I am writing in response to a letter, "The Insanity of Recycling," published Aug. 5. I was shocked and upset to hear such lack of respect for our world and its inhabitants. The fact that someone can find "throwing it all into the trash has simplified (her) life" is rather disturbing to me. Then she adds, "please, don't bother to tell me about the future. I did my bit long before most."
Although recycling may seem inconvenient at times, the "future" we are helping to preserve is my future and that of my peers. We, along with our children and grandchildren, are the ones who will live here for many years to come.
I appreciate that conscientious people have recycled for so many years, but everyone must continue to do their part, contributing to the well-being of our planet. The Los Altos Garbage Company has an outstanding curbside recycling program, which is complemented by numerous local recycling centers.
I think that anyone who feels recycling is too much trouble needs to step back and assess the real situation.
How hard can it be to throw some cans, bottles, and newspapers into a bin every two weeks when it means helping to save our world for generations to come?
Mariah PospisilJunior, Los Altos High School
Thanks for your honesty
Thank you, thank you to the gracious lady who turned in my missing wallet to a Nob Hill clerk on Grant Road missing Sept. 4.
I was beside myself, all my credit cards, driver's license and money.
I can't thank you enough, whoever you are. I wished you had left your name to say thanks for being so honest.
Bea DonnerLos Altos
Flag project a success
In May, American Legion Post 558 was asked by the Village Association to run our "Show Your Colors" flag project again for the downtown merchants. Of course we agreed as the dedication of the Veterans Memorial was coming up on the Fourth of July.
The post agreed to supply flags on poles, if the Town Crier would run ads informing the merchants about the program and where they could pick up their flags. The Village Association agreed to handle the sales.
It was suggested that the merchants donate $10 for each flag set they pick up to be divided between the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts of Los Altos. We started out with 30 flag sets, they were soon exhausted, made another purchase of 40 flags, and then another 10 sets.
According to the Village Association, they could have sold another 15, but the Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival took over their time, and we did not provide the last group.
In total, we sold 80 flag sets to be displayed in front of stores in the downtown area for a total of $800 collected for the Scouts. We divided the money, $400 for the Boy Scouts and $400 for the Girl Scouts.
We also requested that next year, the Girl Scouts help the Boy Scouts clean out the existing flag pole holes on Main and State streets.
For the last two times we have done this project, Troop 37 of Los Altos has provided the "boy" power necessary to clear the holes. This was really a successful project requiring minimal effort from the post, yet it yielded a lot of publicity for Post 558 and generated a lot of patriotism as well. Next year, it would be nice to see some new faces help us with this project.
Bill GossAmerican Legion Post 558Los Altos
Traffic laws should apply to officers, too
This past summer I was traveling south on Oakhurst Avenue in Los Altos. As I approached the cross street, Holly street, a police officer failed to stop or yield as the officer was making a right turn onto Oakhurst. Because the officer failed to look and stop before turning right in front of my car, we both had to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. We nearly had an accident.
Both of us stopped and spoke. The officer apologized. I suggested that if I had done what the officer had done, I'd be getting a ticket. The officer agreed.
I asked if I could write the officer a ticket. The officer smiled and then drove off.
It seems that if you are a police officer and you commit a dangerous infraction, you simply can apologize and just drive off.
This happened at a bad time. The city is trying to add four traffic enforcement officers.
But before you turn Los Altos into a police state, I think the officers ought to follow the rules themselves.
John ToppelLos Altos
Mtn. View dentist supports fluoridation
In November Mountain View residents will vote on whether the city should fluoridate its water supply. I hope residents will see this as a great opportunity to improve their dental health.
As a dentist I am well aware of the significant reduction in tooth decay, infection and tooth loss that can result from water fluoridation.
Stephen Larson, D.D.S.
Mountain View