LETTERS LETTERS (September 07, 2005)

Support for restoring Sausal Creek

Editor:

After reading the heartfelt letter written by Matt Stoecker, one of our "homegrown" residents, I felt I had to voice my support for his arguments towards restoration of Sausal Creek at the Town Center project.

While Mr. Stoecker's findings are persuasive ecologically, I believe the benefit to the community aesthetically, as well as spiritually is also important. Many of us long-time residents are having a difficult time endorsing the need for a new community center based on the projected costs.

However, we might be more enthusiastic if the creek restoration was included in the project. One only needs to visit San Luis Obispo or Reno to appreciate the value of sitting by a babbling creek or rushing river, watching young children, mothers and even grandparents dipping in their toes.

New buildings, landscaping, and soccer fields might provide the basic needs, but a lovely creek feeds the soul. To delay the inclusion of the creek concept to a later date means the unlikely event of it never being realized. Yes, there is a slight increase relative to the overall cost of the project, but we know it would be far greater if postponed several years. I urge others who feel similarly to write to or speak to our community leaders and endorse the Sausal Creek restoration.
Donna and Marty Mackowski

Los Charros Lane, Portola Valley

Better idea for Valley's new library

Editor:

Last week's Almanac editorial indicated that the new Town Center at Portola Valley is a step closer to construction, despite its $20 million cost.

With today's internet and modern telecommunication technologies, I wonder why are we investing in expensive wood, bricks and mortar for a new library. I have a better idea.

Instead of building an expensive new structure, I suggest that a portion of the now accrued funds be used to subsidize the use of broadband access by Portola Valley residents, to provide for its information needs.

Of the $4 million currently accrued for the Town Center, let's assume that half will be used for the new library. Let's also assume that there are approximately 2,500 households in Portola Valley. Doing the arithmetic, means every PV household would be entitled to $800 for the installation and use of broadband telecom facilities, whether it be provided by cable modem, DSL, or satellite.

Think about it: no more money needed to support expensive building construction; no more trips to the library, saving gasoline and its pollution effects; no more day care kids, masquerading as PV residents; no more noisy children and patrons to disturb one's concentration; and no more maintenance and librarian personnel to pay. After access to broadband, one may never need to use a bricks and mortar library, ever again. A. Engen

Los Trancos Road, Portola Valley

Portola Valley owes a lot to Bob Brown

Editor:

"See ya." Those were the last words I ever heard Bob Brown utter, when I had called on him at his home not long before he went into Veteran's Hospital for his last stay.

Marion Softky, in her profile/obituary in last week's Almanac, did a super job recounting Bob's life and some of his exploits as a volunteer for the Town of Portola.

Bob and I worked closely since we first met as members of the Portola Valley Association in the 1950s. The town owes Bob a huge debt of gratitude for all that he did over the years, until he retired in 1982.

Being a member of the original Town Council, he became its second mayor, after Nevin Hiester. In the town's interest, he was always fearless, frugal and forthright, doing his job thoroughly and in a quiet manner.

I don't believe the town has seen a more experienced, dedicated, giving and knowledgeable volunteer than Bob Brown. I'll miss you friend. "See ya," Bob, just maybe.

Bob Anderson

Portola Road, Portola Valley

Allied Arts renovation is spectacular

Editor:

The renovation of the Allied Arts Guild and the surrounding gardens is spectacular. This oasis of quiet beauty is a visual and cultural benefit for the Peninsula.

The architectural treasure of this home has been preserved for future generations to both enjoy and learn from. Where else, on a Peninsula now filled with unimpressive mini-mansions, can one find such a graceful spot of earthly heaven?

It is important to remember that the "raison d'etre," the reason of being, of the Allied Arts Guild is to provide continued financial support for the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford. This world-renowned hospital provides care for thousands of needy children, many of whom would not receive appropriate medical care if this hospital had not been painstakingly built, financed and continually supported by the Packard and Hewlett families and the foundations which carry on their good work.

The reason of being of the Allied Arts Guild and its two auxiliaries is to promote, educate, continue and to financially support the care of minor children through the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.

This is a project well worth the entire Peninsula's support and participation. This project will save the lives of minor children. Given that primary context for the Allied Arts Guild, any continuing lawsuit, by any party, against this guild or its auxiliaries or financial supporters seems an insult and an act of personal cruelty to the children whose very lives depend upon the financial support created by the Allied Arts Guild.

Mary Perkins

Kings Mountain Road, Woodside

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