If the quote, "It's a classic problem of private rights vs. what the neighbors want" attributed to City Manager Dianne Gershuny is correct (Town Crier, Feb. 11), I take strong exception to it.
Come on, neighbors also have private rights. I am a "neighbor" exercising my private rights at this very moment speaking against an application for a totally incompatible structure which, if built, will impact negatively on our neighborhood and particularly on my home, where I have lived for 23 years.
The uniqueness and charm of Los Altos used to rest in its rural atmosphere, good-sized lots, abundance of trees and homes that blended harmoniously with the area.
Unfortunately for a decade or so, the proliferation of oversized, obnoxious homes became more and more prevalent. Now the "neighbors" saying "enough is enough," are joining forces and taking an active role, attempting to save what is left of the character of our fair town from further destruction.
Laura T. TarquinioLos Altos
Downtown charm threatened
Your editorial of Feb. 11 was timely and absolutely correct in its statements regarding downtown Los Altos. We do not need any additional restaurants in the downtown triangle. Not only because of parking problems, but by the proliferation of restaurants, Los Altos' charm is decreasing.
Many shops have been driven out that were the source of the charm and gave Los Altos its ambiance and "small town" flavor: something that is increasingly rare in the day of the megamalls and the proliferation of chain businesses.
Our customers already have trouble finding parking places in order to visit our showroom on State Street. This lack of parking has a negative effect on businesses. The loss of diversity and business will ultimately result in the disappearance of most of the unique businesses. Then, Los Altos will have been changed for the worse, irreversibly, forever.
Edward C. Wildanger, Chairman, Eurodesign, Ltd.
There is a difference, you know
Regarding your article on page 15 of the Feb. 11 issue, titled: "Astrologer takes Morning Forum on tour of solar system."
I am sure that Andrew Fraknoi claims many talents, but without astrologer among them. Reliable references indicate: "Astrologer: A person who claims to interpret the influence of stars and planets on persons, events, etc."
I am reasonably sure that Mr. Fraknoi would claim to be an "astronomer," even though gazing at the moon is supposed to have some adverse effects.
Lou Morgan
Los Altos
Online Editor's Note: The mistake referenced by this letter did appear in the printed edition, but it was corrected in the online edition.