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Published on 03/24/1997 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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A note of thanks

Glady's Hallmark Shop is gone but far from forgotten.

Her generosity and friendship carries on by virtue of most generous donation of merchandise to Nearly New, a shop in Sunnyvale shop run by P.E.O., a philanthropic organization.

My daughter, who manages the store, is overwhelmed by Glady's donation.

It is on her behalf that I offer a huge thank you.

Glady, you have a big heart, and you will be pleased to know that many people will benefit from your gift.

You, Terry and all the other wonderful women who worked with you are, and will be missed by everyone. Thank you again.

Bob Morton

Los Altos

Neighbors had 'exemplary' behavior

I wish to respond to your recent (March 12) editorial suggesting improper behavior of neighbors on the Avalon project. Residents of Sunkist Lane believe that disagreeing with the proposal did not equate to launching a venomous, rabid, acrimonious attack against other neighbors and the builder.

After democratically agreeing that the proposal would have an adverse affect on our property values and the character of our street, we carefully researched city codes and presented our opinion.

We conducted ourselves in a "professional" and "exemplary" manner, to quote two Los Altos City Council members.

We took pains to present our findings and desires in an organized, non-inflammatory manner.

In return, we received hostility from the realtor and Planning Commission and were portrayed as poor neighbors.

The commission's hostility was apparently initiated by our request that a commissioner recuse himself for apparent conflict of interest since he recently owned the property.

We suggest that the Town Crier review facts before printing articles criticizing Los Altos residents.

We respect the right of others to have a different opinion, whether it is the neighbor on Sunkist who favors the plan, the Avalon neighbors or the owner. The Town Crier is correct. Ill feelings should be put aside.

The residents of Sunkist Lane have none and wish the owners of the Avalon property much happiness in their new home.

Pete Sorenson

Los Altos

No acrimony on this end

Regarding the editorial in your March 12 issue: The only acrimony and hostility I've heard has been from Abigail Ahrens, the Planning Commission, and the reporters and editorial staff of the Los Altos Town Crier.

I attended the Los Altos City Council meeting on Feb. 25.

The 14 Sunkist Lane residents each used his-her time to speak strictly to the point of opposing the variance - the hazard of three driveways in less than 90 feet of space - plus the distinct possibility of a house number with mail delivery and garbage pick-up from a small house on a substandard site which would diminish property values.

One Sunkist Lane speaker prefaced his three-minute plea by clarifying that we did not oppose the future Avalon residents personally.

The 19 residents of the 200-300 block of Sunkist respected the neighbor who favored the variance.

Abigail and the elderly father of the future Avalon neighbors were the only speakers to express emotional or personal views.

Florence Eckert

Los Altos

Neighbors united, did not 'gang up'

The neighbors of Sunkist Lane united to solve a problem. We didn't "gang up in a rabid way, pitting neighbors against each other (Town Crier, March 5)," and I'm not sure what was meant by "unbelievable personal attacks." We took exception to an issue and decided to take action.

We produced a lot of paperwork and gave ideas and solutions to the issue at hand. This took time, energy and teamwork. Our neighborhood became a neighborhood because 20-something families agreed on this issue.

Acrimony, hostility, rudeness, call it what you want - it is not felt in this neighborhood.

So before everyone assumes that we shout down creativity, insult people who disagree with us or have a lack of respect for different views, remember that we are Los Altos residents and live here for the same exact reasons as everyone else - the neighborhoods.

R. Kilpatrick

Los Altos

Editor's reply: We thank Sunkist residents for their input. First , the editorial pointed to acrimony from both sides of the issue, not just from residents opposed to the application. Secondly, we referenced letters and had conversations with several residents from both sides of the issue who inspired us to write the editorial we did.

Impressed with youth theater performance

We would like to commend Director Tom Carter and the City of Los Altos Youth Theatre. Last night we attended their current production, "Scenes from our Lives."

We were very impressed with its content and performance. This play was written by the actors.

We think they should copyright it and consider taking it on tour. This work should not be seen as controversial, unless one views life itself as controversial. "Scenes" is simply excellent; both the writing and acting. The topics are treated intelligently and with mature sensitivity. The use of humor to help convey some difficult issues such as how divorce can affect children, was very clever and effective.

People of all ages can learn something from this theater. We thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to Tom for doing such a good job of helping these young people accomplish something important to them, and important to us.

Thanks also to the City of Los Altos Recreation Department for continuing to support its youth theater program.

Ginny and King Lear

Los Altos