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Published on 08/03/1998 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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More conditions needed by county

The residents of (the Los Altos Country Club area) have been made aware of preliminary proposals that county staff plans to offer the Board of Supervisors as their recommendation to help alleviate problems second generation homes are imposing on these neighborhoods.

On behalf of San Antonio Hills, Inc., I would like to offer kudos to staff for these recommendations for new development on nonconforming, so-called underlying lots. However, these recommendations shall affect only 10 percent of the parcels in our area. With this considered, we wish to make the following proposal:

1. Retain all of Section 24-3 as it relates to our area; 2. Add all seven points proposed by county staff; 3. Add all parcels less than one acre that are located in the Country Club and San Antonio Hills areas; 4. Add that all second-story setbacks on all parcels be no less than 15-feet sideyard and 30-feet rearyard; include floor area ratio, garage attached or detached, for all parcels; prohibit padding up of parcels; require a public hearing for variances on any of the above; include in county literature the fact that county zoning approval does not overrule conditions, covenants and restrictions (CC&Rs), and Santa Clara County does not enforce them.

Peter Mc SweeneySan Antonio Hills Inc.,county liaison officer

Urban wildlife - another opinion

I object to the anti-wildlife bias of Bruce Barton's lead article on July 29. It is certainly true that wildlife can cause problems, and the Vector Control folks are at the front line in dealing with them. But to imply that all urban wildlife should be discouraged because of just a few bad actors is analogous to saying that all people should be avoided because some of them are criminals.

We have lived on a creek in Los Altos for 35 years and have had our share of wildlife visitors over that period. We have never encountered an aggressive raccoon, been sprayed by a skunk or contracted a wildlife-borne disease. Although all of these scenarios are possible, they must be the exception rather than the rule.

Our biggest problem has been in having plants uprooted, more often by squirrels than by raccoons or skunks.

I accept and enjoy our coexistence with wildlife species, some of them here long before people. A few weeks ago I was dozing in an outdoor chair at dusk only to be startled awake by three young (teenage?) skunks roughhousing not six feet away. They were beautifully marked and a joy to watch. Needless to say, I kept very still until they had moved out of range! Last summer I set up for some beam-trip photos of night critters visiting our pond.

Peter LaTourretteLos Altos

A simple solution: slow down!

I am incensed at the rude behavior of many people who drive too fast through the streets of Los Altos. I'm assuming these people can read (the 25 on the sign should match the 25 on the speedometer) and they know the law. Yet they still drive too fast. When I read the article in the Town Crier regarding the addition of more police officers who could help address this problem, I was elated. I applaud the citizens who are working with the city to address traffic problems. Then in the July 15 edition of the Town Crier, I read John Toppel's letter to the editor and became outraged.

Mr. Toppel wants to avoid the "police state" that would result with the addition of a few new police officers (look up the meaning of the term, Mr. Toppel). He suggested increasing the speed limits on many residential streets. He must not live or walk on these streets. Those of us who do, find this recommendation ludicrous. He says "it's hard to consistently drive 25 mph on these streets." Try taking your foot off the accelerator.

Mr. Toppel also says that it's "embarrassing to be stopped by the police in a town where people know you." Slow down, drive safely and you won't be stopped! It's that easy.

In spite of these comments, he did suggest ways to catch speeders.

For every driver who speeds down our streets, flashing headlights, swerving, trying to pass on 25 mph streets - get a grip! When you leave the highway and enter Los Altos, slow down! Speeding will not get you to your destination any faster. The traffic lights, stop signs and people like me who drive safely, will still be there slowing you down. In addition, I hope there will be more police officers and other methods to stop speeders as well.

Darren SepanekLos Altos

Let's show some respect, people

What is wrong with some of the parents of our country? Don't they teach their children the importance of good manners and respect?

I visited the War Veterans' Memorial statue in Shoup Park only three days after I had attended its dedication ceremony. I am proud to have many family members and friends who served our country and bravely went to war.

I cherish the memory of each friend and of a dear nephew who lost their lives in battle.

I was moved to see a beautiful bouquet of flowers someone had placed on the statue with ribbons reading the names and military identification of service people. These were surely names of people who were near and dear to someone in our community. I was touched by this demonstration of honor and love and appalled by what I saw next.

Two boys, about 8-10 years of age, began to pull the bouquet apart and then climbed upon the statue as if it were a jungle gym. I stopped them, but what happened after my friend and I walked away, I don't know.

Parents, I urge you to instill a sense of respect and thoughtfulness in your children - not just for the new memorial, but for all things in life.

Vivian Pace

Los Altos