Publication Date: Friday Nov 14, 1997

ReaderWire

On election results:

Thanks from Duf

I just wanted to thank the people of Palo Alto, and especially those who supported my campaign, for making this campaign one of the great experiences of my life. This is a remarkable community, and I am proud to be a part of it. My friends did things for me I would never dream of asking anyone to do; and I have made so many new, dear friends. At the outset my major concern was the burden this experience would place on my family. Yet, due to this experience, we are closer than ever. I also have learned so much about myself. I believe in the process. It works for the people of Palo Alto, and I am richer for having been a part of it. Duf Sundheim Florence Street, Palo Alto

On theater review:

Rethink review

I'm protesting your review of Kiss of the Spiderwoman (Weekly, Oct 31.). I and a couple of other people who attended thought it was absolutely fabulous. It totally stood on its own and really should not be compared with other productions. I think that is a failing often of reviewers, that they compare local performance with others, either movies or plays performed elsewhere. Let's let this stand alone, on its own, its merits are excellent in every way. I highly recommend it to others. Go and see Kiss of the Spider Woman. Elizabeth Seaman Nelson Drive, Palo Alto

On Weekly's column:

Only a game

Jerry Hearn's article (Board of Contributors) in the Nov. 5 issue was outstanding. This 76-year-old Ivy League graduate is appalled at the lack of sportsmanship that is displayed today. The antics of football players and coaches does not set a very good example for young people. Howard Dallmar the former coach at Stanford had it right when he said "It's only a game." He wanted to win as much as any coach in any sport. The University of Pennsylvania resurrected an old plaque and will install it at the Palestra where basketball is played. "It's great to win in basketball, it's better to have played the game; It's best to love the game." That is true for any sport. Henry K. Brodersen Forest Avenue, Palo Alto hkkb@earthlink.net

Measures of trouble

Thank you for the Board of Contributors column by Elizabeth Weal in the Weekly, Oct. 22. I, too, spent time with Matt (about half an hour) and agreed with him completely. However, the $40 contribution he requested was a bit high. Don't tell authorities but he could have brought a measure of trouble upon himself. . . no permit. It is against the law to solicit in Palo Alto without one. Fern Ann Carr Lincoln Avenue, Palo Alto

On other subjects:

Blending in

How unusual and refreshing to see major home "remodels" that blend in with their modest-sized neighbors in terms of style and scale. I refer to 947 and 973 Embarcadero Road, both medium sized one story ranch style houses, projects of the Evam Group. Thanks, Evam Group, for not defacing a neighborhood. Toby Williams Kellogg Avenue, Palo Alto

Ode to Fairmeadow

"We love Fairmeadow, yes this it true, to leave Fairmeadow will make us blue. Please don't take away our school, oh, how could they be so cruel. Oh, dear Fairmeadow, we hate to part, we hold Fairmeadow deep in our hearts. Please don't take away our school, Fairmeadow we love you."

This song will be sung on the voice mail of all the administration and the PTA Council until we get the correct answer--that Fairmeadow will be safe at the place where they belong--at their school site on East Meadow Drive. Joyce Osageide Ferne Avenue, Palo Alto

Underpass art

I also want to add my appreciation to the artist for painting such a beautiful mural inside the California Avenue underpass. I've been walking through that disaster on my way to work for the past six years, gritting my teeth and focusing on the ground. It was so horrible. Now it is an absolute pleasure. I hope the city will fund this artist to do more, perhaps the other wall as well as other underpasses in Palo Alto. Kris Geiger Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto

Bad behavior

I am wholeheartedly disgusted by Robert Bruss's comment (Weekly Home & Real Estate, Oct. 3) in regard to how a reader should qualify for a personal tax exemption on his house, "To qualify, kick out the tenants, move back in. . ." Does the shameless greed and callousness that typifies too many landlords in the Midpeninsula have a welcome home at the Palo Alto Weekly? It appears that the worst of human behavior is living much too comfortably in my neighborhood. Deborah Levoy Post Office Box 1291, Menlo Park

Thanks from reader

I am writing because I experienced a very pleasant surprise after dining at Gombei restaurant recently. This small Japanese restaurant in Menlo Park is a favorite with many people. I had paid my bill which was $10 inadvertently with $21. Nobu, the owner and host of the restaurant ran out into the parking lot to find me to let me know that I had overpaid my bill. I think that such honesty and integrity ought to be recognized. Estelle Gregory Crane Street, Menlo Park

Stop the madness

As a grandmother of children living in this area, I am very concerned about the Greenhouse Effect. It is well known that cars are one of the chief factors in producing this global warming, as well as putting by-products in the atmosphere that can cause asthma, breast cancer, etc. We need to find alternatives to the huge car with a single driver. I don't think we should encourage cars anymore, which is why I supported Measure M. Let's stop the madness now. Bobbette Latham Kellogg Avenue, Palo Alto

Celebration of diversity

On Saturday Oct. 18 Stanford played Arizona State in football in Stanford Stadium. The game was reported in the major newspapers and through them throughout the country. At the same time something more important was going on. It was unreported. Here on the Peninsula as well as the Bay Area and many other parts of California there is no ethnic group which constitutes a majority. We are all minorities in schools as well as throughout our society. We all must learn that this diversity enriches our lives. On Saturday a number of groups of dancers and singers performed to the pleasure of 40,000 people. Hopefully they understood and enjoyed this first celebration of our diversity. Jack Robsertson Lucero Way, Portola Valley 

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