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Publication Date: Friday, June 04, 2004 Letters to the Editor
Letters to the Editor
(June 04, 2004)
St. Vincent offers successful auto donor program
Editor:
Your recent editorial "Buyer beware before donating cars" highlights an issue close to us at the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. Having begun our auto donation effort in the 1980s, we have seen many changes in how others conduct such programs.
We recently engaged a highly reputable firm, Desert View Auto Auction, which has provided us with a return well in excess of 50 percent, takes all donated vehicles and handles the entire process. We are also in compliance with the anticipated IRS reporting legislation now pending before Congress.
We use the funds generated to support service programs to our neighbors in Santa Clara County, and there are other charitable organizations that have done their homework and carefully selected their provider. You have done a service to the community by describing abuses possible with such programs and also by reminding your readers that donating a vehicle can still make a valuable contribution to a worthy cause.
Andrew D. Tait
Manager, Vehicle Donation Programs
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Santa Clara County
Time for local candidates to consider running
Editor:
Once again, it is time for residents to consider running for local public offices. Among the offices on the November ballot are four of the seven seats on the Mountain View City Council. The deadline for filing papers will be Aug. 6 -- unless an eligible incumbent does not seek re-election.
Under our city charter's two-consecutive-term limit, only two council incumbents may run again. If either does not run, the deadline would be extended to Aug. 11.
Why should residents consider running for office? Well, there are personal benefits. Each council member receives not only a small ($500/month) salary but also the medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage otherwise reserved for full-time city employees as well as equipment, expenses and, as most voters just learned, two glamorous VIP passes to all Shoreline Amphitheatre events.
In a letter to the Voice published May 28, former candidate Rosiland Bivings wrote that "part of the reason (she) ran for Mountain View City Council in the past was to have access to those (Shoreline) concerts tickets." Good to know.
I suggest a better reason to run for office is to make a positive difference in the operation of the city government, school district or other local agency. Officeholders are rewarded by being given the power to make important decisions and can be further rewarded if they use that power to make a positive difference.
In addition, a local office can be a stepping-stone to higher offices. For example, our current state Assembly member, Sally Lieber, was a one-term city council member.
If good people do not run for local offices, not-so-good ones will run, win and then move up to races that are largely determined by money and image.
Gary Wesley
Continental Circle
Perry commended for giving up Shoreline tickets
Editor:
Rosiland Bivings' explanation in last week's issue of the city council's free Shoreline tickets, (non)-conflict of interest, and Council member Greg Perry, prompts me to commend him for recognizing the inherent conflict with the tickets and thus refusing them. Maybe next time he should take the tickets and give them to her.
Helen Grinich
Carol Avenue
Disgusted by Bivings' quest for Shoreline tickets
Editor:
It was with complete disgust that I read the letter by Rosiland Bivings regarding the Shoreline ticket controversy. After her ad hominem attack on Greg Perry ("naive and sanctimonious"? Try "fair and principled") Bivings said, "Part of the reason that I ran for Mountain View City Council in the past was to have access to those concert tickets."
I personally don't remember the press conference where Bivings, when asked why she was running for city council, answered, "Well, I could talk about civic duty and building a strong community ... but actually it's those great seats that I'll get at Shoreline." I just don't think that would have gotten her a lot of votes.
Further, while Bivings may consider it inconvenient to "go through a litany of questions... on what you would do if elected," I can't think of anything more important to ask a candidate. Forget about any potential conflict of interest -- we need to get rid of this policy simply to insure that people like this do not run for city council. I applaud Greg Perry for his stand on this issue.
Randy Hair
Tyler Park Way
Volunteers deserve some Shoreline tickets
Editor:
I'm writing about the free tickets Mountain View City Council members receive from Shoreline Amphitheatre. I applaud Greg Perry's example to give up his tickets. He is the new blood that is needed in Mountain View.
I have been a volunteer at Shoreline Park for 14 years. When I first began donating my time back in 1990, the volunteers were given free tickets to the concerts from time to time. All that stopped when the people in charge of the Volunteers Task Force in Mountain View decided to dispose of the tickets through a drawing.
I think it would be a nice idea for the Mountain View City Council members to donate their tickets to the very deserving Volunteers Task Force.
This might be an incentive for attracting more volunteers to the different areas in need.
Felipa Woodworth
Space Park Way
Veteran gives tips on bike commuting
Editor:
Your article on biking to work points out the difficulties that beginners face when first starting to commute by bicycle.
First, of course, is the fear of being out on the street with all those distracted, impatient drivers and their large vehicles. I've commuted by bike for years, and it still sometimes gets to me, but, by and large, most drivers are courteous, and if you know how to ride safely and visibly, you can be safe on the road.
I've picked up most of this by experience, but experience is a tough teacher, and a course can be a great way to learn how to ride safely. Bike education courses are offered by the City of Palo Alto and by organizations throughout the Bay Area (check www.511.org for a complete listing).
Another difficulty is route-finding. In her case, the writer's choice of a route home along Central, although bikeable, is not for the faint at heart. Just because a route works in a car does not mean that it is the most enjoyable, or even the quickest, on a bike. Returning via Villa to Rengstorff, would have provided a much more pleasant experience.
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, choosing to avoid the very peak of the peak traffic can help make the ride more pleasant.
The Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition (see www.svbcbikes.org) promotes the bicycle for everyday use and can serve as a resource for finding a good route, and for general information on bicycling as a mode of transportation.
I started using my bike to commute and for errands over 20 years ago, and have never regretted it. It keeps me fit, provides a change of pace in the day, and, most of all, it is fun. By now I am crazy enough that I even enjoy riding in the rain (as long as I can hop in a shower at the end).
