrell Monda <darrell.monda@tourfactory.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 5:17 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: please support the Vetrans Foundation Memorial
Hi Rob,
Darrell Monda.
Former Marine
USMC 1960-1965
Darrell Monda
President -CEO
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Direct: 408-370-3801
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Subject: FW: Support for Los Gatos Veterans Memorial project approval
From: Paul Barrish <pbarrish2Pgmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, December 2, 2017 9:35 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Support for Los Gatos Veterans Memorial project approval
pb wrote
Mayor Rennie and Town Council members
I am a Los Gatos resident; have lived here since 2007.
On December 5, 2017, please approve the Veterans, First Responders and Homeland Security Memorial
project as it will be a continuing reminder that our Freedom, Safety and Security depend on those who have
served in the past.. I devoted 26 years to Navy Service and have shipmates who are named on the Vietnam
Memorial. Local recognition here will be a clear expression of service above self. Not everyone serves and
not all from Los Gatos will see the National Memorials in our Nation's Capitol. This local memorial and the
messages it shares deserves your affirmative vote.
Yours truly
Paul Barrish CAPTAIN USN (RET)
Terraces of Los Gatos
Subject:
FW: Veterans Memorial
From: MULLINS ROY <zcheef@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2017 3:55 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Veterans Memorial
Dear Mayor,
This note is to urge you and the Los Gatos Town Council to approve the project of the Veterans Memorial in
Los Gatos. It will be a very appropriate and beautiful memorial. A memorial that all citizens can feel pride and
an honor to all veterans that have served, fought and died for our country. Again, please APPROVE this very
fitting tribute to our country's veterans.
Roy E. Mullins
1
Subject: FW: Veterans Memorial Design on the Town Council Agenda for December 5, 2017
From: Stan Weitzman <stan.weitzman@amaii.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2017 5:05 PM
To: Ellen Manzo
Cc: Rob Rennie; Steven Leonardis; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; BSpector
Subject: Re: Veterans Memorial Design on the Town Council Agenda for December 5, 2017
Ellen,
Nice letter!
Stan
Stan Weitzman
408-455-3854
stan.weitzman lamail.com
"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and,
under a just God, cannot long retain it." --Abraham Lincoln
lit
VETERANS
`* FOUNDATION
n..a� wras
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Introduction
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Website
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Facebook Page
Artist's inspiration for The Flame of Liberty Design by Frank Koclan Morris
The Flame of Liberty Veterans Memorial Design; Coming Soon to the Los Gatos Civic Center
On Sun, Dec 3, 2017 at 9:56 AM, Ellen Manzo <ellen.manzo@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Mayor Rennie and Council Members,
Five years ago I stood at your podium and over the course of a ten-minute presentation had the opportunity to introduce you to i
dream. That dream was the visionary concept of creating a veterans memorial to be hosted in the Town of Los Gatos that would
deliver honor, respect, and gratitude to our active service members, veterans, and families. On October 5 we will be before you in
search of approval of the architectural plans for our memorial. The cost of getting to this point has been thousands or more of
volunteer hours, contributions of time and professional talent from our advisors, more than $ 100K in expenditures much of which has
come from the pockets of our volunteers, not to mention the additional wrinkles and grey hairs that have populated this writer.
'%3
When we launched this initiative, we did so with the intent of establishing a world -class memorial that would serve to thank all those
who have protected us and our freedoms throughout the history of our nation. We additionally wanted to create a venue whereupon
we could educate the community on the sacrifices borne to defend America's freedom. Over the course of time we chose to add to the
list the very valuable first responders who shake hands with the military in supporting homeland security and natural disasters, and
two local heroes who attempted to take back cockpit control from terrorists aboard United Flight 93 — Todd Beamer and Mark
Bingham. Given the recent events of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, the sacrifice of our military and first responders is even
more apparent as they support us on home soil, through natural disasters and rebuilding our cities. The military does not just defend in
times of war.
In addition, over the course of this journey, members in our committee have had their eyes opened to the additional mental and
emotional benefits that a memorial can deliver to veterans, their families, and others affected by wars and tragedies. These are just a
few of the examples that have been brought before our committee.
