By Questions? You mean no to theater
After thwarting the theater at First and Main streets last year, the Town Crier Editorial of Aug. 21 is again taking a stand against a downtown theater. Under the guise of “we like a theater, but …,” the editorial proceeds with inaccuracies and biased journalism in attempting to influence our community.
The editorial says the theater would face San Antonio Road. As proposed, it would face Third Street. Another inaccuracy is that the city would have to reimburse business owners for the parking plaza land. The business owners did not form the parking plaza assessment district, the property owners did. The property owners turned the plazas over to the city and relinquished all responsibility for them.
Previous city-sponsored studies have shown that the anticipated theater clientele could easily be accommodated any evening in downtown Los Altos. Also, the implication that a Los Altos Village Cinema would be used mostly by teens is wrong. The focus has always been to show mostly art, independent and foreign films. Many of these will appeal to our own youth, but the theater will not likely select movies that attract “hordes” of teenagers.
A ridiculous statement in the editorial is that fast food restaurants could spring up around the theater. The city has been very strict with its requirements for eating establishments so why would this occur?
It’s time for the Town Crier to respond to what a majority of the community wants instead of playing to special interests. Why must we look at a theater as a direct city money raiser? It should be a recreational asset to the community as well as a means of improving the economic vitality for retail and restaurants.
Roger W. AndersonLos Altos
Does the old Town Hall really have to go?
My wish is that the Los Altos Hills Town Council would have the vision to give us an example of a Town Hall building with a conscience, in the style of Hidden Villa’s new conservation-oriented, sustainable buildings. Demolishing the current Town Hall wastes resources.
Has anyone explored whether the building really must come down? Would remodeling and expanding not be a more cost-effective solution? The building is not very old.
The council has an opportunity to lead and inspire the community. The people of Los Altos Hills should challenge the Council to shine, not with an ostentatious palace but rather with a building that illustrates environmental responsibility and cost savings for the future.
Annemarie RosengreenLos Altos Hills
Candidate characterization was ‘off the mark’
The Aug. 14 Town Crier (Aug. 14) carried an article about the candidates for Los Altos Hills Town Council. I believe that the characterization of my position was off the mark. While I believe there is a “balance” to be sought between individual property rights and public rights, I most definitely support preserving the open space lands and the other town-owned properties which contribute to the unique character of Los Altos Hills. I was, in fact, the first candidate to support the Los Altos Hills Open Space Initiative and to contribute to its efforts.
The reason that it was necessary to undertake an initiative in the first place was to make absolutely sure that the council on its own could not sell off town-owned properties. Since January 2002 this topic of selling off town-owned properties has been discussed inside and outside the public forum.
It seems to me that we need some new faces on the Town Council who really will look to the town’s General Plan for guidance. The General Plan is unambiguous in its support of open space lands, pathways and recreational properties. In no way does it speak to selling off these assets.
Dean WarshawskyLos Altos Hills
Anniversary event was enjoyable
The mayor of Los Altos and all who planned and worked on Sunday’s Anniversary event are to be congratulated. What a wonderful celebration, from Jerry, our police dog,enjoying all giving him a pat, to Rich Campbell teaching line-dance moves, the History Museum and all their extra work, the Boy Scouts so politely parking bikes, to the fabulous music and sound systems, and wonderful food. It was truly a great “hometown” event and enjoyed by all, and all the volunteers who made it possible are to be thanked. Feel so grateful to be a resident of this terrific city.
Pat Schmutz Los Altos
Wake up call for doctor
I have reviewed Dr. Epstein’s letter in the Aug. 21 Crier. In my opinion, his involvement in “invitation only” El Camino Hospital doctor “club(s)” during health care’s reorganization currently disqualifies him to speak to the issues now on the table.
As a homeowner/taxpayer in Los Altos since 1978, I am appalled by what has happened at El camino Hospital, to our medical community, to the doctor-patient relationship during the past two decades.,to quality of care for all, and to health care in general.
Get over it. “Rome” is now charred rubble. The site must be cleared, and new plans for the future must be drawn.
A little greed may help grease the wheels of society, but a bus loaded with precious vulnerable folks, without regular maintenance, ends up in disaster when there are no brakes and no conscious driver.
The answer to your question, Larry, is for starters, sleep less,join me at driver’s school, or at least keep one eye open., focused on the road ahead.
Laura Brown
Los Altos
