OUR NEIGHBORHOODS RESULTS ATHERTON | MENLO PARK | PORTOLA VALLEY | WOODSIDE in Your Neighborhood… OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

4(%!,-!.!#s%$)4)/. Successfully Getting OUR NEIGHBORHOODS RESULTS ATHERTON | MENLO PARK | PORTOLA VALLEY | WOODSIDE In Your Neighborhood… OUR NEIGHBORHOODS

Successfully Getting

RESULTSATHERTON In Your Neighborhood…

International President’s Premier Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents WOODSIDE Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents ATHERTON OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD. 650-566-5353 [email protected] MENLO PARK International President’s Premier Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents WOODSIDE Top 1% of Coldwell Banker Agents OVER ONE BILLION DOLLARS WORTH OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. not but reliable, deemed Information

PORTOLA VALLEY 650-566-5353 MENLO PARK [email protected]

WEST ATHERTON ALLIED ARTS/STANFORD PARK LADERA SKYWOOD/SKYLONDA For more information or to view my current listings, please visit my Web site at: www.HughCornish.com PROFILES, MAPS AND VITAL FACTS OF FEATURED NEIGHBORHOODS IN THE COMMUNITY WWW.THEALMANACONLINE.COM Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. not but reliable, deemed Information

PORTOLA VALLEY ALM_NH09_cover.indd 4 12/12/08 12:59:59 PM We build lasting relationships… that build timeless homes.

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INDEX ATHERTON ...... 7ATHERTON Lindenwood ...... 11 ...... 13 Lloyden Park ...... 15 West Alameda of ...... 17 West Atherton ...... 19 MENLO PARK ...... 21 Allied Arts ...... MenloCentral Park 23 ...... Park Menlo Downtown 25 ...... 27Felton Gables ...... 29 eld Oaks Linﬁ Sharon Heights...... 31 ...... 33South of Seminary Suburban Park/LoreleiManor/ ...... Flood Triangle 35 ...... University Heights 37 ....38 Haven Willows/Belle The ...... 39 Oaks Fair PORTOLA...... VALLEY 41 ...... 43 PortolaCentral Valley Ladera...... 45 ...... Ranch Portola Valley 47 Westridge ...... 48 ...... WoodsideHighlands 49 WOODSIDE ...... 51 Kings Mountain...... 52 ...... 53 Road Home Mountain Skywood/Skylonda ...... 55 ...... Woodside Heights 57

Judie Rachel Block, Rachel Judie Sue Dremann, Editor Dremann, Sue Courtesy of J. Robert Taylor, Taylor, Robert J. of Courtesy Veronica Weber Taylor Properties PHOTOGRAPHER: VICE PRESIDENT SALES AND MARKETING: SALES REPRESENTATIVES: DATA: HOME-SALES Walter Kupiec Kathryn Brottem, Connie Jo Cotton, Neal Fine, Merritt Joan Lewkowitz, Rosemary If you are looking for information about Fair If are you tory and anecdotes through the words of the words through residents. tory and anecdotes recollections Some of from the views personal, are opinions to a neighborhood be, about how used to what Find out about about traffic and schools. their neighborhood. into settle to residents drew neighbor- each makes or what Learn about schools book local hangouts to — from alive hood come parks and gatherings. races, groups, Hills Stanford Forest, Park Oaks, Menlo Oaks, Park; in Menlo Acres Weekend and Stanford Woods/ Los Trancos Park, Brookside Blue Oaks, or Emerald Hills, Valley; in Portola Verde Vista Glens Woodside Valley, Farm/Hidden Family please visit Woodside, in Hills Woodside and www.paloaltoonline.com/real_estate.

Additional copies of The Almanac Neighborhoods are available at available of are Almanac Neighborhoods copies The Additional Alto at the Palo is available Neighborhoods Alto Palo Almanac for $5 each. The is Neighborhoods Altos View/Los and Mountain Alto Palo 703 High St., Weekly, for $5 each. View, Mountain #3, Ste. Ave., Evelyn West 655 Voice, at The available online at www.PaloAltoOnline.com available All publications are All rights reserved. Co. Publishing Copyright Embarcadero © 2008 and 2009 by without permission is strictlyReproduction prohibited.

EIGHBORHOODSEIGHBORHOODS Gail Thoreson and Scott Peterson and Thoreson Gail Raul Perez Raul Nick Veronin Nick MENLO PARK | PORTOLA VALLEY | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA VALLEY PARK MENLO |

650-854-2626 • • 650-854-2626 N Gail Thoreson and Laura Don Laura and Thoreson Gail Tom Gibboney Phyllis Butler, Karen Canty, Kate Daly, Sue Dremann Sue Menlo Park, CA 94025 ost real estate magazines offer estate ost real sense without any “just the facts,” Almanac the 2009 But of place.

