I commend Richard Bell's letter to the Town Crier last week.
The condition of the streets and sidewalks surrounding many of the downtown establishments is deplorable. And the usual situation is that there is little direction given from absentee owners.
However, there are a few businesses that I feel need to be commended for their extra attention to their surroundings.
A case in point is Tour Eiffel, at the corner of State and Third streets. The owners of this restaurant keep their corner beautifully manicured - leaves and trash are removed daily, and the sidewalk is hosed and cleaned on a regular basis.
They are a fine example of pride of ownership and thoughtfulness to the street and the community.
Louise SpanglerLos Altos
Funding for psychiatric dept.
We need to get some funding to remodel our Santa Clara County Psychiatric Services Center at Valley Medical Center immediately.
(A relative) was sent to San Mateo's a few weeks ago for depression. Although a hospital, it had individual rooms, a nice lounge, TV room and a big outdoor patio. But because the relative lives in Santa Clara County, the relative was transferred here.
When (the relative) got there, they had no lounge, no patio, one little room for men, a small TV, one tiny room for women, a small TV, and no beds.
You had to sleep, if you could, sitting up in a chair or they threw you a mat and blanket for the floor. The few beds were in locked rooms for out-of-control people to be put in.
I'm speaking up for those who can't. Santa Clara County people deserve a nice place, too.
John GriswoldMountain View
A call to action
Often we hear many legitimate complaints/suggestions that are too soon forgotten. I would like to address fellow Los Altos residents, especially those of us located in the Rancho Area, to take action for the following.
I would like to propose a sidewalk that provides a safe walk- way to the Rancho Shopping Center along Fremont Avenue. As motorists make the right turn from Riverside Drive to Fremont Avenue, they immediately begin to accelerate, often sending pedestrians into the bushes.
In addition, I believe the appearance and atmosphere of the neighborhood would benefit from "Los Altos" or "Los Altos Rancho" signs at both the hardware and Texaco walls. The brick wall (Texaco) is in good condition and could easily support a new sign.
It would also be nice to add some flowers at the base of this wall. The wall on the hardware store side would need to be replaced. Brick? Input is requested. I can supply the bricks for free.
I have already received a quote for the sidewalk ($7,000). We would need to further discuss the wall/sign material before getting quotes.
Any inquiries or suggestions can be directed to Mike Blomquist, 969-9975, ext 10.
Mike BlomquistLos Altos
Pickets at town hall meeting
Contrary to the Town Crier Aug. 27 article, Byron Sher's Town Hall meeting wasn't a ho-hum affair. There were pickets and two questions concerning AB 1363 - a bill that will expand the scope of California's school- based health clinics, so that genital exams will be performed, drugs prescribed and Medicaid will be allowed into the schools.
This program will also be very expensive - $35 million has been allocated to start up this expansion.
Senator Sher, who kept referring to an analysis, could not explain his "yes" vote for this bill in July. Maybe he should read the bill before his next vote.
Pam BryantLos Altos
Found wallet, honest teen
What do you suppose the odds would be that a teen-ager who finds more than $1,000 in the middle of the road would return it to its owner?
Well, if that young man was Mountain View High senior Eric Moore, it's 100 percent.
After finding my wallet on Miramonte Avenue with more than $1,150 in cash, credit and ATM cards, pictures, driver's license, a full calendar and address book, Eric telephoned and said, "I have found your wallet, and I would like to bring it over to you."
When I asked him if he thought about keeping the cash, he said, "No, not for a minute. I think if I lost my wallet someone would do the same thing for me."
I am grateful for Eric's honesty, and his parents and friends can be very proud of him.
Dick HenningMountain View
Employees friendly and helpful
Just wanted to drop you a brief note and tell you how I had such a pleasant experience while visiting with friends and family in Los Altos.
I had the need to mail some photos and other things of my son to my in-laws and was so happy to find a Mail Boxes Etc located right on your main street. Now, all the merchants had been very friendly and helpful in your town, but the two ladies whom I found in Mail Boxes Etc were extremely friendly and helpful.
I discovered that they had just been open for three days.
What a nice addition this business is to your community.
Thanks to Mail Boxes Etc for being there for me.
Jennie Clinton
Merced, Calif.