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Published on 08/18/1999 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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Los Altos is not 'disabled friendly'

In 1987, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and since that time my ability to walk has steadily deteriorated. Walking, even short distances, is now a significant life problem.

Our family has lived in Los Altos Hills for more than 30 years and we have loved "our town" of Los Altos, have taken great pride in its growth and share in recognizing the problems the town faces daily. One of the obvious and significant problems resulting from the city's growth is the lack of adequate parking. However, as a disabled person who frequents Los Altos daily, I have observed a decided lack of disabled parking spaces. In fact, none are found on our streets and only a very few are located along the parking plaza behind and a significant distance from most stores.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides for one handicapped-designated parking area for every 25 spaces and one additional van-accessible space for every 50 spaces. The intent of the ADA law appears to provide for disabled access to shopping, services, etc. Placing disabled parking at some inconvenient location fails to serve the spirit of the law. I am unfamiliar with how the ADA law applies to cities such as Los Altos. However, it is quite obvious that our city is not "disabled friendly."

I request that you and the city attorney review this situation to determine the level of ADA compliance, and, if the city is not in compliance, take immediate steps to conform.

Fred L. MontgomeryLos Altos Hills

Why the protests at the last minute?

I take issue with the neighbors who live on Almond Avenue, across from Los Altos High School. These plans have been in existence for several years.

There were community meetings at both high schools presenting the design plans for the schools, projected time lines and costs. In addition, there were tours offered so community members could see for themselves the need for the new construction. This construction is not a surprise, considering it took three elections to pass the bond measure for the funding. Where were these neighbors when all of the above were occurring? Why didn't they contact the district offices to look at the plans?

Our community and several of the surrounding communities seem to want to halt construction of buildings and homes at the last minute because the design just doesn't happen to suit them. If these people informed themselves at the outset, we wouldn't be wasting valuable community time at the last minute.

Robbie GrovesLos Altos

Making a case for concealed weapons

I wonder if the recent mugging and robbery at Rancho Shopping Center would have occurred if California residents had the right to carry concealed weapons? Thirty-one states now have laws requiring the issuance of carry permits to qualified applicants. Those states that have recently enacted such laws have experienced precipitous reductions in violent crimes.

Obviously, society is safer when people assume responsibility for their own security. Criminals are much more hesitant when they don't know who is armed.

Our government encourages a "victim mentality" as if we should act like sheep being led to a slaughter. Witness the advice provided by the Los Altos police Department: "Offer no resistance and remain outwardly calm." To me, that sounds like an invitation for more muggings and robberies.

Kirk KelloggLos Altos

SB 335 offends older people

To be successful in politics, it appears obvious that one must not offend any potential pressure group. Sometimes there is a way to better solve an obvious problem than awaken said pressure groups. Such is the case in Senate Bill 335.

How can this be done? Consider that 90 percent of the accidents in motor vehicles are caused by 10 percent of the people. The same 10. These people are not organized and encompass young, old, commercial and private drivers and both genders. Here are some of the reasons not to go after specific groups:

Bill 335, as written, offends old people. In addition to being seen as picking on old people, this bill comes head-on against laws against discrimination because of age, race, gender, sex.

Fact: Most accidents of an age group encompass young men under 25. Again, discrimination as to age and sex.

Fact: Over 100 deaths a week are caused by big trucks.

Fact: SUVs are, in fact, trucks, and were the manufacturers' means of getting around the smog laws and gas-hog problems.

Senate Bill 335 is bad news. Junk it, and do something that will make its supporters heroes.

E. M. Lucas

Los Altos

Note: SB 335 would require those 75 and older to take mandatory driving tests when renewing licenses.