Letters to the editor

Editor,

Regarding "Open space advocates tout charter amendment support” in the April 25 edition of the Daily Journal, I was concerned to see the statement that the Redwood City mayor "expressed frustration city officials weren’t informed of the press conference” because I happen to know that the Open Space Vote Coalitiion gave the mayor advance notice of the event.

The mayor is certainly entitled to her opinion, but the media should report facts. And the fact is that if thoughtful citizens had not taken action, Edgewood Park would today be a golf course, Bair Island would be paved over, and plans for Marina Shores would not have been substantially scaled back.

Sometimes citizen action is urgently necessary, particularly when government does not appear to be truly listening.

Marianna Raymond

Redwood City Increasing noise pollution

Editor,

Every day, most of us are subjected to vehicle noise pollution. It comes from modified car, truck and motorcycle exhaust systems that can emit ear-shattering levels of sound, as well as loud, "boom-box” car stereos that disturb the peace of our residential streets and downtown areas.

How often have you been in your home, shopping downtown or in a restaurant, only to be disturbed by these unwanted, noisy intrusions? We and several other couples now avoid going to restaurants in downtown San Mateo and Burlingame because we don’t want this type of noise disrupting a nice evening out.

Unchecked vehicle noise pollution is a form of urban blight. There are existing state and city laws to restrict this behavior, however we see no evidence of police enforcement. Further, noise pollution is not a victimless crime. It affects our property values and studies link it to increased levels of personal stress.

It’s time for our city government(s) to make enforcement of vehicle noise laws a higher priority for the police.

J. Focaracci

San Mateo

Affordable housing to preserve diversity of community

Editor,

As a member of the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo, I am writing to add my voice to those who have expressed an interest in more affordable housing in San Mateo. I believe it is important for the welfare of individual community members and for the good of the community as a whole.

From my perspective, one of the biggest riches of this area is its wonderfully diverse population. If we don’t have housing that is affordable to people across the full range of income, this diversity will to be lost. I am heartened to learn that the city of San Mateo is considering an expansion of its affordable housing policies and hope that it will do everything possible to ensure that the rich diversity of our community is preserved.

Caryl Hughan

San Mateo