For the record, since David Niles was referenced in last week’s article “No Love on the Courts,” I want to point out that I never received any reports from staff or fellow players that David was disrespectful to anyone on the courts. He paid his fees and, as far as I know, he conducted himself in a professional manner at all times. I do not believe that he was one of the players who took advantage of the lack of a court monitor.
I also want to repeat that the abusers were a small number of players who made it difficult for our staff and many other players. As the executive director, I received complaints that our monitoring was too restrictive and I also received complaints that it was not strict enough. In the end, we had to establish reasonable rules and then enforce them for all.
I regret that the transition of Las Positas Tennis Courts from the city to Elings Park has not been smoother. Being an eternal optimist, I hope that someday we can put our differences aside and celebrate the opening of a restored Las Positas Tennis Center.