Parents who drop off their children in the red zone(s) at Columbia Middle School are creating a hazard, and an accident is just waiting to happen.

Parents are the ones setting the example for their children. Children see parents ignoring laws, even minor ones, and that sends a very clear message: "I can break the law if no one catches me."

Are parents so busy and in such a hurry that they are all willing to risk a student's life? That is exactly what happens each time a parent blocks the red zones, where emergency vehicles park—not to mention that they create many blind spots for drivers and students who are following the law.

In addition, those parents who drop kids off in the red zones that are directly at crosswalks are also creating a serious hazard because these cars block drivers from seeing who is crossing the street.

Parents need to be smart and safe for everyone and not park in the red zones!

—T. R-Saldivar, Sunnyvale


Resident concerned about children's street safety

I am writing to express frustration about our children's safety in Sunnyvale. Since the 2001 school year we have had several students hit by cars. Just today we had another. Thankfully, none of these accidents have been fatal. The purpose of my letter is to see if there is any way you could get the message across to slow down, especially in school areas. Children should have the right to walk to school feeling safe, not wondering if they are going to be hit by a speeding car.

When I arrive for work at Columbia Middle School, there are many cars that just go around the kids who are crossing in the crosswalk. Other cars speed by the school at 35­40 mph.

This is disturbing. I hope this message reaches out to the community.

—Gloria Diaz, Sunnyvale


Officer Penny is a big hit at Challenger School

Once in a while we are privileged to meet someone special. One of those special people visits Challenger School at Tarrington and Hollenbeck.

Our students' faces light up when she appears at Challenger School. The students run to this special person, calling her name, whether in the school auditorium or outside in our schoolyard.

If the students are outside playing, they ask her if she will join them. If they have a little problem, she helps them solve it. Others surround her, asking questions about her job and how long she can stay.

This special individual always has a smile on her face. She enjoys interacting with the students. The students question her over and over about her job and her uniform.

She is a joy to teachers, office secretaries, principal, supervisor, security guard, extended care teachers, maintenance workers and whoever else is involved with Challenger School.

This great lady is Officer Penny, a Sunnyvale public safety officer. The students run to her yelling, "Officer Penny. Officer Penny. Officer Penny is here. Can you stay?"

—Bernice P. Fitzgerald, Sunnyvale