Alternative proposal for Grant Road Farm

There has been a lot of hand-wringing over the demise of the Grant Road Farm (aka Pumpkin Patch) ever since it became known that it would be sold. Personally, I would like to see it remain as a farm or at least open space. But the owners have the right to sell it to the highest bidder.

A variety of suggestions has been proposed to maintain the status quo, or at least a semblance of it.

The one thing I haven’t noticed or heard is to make the whole thing into large and varied soccer fields, ball diamonds, etc., with perhaps part left for the farm, Pumpkin Patch, etc.

Regularly, there are articles in the Los Altos Town Crier and the Mountain View Voice decrying the shortage of playing fields for youth. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help resolve the playing space needs, open space and the farm.

The city of Mountain View (or a newly created non-profit organization) could be the lead agency in raising funds to buy the whole property.

I imagine there are foundations and individuals that would be willing to donate substantial sums for this purpose.

This, along with the many citizens who would like to support youth activities, open space and farm activities, should go a long way toward raising the $30 million mentioned as the selling price. (I don’t remember the various amounts reported, so this amount may not be accurate.)

The city of Mountain View might be able to budget some money for the purchase. But they would have a fairly large initial budget for the necessary improvements and ongoing maintenance.

Because the city of Los Altos is just across Grant Road, perhaps they would participate with the agreement that their youth athletic groups could use it.

Let’s think outside the box and quit emphasizing housing because of the additional tax revenue.

Wall-to-wall housing does not ensure a good quality of life, no matter how much extra tax revenue is raised.

Paul N. Johnson

Mountain View

Foundation for hospital soon to appear

Today, the new El Camino Hospital is under construction and a large hole appears where the new hospital will rise.

The foundation for it will soon appear. However, the hospital’s foundation began in my life when my wife Polly joined the hospital auxiliary and was at the front door in 1961 when the hospital first opened its doors to the public.

I was still employed but was daily impressed by her relationship with the hospital and its service to the public.

After retirement I followed in her footsteps and joined the auxiliary 19 years ago. I have myself experienced the dedication of management and staff toward making El Camino Hospital one of the outstanding ones in the country.

Yes, the foundation of the new hospital will soon appear along with the new structure and the deliverance of continuing outstanding medical service to the community. I, with you, will watch it grow.

Bob Worcester

Cupertino

Resident did not represent SA Hills

The Sewer Fairness Committee of San Antonio Hills wishes to thank you for publishing the Nov. 1 article, “Questions, allegations over sewer charges.” In this article, John Flood reported on a disagreement between residents of certain unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County and the Los Altos City Council concerning sewer fees. The article was correct in reporting this difference of opinion, but missed the mark in certain aspects.

First, the article contains information that appears to have been provided by Gerry Madea, a resident of Los Altos, concerning this matter. Mr. Madea is not a member of the Sewer Fairness Committee and does not represent the committee. Disagreements between Mr. Madea and Mayor Ron Packard did not belong in the article.

Second, there is no “acrimonious dispute” between the city of Los Altos and San Antonio Hills. The present disagreement is between unincorporated residents connected to the Los Altos sewer system and the Los Altos City Council.The disagreement has arisen because the city council has instituted a 70 percent surcharge for non-Los Altos residents.

I request that the accuracy of any further stories concerning the Sewer Fairness Committee be confirmed either by contacting me or Dr. Tom Burns.

Richard A. Blanchard

President, San Antonio Hills Board of Directors