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Vigil was peaceful, interfaith
Editor,
In the editorial last week, you mischaracterized the interfaith vigil for peace in Mitchell Park as an “Israel rally.” I was one of the organizers of the event. It was prayerful, peaceful, and sponsored by Jews, Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. We said we stand with the people of Israel after the horrors of October 7th, we condemned the murders and rapes of the Hamas attackers, and prayed for peace for all innocents. As a Rabbi, I felt it essential to say that we pray for Israeli and Palestinian innocents and children. We sang hymns of peace. We prayed Hindu prayers of well being and healing. The vigil was intended to provide comfort to the local Jewish community as well and for this I am deeply grateful to all our partners and all who attended. This was an event for peace and comfort just a few weeks after a terrible and brutal day. I hope you will correctly refer to it as an interfaith vigil in the future.
David Booth
Paul Avenue, Palo Alto
Land development should address local inequities
Editor,
The article on the state of the “real” royal-estate in San Mateo County serves to highlight the real despicable inequities within this county. Considering the statewide issues of unhoused populations, and unaffordable housing for lower and middle class ordinary folk — people who work and live (or are forced to commute long distances) in this and surrounding counties (Santa Clara and San Francisco.) Public educators/front line working class folk are only a few but essential (undervalued) parts of this local and regional economy; they are examples of those who will likely never come close to earning $500K per year.
In my opinion this “camino real” traversed these days in this time, by all, is not solely for nouveau royalty and does not serve community/ies and their inherent value in general very well. The state, counties, regions, municipalities, urban planners, developers, especially in “real” estate, might well factor this into consideration within the scope of their short/mid and long range goals and objectives and bottom line, as populations continue to grow, ebb and flow in and out the San Francisco Bay Area.
As with many things, Newton was basically correct, what goes up must come down. The hope is that there is more of a balance in the plan and the process for land development, and the allocation of vast resources for all residents in this “pristinely prized” environment as it evolves.
Michel Bochow
Gellert Boulevard, Palo Alto
Eleanor Pardee Park needs bathroom facilities
Editor:
I moved here in the summer of 1965, and I still have the same phone number that I received in that time. I have moved within the city, but always remained within Palo Alto, a place where I have raised my children, supported the schools, churches, and businesses. Because of my long affection for the city, I am writing to urge my fellow residents to plead for a bathroom at Eleanor Pardee Park.
I know that some of the surrounding neighbors opposed having a bathroom with the excuse that it would encourage unhoused people to stay in that park. However, I urge the elected members of our local government to be wiser and more generous in your decision to place a bathroom in that park. It is a large area, and also has a community garden adjacent to it. Many children and their parents and caregivers use the play area. Many others, especially the elderly local residents, use the walking areas. Many local residents use the community gardens. My Tai chi group, also elderly, use the paved circle area every Monday. In short, the many residents who use the park need a bathroom. Otherwise, without a toilet facility, children and others are forced to relieve themselves behind bushes and trees, an unhealthy, unnecessary alternative indeed.
Palo Alto has always prided itself as an enlightened, caring community. Please continue that culture in urging the city council to provide a basic facility that any local park or recreation area deserves, and please do it as soon as possible.
Shannon Griscom
Melville Avenue, Palo Alto
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