ART DIRECTOR: DESIGNERS: DESIGNERS: MAP WRITERS: PUBLISHER: EDITOR: RESEARCHERS: Susan Golovin, Monique Johnson, Karla Kane, Susan Robles, Kathy Schrenk, Kris Young 3525 Alameda3525 de las Pulgas URUR

STAFF AlmanacOnline.com www.The Without a neighborhood, a house is just an a neighborhood, Without Some neighborhoods include boutique award- these experience you’ll following the pages, In ATHERTON

O M edifice. But people and a neighborhood a But give edifice. its character. place horse-back riding winning others, In wineries. may “Home” the norm. is down the main street bright from city lights — or away seem worlds a vibrant bustling with downtown restaurants door. the front from away be steps could bits ofneighborhoods descriptions, through his- Neighborhoods provides a sense of provides Neighborhoods commu- Atherton, in the people who live by as told nity, Woodside. and Valley Portola Park, Menlo • EDUCATION Make sure you learn everything you can about what’s happening in the market. To whom are you selling? From whom are you buying? What’s going on in the neighborhood? The more you know, the stronger your position will be. Siobhan O’Sullivan knows the Mid-Peninsula!

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• NEGOTIATION Everything, as they say, is negotiable. Not only the price, but the length of escrow, allowances for repairs, owner rent-backs, and much more. Success means asking for what you want − and knowing what to ask. Siobhan O’Sullivan will get you the best possible deal!

And Siobhan O’Sullivan leads the way! Knowledgable, prepared and driven to get the best results possible, Siobhan O’Sullivan will make sure everything goes smoothly on your path to buying or selling a home. Taking the first step is easy - call Siobhan at 650-752-0839 today!

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[email protected] 8001000 El El Camino, Camino Real, Suite Suite 150300 MenloMenlo Park, Park, CACA 94025 94025 NEIGHBORHOODS 6 NEIGHBORHOODS 77

Lindenwood Lloyden Park Alameda of West Atherton West

FACTS 2008-09 TOWN 2008-09 TOWN OPERATING $16.9 million BUDGET: (2000): 7,194 POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 2,413 HOUSING SINGLE-FAMILY (2000): 99 percent MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $7,577,500 MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2000): $200,000-plus ■ ■ ■ ■

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well back from the curbless streets — this is today. Atherton was incorporated of its first in 1923. One rules was to assure that lots would not be subdivided into parcels smaller than an A 8 NEIGHBORHOODS In aﬂ you needanexperiencedand It is important toteamupwithaknowledgeable andexperienced It isimportant I R Real Estate Agent who understands the nuances of our local real ourlocalreal thenuancesReal of EstateAgentwho understands t isimporta to providing outstanding service and support tomake your andsupport real to providing outstandingservice t S eal Estate o providin estate mar estate market. Real Estateismy passionandIamcommitted [email protected] •www.propertiesbythebay.com uctuating real estate market uctuating real indy.li successful negotiator. Atherton •LosAltos •MenloPark Atherton At estate experience successful and stress free! estate experiencesuccessfulandstress es TRESS g A k n e C Palo Alto•Woodside INDY 650-591-7473 R

L IEBSCH ELIEF — NEIGHBORHOODS 9 Greer Rd, Palo Alto Rd, Palo Greer Ashby Dr, Palo Alto Palo Ashby Dr, Fordham St, Alto E Palo Hollyburne Menlo Park Dr, N. Whisman Rd, Mountain View ROD ROD BROKER Selling, Selling, call me! I’ve been I’ve If you are If you Buying or thinking of Cell: 650-255-2977 Cell: busy in your your in busy www.RodCreason.com CREASON [email protected] ASSOCIATE, e-PRO ASSOCIATE, neighborhood! Flower Dr, FolsomFlower Dr, Lund Te, Sunnyvale Lund Te, Maddux Dr, Palo Alto Palo Maddux Dr, Merrill St, Park Menlo Alley Wy, Mountain View 10 NEIGHBORHOODS apr.com | MENLO PARK www.MONICACORMAN.com 650.543.1164 C OMMITTED M

| ONICA 1550 El Camino Real, Suite 100 Suite Real, El 1550 Camino Providing expert Providing

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Real Estate Estate Real C PORTOLA VALLEY ONNECTED LOS ALTOS HILLS MENLO PARK WOODSIDE PALO ALTO PALO LOS ALTOS LOS ATHERTON | 650.462.1111 service LINDENWOOD hen the “Silver King of the Comstock Lode,” James C. WFlood, used part of his reported $18-million fortune to purchase 600 acres off Middlefield Road, he built Linden Towers, a 44-room, three story home. He adorned his 1878 estate house with towers, gables and cupolas and furnished with exotic treasures from around the world. Fittingly, all the plumbing fixtures were sterling silver. Between 1937 and 1955, the area now known as Lindenwood was developed after the death of Flood’s son. But Flood’s presence still presides over the neighborhood. Many of the artifacts from the estate, which was torn down in 1934 — fountains, statues, street lights — still exist, in some cases, on private properties. “The town has an ordinance requiring owners to obtain a

