Forget Bullis and move on
Alex Vitakis
As a 36-year, third-generation Los Altos Hills resident, and a former Bullis student, I pride myself on a decent knowledge of our town’s history as well as hopes for its future direction. After college and a graduate degree, I worked hard to buy a million-dollar home here just to put my children in public schools.
I am appalled at some of the developments in the “dialogue” between Bullis Charter School and the Los Altos School District.
I attended Bullis School as a youngster. I rode my bike from our Dianne Drive residence to Bullis, which was an upstanding school in the community. At one time, it was nice to have Bullis; it was a good school. Now, I am a Covington parent. The fact is the school district has flourished when you look at curriculum, class size, facilities and quality of parenting.
A plea to charter school parents: Give the school district a break, and the original Bullis-Purissima School will reopen in time - if the charter school does not drain our financial resources. Can we work together toward this goal?
Please don’t pull quality public education away from our children. As Los Altos taxpayers we have compromised our children’s future with this Egan-campus charter school. As a taxpayer, a parent of four and a citizen, I appeal for your help.
Exaggerated report of LAH costs on charter school
Duncan MacMillan
Your article “LAH spending on charter school issue tops $67,000″ (Feb. 23) is an example of misleading headlines and only serves to incite turmoil.
The survey mentioned was funded by Los Altos Hills to generate a statistically significant measure of voter interest in returning public education to the Hills and several potential methods of accomplishing that end. It is wrong to categorize that expense simply as a “charter school issue.”
To call the Los Altos School District lawsuit a “charter school issue” is yet another error of fact. It is clear that some of those expenses were incurred before the lawsuit was filed by Los Altos Hills. In addition, “protecting LAH zoning rights,” the aim of the suit, is not a “charter school issue.”
Los Altos Hills, through its Public Education Committee, continues to evaluate a number of scenarios that could bring more autonomy to the Hills, including an agreement to open an elementary school within its existing districts, redistricting a greater portion of the Hills to one of its existing districts, or forming a separate school district. Within that effort, with the passage of time and with the apparent marketplace acceptance of Bullis Charter School, the charter school has become a consideration - not the only consideration.
I hope for more accuracy and balance from the Town Crier in the future.
Women’s club thanks supporters
Howard Jarmy
It is with pleasure that the Federated Woman’s Club announces a successful annual fund-raiser benefiting Pathways Hospice, Help One Child and the Los Altos Educational Foundation, which took place on Feb. 12 with an overflow crowd of 117. The attractive surroundings of Michael’s at Shoreline restaurant helped create a tasteful ambience for the fashion show, the highlight of the afternoon. The San Jose Historical Museum Association put on a performance, “Fond Memories,” which depicted the style and dress of many prominent San Jose politicians and their wives. The performance covered the 1890s and 1900s, including the flapper age.
We want to thank the merchants of Los Altos and Mountain View who contributed door and raffle prizes, which were given throughout the afternoon. We also owe much to the 16 dedicated members whose work as a committee helped bring about this resounding success.
VA providing good service
Ivan Rusch
This is in response to recent news about the Department of Veterans Affairs and the services it offers. I am an 80-year-old veteran who receives all my health care from the VA in Palo Alto.
I was angered when I saw your story (an MSNBC piece on VA patients) and feel compelled to write and tell you that I have received the very best health care in the world from VA.
So important is the care VA provides to me that I make sure to live within a short commuting distance from a veterans hospital, no matter where I travel. I can’t understand how anyone could find the care substandard, unless they are just chronic complainers and we all know these people exist.
I hope there is a way you can air my feelings and not just those that are negative. By airing only the negative, you do a great disservice to the veterans of our nation.
Mayor urges participation in Relay for Life
David Casas
Cancer. A single word, with a complex impact. It is a competitor like no other you have faced before. It can be fierce in its attack, and unrelenting in its tenacity to spread. It will shake you to the core, and challenge your resolve to conquer it. As a survivor, I am here to ask for your help.
When I was first diagnosed with cancer, my son was 3 years old and my daughter was just 3 weeks. Now, they are 11 and 8 years old. I look at the world in a different light than I did years ago.
While I am just one of many in our community who have been touched by this disease, together we are united in our desire to search for a cure.
On June 25 and 26, I invite you to participate in the 24-hour Relay for Life at Los Altos High School. This event is part of a national fund-raising walkathon for the American Cancer Society. Last year, there were more than 700 walkers at the Los Altos event who raised more than $245,000 toward cancer research, education and outreach services.
Right now there are groups forming who will be walking together to raise awareness, and to support our community. If you are not able to participate as a walker in June, I encourage you to make a contribution. With your help, we can make a difference in so many ways.
As you know, this is a great community. I offer you the opportunity to be a part of something special. Whether you form a team to participate in the relay, make a contribution, volunteer to help or just come by and give moral support, my family and I extend our heartfelt appreciation for your time. For more information, please visit LosAltosRelay.com.
