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Published on 06/30/1999 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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A better idea for Miramonte School

It is time to pull down the facade so carefully constructed around Miramonte School's proposal for a multipurpose building. Miramonte School's principal, Ronna Sato, wishes for "a place for kids to play on rainy days," for back-to-school nights, talent shows and so on. Altamead-area homeowners support this type of project and usage.

However, let's look at the reality of the proposal:

a)The planned gymnasium would be larger than the typical Los Altos lot, with league-size basketball and volleyball courts. In fact, it would be 10 times larger per student than the average local public elementary school multipurpose building. Clearly the proposal primarily addresses not the needs of a small neighborhood school but the wish-list of the Central Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, with its seven churches and multitude of members.

b)The gymnasium would be parked 50 feet away from a homeowner's back fence. This is an unprecedented misappropriation of neighborhood peace and quiet.

For instance, St. Simon's large multipurpose building backs up to Grant Road and Foothill Expressway, separated from the nearest neighbors by 200 yards.

c)The traffic study wobbled between inaccurate and misleading. Streets here are residential, poorly lit, with intermittent sidewalks. Some areas are already graded F. Should we enforce a sundown curfew for young children and less agile adults?

d)The proposed use permit is limited in events and hours. However, judging by the last Los Altos Planning Commission hearing, there seems to be little compunction about modifying the use permit at the developer's or city's will, brushing aside the vigorous and heartfelt objections of the neighbors affected by this plan. Also please note that, with this proposal, Miramonte School is turning its back on its agreement on usage with the city and residents made in previous years. The Altamead area residents can look into the not-too-distant future and envision league sports until 10 or 11 at night, seven days a week, all year long.

I ask that Miramonte School withdraw its plans for this unwise project, and that together we develop a proposal that honors the school, the city and the neighborhood.

Fred LinkerLos Altos

Where have all the flags gone?

Some years ago, you successfully initiated a campaign to display the United States flag on appropriate occasions.

Almost all the merchants in town had a flag on a pole near the street. Homes on neighborhood streets suddenly came alive on patriotic holidays with the red, white and blue. It was wonderful.

Now, the only local place of such inspiration is Alta Mesa Cemetery - a fantastic sight, especially on a windy day.

Apparently, the merchants and homeowners who formerly responded are long gone.

The newcomers need to be reminded this is a country worth their pride and urged to fly the colors. How can you help in the near future?

On another subject, Hawthorne Avenue recently sported many unique signs entreating motorists to "Be an angel; Drive 25." I have no idea who was responsible. It surely was an exceptional and effective approach, and I laud their efforts.

Los Altos is such a caring community. My thanks to the many who make it so.

Elizabeth DameLos Altos

A weed-infested eyesore

It has been a year since the Los Altos City Council voted to close the gas station on the corner of Fremont Avenue and Grant Road.

Not only have we lost our friendly, neighborhood gas station, but that corner has turned into a weed-infested eyesore. Is there any plan for that land?

It appears that the city does not have plans to extend the park and or tennis courts down to the corner.

The intersection of Fremont and Grant is very busy during commute times, making it an undesirable area to build a house.

That gas station is the type of business that the majority of Los Altos residents want.

I sincerely hope the Los Altos City Council thinks carefully before it closes another business and repeats this mistake.

Phil MenasceLos Altos

P.S. I have noticed that the Beacon Station at Loyola Corners sells gas for more than most independent stations. Would some competition around the corner encourage them to lower their prices?

Juli Inkster deserves Town Crier coverage

Juli Inkster won the LPGA championship Sunday, in addition to the Women's US Open several weeks ago. As a result she has established herself as the leading women's golfer in the world this year.

She has been a Los Altos resident for many years, and I think her accomplishments deserve front page attention.

She is now one of a very small group of women who have won all four major championships in their career.

Mike Paff

Los Altos

Editor's note: See Page 24 for a story in today's paper. We agree Juli Inkster's accomplishments deserve front page coverage.

The Town Crier hopes to do an in-depth cover story soon, subject to Inkster's availability.