Memorials — The Catalyst to Healing
• Dr. Clyde Horn, a Vietnam veteran, was convinced after fifty years following his service in the Vietnam War, to visit the
Vietnam Wall with his son. His story is attached. I encourage you to read it. Clyde will be the first to tell you that his trip to
D.C. was beneficial both to himself individually, and to his son for it fostered a dialogue that created a better understanding for
his father's experiences.
• My Father is a WWII veteran who, together with his three brothers and three brothers-in-law, served in WWII. I had the
honor of accompanying my Father aboard the WWII Honor Flight. The WWII Honor Flight flies WWII veterans and their
guardians to Washington DC to see the WWII memorial. I created a homegrown memento video for my Father as a result of the
day. I invite you to hear the unrehearsed remarks of one of the WWII veterans, Michael Albanti, who was asked to take the
podium following his visit to the memorial. Michael's remarks can be found at minute 26:16, 7 minutes in total. (Move cursor to
blue line and a YouTube like arrow will appear, then advance to 26:16.)
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asCQdcUaHId
▪ Sandy James, former Cupertino Mayor and now Chair of the Cupertino Veterans Foundation tells the story of an elderly
WWII veteran Grandfather who visited her memorial in the company of his children and grandchildren. Her veteran saw a
boulder at the memorial site with a sandblasted image of a WWII destroyer upon which the veteran served. Upon seeing it, the
gentleman put down his cane, took a seat on the ground, wept a few tears and for the next two hours shared stories with his family
— stories his family had never before heard - about his experiences in WWII and about the sailors lost when the destroyer sank.
The family members learned a great deal about Grand Dad's history that helped them better understand the man he was, and they
were so moved by the experience with their Father/Grandfather that they wrote letters of thanks to Sandy for leading the
foundation's efforts to bring the memorial to Cupertino.
In short, memorials can be the catalyst to healing both for veterans and for their families. Unfortunately, natural disasters and
war are elements of mankind's existence. Statistics suggest that the world has only been completely at peace 4% of the time. I don't
know a single individual who wants to be at war, let alone those around our board table whom at the ripe age of eighteen had lives
abruptly interrupted by a draft and war. They served our country. I know you join me in hoping that we will not see another draft in
our lifetimes; unfortunately, none of us can predict that. They too, deserve to heaL
Patriotism— Averts Terrorism Moving into Neighborhoods
I was living 55 minutes outside of NYC when 9/11 hit. We lost a family member with a pregnant wife. 50 parents perished in my
sister's parish based in New Jersey. And the jobs of several of my family members based in Washington DC ramped up to an all-time
high as they were called upon to react. I have a family member who then reported to the Inspector General in the Postal Service. The
Postal Inspection Service is called upon to find anthrax on the Hill, pipe bombs in piailboxes, mail fraud and threats, and they're
regularly called upon in counter terrorism measures/initiatives. One of the lessons learned: Flying flags in a neighborhood and
promoting patriotism is a great deterrent to terrorists occupying your town, which is just a byproduct of a memorial.
A word on design... We have a world -class artist behind the design of this memorial. Anyone could potentially come up with
millions of excuses to keep this memorial from breaking ground and to delay its installation if they didn't want to see the memorial
erected. Please, let's not get bogged down with inches, feet, height, width or other issues that are so minor and meant to cause delay.
Keep in mind that we are a volunteer force who has put forth a professional initiative. The only difference is the lack of paychecks for
our people. As Town Council members in volunteer positions, I know you understand, more than most, the fact that the result of
one's work can be driven by passion and does not necessarily require the bank roll that accompanies a high paying job.
Five years ago you gave us the green light. Five years of volunteer time wears on those behind the initiative. Any more delays will
negatively affect the momentum that we've built behind this initiative for our community. Let's build a world -class memorial for our
Town as recommended in the plans before you. We will be open to hearing suggestions should your architect recommend a few
z13
tweaks that we can live with. But that is secondary. A more important component is making it to our next step, the launching of a
capital campaign, which is where we really need the call to action with passionate volunteer hands and the great momentum within the
community that we've been working hard to instill. Your backing is necessary in helping us advance to creating our capital campaign
to fund the iconic Flame of Liberty memorial.
