In "Freeway is an asphalt jungle," published in the Jan. 29 Sunnyvale Sun, Carl Heintze speaks for many of us in describing the worrisome nature of local freeway driving. Unfortunately, while freeway time can be minimized, similar problems plague our city streets, creating special concerns for pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users and others.

For instance, walking across Stevens Creek Boulevard often brings new meaning to the phrase "too close for comfort," and cyclists in the Stelling Road bike lane can find impatient motorists illegally darting into it to use it as a passing lane. Traffic around schools is another special concern, with discourtesy and craziness far too commonly seen. Ironically, this includes some parents, seemingly oblivious to the mixed message that while children are instructed to follow the rules at home and in school, Mom or Dad don't follow the rules of the road.

Most discouraging, though, is that many people won't even consider a bike ride to the park or walking children a few blocks to school. It's a dubious sign of civic progress that those with little respect for other community members should dictate others' use of their neighborhood streets.

Change is unlikely to come about solely by cities putting more limited tax dollars into projects like red light cameras and speed bumps. Rather than excusing ourselves with the "Everyone else does it" line, the change must start with each of us. Set the right example. Slow down. Stop at stop signs. Respect the law and your neighbors. Start today—don't make the two minutes you think you saved getting somewhere two minutes that permanently change someone else's life.

—Kevin Gregory, Sunnyvale


Separate standard for gay immigration unfair

I want to thank you so much for putting in print Leslie and Marta's story. It is totally unjust that gays do not have equal immigration rights in the United States.

It's unbelievable that 15 other countries are ahead of the United States on this issue. Thank you again for printing a story that is crying out for more media attention.

—Belinda Ryan, Fremont


Emigrating for love

I was forwarded the article "Immigration won't recognize gay unions," which ran in the Jan. 25 edition of the Sunnyvale Sun. I want to thank you for addressing the issues of the couples interviewed and sharing their stories with your readers.

I am an American in a same-sex relationship with an Australian. To be with my partner, I had to leave the United States and move to Australia 1¹/² years ago. Australia recognizes same-sex partnerships as a means for immigration. Peter is not allowed to live in the United States as my partner. I decided to leave my family, career and country behind to be with the one I love. I wish that I had never had to make the choice.

Thanks again and please know that your newspaper reaches far and wide when it reports on such important matters.

—Matt Young, Sydney, Australia


Quotes on commitment keep traditions straight

I take exception to this week's letter from Laurie Ann Weber attempting once again to bestow legitimacy on same-sex unions. Nobody doubts the "sincerity" of the people involved. What is in doubt is their "value." Marriage between a man and a woman is sanctioned and encouraged across history and cultures as the best (though not the perfect) arrangement for rearing a society's children and fostering economic and social stability.

When a couple stands up in the presence of their family and friends, they covenant to provide a favorable environment for the values that their community has evolved.

Thus society has an interest in traditional marriage. Not so for same-sex unions: two "parents" of the same gender are NOT a satisfactory role model for a child; the stability of such arrangements is precarious; and regardless of their feelings for one another, they are making a statement of rebellion against their families and their culture. I hope you will continue to put such a "commitment" in quotation marks where it belongs.

—Elizabeth Erickson, Sunnyvale


Focusing on one artist helps all the art groups

I would like to commend your reporter I-Chun Che on the well-written and informative Jan. 29 article on Connie Chin, cellist for the Palo Alto Philharmonic. She captured the essence of Chin's career as a musician.

I want to compliment the Sun on recognizing the importance of publicizing the arts, since many groups are struggling in these recessionary times. When you profile musicians such as Sunnyvale resident Connie Chin, you bring the public's attention to all arts groups and the various performances that are going on in the Bay Area.

Thanks for your support.

—Maxine Goodman, Communications Director, Palo Alto Philharmonic


Vice mayor voted for one and not the other

Please note that there is an error in the Feb. 5 Sun article "Council wrestles with housing ordinance," where it was stated that "Vice Mayor Tim Risch dissented on the purchase ordinance." In fact, I supported the purchase portion of the ordinance but did not support the rental portion. This action was based on two reasons.

The first reason is the call by many members of the public for further review and analysis prior to adoption, and the second is that the rental ordinance would in fact make the development of rental properties, which currently are not viable in Sunnyvale, even less viable and could delay the rebound of multifamily housing development in the city.

—Tim Risch, Vice Mayor, Sunnyvale