Why two different speed limits?

Bob Perdriau

Has anyone noticed that the speed limit on the Mountain View side of Springer Road is 30 mph? How much sense does it make to have two different speed limits on a single street depending on which direction one is driving?

Make the speed limit 30 mph. Stop the insane talk of expensive and irritating “traffic calming” steps. Technology can’t solve every problem, and the problem we have with speeders is that they are law-breakers, plain and simple.

Treat them the old-fashioned way - ticket them and fine them. If possible, rule out the traffic school option.

Grab their attention forcefully, don’t spend money trying to subtly change their behavior while inconveniencing law-abiding citizens.

It would not take long for the Los Altos Police Department to establish the perception that Los Altos is not a town in which to speed. Nor would this have to be a long-term effort needing additional manpower. It would likely involve periodic “refresher exercises.”

Now’s the time to clean drains

Lauren Ward

As many of you may notice, the town of Los Altos Hills is redoing and resurfacing many of our roads. These roads have needed repair for many years, so it’s great that things are finally progressing. However, the town is not routinely maintaining or repairing gutters or storm drains or even adding mini-retaining walls where they are needed.

I think we residents can help out here. I think that now - fall - is the perfect time to go look at your property and see if you have storm drains and gutters, natural or manmade, that need your attention.

Clean them out and keep an eye on them during the heavy rains of January to see if the water is able to flow to and down the storm drain to the bay. If we all chip in to help maintain the drainage system, we will all benefit by having longer-lasting streets and, for some of us who live downhill, less runoff into our properties and under our houses.

How about Foothill-De Anza?

Jane Reed

I was disappointed to note that in a recent editorial column the Town Crier encouraged citizens to support the local election of Los Altos School District and City Council candidates but forgot to mention that there is an important election for two seats in the Foothill-De Anza Community College District.

I am very aware of how important the governing body of our community college district is to the health and welfare of our campuses and to our communities and I want you all to be aware too.

We are very lucky to have the best district in the state right here under our noses. The rich educational programs and the caring classroom instructors are very impressive and the two schools provide fine educational opportunities for all that choose to attend.

Electing strong leadership is important. The board of trustees manages an annual budget of approximately $200 million, sets educational policies, and represents all of us. We need to demand that we have a well-run community college district. We demand that excellence by voting new excellent people into office.

Don’t neglect your responsibility to give thought and consideration to the candidates for this post. They deserve our attention and our vote.