LETTERS LETTERS (May 18, 2005)

Council member Cohen did the right thing

Editor:

Andy Cohen hit a homerun last week for the residents of the Willows neighborhood. Not only does our market get to keep its check-cashing service, but we get a safer neighborhood.

There has been a public outcry for two years from hundreds of concerned Willows neighbors because of the robberies at La Hacienda Market. Successfully pulling off five robberies in 21 months, the last in broad daylight at 10 a.m. on a Saturday in April, several men with automatic weapons and wearing masks have been running through our back alleys and yards.

On May 5, the Menlo Park City Council directed staff to initiate abatement proceedings to declare check-cashing at La Hacienda Market a public nuisance on Mr. Cohen's motion. The council also ordered staff to draft a new regulatory ordinance to be considered simultaneously with the nuisance abatement on June 9. The council vote was unanimous.

It's now up to the owner of La Hacienda Market to avoid having the check-cashing operation declared a public nuisance and abated. If La Hacienda Market meets all requirements set by the city, then the city will dismiss the nuisance proceedings. This is a win for all involved. Not only do our neighbors get to cash their checks, but we all get to shop in a safer environment.

Council member Cohen led the charge at the council meeting, in understanding that check-cashing, a valued service for La Hacienda, must be properly protected and regulated by the city. He recognized, not only that local cities have ordinances in place (Oakland and Redwood City) to protect customers, but that there are workable solutions, such as a time release safe and magnetic card systems, to reduce the danger to everyone.

Diane Mavica

Menalto Avenue, Menlo Park

Strong support for Atherton tax

We live in Atherton because of the wonderful quality of life.

We like the special care, personal concern, and responsiveness of our police department. We like our well-maintained roads and drainage systems. We like our efficient town staff. We are willing to pay $2 per day, the cost of a Starbuck's coffee, for these services.

Join us and vote yes for the renewal of the parcel tax, Measure W, on June 7. Let's win for Atherton.

Bob and Marion Oster

Flood Circle, Atherton

Other ways to finance Atherton government

Editor:

Well, now that forbes.com has called Atherton's ZIP code "the tops in the U.S. for home prices," maybe we voters should take a look at the parcel tax.

My tax bill shows the town receives 12 percent of my assessment. With $92.8 million sold in 2004 by one agent alone, and 150 construction projects currently in progress, it seems the City Council should address the question, "Don't these funds add significantly to the town's coffers?"

Another source of dollars would be the council taking a big look at developer's fees. Atherton's are significantly lower than Hillsborough, Woodside and Portola Valley.

Not all of us are rich. Let those with the assets to build or buy homes ranging from $5 million to $25 million pay the parcel tax. The council will not even consider a senior citizen exemption for those of us over 70.

Let's get creative with funding solutions. Diane Daube Sperisen

Southgate Street, Atherton

Money and time well spent?

Editor:

Sometimes, I feel that Menlo Park is an unreal place to live and people do not look at the big picture when traffic and their little streets are concerned.

Why in heavens name does a one block street on Sharon Road between Santa Cruz Avenue and the Alameda need three speed bumps when the street itself is so bumpy that in order to go as fast as 25 mph the driver is really pushing the car and makes the ride very uncomfortable for herself and any passengers?

I drive that short block frequently to get to my home and going 20 mph down that bumpy road is really pushing it. Couldn't that money have been put to a better use?

Lorri Holzberg

Sharon Road, Menlo Park

Fence out owners too, at Caltrans reserve

Editor:

Caltrans blocked its Edgewood Road property from dog owners and wild flower walkers, but not the private homes that border the area.

If Caltrans is going to block it off for private access until they decide what to do, they need to block it off for everyone. That means Caltrans should put up the same fencing, and signs on all private gates as they have on the public access points.

The property owners are the ones who are making a big deal about the usage, not anyone else. People (state taxpayers) have enjoyed using the area for years. It is not the personal property of residents who happen to live next door.

There is very little open space in this area and we need to share it. We all pay for it, and everyone should have a chance to enjoy it. Being out in the open with my dogs and the wonderful flowers bring me such joy. I hope they (Caltrans) don't take that away from us.

Colleen Anderson

Parker Avenue, Atherton

E-mail a friend a link to this story.