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Published on 01/05/1998 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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Traps indiscriminate in their barbarism

We are pleased that some of your readers have expressed concern over the terrible price in suffering and death paid by fur-bearing animals for the sake of a fur coat or fur-trimmed garment (Town Crier, Dec. 31).

We, at the Humane Education Network, are working alongside many other California humane organizations to get an initiative on the November ballot so that voters can choose whether or not to ban the steel-jawed leg-hold trap that is used by fur trappers to grasp animals in its teeth. This inhumane device is indiscriminate in its catch and so barbaric that all European countries have outlawed its use. Many top fashion designers now use only fake furs.

Those wanting to help preserve our wildlife and prevent needless suffering can request initiative petitions from the Humane Education Network in Menlo Park by calling 854-8921.

Andi SandstromPresident, Humane Education Network

Actually, celebration can wait a year

With all due respect, the purpose of your article, "Millennium Eve," (Publisher's Perspective, Town Crier, Dec. 31) is laudable. However, I must point out that the "New" or third millennium, does not start for three years.

Jan. 1, 2001, is the first day of the first month of the new year of the "New Millennium." Webster's defines "millennium: any period of 1,000 years (2000 B.C. through 1001 B.C.is the second millennium B.C.)." The reverse is also true: A. D. 1001 through A.D. 2000 is the second millennium A.D.

Therefore, in two years, Jan. 1, 2000, is not the first of the new, but the last of the old, or the beginning of the last year of the 20th century and second millennium.

So we have 1,095 days to plan an even greater celebration. Perhaps by that time we will have enough downtown parking. Keep on keeping on.

Pete McSweeneyLos Altos

Please refrain from wood burning

It would be appreciated by many residents of the area if other residents would not use their fireplaces for burning of anything, including wood and paper.

Many residents, such as I, suffer from environmental allergies and asthma. We find that our health is negatively affected by the pollutants that are sent into the atmosphere from the fireplaces of the residents who are burning wood, paper, etc.

Also, it would be helpful if the Boy Scouts would find an alternative manner of raising money instead of selling firewood.

And not using fireplaces might help slow down global warming.

Mary-Ellen White VondranLos Altos

Swim would realize two important goals

Rarely in a person's life does one have the opportunity to achieve a personal goal while serving a greater purpose of supporting a very worthy organization. This chance will occur for me in February as I challenge myself to swim from the island of Maui to the island of Lanai and raise funds for the Community Association for Rehabilitation.

This organization has a simple mission: to promote and support the achievements of people with developmental disabilities so they can continue to be valued members of the community.

I ask that you either challenge me with a donation or pledge. To make a pledge, call 328-1092, or send a check, made to C.A.R., to 703 Welch Road, Palo Alto 94304.

Tim Mulcahy

Los Altos