The time to act is now. 1 urge you to raise the hand when asked "All in Favor?"
Let's go!
Ellen Manzo
Ellen Manzo
Board Director
203-561-8888
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation introduction
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Website
Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation Facebook Page
Artist's Inspiration for The Flame of Liberty Design by Frank Kocian Morris
The Flame of Liberty Veterans Memorial Design; Coming Soon to the Los Gatos Civic Center
�3
Subject: FW: Veterans Memorial
From: John Bond <jsbonddmdtazmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2017 7:45 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Veterans Memorial
Mayor Rennie. I am in strong support of Los Gatos approving and erecting a Veterans Memorial on the Towne's grounds as outlined
and currently marked.
The Los Gatos Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation has been trying to work with the Towne Council and it's various
committees and other interests for the better part of four (4) years. The Foundation has met with some opposition within the
Council and it's various Committees. Now it is the Museum. Actually, the Veterans Memorial Foundation predated the Museum's
move into the old Library which threw a monkey wrench in the gears. For some unknown reason, the Towne Council has determined
the Library's sign cannot be moved, even though without the Foundation's proposed Memorial being located where it is proposed,
the signage is barely noticeable.
As a retired Los Gatos Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, as well as a retired Navy Captain, who both flew off carriers during Vietnam, and
subsequently served as a Navy OMS after finishing Dental School and a three year residency at Cook County Hospital, Chicago, it is
beyond me why our Towne finds it so hard to honor, remember and cherish the freedoms we enjoy because of Past, Current and
Future Veterans.
Please support and help the Los Gatos Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation join the myriad of other towns and cities that
already have recognized Veterans. Los Gatos has a number of past veterans who deserved to be recognized and thanked for their
service. Todd Beamer and Mark Bingham come to mind for all the young Millennials who have grown up in the aftermath 911. Yes,
Freedom Is Not Free. Thank You,
Sincerely,
John S. Bond, DMD
Capt USNR-ret
Sent from my iPhone John S. Bond. A.M.D.
Subject:
FW: MEMORIAL AND SUPPORT FOUNDATION OF LOS GATS
From: Jim Free <iamesf733@vahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2017 10:28 PM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: MEMORIAL AND SUPPORT FOUNDATION OF LOS GATS
This is a wonderful opportunity for the Town of Los Gatos to honor all of those Veterans
of Los Gatos and others, that are currently serving or have served, some of which have
given their all, to support, preserve and defend the U.S. Constitution, upon which is the
Foundation of we as Americans live in freedom, prosper and support.
Thanks to all for your support of this important symbol and function of our Veterans
Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos. All of our Veterans including those from
Los Gatos, all raised their right hand and swore to "Preserve, Protect and Defend, the
Constitution of the United States." This is a monumental way for the Town of Los Gatos
to acknowledge what those men and women have done for our Country.
Thanks for your consideration,
Jim Free
Chairman Emeritus, Campbell Veterans Memorial Foundation,
408-370-2200
i
Subject:
FW: Veterans Mtg./ Proposal
From: Liz Schwartz <riomermaid@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2017 8:19 AM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Veterans Mtg./ Proposal
Appropriate all necessary
Funding for this much needed
Project.
Respectfully
Mrs . Schwartz
Liz Schwartz
Sent from (Phone
1
Subject: FW: Los Gatos Veteran Memorial
Importance: High
From: Ken <KK20699@att.net>
Sent: Monday, December 4, 2017 10:39 AM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Los Gatos Veteran Memorial
Please note to the town council that we approve of the Veterans Memorial to be established in Los Gatos;
Both of our fathers are veterans of WW2, and Linda's father is buried in Los Gatos beneath a veteran's
marker.
Ken Kelly and Unda LeZotte
1741 Frobisher Way
San Jose 95124
408-823-8201
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