Regarding Miramonte School's gymnasium, we often hear that it is needed for the children to come out of the rain. In the first place, with only 17 inches annual rainfall, there is very little rain to come out of. Secondly, with only 180 elementary school children enrolled, a 4,000 to 5,000 square foot multipurpose room is more than adequate for the children to play and for special events. As far as physical education is concerned, it is much healthier for the children to play soccer or baseball outdoors in the sunshine than to play indoor sports. So let's not kid ourselves, the 14,500 square foot structure is not intended just for the children to come out of the rain. It is desired for the use of the members of the seven or eight Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) churches.
It's fine to want a regulation- size basketball court doubling as an auditorium, plus classrooms, plus storage rooms, etc., but you need lots of open space to put it in, which Miramonte School doesn't have since it sold off half of its property and the remaining 6 acres are largely covered with paving and buildings.
It is unfair to the abutting neighbors to squeeze such a hulk of a building right behind their backyards and force them to live with the noise, traffic, and parking that accompany it. That's why 150 neighbors signed a letter opposing it.
If the Miramonte School leadership wants to be a "good neighbor" as they always say they do, they should respond to the outcry of their neighbors. So far they have ignored us completely.
It is unfortunate the city council, with the exception of Mayor Becker and councilman Moss, approved the structure against the strong protests of the residents. We must remember the neighbors are not unreasonable. They will gladly accept a multi-purpose room for the children. It is this giant building, which will be used by the entire SDA membership and which will double as a community building, they oppose.
So please, let's lay to rest the notion about the children needing a 14,500 square foot colossus to come in out of the rain.
Martha DeBoniLos Altos
Rich benefit from concealed weapons
Contrary to what seems to have been the assumption in these (gun control) letters (Aug. 25 Town Crier), California does allow civilians to carry concealed guns. Permission is only given to the wealthy and well- connected. The most notable example was Diane Fienstien before she became a U S Senator. You'll have to ask her why a close to 6-foot woman with the SF police reporting to her felt she should carry a pistol.
Since about half of the states now have laws allowing anyone without a criminal record to carry a gun, time will tell whether such laws make safer societies. Prof. Lott's research, published in his book "More Guns Less Crime," indicates that it does.
I certainly wouldn't get into a gunfight or another fight to protect my wallet but to protect my wife and kids, I would fight like hell with whatever was available.
Bill BrownLos Altos
Needle exchange protection
I am writing in strong support of AB 518, which would provide legal protection to those who set up needle exchange programs. Everyone knows that needle exchange decreases the spread of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases, but it has been shown that drug use does not increase as these exchanges are set up. This law will in no way force cities to start needle exchanges, but it will give them legal protection to do so. Needle exchange saves lives and is a critical public health tool in the fight against HIV. AB 518 has reached Governor Davis's desk and he may veto it. If AB 518 is vetoed, thousands more will die and the spread of AIDS will not be slowed.
Death by an infectious disease should not be a punishment for drug use.
Tarian LiberPalo Alto
Absentee ownership connection to trash
As a follow-up to Bob Allen's letter on the trash accumulation at Main and Second, I note something all three referenced contributors (Starbucks, Koo Koo Roo and Jamba Juice) have in common: absentee ownership. When each of these businesses came to town, they promised, as a condition of permits, to prevent such a mess. I recall a unanimous city council vote in favor of establishing Jamba Juice, after I, and others, had raised serious questions about traffic congestion, sidewalk trash and other issues.
It's too late to turn down the permits, but where are the scrubbed and sincere officials who told us they would be good neighbors, and where are their landlords who are making more than ever from their investments?
Richard G. BellLos Altos
Los Altos or 'Emerald City'?
My appointment was at 10:30 a.m. I was going to a ladies' specialty shop in Los Altos.
I asked a kindly gentleman to please direct me to 343 Second Ave. He was helpful and kind, pointing in the direction I should take. I had the feeling I was not in Kansas anymore.
I thought, why are people so nice here? Surely there must be a wicked witch lurking around the next corner.
Later I stopped at a busy corner and saw a young lady petting a dog. That must be "Toto," I mused.
Upon reaching my destination on Second Avenue, I knocked on the door. It was opened by a beautiful lady in a flowing gown. With a wave of her hand (wand), she ushered me in. Her name is Lee, owner and proprietor of her store (castle). She made me feel comfortable and at home, said she would gladly make an exchange, which she did and sent me on my merry way!
This town has charisma! It gives one a happy feeling just to be here! I love Los Altos (Emerald City).
Ruth Heard
(wearing my red shoes)
Sunnyvale