ReaderWire ReaderWire (December 26, 2003)

Word to the Weekly

Before my retirement as the Supervising Librarian for the Palo Alto Children's Library becomes official on Dec. 30, 2003, I wanted to thank the Palo Alto Weekly for its support of children's services.

I'm grateful for the many years that the Weekly has listed library programs for children in its calendar section. These listings allow the community to attend special events and learn more about this most unique and wonderful library. And its continued sponsorship of the short story contest is most appreciated.

It has been a wonderful experience to serve this special community for 22 years and to have the support of businesses like the Weekly's to further services for families. Katy Obringer Retired Supervising Librarian, Palo Alto Children's Library Harriet Street, Palo Alto
Alternate route

In last Friday's issue (Dec. 19) a Mr. Doug Taylor of Gailen Avenue writes about biking to work near the California Avenue CalTrain Station and using Middlefield Road.

Please don't Mr. Taylor.

Middlefield Road is for the cars. Instead, use the path adjoining the back of the C.A.R. senior center to cut through (oops, sorry) Mitchell Park and follow Cowper Street (stop light at Oregon Expressway).

Take your choice of either Oregon frontage immediately across the expressway, or California Avenue a little further up. Use the bike/pedestrian underpass at California Avenue and High Street to get past Alma and the railroad tracks.

It's a fine ride and psychologically less time consuming than driving and parking a car. Good luck. Michael Goldeen Tasso Street, Palo Alto
Nasty 'Anonymous'

The Weekly recently reported the anonymous crank letter written to Jamie and Elizabeth Wong warning them about proceeding with the renovation of their home on Webster Street (Dec. 12).

This particular project went through protracted and costly review but got final city approval earlier this fall. Shortly thereafter the Wongs received this anonymous letter with racial overtones, warning that to continue with their project could result in problems for them.

Such a letter is a shocking travesty of and insult to our democratic process. In Palo Alto we place high value on political correctness, due process and respect for divergent points of view. This letter insults every Palo Alto resident.

Such hate-filled letters have no place in our community, and when these do appear, we need to speak up in protest and say loudly and clearly, "not in our city, not now, not any time, not any issue."

I have written to the Wongs to express my personal sorrow that they have been subjected to this kind of vindictiveness. I have assured them, rightly I believe, that the majority of Palo Alto residents feel the same disgust for this kind of material. This sort of action has no place in our political process. It needs to be rejected by each one of us, for if we let it go by unnoticed, it is only a matter of time before such actions become an unchecked matter of course.

I hope "Anonymous" will reconsider and send a note of apology to the Wongs and the rest of Palo Alto's residents. Richard C. Placone Chimalus Drive, Palo Alto
A meatless holiday

The year-end holidays are upon us: Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, Winter Solstice. They conjure visions of families gathered by a warm fireplace, opening presents, sharing their love, and ... feasting on ham and turkey.

It's the happiest time of the year -- for some.

But for the millions of factory-farmed pigs and turkeys, our holiday season portends only agony, despair and death after a lifetime of caging, crowding, deprivation, drugging and mutilation.

Each of us can refuse to subsidize such wanton violence and cruelty during this holiday season by choosing plant-based foods that abound in every supermarket. There are fresh fruits and greens and soy-based deli slices in the produce section, veggie burgers, soy nuggets, and ready-to-eat dinners in the frozen food section, and a variety of soy-based milks, cheeses and ice creams.

This year, let's have a truly gentle holiday. Let's send the message of "peace on earth" to all living beings. Ken Brandt Northampton Drive, Palo Alto

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