Jun 13, 2008

Letters

Jerry Hill's election

Dear Editor: As a longtime political observer in San Mateo County, I see the election of Jerry Hill as an anomaly. With the instant runoff voting supported by the San Mateo County Democratic Party, I have to believe that Richard Holober's votes would have ensured the election of Gina Papan. Jerry Hill should concede. Let a real Democrat compete with a real Republican, (and, with IRV, the third parties might also get a chance).

Jack Hickey,

Emerald Hills



Sheriff Munks

Dear Editor: I find myself in agreement with the editors of this paper that Sheriff Greg Munks must explain his brothel visit. With the number of legitimate neon-lit spas (most of the hotels have one) in the Vegas area, I find it most difficult to believe that he would go into an unlit house in a "shabby" part of town. The sheriff must realize that he has a duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, as must District Attorney Jim Fox, Supervisor Jerry Hill and all of our other officials who chose not to investigate. Must we call for state Attorney General Jerry Brown to investigate? It seems that the good sheriff not only cherry-picks the laws he enforces (he hasn't given us the reasoning behind his refusal to assist the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement a while back) but also the laws he obeys.

Lyle Merbs,

Menlo Park



Theater flap

Dear Editor: I watched the Palo Alto City Council discussion Monday and the following thoughts occur to me.

The city's police auditor, Michael Gennaco, is evidently unwilling to do the extensive review of the police investigation of the Children's Theatre staff that most members of the council seem to want. In addition, he's not really objective. He is too closely connected to the police department and the chief.

I suggest the council ask the candidate for police auditor who was not hired if he would do what the council wants. If the city is going to pay for an extra contract, it does not have to be with Gennaco.

It should hold out for an investigation that will answer its questions and choose someone truly objective.

Natalie Fisher,

Palo Alto



City shenanigans

Dear Editor: Last November, I ran for Palo Alto City Council with the notion that I could help the city with some clear thinking. Given the performance of the current council, I can not tell you how happy I am that I did not get elected. On the current council, we have members who are clearly part of the problem and not the solution. First, we have council members who are publicly expressing their opinions on an active police investigation. That may not be illegal but it surely is unethical. If that were not enough, we now have evidence that these same council members are actually complicit in the shady dealings of the Children's Theatre as well as the "Friends" organization. And now they want to hire (at our expense) a consultant to exonerate themselves for their lack of ethics. Worse yet, our captive Palo Alto press continues to provide them a platform for their perverse view of democracy. If we are going to spend taxpayer money, I would vote for a complete and thorough audit of city government including the council.

By the way, our recent city auditor found a new job rather than deal with the system. There are enough recent shenanigans to warrant a thorough overhaul. Oh, I forgot, this is Palo Alto - dream on.

Smokey Wallace,

Palo Alto



Gay marriage

Dear Editor: On May 15, the California Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting gay couples from marrying was unconstitutional, making California the second state to grant gay couples the right to marry. Seeing this happening means so much to me, even though I myself am not gay. From a historical standpoint, gay rights activists have gained a lot since the 1969 Stonewall Riots that touched off the gay civil rights movement. For years, the gay community has struggled to gain recognition. It is, without a doubt, one of the greatest victories in the history of gay rights since the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that allowed gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender couples to finally legally marry in 2004.

What is even more amazing is that the ruling was made by a conservative court. The move was even supported by Gov. Schwarzenegger, a Republican himself. If these were not enough to show the change in the wind, then the Field Poll taken recently should. The poll showed that for the first time in decades, a majority of California voters are in favor of gay marriage.

In short, I remain hopeful that the gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender community in California will be able to keep this victory alive through the November ballot, and that the community will continue to break down discriminatory barriers.

Stanley Yu,

Los Altos Hills,

Gunn High School student



Watch your children

Dear Editor: Please warn your readers to ensure a responsible adult accompanies children to playgrounds, especially during holidays, breaks or summer vacation. At times, my daily walks take me past playgrounds like the one at the Redwood City school between Roosevelt and Oak avenues just west of Hudson Street.

On one occasion during spring break, I saw a young girl (about 11 years old) playing alone on the playground on the Roosevelt side across from Iris Street. From a distance, I saw an older man standing outside the fence watching her before he proceeded into the play area where she was. He sat down and waited until I had passed. Since there were no others in the school area or on their morning walks, I kept walking a little past Hudson, before I turned around and came up the other side of Roosevelt. By this time a woman walked up to the playground side of Roosevelt and watched the two from outside the gate. She was the mother of the child. I asked the child if she knew not to talk to strangers, and she responded that she did. Case happily closed on that note, as we safely walked away, while the older man continued to sit in the playground - perhaps waiting for the next child to come along.

As Redwood City police and teachers cannot monitor playgrounds when school is not in session, parents should ensure that their children are properly supervised when they go to play. In addition, a policeman in the area said that citizens who are concerned about the safety of children playing alone and watched by passers-by (usually older men) should be encouraged to call 911 - a good reminder for me to also carry my cell phone at all times.

Karen Keefer,

Redwood City