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Editor,

Unfortunately, it seems things haven't changed since my years as a high school student in Palo Alto.

Bravo to student editor Aaron Cohen (ReaderWire, April 12) for calling Palo Alto school board members on the ongoing tactic of using the board for political purposes.

Board members often seem to forget that they are elected by the public to serve in the best interest of students, parents and teachers -- not to promote their personal political interests.

Witness Joe Simitian, for example, whose political ambition and financial backing from the state's Democratic party machine carried him from the Palo Alto school board to Sacramento.

When I was a reporter in San Mateo County, political leadership on both sides openly said that their goal was to groom future Sacramento hopefuls "on the local level" by getting them elected to school boards, planning commissions, etc.

As a reporter in the Northwest, I've noticed that the political aspirations of school board members aren't as overt, but they're still present. Perhaps that is why school board members continually ignore the students they are elected to serve.

Then again, it would behoove them to remember, as Cohen says, that we are watching -- and eventually, we register to vote. Michelle Madison Abernethy Road Portland
Who's in charge?

Editor,

It was comforting to see that even a "detached" Palo Alto resident is clearly able to see what is motivating four members of the Palo Alto School Board...power (letter to the editor from Lawrence Clark, April 24).

This was certainly made evident at the April 9 school board meeting when, after listening to dozens of constituents for over four hours express concern about losing aides and specialized teachers from our classrooms, Cathy Kroymann responded by telling us that what the school board gives us now is "good enough." In other words, stop bugging us, we'll tell you what you need and what you can have -- we're in charge here.

I find this arrogant and dismissive attitude absolutely appalling and totally inappropriate. The goal of the members of the school board should be to offer the very best education possible to as many students as possible.

In November of 2003, when three members of the school board are up for reelection, I hope Palo Alto voters will look very carefully at how those members voted on this issue. Cheryl Vicenti Birch Street Palo Alto
Missing the harbor

Editor,

I visited mountain View's Shoreline Park and was impressed with the number of people using the facilities at the lake. I returned to the Restored Wetlands in Palo Alto and was shocked to see how few people are using the facility. The ever-popular Duck Pond, which originally was a swimming pool, is great.

There were 109 slips for boats at the harbor. The county passed a bond to expand the park system in Santa Clara County. They leased the harbor from Palo Alto and would do the dredging if Palo Alto would provide a place for the spoils.

The county wanted to add a few more slips so it would break even. They were discouraged because well-meaning members of the council wanted a wetland rather than a harbor, and they violated the lease.

The county withdrew from the lease. An election to save the harbor was held. The Yacht Harbor was defeated in 1985. Immediately, all boats had to be out and the docks removed. The Sea Scouts, Mariners and all boaters had to go elsewhere.

Today the channel markers are still standing. It was a beautiful, safe harbor and the only access to San Francisco Bay in Santa Clara County. I have been told that thousands of people took advantage of the harbor and learned to sail. It officially became a harbor in 1928.

I am sure the shore birds, redbellied harvest mouse and clapper rail would have been happy sharing the six acres of harbor with humans as they had done for years before. Jeannette Remmel Lincoln Avenue Palo Alto
Praise for Lytle

Editor,

At last we have a City Council member interested in the whole community rather than merely being happy for membership in an exclusive, nine-person club. That member is Nancy Lytle.

In nearly four decades in Palo Alto, I have never seen a council member attend small neighborhood meetings other than in their own area. Nancy Lytle does.

I had never had an answer to a letter before from a councilperson until Nancy Lytle sent one.

I never knew we had a City-School Liaison Committee until recent days, thanks to Nancy Lytle.

Over the years, the city has zoned housing projects without regard to school impact. The school makes parking lot and traffic decisions without regard to neighboring streets such as the Georgia Street problem around Gunn High School, etc., etc. Coordination?

Mrs. Lytle seems to be the only person willing to ask questions (even embarrassing ones). She sets a high standard for other council members.

No, I don't know her personally and she doesn't even know who I am. John Elman Hubbartt Drive Palo Alto
Support expansion

Editor,

As a longtime resident, businessman and community volunteer, I support the Hyatt's proposal to provide 302 apartments along with a new hotel. Here are a few reasons for my support:

1) Prior to being able to own my own home, I remember the number of apartments that I lived in. Our city needs to be diversified with all types of housing opportunities, and apartments that are near the El Camino bus routes is a good location for a mix use of hotel and apartments.

2) It has become more difficult for businesses to keep employees who cannot afford to live near where they work. Hyatt's requirement to provide minimally 45 below-market-rate apartments out of 302 may benefit Hyatt employees and a number of other businesses in our city to provide nearby housing for its employees.

3) As a past president of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and volunteer in a number of our city community organizations, I appreciate Hyatt Rickeys contributions to our community over the past 40+ years. They have been a good corporate citizen and neighbor to non-profit organizations, businesses and residential neighbors who have held events at the hotel over the many past years.

Hyatt deserves our support. Rick Stern Webster Street Palo Alto
City needs to act

Editor,

I am writing in support of the redevelopment of the Hyatt Rickeys property.

The time has come for the city to act on this matter. The community has watched the current hotel slowly crumble for years. It is no longer something we can take pride in. Hyatt's years of commitment to Palo Alto and the need for quality hotel rooms and community meeting spaces in our city are both ample reasons the city should approve the project.

Regarding new housing, people no longer question that all cities -- including Palo Alto -- must make room for more housing. This site provides an excellent opportunity for our city to incorporate housing without affecting the character of the surrounding area. The fact that Hyatt is including below-market-rate units on the property should serve as further incentive for all concerned.

In conclusion, I ask that the city commissioners and City Council members review carefully the EIR as well as the project. Their decision should be based upon what's best for the City of Palo Alto. In doing so, I am confident that they will come to the same conclusion that I have. Todd Flesner Middlefield Road Palo Alto
Preserve the magic

Editor,

The "new" Disney Channel is ignoring the very principles it was founded under and is spitting on the Disney name as a whole. The following are quotes from once-proud Disney Channel viewers who have signed a petition:

"I grew up with the Disney channel of the late 1980s/early 1990s, and the whole format was sophisticated and directed at a family audience instead of a small group of kids."

"Walt Disney created many things in the hopes of bringing families together, and I think the current Disney channel has lost sight of that. Sadly, they've lost the 'Disney' vision in many things, but I digress."

"It was on Disney that I first saw a lot of the Disney classics as well as Hollywood classics like the musicals of Rodgers and Hammerstein."

We are not saying they should get rid of programs such as Lizzie McGuire. Rather, mix current shows in with other programming such as Disney park history specials, behind the scenes shows, classic Hollywood films, Danger Bay, Mousterpiece Theater, cartoon series from the Disney Afternoon and Walt Disney's television shows.

Not every fan can get up and watch traditional Disney programs at some un-Godly hour. Hey, why not just turn Disneyland into a giant playground with shops? After all, it would be cheaper to operate and future generations will only see it as a giant kiddy area. Not the family entertainment giant it once was. Just like the Disney Channel.

The company today preaches about family, yet at the same time ignores the very aspects and principles of family entertainment upon which they were built. When the Disney Channel ignores these ideals, they help to stop the Disney name from flourishing.

Not just as a company. Flourishing into what it was destined to be. But also as a man. What he was always meant to be.

"It is not myself I am thinking about, but it is the effect of what might happen to whatever is left that bothers me." -- Walt Disney.

To join the campaign and sign the official petition, please visit: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/preservethemagic. Daniel Mart Awalt Drive Mountain View