ReaderWire ReaderWire (December 24, 2004)

A pair of 'angels'

On Sunday, Dec. 19, an anonymous "angel" found my wallet in Menlo Park. Inside there was no address, but there was a business card from a Nordstrom manager.

This "angel" took the wallet to the manager, who retrieved my address, but couldn't find my telephone number. This second "angel" came to my house that evening to let me know the wallet had been found and would be waiting for me at Nordstrom.

The actions of these two thoughtful people are a cheerful reminder that the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Menlo Park and Palo Alto.
Sylvia Walker
Stanford Avenue, Menlo Park

Noise makers

Regarding the article in the Weekly (Dec. 15) about the City Council and the Palo Alto libraries, the bottom line is that the College Terrace residents got upset and made a lot of noise.

Since the City Council listens to whoever makes the most noise, it put its tail between its legs (as it usually does in these cases) and voted against any library closings.

As usual with the City Council, it is the vocal residents that get their way, regardless of whether the general good of all of the residents of the city are served. This is a lesson that certain "neighborhood leaders" have put to good use over the years in order to get their agendas taken care of.

Next time, please report what is really happening with the City Council and their fear of upsetting certain "powerful people" in the city.
Marvin Sommer
San Antonio Road, Palo Alto

Bravo to council

Bravo to each of the members of the Palo Alto City Council. They stood together on the night of Dec. 13 and resoundingly rejected the city's proposal to shut down two revered Palo Alto institutions, branch libraries.

As a more than 50-year resident and library lover, I am deeply proud of the unambiguous declaration the council members sent to our library director and city manager. They listened carefully to the people they represent and defied a wholly unacceptable proposal for a city like Palo Alto.

The proposal was a shameful one dictated by persons ignorant of the history and texture of the culture of our unique city. Home of a major university, cradle of Silicon Valley and coveted as one of America's most desirable residential cities, we are not Fremont or Sunnyvale or Mountain View.

No civilized society closes libraries except recently (Salinas). Would we wish to be like them? Banks and gas stations close branches. Would Palo Alto close several of our parks, fire stations or grade schools without public outcry? Would governments close branch post offices or train stops in the name of economy?

Thanks to the council for its courageous and enlightened stand. It has preserved our beloved institutions and neighborhood values while withstanding budgetary pressures. The council members names and the good they have done will be remembered long after they have gone and their vision and integrity will long endure.

Stand up and take a bow.
Vic Befera
Bryant Street, Palo Alto

Menlo tunnel time

A bike tunnel/overpass for the Caltrain tracks is a great idea for Menlo Park, but it should be built as part of the Ravenswood grade separation.

Otherwise, an expensive tunnel might have to be torn apart and rebuilt as part of the separation. Integrating the tunnel into the separation project will greatly reduce the cost and make sure it doesn't need to be done over again.

Menlo Park has done without such a bike separation for a hundred years, so there's no rush to get it done before the grade separation.
Sue Kayton
Doris Drive, Menlo Park

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