As with starting anything new, there are many challenges, both mental and physical, but, in my book, biking to work is well worth the energy.
Paul Goldstein
Emerson Street, Palo Alto
'Wrapped' trains can be a pain for riders
Editor:
The "Rolling billboards" story in last week's issue didn't mention my main complaint about the "wrapped" Caltrain cars. The visual clutter of the ads makes it harder to spot the signs identifying the special features of certain cars (luggage racks, wheelchair access, bike cars) as the train pulls into the station.
Yes, regular riders know where such cars are normally located. However, new riders and infrequent riders are less familiar with the normal train configuration. Sometimes trains run with a different configuration, and many cyclists like riding in the second bike car (when there is a second bike car) because it's less crowded.
If Caltrain continues "wrapping" cars with ads, then they need to make sure that these signs remain clearly visible.
Darin McGrew
San Luis Avenue
Los Altos did right thing to back Gay Pride Day
Editor:
Hurray to the four Los Altos City Council members who had the courage to re-vote in favor of the first Los Altos Gay Pride Day.
They have set a wonderful example for our Gay-Straight Alliance, uplifted the students' spirits and made them feel an accepted part of their community. These students work very hard to make sure all people are treated and respected as a human being.
Because of the council's leadership, other small cities are already planning to have their own Gay Pride Day.
Ruth Gibbs
Adviser for Gay-Straight Alliance, Los Altos High School
Teens got wrong message on Gay Pride
Editor:
Teens today get hit with a barrage of harmful sexual messages from television, record companies, retailers, high school clubs and now the Los Altos City Council. In short, bravo, Ron Packard.
Sarah and J. Gordon Nichol
Rengstorff Avenue
Editorial had it wrong on Gay Pride
Editor:
I read your editorial last week which says, in part, "discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is no longer moral or legal."
I think the editors do not understand the distinction between morality and legality. For example, prostitution and gambling are legal in Nevada but there are a lot of people who think these practices are not moral.
Morality is not determined by newspaper editors, judges or even state legislatures. Many people believe that homosexuality is an abomination, in fact over 70 percent of California voters rejected same-sex marriage in a statewide referendum recently.
The city council members of Los Altos caved in to political-correctness-gone-crazy just like they did when they let the lawyers defending the so-called First Amendment rights of illegal aliens scare them into reversing their decision on undocumented workers.
The editorial goes on to state that "Today's struggle for gay rights is similar to earlier fights in this country to ban discrimination against minorities in schools and other institutions." While this argument is false on its face, one should remember that these "fights" brought on a system that replaced one form of discrimination with another in the guise of "affirmative action."
Just consider this: if the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals declared that gravity was un-constitutional, would you immediately jump off a cliff?
Ron Lautmann
St. Julien Way
Define limits when discussing discrimination
Editor:
With regard to a polarizing issue covered in your last week's editorial, "Gay pride wins out in Los Altos," I urge careful thinking and reflection along with respectful public discussion about the underlying principles of the issue rather than specific conclusions reflected in opinions on the matter.
Your editorial brought up the morality and legality of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Several points are crucial to address in this regard. First, it is important to define clearly what is meant by "discrimination." Second, it is important to reflect on how the term ought to be applied.
Are there any limits in its application? In other words, are there limits that allow for "just" discrimination? (For example, certain sexual practices, such as pedophilia, incest, etc.) If there are limits and instances where discrimination is required, then who sets the boundaries, what criteria ought to be used, and why?
Burford Furman
Richard Court
No harm in special day for gay pride, tolerance
Editor:
It was great news to hear that the Los Altos City Council had reversed itself and followed the recommendation of the Los Altos High School Gay Straight Alliance to set aside a Gay Pride Day.
I was quite upset that they had voted it down when the matter first came before the city council. We can't expect to demonstrate our tolerance to today's youth without taking the steps necessary to indicate we care about these issues as well.
It will give a boost to the kids in our local gay straight alliances (Los Altos, Mountain View, Cupertino) to have this day of tolerance set aside as well as bringing enlightenment to others. Setting aside a tolerance day does no harm to anyone and gives hope and inspiration to those who have been held down for too long.
Doug Dexter
Terrace Drive
Disappointed that Los Altos Council changed its mind
Editor:
I was exceedingly disappointed to learn that the Los Altos City Council changed its mind on Gay Pride Day since I strongly feel it had it right the first time.
Such a celebration is totally inappropriate for this community. Further, the council showed a clear lack of leadership and courage, caving immediately when confronted by a mere dozen people who voiced objection to the council's previous decision. One wonders what sort of message this sends to our citizens, and is this typical in the council's deliberations -- being able to be swayed into flip-flopping by a tiny minority of vocal objectors?
The real question isn't "Why shouldn't we have a Gay Pride Day?" It is "Why should we?" Past mayors of Los Altos have not proclaimed any cause for a celebration day for years. Now they have one representing such a small minority and over a divisive issue.
There must be many other groups that would like a celebration for themselves if this becomes the norm: the Norwegians, Montanans, and Dallas Cowboy fans to name just a few. Does anyone actually believe that these groups are being discriminated against if denied a "Pride" day? No, the current request by the gay and lesbian group reflects their own narrow agenda, cloaked under an incorrect definition of "discrimination."
Even our country's racial minorities resent comparing the current quarrel over sexual orientation issues to their prolonged struggle for equal rights. The fact is that the majority of the citizens in our community still recognize Biblical and Judeo-Christian values and beliefs for standards of morality.
Fortunately, in this country each citizen has a right to choose his/her own code of conduct, including sexual orientation. However, there simply is no justification for demanding that the entire community endorse these choices, much less celebrate them in this way.
Gordon Pilcher
Amalfi Way
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