In recent opinion (“Trim pensions before raising taxes,” Letters, Feb. 18), it was suggested that the fire and police department take a cut in their pensions. I cannot fault the writer for his misinformation regarding the pension system, which he knows nothing about. I am a retired San Jose firefighter. The Mercury News has reported our retirement questions incorrectly. It sells papers. Because it is in print doesn't make it the truth, including my opinion. The San Jose police and fire retirement system is a private system, negotiated by the members. Firefighters and police put money into the system instead of taking salary increases — an option that was not always granted to us. Check with the San Jose Police Association and Firefighters Union for the correct facts on this subject. The Mercury is politically biased.

Bethany gets final regular-season win

Scotts Valley Host Lions

Annah Terii Dowling was born at 2:55 p.m. Feb. 2, 2011, to Leila Jamillah Janbay and Timothy Dawling of Boulder Creek. She was delivered at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz and weighed 5 pounds, 4 ounces.

Submit Datebook items to [email protected], or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Library patrons and supporters rallied around the possible closure of the Felton branch and three other community branches of the Santa Cruz County library system in a broad-reaching show of support this week.