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Published on 04/27/1998 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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Reconsider fate of athletic director

The following is an open letter to David Brazer, principal of Los Altos High School, printed here at the author's request.

It has astounded me to read that Monica Lodge may lose her job as the director of athletics at Los Altos High School. What a crushing blow to a person who is the "heart and soul" of our athletics program.

I have seen Monica in action for eight years as I was a member of the booster's board and a coach for two high school sports. In all my dealings with her, she has been conscientious, thorough, and has followed through with what I have needed. She puts 110 percent effort into her work, spending many 14-hour days at the high school supporting athletic events.

Monica has the support of the student body, coaches and parents. If you listen to people talking in the town they are really upset that someone with Monica's devotion and dedication has been asked to step down.

Los Altos has been known for its strong sports program. A few years ago, we had the most CCS championship teams of any public high school. Do you think that "just happened?"

You have done a big injustice to her. Monica has faults, as we all do, but I would think you could communicate concerns with her and come to a mutually acceptable understanding of solutions. If there is no "horrendous reason," why have you made this choice? Please reconsider.

Jo Clark

Los Altos

Restaurant lived up to TC review

As a long-time subscriber to the Town Crier, I am pleased to see the continuing expansion of editorial coverage and addition of new feature articles. A recent restaurant review by the "Lunch Bunch" (April 8 issue) was so intriguing that we hastened to dine at the newly opened Pasta Grotto at the Foothill Plaza.

It was everything they said it was ... "one of the town's best kept secrets" ... "this local gem."

Not only was the homemade pasta delightful but the variety of imaginative and enticing menu choices was impressive. But anyone who enjoys a glass or bottle of fine wine with his or her lunch or dinner is in for a special treat. The wine list is uncomplicated and includes some of the best wine values from California, Italy and France - and all available by the bottle or glass.

Which leads me to one of my favorite protests - why don't restaurants price wines so that patrons would be encouraged to order and enjoy them as an important part of the dining experience? The Pasta Grotto is one of the rare ones that prices its wines at close to twice the retail price (rather than the three or four times mark-up of others). And it seems to work for them - lots of wine is sold.

Paul Weber

Los Altos

Second unit law vital to renters

The Los Altos second-unit ordinance should not be allowed to die. Pool houses and spare bedrooms can be rented out to provide extra income for a widow and a reasonable room for a widower to rent.

Second stories can be added to houses and mixed use would permit apartments above stores. We should evaluate how our local second units are working and how neighboring towns have handled their second-unit ordinances. As one of the main solutions to the low-income housing, this ordinance should be reviewed and renewed.

Rentals should be located near business areas, such as downtown, or near main intersections, or bus routes, to be near jobs and provide transportation to work.

The lack of affordable rental housing is a pervasive problem and needs to have each town do its fair share toward solving the problem. Los Altos should once again have a second-units ordinance.

Peggy Tondorf

Los Altos

Speeders left unchecked in San Antonio Hills

There is no doubt that speeding drivers have become a serious problem in many Los Altos neighborhoods. However, from my observation, a more serious problem exists in the neighboring area of San Antonio Hills. Although technically not part of Los Altos, San Antonio Hills does fall within the greater Los Altos area.

It appears to me the reasons that San Antonio Hills has more and probably faster speeders are: (1) The country-road layout of the area provides ideal raceways for speeders; (2) Who is going to stop them? There is rarely (if ever) traffic law enforcement in the area.

Although I agree that the posted speed limits should be observed, I am referring to speeds in excess of 10 mph above the legal limit. Such speeds and the generally ignoring of stop signs do largely contribute to tragic traffic accidents, and such irresponsible driving should be stopped.

While I am on the soapbox, I would also like to mention a serious problem that is unique to San Antonio Hills. That is the morning downhill race toward the Loyola Foothill Expressway overpass.

This race may be exciting fun for the speeders, but it's a scary, dangerous war zone for children, or anyone on a bicycle, or walking or trying to cross the street.

Do we have to wait for a tragic accident before something is done about lawless driving?

Bob Jamieson

Los Altos

Pathways system should be preserved

I have lived in Los Altos Hills since the 1960s, and believe that the Los Altos Hills pathway system is one of our most valuable assets. It must not be gutted by destruction of the off-road linkages which are the core of the system.

The recent "Town Happenings" from the Los Altos Hills Civic Association calls to mind similar events of the past. As subdivision of land progressed in the late 1960s, some developers and new homeowners objected to the inclusion of the land in the paths.

The reasons given were the same as those now put forward by the new association.

In those days, the paths were kept open by the hooves of horses. The General Plan premise that the town should be porous to pedestrian and equestrian traffic, but not motor vehicles, was in place.

This concept requires that neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs be connected by paths.

The town's topography prohibited it being laid out in a grid making off-road paths the best solution for local movement.

For a new generation of realtors, developers and buyers to destroy the core of the system that makes it work in an efficient manner is totally unacceptable.

Bob Stutz

Los Altos Hills