LETTERS LETTERS (September 29, 2004)

Question of facts on traffic plan

Editor:

Ross Wilson has his facts wrong (Endorsements last week). The citywide Neighborhood Traffic Management Plan (NTMP) supported by Transportation Commissioner Mary Gilles (and a 4-2 majority of the commission) requires pre-approval by 60 percent of residents (not 67 percent) for installation of traffic calming devices.

This standard evolved from an "Interim NTMP" (51 percent majority) that has been in place for the Willows since 1995. The supermajority would reduce the risk of divisive, costly disputes that occur when traffic calming is installed without solid neighborhood support.

Mr. Wilson claims the Transportation Commission "suppressed" the results of Willows cut-through traffic counts. Yet, he was present at two meetings where the results were discussed by the commission. He knows that there have been two written staff reports and one written report by a commissioner - all open and public.

Much of the "cut-through" traffic identified by the counts is simply our neighbors in the East Palo Alto corner of the Willows. Some are literally next-door neighbors of Menlo Park residents. Meanwhile, an absolute majority of all traffic on some adjoining Palo Alto streets is Willows residents "cutting-through" their neighborhood - as we have for a century.

Mr. Wilson's solution (proposed elsewhere) to this "problem" is to block most of the 12 Menlo Park Willows entry points, creating a quasi-private enclave. The backup plan is a "maze" like the one that caused the conflict of the early '90s. It's unthinkable that the city would allow such a radical upset to the Willows and its neighbors without, at least, the support of a solid majority of residents. I'm sure the City Council will realize this and uphold the supermajority threshold when the NTMP comes before them next month.

Eric Doyle
Laurel Avenue, Menlo Park

Valley should appeal to young families

Editor:

I have read Virginia Bacon's excellent letter in last week's Almanac and wish to offer a different perspective on the planning for the new Portola Valley Town Center.

The new facility is to serve the town for the next 50 years or more and must therefore be based on a vision of the direction we wish the town to go.

We must plan to attract young families with children who will benefit from our excellent schools rather than provide facilities for those over 65, many of whom came here as a young family and reached seniority here. The quoted census figure that 37.6 per cent of households have residents who are over 65 should make clear whether this figure includes the Sequoias.

In any event, the new town center should not be based on satisfying the wants of current senior citizens and other adults but on attracting young families who wish to raise their children in a town with outstanding schools, with a world class library and with adequate athletic facilities.

Bernard F. Bayuk
Paloma Road, Portola Valley

Make room for children in Town Center

In regard to the issue of space for children in the new Town Center:

There is an urgent need for pre-school facilities for our children. Ed Driscoll's suggestion that the classroom space be provided and that the ultimate use can be adjusted at the time they are built, is a good one. At that time, it still would be possible to decide on alternate uses for the space.

It is my understanding that funding for the new Town Center is not yet in place, and that a resident has offered a substantial contribution to help construct and operate several classrooms in the facility.

There can be no more important need in the community than the needs of its children.

I was a member of the Portola Valley School Board for five years, having served with Tom Ryder, Sally Stewart, Keith Breon and Wendy Haskell. I was on the board when the decision was made to move the school to its present Corte Madera site because of concern about the proximity of the earthquake fault. The town was a benefactor of this move.

Now the time has come for the town to act in the interest of its children by providing classroom space at the new Town Center.

Dominick Berardinelli
Cherokee Way, Portola Valley

A refreshing way to spend an autumn day

Editor:

A great American recipe. Success guaranteed.

Take a lot of open space, a playing field, some earthquake-prone buildings, a beautiful autumn day (September 19).

Mix randomly with three-quarters of the population of Portola Valley, including some dogs, a batch of well-aged Sequoians, children in all sizes, a giggle of gorgeous teen-aged girls separated by a gaggle of boys with roaming eyes.

Sprinkle in some ponies along with patient petting zoo sheep and other small furry creatures and garnish with Bill Lane's welcoming voice.

Add instructions by Audrey Rust on how to make the dough rise, bake until the sun goes down and enjoy with a food line that never ended accompanied by red and white wine (your drink of choice if your recipe calls for a fork, knife and spoon).

And voila! A community fiesta with spirit, fun, food, and all for a wonderful cause. This recipe will keep well, but should be refreshed the following year. Yum.

Trish Hooper
Portola Road, Portola Valley

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