Regarding your cover story on Jan. 27, I believe the dayworker situation has much to do with the attitude of the Los Altos police chief. She is totally oblivious to this situation. If Los Altos has a loitering law, enforce it.
Everyone is sick of this situation and nothing is done year in and year out. Why this corner? Is it because the "Mickey mouse" contractors have created this situation?? Absolutely.
Why don't these people hang out in San Jose or Mountain View on Grant Road? Why in Los Altos? It is totally degrading to the area.
T. GreyLos Altos
Los Altos Police Chief Lucy Carlton responds: Section 4-4.08 of the Los Altos Municipal Code addresses the loitering ordinances that are applicable only to parking areas. The definition of a parking area, per this ordinance is a paved or unpaved, privately or publicly owned area, open to the public for the purpose of parking vehicles. The ordinance defines "to congregate" means to gather into a crowd or mass of more than four persons.
The police department enforces this ordinance in those areas that are properly posted. We have advised the day laborers of the provisions of this ordinance and will take enforcement action if they violate it.
However, sidewalks, street corners or roadways are regulated by the Penal Code. The provisions of the Penal Code 647 c. states: "Every person who willfully and maliciously obstructs the free movement of any person on any street, sidewalk or other public place or in any place open to the public is guilty of a misdemeanor."
Once again, my staff has advised the day laborers of the provisions of this law. We will take enforcement action if they violate it.
A day laborer task force is recommending the city councils of both Mountain View and Los Altos pass a new ordinance making it illegal to solicit work from sidewalks and public places.
I agree: Kids need time to themselves
I endorse Lisa Orton totally (Jan. 20 Town Crier letters to editor) in her plea against so much homework that our kids haven't time for "childhood diddling" leading to the development of creativity that makes for scientists and engineers.
My son, now a grandfather, was an enthusiastic team player and Cub Scout. He worked hard at earning his badges and enjoyed his Cub friends. One day he announced that he wanted to quit Cubs. This didn't seem in character, and I said, "How come, honey?" "I just need more time for myself!" was the answer. I had no argument for that. Now he is still a people person with a successful career in organizational development. He is the life of any party. But he tells me what he craves most is time to himself just to think.
Having agreed with Orton, I ask how kids can have time and place and opportunities in general just to "build forts, booby traps and dams ... take apart locks, old radios and lawnmowers." This seems to require a mom at home, time to be alone and undisturbed, and a yard, vacant lot. or garage available for digging, construction, (and destruction) - as we had. Now there is more emphasis on safety. Child activity is expected to be cautiously supervised. What price do we pay for that?
Is homework also devised to keep the kids out of trouble? Some kids would not know what to do with this freedom other than get in the kind of trouble they can imitate from TV and movies or older kids. The curiosity and motivation to do the creative things needs stimulation and encouragement as well as time, place, and other conditions such as confidence. I am reminded of a biography of Dwight Eisenhower describing a childhood in countryside where he could roam all day without interference. If those times are gone, what can we put in their place?
Alison CampbellLos Altos
Boxer shows partisan colors
Barbara Boxer continues to show her gross partisanship. I don't know whether to laugh or cry after hearing Ms. Boxer's recent comments about Kenneth Starr. After unsubstantiated leaks that the independent counsel might pursue criminal charges against the president while he is in office, Senator Boxer said that he had lost his perspective and should resign his appointment.
Senator Boxer has a lot of chutzpa. Her gross conflict of interest regarding President Clinton's is painfully obvious. Is there anyone in the Senate who could be more biased or prejudiced than Ms. Boxer when it comes to evaluating President Clinton actions objectively and fairly?
Ms. Boxer said she has held back for five years from making any comments regarding the independent counsel. She should have held back longer. When Senator Boxer is dining at the White House and sharing family gatherings with the Clintons, it's difficult to swallow her ability to impartially sit in judgment of the president.
It is not Ken Starr who has lost his perspective. It is Barbara Boxer. At the least, she should excuse herself from voting in the Senate trial, and think twice about making caustic statements that are more true about herself than the person she is accusing.
Sherri M. CookSunnyvale
Service not lacking at the post office
I am astonished that Linda Chang (Feb. 3 Town Crier, letters to the editor) accused the Los Altos Post Office employees of lacking "service with a smile".
I have always received most pleasant and helpful service at our local facility.
I HAVE had to wait sometimes, but I have noticed that the customers who complain most vocally at a wait often take a very long time themselves at the window. Many of them have not properly wrapped their packages or failed to fill out the proper forms.
No doubt we all would like to go immediately to the counter with no wait, but I'm sure that would require higher rates, and none of us wants that.
Thank you Los Altos Post Office for friendly service with a smile.
Ruth TroetschlerLos Altos
Friends give thanks for publicity
On behalf of the Friends of the Los Altos Library I want to thank you for all of the great publicity that you have given our group and book sales over the years.
We are especially grateful for the large ads that you run prior to our book sales. Thanks to your help the used book sale just completed raising over $14,000 for the support of our library.
Hardin and Darlene Smith
Los Altos