By Editorial

We have long known that the Los Altos area is a strong community. This is a place where people still greet each other cordially on the streets, where neighbors know neighbors and where residents get involved in the schools and contribute to noble causes.

Two recent examples reinforce this sentiment.

The March 18 grand opening of the new Los Altos History Museum building showed the level of commitment this community has in understanding its origins and preparing for its future. It’s wonderfully ironic that high-tech legends such as Bob Grimm and Chuck Geschke played such pivotal roles in a museum that reminds us our area wasn’t always known as Silicon Valley. Such an attraction is bound to be a source of pride for our community, thanks to the efforts of many, many residents who volunteered their time in making the museum happen because they felt that knowing about our community is as important as living in it.

The other example has to do with the unfortunate incidents that led to death threats and a bomb scare two weeks ago at Mountain View High School, where about half the student body is from the Los Altos area. The scare prompted the presence of about 70 parents on campus on one day, and another 50 on a second day. These people took time out of their busy weeks to make sure their kids, and the student body in general, were safe and secure about coming to school. Perhaps a few students were a little embarrassed about having mom or dad on campus, but better a little embarrassment than a cloud of fear. Again, the showing of parental support pointed to the strength of our community, one characterized not by apathy but by caring and involvement.