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Accident story

was one-sided

As the parents of the 5-year-old boy hit this past February, we were greatly disappointed and slightly shocked to see such a one-sided article on the accident published in the Oct. 8 edition of the Los Altos Town Crier. It’s been a little over eight months, but our recollections are still crystal clear. We would have been happy to recount what we witnessed that morning on Feb. 8, had we been given the courtesy to comment.

In an accident such as this, the truth is in the details. In the shock of the moment people will see the facts differently. We certainly see them differently than the individuals quoted in Linda Taaffe’s article.

This incident has never been about any particular individual’s honor, occupation or community service. There was an accident and split-second decisions were made that continue to affect the lives of all involved. This incident was about accountability.

This case was resolved this past Friday. We are thankful for closure. Our hope and prayer is that it will no longer hang as a dark cloud over those it affected.

Craig and Kyuri Doeden

Los Altos

Witness clarifies

accident account

Last February, I witnessed an accident that involved a child riding a bike and a retired, older physician driving a car. Last week, without my prior knowledge, your paper published part of a statement that I had provided to the district attorney’s office regarding the case. I would like to clarify my reaction to the events that I witnessed and the events that have followed.

The case settled last Friday when Dr. Kirn plead “no contest” on a misdemeanor charge of hit and run, which was less than the felony charge that had originally been filed.

Having witnessed the accident, I would like to say that I think that this is a very fair and reasonable outcome. Other local papers have previously reported that Dr. Kirn did not truly stop at the time of the accident. In fact, Dr. Kirn did stop. He exited his vehicle, spoke to the father, apologized to the child and when the child appeared to be uninjured, he left. He did not however ascertain whether the bike was damaged. He did not do a true medical evaluation or stay to ensure that one was done. He also did not provide his name, driver’s license or phone number. I believe, however, that these latter omissions were a function of the clear emotion of the moment and represented a brief lapse in judgment. There was absolutely nothing uncaring or cavalier in relation to Dr. Kirn’s reaction to the accident. There was also nothing inappropriate about the father’s reaction to the situation having just witnessed his son being hit by a car.

Dr. Kirn has already paid restitution to the family for the expenses incurred following the accident. He was sentenced last week to community service, a part of which he has already performed. He is a longstanding member of our community with a history of service. He has voluntarily relinquished his driver’s license permanently, which I think is entirely appropriate. Without a doubt, the most important outcome of this accident is that the child was not seriously injured. For this, I know that we are all truly thankful.

Constance Bowie

Los Altos

Proximity the

only issue for charter

I attended virtually every school board meeting last year around the decision to close one of the Los Altos schools. I listened to countless arguments by Bullis parents for the school to remain open and certainly empathized with the passion they felt for their community.

However, clearly, the sum of all the rationale for it to remain open came down to one factor - proximity.

That is why I have been hard-pressed to understand why these parents would continue to pursue the Charter if the location is outside of Los Altos Hills.

Would any parent choose to send their child to a school permanently housed in Egan portables even farther from Los Altos Hills, when the alternative is an impressive, state-of-the-art campus like Covington? I think that now the decision around site is imminent, all the rhetoric about providing students a unique educational experience has fallen away and we are back to the core issue - proximity.

I cannot understand anyone that would put self-interest above the educational needs of all the students in the district. To continue to threaten legal action to secure the Bullis site is unconscionable. I truly hope that reason prevails over the need to win at any cost.

Valerie Taglio

Los Altos

Facts missing

in Redeemer article

As next-door neighbor to the Church of the Redeemer on Magdalena I was amazed that statements were printed (Oct. 1 Town Crier) without facts to back them .

The neighbors have never resisted the rebuilding of the church sanctuary, even enlarging it from 4,909 to 6,981 square feet.

The planners have not yet approved the Phase 3 for a couple of reasons: No. 1, the parking study is not yet accepted by the commission because of inadequate on-site parking; and No. 2, the county requires that construction be started within two years to issue the new use permit the church is requesting. There are three buildings requested to be built , the sanctuary and the two other building to be demolished and replaced.

The festival that the church had on the weekend of Sept. 6 and 7 requires that an entertainment permit be obtained from the County of Santa Clara. The church neglected to apply for or receive this permit.

The neighbors’ complaints did not prompt the county to require the church to obtain an entertainment permit for all of its events.

Dawnridge had parking on both sides of the street, making it necessary for vehicles to pull over in order to pass another car and the residents wondering if a fire truck could pass at all.

Cars were parked in front of the fire hydrant on the corner of Magdalena and Dawnridge. Exiting driveways on Magdalena was very dangerous because of cars parked on the street and trying to watch for jay-walkers crossing Magdalena.

I don’t believe the neighbors of the church are the “bad guys” we are made out to be . We feel that the church should be required to exists within the same ordinances that are required by the R1E zoning where they are located.

Rich and Gail Irvine

Los Altos Hills