By Review listed the wrong composer

Someone in your organization should enlighten Mort Levine to the effect that if one is going to write a review of an opera (LATC Oct. 31, Page 45), he should at least take pains to ensure that he gets the name of the composer correct.

Poor ol’ Chuck Gounod must be rotating wildly in his sarcophagus to learn that his most famous opera, “Faust,” has been attributed to Camile Saint-Saens by your reporter. Note that Mort even left out the hyphen, which is tantamount to misspelling the name completely.

It should be pointed out that Charles Gounod’s name is at the head of the program, ahead of the names of the cast, which he so glibly discusses. Better luck next time, Mort.

Ralph HeintzLos Altos

Small businesses forced out of Rancho?

As our community deals with an economic downturn, I am baffled as to why a local property owner would continually raise rents thereby forcing small businesses out. I have heard stories for years about the owner of Rancho Shopping Center from different businesses at the center.

I became concerned recently upon hearing that Rancho Video is being forced out of business due to such an increase in rent. The owners do not want to leave and tell me that they have been unable to negotiate.

I understand that a similar process happened with the travel business next door. Rumor has it a Blockbuster Video store is slated and the space from both businesses would be needed. Unsubstantiated, but a rumor nonetheless.

I do not see a Blockbuster or its equivalent in Rancho Shopping Center. Part of the attraction, charm and culture of Los Altos is its small business owners. Don’t we want to retain this for our city?

This shopping center is not an appropriate place for this kind of retail store. I have lived in Los Altos for close to 20 years and do not want to look back some day and wonder what went wrong and why our city is no longer the way we want it to be.

Vickie ClementsLos Altos

Praise to El Camino Hospital staff

We all enjoy reading “good local news” and with this letter my intention is to briefly express praise to the dedicated staff at El Camino Hospital.

So often, we’re reading negative or “bad news,” such as those where the City Council switches back and forth on issues, like allowing two-story homes built in established single-story neighborhoods, testing approval for a theater or hotel in downtown Los Altos, which most recognize as impractical, but more important, economically unsound.

I recently was discharged from El Camino Hospital and feel a short “good news” statement is long overdue. Localities are certainly aware that we’re blessed with many highly educated, professional physicians located mid-Peninsula. Little has been written about the dedicated, talented nurses, nurses aides and lab technicians who work hard, with high proficiency, to serve the hospital’s many patients.

Those of us who have experienced the aptitude and great attitude of these skilled workers are most appreciative.

Jerry KellyLos Altos

Hotel tax a bad idea

If ever there were an idea whose time is not now, it is King Lear’s question on the upcoming election ballot: Raise the hotel occupancy tax from 8 percent to 11 percent.

The economic free fall has resulted in massive empty rooms in hotels. Moreover, the plan to build a boutique hotel downtown that will look out on a gas station will require tremendous room rates.

To add another 11 percent to that bill will likewise result in reduced occupancy rates.

The likelihood of gaining the projected $1 million in money to the city is a wish becoming father to the thought. 11 percent of next to nothing is next to nothing. Better to keep hotel rates lower to try to get occupancy than to price us out of a badly declining market.

To suggest that this increase from 8 percent to 11 percent will “support all city services such as public safety, traffic control, street and landscaping, maintenance, parks and recreation and improved maintenance of city facilities” is mind boggling.

Mayor Lear’s hyperbole sounds more like a snake oil salesman than a responsible public official. Vote no on this terrible tax increase.

Charles HalleckLos Altos

Editor’s Note: Measure A on the Nov. 6 ballot authorizes the council to levy a Transient Occupancy Tax of “up to 11 percent” at its discretion, not require it.

Numbers for airplane noise

Noticed how the commercial jets are now flying low and directly over our houses? Individuals reporting the issue to the airport can correct the problem.

Note the date and time, and call: San Francisco Airport Automated Noise Abatement Reporting Line at 876-2219. Or call 821-5100, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, to speak with a live person.

Laurie ClaireLos Altos

A different vision of pit bulls

Mario Bonicelli, put on your glasses (Oct. 3 letters to the editor). The photo of Ice the pit bull in the Town Crier happens to be the animal’s back teeth. You cannot see his canines.

Put on your glasses, then get a magnifying glass so you can see the picture, before you make any vicious judgments or statements.

Did you know having an animal is better than having a gun?

Animals are not born to kill people. When an animal hurts someone, there usually is a reason for it.

Pit bulls are beautiful animals, lovely, loyal and obedient. I was the owner of two.

Mario, I suggest you go to the local library and check out a good book about animals. You might learn something.

Lil Beltramo

Los Altos