I am horrified by Mr. Martinez's letter to the editor. I've lived in Portola Valley since 1987 and I was undone. Who did this in such a horrible way? I know the people in the "private dog park" what a lot of crap...if I brought a dog to this I would NOT be treated this way. I'm so sorry Mr. Martinez----we are not all awful people out here, but I worry that my town is getting more and more like this. I'm undone reading your paper. I also know the people on the Race and Equity Committee so I'll for sure contact them. They will be horrified. Thank you so much for writing this letter. If there is a way to actually write you directly (I'm afraid you won't be reading this) I would like that. There needs to be a reconciliation....So very sorry. JoAnn Loulan

Oscar Martinez’ account of his treatment at Portola Valley’s Town Center was very distressing. It is bad enough that any Town resident would behave as he described; it is worse that such small-minded behavior was meted out by someone purporting to be a former PV officeholder.

As one who actually is (without doubt) a former Town and San Mateo County officeholder, I want in some small way to make up for the harm done to Mr. Martinez. I invite him, his dog, and any guests he would like to bring, to join me and Luke (who is the pup I belong to), as our companions for a tour of our beautiful Town Center and as much of Portola Valley’s public open space and trails as stamina allows.

All must be welcome in Portola Valley—especially our public spaces—without regard to residency, ethnicity, national origin, religion, or political views.

As a firm believer in vaccines, and spaying or neutering of mature dogs for safer social interactions, these two things are my only requirements.

Luke and I look forward to meeting Mr. Martinez, and his adorable dog. I have optimism that by doing this we will make (at the very least) two new friends.

Such a result would be a small ray of light to come out of the dark and despicable treatment that Mr. Martinez depicted. In our current unhappy times of excessive hate and distrust, friendship and enlightenment are what we all must strive for.

Jon C. Silver

I'd also like to invite Mr. Martinez to bring his dog for a walk at nearby Windy Hill Open Space Preserve. Though only leashed dogs are allowed there (and there's no trash collection so dog owners have to bring their poop bags back to their home trash bins). However, as a volunteer trail patroller, I love to see happy dogs and their humans enjoying walking there. For an off-leash experience on MROSD lands, there is an off-leash area at Pulgas Ridge OSP (across Edgewood Road from Edgewood Park), as well as several on-leash hiking trails.