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Published on 08/25/1999 All articles from this issue

Letters to the Editor

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Property tax a real bargain

The "Voice of the Past" column in the Aug. 11 Town Crier gave me a strange feeling to read about my family's early days in California, especially Los Altos.

Since being interviewed, I came across my parents' Santa Clara County tax receipts for the property on Del Monte Avenue, which they purchased for $800.

For the year 1930, the taxes were $3.35, which they paid in two installments. Isn't that interesting?

Ruth ErichsenLos Altos

'Justified' addition for Miramonte

We are longtime Los Altos residents and proud, active members of our community. Our son has attended Miramonte School since kindergarten and has received an outstanding education at that school.

Although we are not members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we have been made to feel close to the school's community. We have gotten to know many other local parents, as 37 percent of his fifth-grade classmates live in Los Altos.

This is a small school with attendance that will not expand beyond 200 students. We appreciate the small class sizes, and the fact this is not a school with a yard filled with portable classrooms.

It is a school that is conscious and caring of its neighborhood. I can remember when the outer fields, which were later sold, were not used out of respect for the noise potential of children playing next to the neighbors.

The lack of a multipurpose room is especially evident during special events. As a parent, I strongly agree with the school's wish to have "a place for kids to play on rainy days." The new building can satisfy so many more of the school's needs.

Currently, when it rains, the students remain in their classrooms all day with no alternative place to play or eat lunch. Special events such as graduation, the Christmas pageant and the spring musical evening must be held off campus. Gatherings and potluck events must be scheduled for the nicer weather as there are no places indoors to accommodate large groups.

Physical education is limited during inclement weather because there is no large indoor play area.

There is no "façade" constructed around the proposal to build a multipurpose building, only a number of well thought-out reasons for Miramonte to provide its students with what the public schools have built for every other school in Los Altos with your tax dollars.

I believe that as special events move inside from their current location outside, evening noise levels will be reduced.

I applaud the desire of Miramonte School to improve our community with a well-justified addition to its site.

Harriet GirdleyLos Altos

Downtown sidewalks dirty at Main, Second

As a 39-year resident of Los Altos, I welcome positive change to the town. However, I am amazed that we all have allowed the continued filth to accumulate at the corner at Main and Second streets.

It is obvious that Starbucks, Koo Koo Roo and the juice shop are very successful, and yet they show no indication of any pride in the common public areas outside their stores.

I say buy your coffee and chicken somewhere else until the merchants show some improvement in basic cleanliness for their customers.

Steam cleaning the sidewalks and one or two more trash cans might just make the difference. They don't cost much and would make a big difference.

It is time for the Village Association or the city to encourage some improvements.

Bob AllenLos Altos

Graffiti swastikas and hate crimes

In the wake of the shootings and acts of violence in places such as Sacramento, Illinois and Los Angeles this summer, I am concerned with the rising number of crimes that involve racism as a motive.

I recently read the article, "Swastikas turn up around Los Altos" (July 7 Los Altos Town Crier) and police report summaries regarding swastikas painted in the Holt Avenue vicinity on June 25 and 26.

It leaves me hopeful to see concerned citizens in this case (the Holt Avenue swastikas) reporting and reacting to these acts. Members of the community need to actively address incidents such as the graffiti even though it may be considered a less serious crime.

This type of act is just the precursor that can lead to events such as the (Los Angeles) Jewish Community Center shooting.

By ignoring it or brushing it off as an incidental occurrence, we may find ourselves having another tragic episode of hate acted out.

I believe that only a community that is swift and vigilant at condemning and opposing these dubious acts will be able to send the message that these acts will not stand.

Kirk AbeSan Jose

Ed. note: Abe grew up in Los Altos. His mother, Margaret Abe, still lives in town.

Concealed weapons are not the answer

How distressing to find that the long and evil lobbying arm of the NRA has reached into our quiet little town - at least in the form of a letter to the editor (Town Crier, Aug. 11) from Mr. Kirk Kellogg.

In light of the horrible news involving guns in the last few months (no need to provide details), it's shocking that any rational person could reduce the discussion locally to recommending that patrons of Rancho Shopping Center would be well-served to carry guns. Charlton Heston and his NRA are showing signs of real desperation.

The tide is turning against guns. Politicians are getting the message, and are beginning to turn their backs on the powerful and rich industry that makes and sells devices that send out metal projectiles to kill people.

My wish is that the politicians would catch up with the sentiments of their constituents more quickly and take action. Licensing would work for starters; banning guns is the ultimate solution. For every day that no action is taken, hundreds of us will die from guns. After all, what other purpose do they have?

In the meantime, my advice to Rancho shoppers is this: please don't arm yourself with a handgun before you drop in at Starbucks for a latte. Or at least leave the bullets home.

Enough. Guns must go.

Ray SchusterLos Altos

Better security not more guns

I would like to respond to Kirk Kellogg's' letter of last week regarding the armed holdup/robbery at Rancho. I cannot imagine how this woman having a weapon would have made any difference. I can tell you that when six young men with a knife overpower you, even if you did have a gun, the last thought you would have is to pull it on them. Having been held up at gun point, I can tell you while looking down the barrel of a .357-caliber Magnum, having a gun in your possession will not make a difference. I can promise you.

Mr. Kellogg needs to realize that better security measures will prove to be more effective than any of us carrying a gun. The Rancho Merchant's Association and the property owners have assured us that there will be better security at the center.

The police are correct in their methods, "just give them what they want, don't fight it, and you won't get hurt." If we were to have had weapons on us, someone might have gotten hurt. But by doing what we have always been taught, we lived through it. Tell me, Mr. Kellogg, if you get held up, will you pull a gun and risk getting shot? I don't think so.

Sue MinickLos Altos Rancho employee

Unfinished restoration neighborhood concern

Many consider University Avenue to be one of the most high-profile neighborhoods in Los Altos.

University Avenue is located in the heart of Los Altos, nestled cozily between downtown and Los Altos Hills. The homes along the tree-lined street are highly visible to everyone from downtown pedestrians to Foothill Expressway commuters.

The neighborhood is among the oldest in Los Altos, and merely having a University Avenue address indicates a place of importance in the cityscape (like the University avenues found in Palo Alto, Los Gatos and San Jose).

This brings me to the point of my letter. Nothing made me happier than the owners' decision to preserve the historic character of the property at 368 University. When restoration began on the 90-year-old home, I, along with the rest of the residents of University Avenue, eagerly awaited the finished product.

That was two years ago, and the house is still not finished. I am amazed at how slowly progress has been made on the project.

My anticipation has become irritation as a result of this lingering situation. Mrs. Shoup (the home's original inhabitant) must be turning over in her grave.

Please finish the restoration of 368 University as soon as possible.

A concerned neighbor

Name withheld at resident's request

Ed. note: The project should be completed by the end of September, said Steve Aced, building contractor.