LETTERS LETTERS (October 26, 2005)

Bayfront golf course a bad idea

Editor:

The Menlo Park City Council's proposal for a golf course at Bayfront Park is a bad idea.

Bayfront Park is the largest area of open space left in Menlo Park, extensively used by walkers, joggers, dog walkers, kite and model airplane fliers. It is the only park of any size available to Belle Haven residents. It is also the only access to the bay in Menlo Park.

The City Council has neither requested nor received any citizen input supporting a golf course at Bayfront Park. I doubt that a golf course would appeal much to Menlo Park residents. Those that play golf are likely to belong to clubs or play at the Palo Alto municipal course.

A golf course is not the financial panacea the city expects. The two other Peninsula cities that have golf courses on the bay, San Mateo and Palo Alto, have spent considerable money dealing with ground settling and salt encroachment. Those cities have also retained ample parkland along the bay, something that Menlo Park would not.

Before the city rushes into this ill-advised project, I urge City Council members to visit the park, talk to the users, and seek other public input. It is hard to imagine who thinks this would be a good idea -- except, perhaps, an astute developer who sees a city desperate for revenue and willing to give up its most precious assets.

Jonathan Propp Santa Margarita, Menlo Park

Society commends young author for pet article

Editor:

On behalf of the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA staff and volunteers, I want to commend one of your young correspondents, Katie Blankenberg, for tackling a tough subject and writing a wonderful article about coping with the loss of a pet in last week's Almanac.

And, our hearts go out to Madeline Scannell and her family who've lost not one, but three dogs in three years. They've recently opened their home and hearts to fourth dog. We could only wish that every one of our homeless shelter animals could find a family like the Scannells.

As Katie pointed out in her article, coping with this loss can be devastating. People experience emotions similar to those felt when a loved family member passes away. For this reason and because some people might not have family or friends to offer support, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA holds a Pet Loss Grief Support group the second Thursday of each month. Free to the public, the group is led by a counselor who volunteers her time. To learn more, call 650/340-7022, ext. 344.

Scott Delucchi

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

Support for restoring Sausal Creek

Editor:

After reading a recent heartfelt letter written by Matt Stoecker a number of weeks ago, I felt I had to voice my support for his arguments towards restoration of Sausal Creek at Portola Valley's 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 ever 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

A gift of books for Louisiana

Editor:

In the midst of a very successful Menlo Park Book Fair 2005, four very talented volunteers, two former library commissioners and two representatives of the younger generation collaborated to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Aldora Lee, longtime Friend, commissioner and charter member of the library foundation, recruited this talented group, including Anne McQueen, a former commissioner and current school librarian, and the granddaughters of outstanding volunteers and Friends, John and Joan Inglis, Jerusha and Kasey Inglis. In their own youthful volunteerism, they represented the kindergarten-eighth grade generation very well.

These four selected and set aside gently used, age-appropriate books during the bag sale at the Book Fair on September 18. The books then were packed, weighed and prepared for shipping. After inquiries, Aldora went on the Internet seeking a school library home for these books. On the same day, just hours after the message was sent, a request came from a K-8 school district that had been hit by Katrina and had lost their main warehouse; the district now had an alternate address in Baton Rouge, an indication that their recovery was going to take some time. They were starting from scratch.

Two days later the Friends of the Menlo Park Library mailed four boxes (120 pounds of youth books) to Baton Rouge. In so doing, the Friends joined the efforts of Corte Madera and Caesar Chavez Academy in working to help schoolchildren in that hurricane-devastated area

Aldora has received additional requests for help, and her wish is to help restore a valuable infrastructure. Perhaps a network like the group who helped Kepler's might develop locally for Katrina-impacted schools. The needs of even one school district seem a daunting challenge, but obviously many good people are willing to help.

Tim Goode

Friends of the Library

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