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Published on 05/04/1998 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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Thanks after the storm

Writing on behalf of the volunteer Emergency Preparedness Committee of Los Altos, I would like to commend both the public and private institutions for their rapid and positive response to the recent tornado. Further, we would like to add a word of appreciation for those in the community who pitched in to help their neighbors in this crisis.

Such a natural disaster as this demonstrates the absolute necessity of being prepared as much as possible in advance to deal with the freaks of nature. While tornadoes are extremely rare, the potential of a major earthquake in this area is much greater. The Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to make available to the citizens of Los Altos information concerning neighborhood organization, disaster preparedness manuals and brochures, methods of water storage and, in particular, suggestions for surviving the first 72 hours following an earthquake, when public or private assistance will probably not be available.

Anyone interested in obtaining information concerning neighborhood organization or any other matters regarding advance preparation to deal with a natural disaster may call our office at 948-1491, ext. 488.

Margaret MasdeoChairwoman, Los AltosEmergency Preparedness Committee

A storm of reaction to LAH pathways issue

This letter is in support of the article "Proposed Pathways Ire Residents," reported by the Los Altos Hills Civic Association in the April 1998 publication. This article represents the views of my neighbors and many and most of the Los Altos Hills neighborhoods affected by the "off-road pathways" issue.

I attended the Nov. 5 meeting at the town hall. Almost all the residents who attended the meeting were very concerned, and some outraged, about the off-road pathway issue and how these pathways are obtained for public use by the town.

Many residents expressed concern about safety, privacy, and liability regarding these off-road pathways. In fact, many homeowners said that they did not know their property was even being proposed for an off-road pathway until they saw their number and street outlined with little dots on a map sent out with the Los Altos Hills newsletter.

Another important issue concerning the off-road pathways is that after the town coerces residents into giving up part of their land for an off-road pathway, homeowners still pay taxes on the property that the town designates for public use. This is a liability issue waiting to happen.

The Los Altos Hills Civic Association addresses many important issues that affect the residents of Los Altos Hills. They have grown into a group of 500 members over a short period of time. The town council does not seem interested in seeking input on issues that directly affect or involve residents, and there is little or no communication between them and community members. Many citizens of Los Altos Hills are interested in town government and want to be informed about what is happening in their community.

Carol PettyLos Altos Hills

We are writing this letter to express our strong support for the town's pathways system. As residents of Los Altos Hills for the past 10 years, we believe the pathways system is one of the treasures that help define this town's rural character and provide immeasurable pleasure for the residents who take advantage of it. We are regular walkers of the trails all over this town and find them to be extremely pleasurable, calming and mood enhancing.

We believe elimination of the pathways or diminution of them is tantamount to a breach of trust and bond between the town and its residents of all ages. A large number of the town's residents have lived with these trails for a great many years. Many of the long-time residents are retired or near retirement with time and motivation to use these trails for life-enhancement experiences. They would consider any restrictions as loss of quality of life.

Since the trails extend across a part of our property, we understand the concerns of residents who have objections to having the trails pass over or by their property. However, this issue comes down to giving up a small piece and getting back a great treasure in return. We sincerely believe many property owners who feel that trails are an imposition on their property rights would change their mind if they took the time to experience hiking or running these trails and feel their indescribable beauty. Moreover, they may allay their concerns about accumulation of debris, disrepair and abuse.

We strongly urge residents, and the Town of Los Altos Hills to join us in supporting our great trail system and resist the temptation to change what is left of the rural character of this town into a sterile fenced and gated suburbia.

Jennifer, Jim and

Kathryn BasijiLos Altos Hills

A great deal of information is being presented to residents of Los Altos Hills regarding the pathways system that is part of the town's recreation and circulation. Having served on the Pathways Committee for several years in the past and being chair for much of that time, I feel compelled to comment on this matter.

Three questions should be asked and answered: 1. Why was the system created and what purpose and goal does it serve? 2. How is the design implemented? 3. Is the system relevant today?

1. The town's terrain comprises flat lands, steep and gentle hillsides, valleys, ravines and meandering creeks. The roads are laid out with short and long cul-de-sacs and minimum through roads. A network of on- and off-road paths was designed to provide non-vehicular access to all areas of town for walkers, runners, equestrians. It is designed to connect all areas of the community and is a major recreational element of the town.

2. The process of implementing the system is excruciatingly slow. Only at subdivision or site development for major additions can easements be obtained to complete paths that were started years ago. Some segments of trails need only one or two more links for completion, but the time between dedications can take 10 years or more.

3. This is the most important question of all. Is this system relevant today? My answer is a resounding yes. Children are using the off-road paths to avoid dangerous traffic on roads leading to schools such as Gunn, Bullis and Pinewood. With the increased emphasis on healthy lifestyles, more and more of the town's residents are using the paths to get their daily exercise and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Dot SchreinerLos Altos Hills

Civic association's motives questioned

I have become convinced by the most recent "newsletter" of the Los Altos Hills Civic Association, that the real purpose of the mailing is to misinform, alarm and distort to further some political ends.

I feel sure there are responsible people listed as advisors who would not have lent their credibility if they had known or researched the contents of the newsletter before it was sent. Let me cite some examples:

1) There is no new pathways plan. The Los Altos Hills pathways system was envisioned over 30 years ago. The system has been developing continuously as the town develops. The "new plan" is to review the old plan.

2) Pathways, with few exceptions, do not cut "through" back yards. They are placed along property lines.

3) The city council is not stalling the pathways review process. We hired a technician to map our easements for us to allow an informed study. Unfortunately, he was seriously injured in an auto accident. He will be back at work shortly.

4) Residents who came to the city council to protest the "new lighting policy" discovered that they had no objection to the proposed wording of the ordinance. Their anger came from the Civic Association's description of the wording.

5) And finally, the most blatant distortion in the piece, is the quote out of context claiming that the town council praised the previous inflammatory mailing of the Civic Association.

The full context (and I am paraphrasing - look at the Oct. 22, 1997, Town Crier for actual wording) was that it is a fine objective to want to educate the residents, but you better do your research and get your facts straight.

Elayne Dauber

Los Altos Hills

City Councilwoman