By Send letters to editor Bruce Barton at the Town Crier, 138 Main St., Los Altos 94022, or e-mail:

Library changes

thanks to ‘friends’

Recently, the Town Crier has provided much-deserved recognition for the Los Altos Library and the leadership role it plays in service to our community. The Los Altos Library Endowment board has been discussing our outstanding library, the many improvements in it that have occurred and the longstanding support provided by the Los Altos Friends of the Library (Friends). The public, in general, is aware of the Friends’ book sales but needs to be made aware of the physical changes that are taking place as a result of the work of the Friends.

The Los Altos Library Endowment, “the new kid on the block” when it comes to entities that support the library, is particularly aware of the long-standing service provided by the Friends, as well as of its exceptional current contributions to the library’s well being.

We have observed, for example, that the Friends, through book sales and coffee shop service at the main library, is currently raising some $100,000 per year for library projects and equipment purchases. To name just a few of the recent actions made possible by Friends’ contributions:

The list goes on and the Friends’ gifts will continue to really “make a difference” in the years ahead.

We are grateful to the Friends for all they are doing for the Los Altos Library, and we wish them continued success.

Graham Wallace

president,

Board of Directors

Los Altos

Library Endowment

Bullis Charter School

offers good choices

Eliminating the Bullis-Purissima School leaves Los Altos Hills void of a K-6 school. There should be a neighborhod public elementary school available for children living in Los Altos Hills.

It is always nice to have the choice of sending a child to a public or private school. With either choice one makes, it should be a good choice. Without Bullis-Purissima School parents would have to send their kids to Covington or another elementary school, but these schools seem better fit as junior high schools. With crowded classrooms and the long commute from home, these are not desirable options. The proposed charter school is a public school but has smaller class sizes and good programs, like a private school. The presence of the Bullis Charter School would leave parents with good choices either way.

We need to consider every family’s situation and leave everyone with some good options for their children’s education.

Christina Griffin

Los Altos

Gutierrez fans

sound off

I was very suprised to hear that Keith Gutierrez is not under contract except for a summer position. Is this true? I remember reading in the Town Crier many months ago of his plight and that this city was going to make his position a permanent one. Although that required opening the position to others, it appeared he would be hired.

What’s the hold up?

My daughters have both attended summer camps at Redwood Grove over the past several years. Not only do they love the camp and want to return each year, but they truly enjoy what Keith brings to the experience. The teens who work at the camp should be commended, but they are not what makes the camp the experience it is. Without his direction, experience, knowledge, communication, direct input, and personal presence, the camp wouldn’t be the same at all.

We have also held and attended children’s birthday parties at the Grove. Keith brings song and animal education and a great deal of fun into the celebration. He is great with the kids and the parties are wonderful.

It would be an immense loss to our children and this beautiful Redwood Grove resource if Keith weren’t there. I know many other parents who feel the same way.

Sue Goldberg

Los Altos

I am writing in full support of Keith who has been doing a wonderful job teaching our children the Ohlone history and culture as part of the Los Altos third Grade curriculum. He plays an essential and vital role in our community. Please come to each elementary school and ask the teachers and children directly how valuable Keith and his role is to everyone who loves Redwood Grove and Keith’s programs there. Please do not let him leave Los Altos!

Betty Noguchi

Los Altos

I am concerned about Keith Guiterrez’s position at Redwood Grove. As a parent of a fourth grader in the Los Altos School District and as a former Girl Scout leader, I am in awe of the role he plays as a mentor to the children of Los Altos. I am absolutely certain that no one could ever fill his shoes.

The programs offered at Redwood Grove are extremely important to our children and he leads almost all of them. With all of the programs being cut right now, it would be a shame to lose such an incredible asset to our community! I beg you to please do anything in order for Keith to remain in Los Altos. Let’s not eliminate yet another valuable person, place or thing that makes this city so unique!

Nanette Bajka

Los Altos

• Zoo Scapes sculpture placement outside of children’s room.
• New chairs installed at the Woodland branch.
• Augmentation of children’s and teen programming.
• Budget augmentation for art, theater and music books.
• Purchase of new children’s furniture.
• Purchase of lounge chairs in the adult area.
• Purchase of a new children’s program librarian desk.
• Improved lighting for outdoor library sign.