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Published on 01/12/1998 All articles from this issue

Make 1998 a year for reaching out

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This week's disturbing police blotter item about death threats to a Silicon Valley executive at the executive's Los Altos home underscores the importance of neighbors knowing neighbors.

But how often have we heard of the neighborhood block party at which neighbors who have lived side-by-side for years get acquainted for the first time?

All the more reason why we think the "Year of the Good Neighbor, 1998" is a good idea. The mayors of both Los Altos and Los Altos Hills have issued proclamations declaring as such.

The program, created to enhance, improve and restore relationships between neighbors, is getting a local, regional, even national push by a committee comprising Ralph Vetterlein, Curtis Cole, Liz Nyberg and Duffy Price. Organizers are seeking endorsements by writing letters to everyone from local officials to Paul Harvey, Oprah Winfrey and President Clinton.

The committee has suggested specific themes to go with the "Year of the Good Neighbor." For instance, they've proclaimed this month, Mediation Month, and are urging the mediation process as an ideal option for resolving disputes. Our cover story this week examines mediation options in the community.

Every month is themed, including March as "Crime Prevention Month" and August as "Senior Citizen Month." Different organizations, such as the Los Altos Senior Center, will sponsor a month so that groups could help spread the message.

"We tend to forget the importance of our community in our daily lives," said Vetterlein, also chairman of the Los Altos Mediation Program. "What we often find out is that nothing grows well without nourishment. It's what we put into it that creates a safe and caring neighborhood ... a community in which we can all have pride and confidence."

One specific goal Vetterlein would like to see achieved is voter participation during this year's elections at or over 50 percent. Last November's election drew an abysmal 28.6 percent of registered Los Altos voters. Increasing interest and awareness of local government during October's "Voter Education Month" could help accomplish that goal.

For sheer peace of mind alone, it makes sense to know your neighbors. Neighborhoods that unite against crime and are on the lookout for burglars and other dubious characters are generally safer. Perhaps the March-themed "Crime Prevention Month" will draw attention to that fact.

We would hope learning the name of "that guy down the street" will be among your New Year's resolutions in 1998. After all, wouldn't it be something if we could communicate to one another in person as well as we do on-line?