LETTERS LETTERS (September 21, 2005)

Why a bricks and mortar library is worth it

Editor:

In response to last week's letter from A. Engen, who would like to see the demise of the Portola Valley Library in favor of broadband access fees supplemented for residents, I would like to explain what a library is and how vital it is to an educated, thriving community.

A library is not just a collection of books. It provides access to all forms of information whether they are books, magazines, computer terminals, CDs, DVDs, film, recordings and interaction with professional librarians. Why do we need librarians? Librarians are the experts in the storage and retrieval of information. Some of us need help in using the latest technologies, while others do not. The librarians are there for all aspects of knowledge enhancement.

To hold a book in your hand, to browse among the stacks are just a few of the edifying experiences that would be lost along with the library. The gathering of children for story time or wandering in the children's section of a library is one of the first steps in a child's education. There are quiet areas for reading and research along with reference help from the professional librarian.

Computers are wonderful. They have introduced tremendous possibilities in all fields and are a permanent part of our lives. But, hard to believe, there are people right here in Portola Valley who may not own a computer or who may not be able to use one. They depend on libraries for their information. Walking into a library can be the highlight of the day for many persons. There is a social interaction in a library, just being near others who have a thirst for knowledge.

Using libraries is using your mind and exposing yourself to new ideas in whatever physical form they take, be it a book, a song, or an ancient tablet. Carol Kornfield Wintercreek, Portola Valley

Why did heritage trees have to come down?

Editor:

I have lived in the town of Woodside for well over 30 years. Trees of every kind have always been protected in Woodside where trees are a most important part of the town.

The property at 3000 Portola Road is a 45-plus acre parcel in the heart of Woodside. The many ancient eucalyptus, some 200 to 300 feet tall, gave that parcel its magical character. Alas not any more. Each and every one of those magnificent trees has been cut down.

I drive by the area daily. I cannot express how shocked I am by the devastation of that site. This is the largest logging operation in Woodside in over a hundred years. How could it have been permitted? I am deeply disturbed by the devastation of that once lovely area, which to me appears like mindless and wanton destruction.

During a storm about three years ago, a eucalyptus branch fell on a PG&E high voltage wire that, in turn, fell to the ground and ignited a pile of debris that had accumulated over a period of months or even years.

Simplistically, some blamed the eucalyptus tree that was the source of the branch, and concluded that all eucalyptus trees are fire hazards. It could have been an oak, madrone or redwood tree branch that fell on the power line.

Edward Nelson

Grandview Drive, Woodside

Is Atherton ready for a big emergency?

Editor:

During the last three weeks Atherton residents have asked me, "are we prepared and what will be different?," referring to the impact of hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast.

My parents live eight miles from downtown New Orleans. They had 18 inches of water in their house; many of my friends had eight feet and have lost everything. I went to a New Orleans mid-city high school where I was a classmate of Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu. I "rode out" major hurricanes in the 1960s, was there for the major flood in 1978, and have closely watched the local response to the current crisis.

During the first week of a disaster food and water, communication and information are in high demand. Every day, I was checking Web sites for local updates. I would then call my parents and friends who do not have access to the Internet.

Last week I requested the Atherton town staff to include an article on emergency response in the next Athertonian. The town should develop a method to update its Web site frequently during an emergency and have detailed emergency operations plans updated, including links to other sites that can be of help.

With parcel tax dollars Atherton has enlarged two drainage culverts in the drainage channel to reduce the possibility of flooding. We are fortunate to have one of four California Urban Search and Rescue Task Force teams located in Menlo Park and their supplies stored in Atherton along with provisions for our own town's first responders.

Atherton Police Sgt. Eric Grimm is assigned and trained to be our emergency operations center commander. He has five years training and developing response plans and working with county, regional, and state response teams.

However, local residents should be able to sustain themselves for seven days with food, water, flashlights, radios, and more. Some residents have taken the time to take emergency rescue training from the Menlo Fire Protection District, and would be able to help in their neighborhoods. Many more of us need to take the training so police and rescue teams can focus on the most pressing needs during a crisis. Although there are lessons for us to learn from New Orleans, we have systems in place.

Information about preparedness is available at the Atherton Police Department, including the following items: home and family disaster resources, first 72-hours checklist, and earthquake preparedness, and other useful guidebooks. Charles Marsala

Atherton vice-mayor

Advice for Portola Valley voters

Editor:

This fall, the town of Portola Valley will be (among other things) voting to elect three council members.

There are four candidates who have filed. Two are currently council members, Ted Driscoll and Richard Merk. Two are new candidates, Sally Ann Reiss and Mary Ann Derwin. So, voters are going to have to make a choice. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Candidates: Be respectful to each other. After all, when you are elected, there may come a time when you need one of their votes to get an issue passed. Since you will be on the council for four years, the community will be interested in some specifics from you about town governance and issues.

Citizens: Find out what the candidates' view is on your concerns. You may do this by attending forums, coffees, and other events. Also, call the candidates and speak to them directly. One of the things council members take on as elected officials is citizen accessibility. Also treat each other respectfully whether you agree on all issues or candidates. Common courtesy, you know.

Kirke Comstock Coalmine View, Portola Valley

(Mr. Comstock is a former Portola Valley mayor and council member.)

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