Vehicle owners may be making break-ins worse by a bad habit

QThere have been several break-ins of cars parked in my neighborhood. One person admitted he failed to lock his car. Amazing.

AMaybe not so amazing. Recently there were various reports of thefts from vehicles and residential garages at 10 locations in Los Altos. In all cases, the suspects targeted unlocked vehicles to steal items. In some cases, they located a garage door opener, got into a garage and found additional unlocked vehicles from which to steal property. Police advise:

• Always lock your doors.

• Do not leave keys inside your vehicles.

• Do not leave garage door openers inside your vehicle when left outside.

• Consider a vehicle alarm system and arm the system when the vehicle is unattended.

• Remove all personal belongings from within your vehicle when unattended.

QIs there any way to ask the owners of the newer electronic billboard off Highway 101 at Interstate 880 to place it

ALook for the brightness to ease in one of two ways. The sign folks will modify it or drivers will get used to it.

QAre there requirements for providing sidewalks in certain areas of San Jose? I work near Lundy Avenue and Fortune Drive, and most of the surrounding area is devoid of sidewalks. I see people walking in the bike lanes at lunchtime, but that’s too scary for me.

AFor several decades, San Jose has required private property owners to build sidewalks when constructing new buildings or significantly improving existing sites. However, many parts of the city were constructed before these requirements went into effect.

While some streets that serve industrial land uses were not initially required to include public sidewalks, new sidewalks will be required when property owners build new buildings or make major improvements. In addition, the city continues to seek grants to help add sidewalks to high-priority locations.

QOh did one of your columns hit home. I have a disabled parking placard and a healthy dose of guilt many times when I use it. I am a paralytic polio survivor, have COPD and neuropathy in my feet. Often, I feel like the whole world is frowning down on me when I use a disabled parking place. The truth is that as a polio survivor, I’m not supposed to walk long distances and that is the basis for my placard.

AWhich is why I recommend not getting bent out of shape by placard holders who may appear fit but have hidden disabilities.

on night mode for us early morning commuters? We’re already blinded by the new LED headlights. One less bright light to save our eyes would be wonderful. — Laura Keenan