Burglaries: feeling of violation lingers
In response to your Nov. 6 article, “Life after a burglary:” We were also burglarized at our home in Los Altos on Oct. 22 but that was in 2019, five years ago.
I want to add to the article that it is difficult to ever get over the shock of feeling violated. We were also gone on vacation, and they came around to our backyard, smashed the sliding glass door and entered the family room then master bedroom. We had a home alarm system, and the sirens went off. However, the burglars know that police will not arrive for at least five minutes. This is enough time for them to grab the jewelry box containing family irreplaceable items – no diamonds, just items precious only to me. We also have a camera at the front door but what good are photos of masked men in jeans and hoodies?
We have since installed locks on the gates, on the inside and connected the outdoor camera to our cell phones. However, to stop the criminals I believe would require the following actions.
1. A permanent police headquarters in South Los Altos, like at Loyola Corners so that they could appear in less than the five-plus minutes it takes from their current headquarters in downtown.
2. Surveillance cameras at the main arteries into the Highland, Sierra Ventura area like at Grant Road and Foothill, and at Loyola and Foothill, so that their license can be recorded. This has met local opposition due to people worrying about their privacy. Believe me, if you were burglarized you would not worry about your privacy. They have done this in Saratoga, and it has cut down on their home burglaries.
Myra Orta
Los Altos
City should not pay for theater
In November 2021, after giving $38,000 toward a feasibility study, council set aside a parking plaza for five years to “allow Los Altos Stage Company (LASC) sufficient time to raise funding for a downtown theater” and “not require the city to contribute any financial or staff resources.”
Three years later, LASC board president Vicki Reeder claims “widespread support,” but has not been able to raise even $5M in seed money. LASC’s consultant provided a starkly realistic view: “The theater has a 60% chance of success with large gifts at the beginning and a 25% chance without.”
Nonetheless, at the November 12 council meeting, LASC will try to get “the positive affirmation from the city council to move forward with the project and the clear definition of the city’s participation and role in the project.” In other words, they’ll ask for more money.
With 25% odds after three years, when Bay Area theaters are closing, this is clearly not a viable venture.
If wealthy Los Altans are not willing to ante up, will council place a $5 million bet with city money – after saying they would not contribute financial resources? Tell council, “Just say NO!” The odds are against us.
Pat Marriott
Los Altos
