Mobilization effort impressive
Police, schools and community efforts to search for a missing sixth-grade student last week came together efficiently and quickly. The fact that so many areas were covered, from e-mail trees to bulletins to news media, is highly commendable and leaves us reassured that a strong plan is in place in Los Altos to search and quickly find missing children.
A planning meeting at Oak Avenue Elementary School, where the student attends, had Police Sgt. Matt Hartley giving a roomful of concerned parent volunteers useful tips. After someone suggested leaving doors to parked RVs open to give the runaway an opportunity to stay warm, Hartley said the opposite approach is needed - keep everything locked so the student stays out in the open, where she can be found.
About an hour into the Nov. 1 meeting, word came that the missing girl, Tara Kapany, was found safe. A heartwarming cheer came up among the gathering and tears of relief streamed from parents’ faces.
The fact that the mobilization effort came together so well speaks to the kind of community Los Altos is - strong, close-knit. People get involved and look out for each other here. The quick and concerned reaction makes us proud.
Presumably, the girl understands that no problem is solved by running away, and that her parents love her dearly.
The parent community is reminded of the importance of communication with their children. This is a story with a happy ending - and a good lesson.
Foundation should explain lease plans
Let’s cut to the chase here: The Los Altos Community Foundation’s continued operations on Hillview Avenue property are in jeopardy.
After paying $1,200 annually under a nine-year lease, the property owners, California Water Service Company, are asking foundation members to make good on a commitment to buy the property or pay a market-rate lease starting at approximately $5,000 a month.
By all indications, the foundation can’t begin to afford that kind of lease, let alone buy the property. The word from the foundation is that members are discussing a lease renewal with Cal Water. But we’re concerned that this situation has been ignored for far too long.
We admire the intentions of the Community Foundation, and have no desire to belabor this issue. That said, foundation leaders should explain to the community exactly where they stand. If they can’t afford to stay at 183 Hillview Ave., let the community know - perhaps residents will respond and help out. Let’s not let this problem get further out of control.
