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Community Corner

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: The Truth About the Dinosaur's Arrival in SJC

Author calls upon Cultural Heritage Commissioner Jan Siegel to retract statements that Juan arrived under the shroud of night.

We at Zoomars would like to call upon Ms. Jan Siegel to retract her statement made at the Cultural Heritage Commission hearing on Nov. 27 and published in the Patch that same night. The statement suggested that our dinosaur statue arrived "in the middle of the night." The implications of this statement are completely untrue. As a commissioner, it is her duty to present factual information regarding this issue. 

The truth is, the dinosaur statue was delivered on the afternoon of June 11, the same day we removed an existing playground it was to replace. We even posted pictures and video on our Facebook page as it was happening. 

It's no secret that Ms. Siegel is part of a small faction of naysayers guilty of making false statements about Zoomars. We insist that this stop.

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The dinosaur statue was never intended to cause controversy or circumvent the city's procedures. It was purchased at an auction and brought to our zoo with the best of intentions. It was our hope that it would inspire children to learn about all things past, while having fun, finding fossils around it.

We understand that there are those who love the dinosaur and those who do not. However, it is the duty of both sides to keep their arguments to the facts. False statements and slanderous remarks are beneath the values of this community and should have no part in city proceedings. In the spirit of the coming season, let us take responsibility for the things we say and continue our efforts with dignity and truth.

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