conditional use permit if they want to take Weber Veronica action on any item listed in the town regis- ter,” says Philip Lively, a board member of One such person is Carol Collins, who communication with neighboring Menlo- the Lindenwood Homes Association. moved back to Lindenwood with her hus- Atherton High School regarding lighting Lindenwood has retained its private estate band Evan 13 years ago. Now her modern, and noise control,” he says. atmosphere because it is totally enclosed. light-filled home is filled with the energy Mr. Lively estimates 60 percent of the There are two gates on Middlefield of three daughters. 400 homes belong to the association, each Road and one on Frederick Avenue. Growing up in Lindenwood, Ms. paying $40 annual membership dues. Lindenwood’s lanes, avenues and roads twist Collins is still surrounded by people from The major neighborhood event is the and meander. James Avenue, the “Main her childhood. “My parents still live in annual fall meeting, attended by 150 Street,” is one of its few straight streets. the home I was raised in. My daughter people this year. “We also have all kinds of “It’s like living in an arboretum,” has a friend around the corner who is the informal get-togethers, like Young Family Irene DeVivo says. She and her husband grandchild of my parent’s neighbors,” Ms. Coffees four times a year, and cocktail Douglas built their home 19 years ago and Collins says. parties,” Ms. Collins says. raised their children there. “It’s very safe The Lindenwood Homes Association How does she feel about all the tear- because anyone coming in to do harm is active in the neighborhood, and Ms. downs and mushrooming estates? “The would probably get lost,” she says, refer- Collins has served on the board of direc- lots are big enough so that the homes ring to the maze-like configuration. tors. The association takes care of such have to be set back, and they always re- “I know at least five people who grew things as repairing the gates and main- landscape,” she says, indicating the arbo- up here and want to raise their kids here,” taining the plantings in the public areas, rescent setting prevails. she adds. according to Mr. Lively. “We also have — Susan Golovin

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: PUBLIC SCHOOLS: FACTS

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SWOOD A 11 EN 12 NEIGHBORHOODS DISCOVER THEDIFFERENCE! ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ including: service, I provide my clientswithexceptional realestate value.for greatest skillfullypositionyour home and marketing expertise skills,Let my negotiating attentiontodetail,strong IN THESHORTESTTIME FOR THEBESTPRICE SOLD

Pre-sale EnhancementServices 20 Years of Experienc 20 Years of Presence Extensive Internet Marketing State-of-the-Art Skills Negotiation Strong Community Knowledge Attention toDetail e LLOYDEN PARK loyden Park doesn’t change much,” Rosemary Maulbetsch “Lsays. She knows her neighborhood well. She and her husband John have lived in this neighborhood of 86 neatly manicured homes for 32 years. The area was once owned by Joseph B. Coryell, who bought his home in 1902 for $30,000. His estate was subdivided in 1927, and most of the development took place in the 1940’s, dividing the land into mostly one-third acre lots. Home styles run the gamut from a Streamlined Moderne built for the 1939 World’s Fair, to traditional, complete with picket fence. Tear- downs are rare in this part of town, but remodeling is common. There is less of a rural and a more neighborhood feel to Lloyden Park. The neighborhood is zoned for smaller lots than the rest of Atherton. Sidewalks and underground utilities, eschewed else- Weber Veronica where in Atherton, encourage walking and socializing. “If you have dogs or kids then one of the residents always played Santa; of the Atherton Rail Committee, which you know everyone in short order,” Ms. Fourth of July plays, bicycle parades, meets once a month. They have been Maulbetsch says. Easter egg hunts and other group activi- discussing such issues as restoring daily Most of the residents send their children ties. “We’re within easy walking distance service, electrification, and High-Speed to private schools. Lloyden Park is part of to Holbrook Palmer Park and the Rail service. the Redwood City school system, whereas library,” she adds. “About 80 trees would have to be the rest of Atherton has access to the Lloyden Park was quieter when Ms. cut down in Atherton to make way for Menlo Park school system. Maulbetsch first moved there. She lives overhead wires if diesel were replaced,” Michelle Hayes and her husband Steve across the street from a property that she says. The construction of raised were well aware of the discrepancy when abuts the train tracks. “When I first tracks for High-Speed Rail service they moved to Lloyden Park 22 years ago. moved here, there were 44 trains a day. could also seriously impact the commu- However, they wanted to provide their Now there are 96. I used to like the nity, she adds, so the committee is look- four children with the same kind of whole- sound of the train when it was serving ing into alternatives. some childhood they had growing up in the Atherton. But now they only stop here Ms. Hayes describes the neighborhood as Midwest. on weekends,” she says. “charming, friendly, and quaint. I know that Ms. Hayes fondly remembers the Caltrain may affect the neighborhood in doesn’t sound original, but it’s accurate.” neighborhood Christmas caroling, where other ways. Ms. Maulbetsch is a member — Susan Golovin

FIRE STATION: 32 Almendral Ave., Kennedy Middle School, 2521 Goodwin Ave., FACTS Atherton Redwood City; plus magnet schools

South PARK: Holbrook Palmer Park, Sequoia Union High School District — ern Pac S 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton Menlo Atherton High School, n o w . e d if 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton v e ic A n Rai NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: F n ai r r- u A lroa b fa ve il x u . e Lloyden Park Homeowners’ Association, SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park a d n W e r. a l D R l L it e n David Barca, president, 650-368-1427 te B e Caltrain Stop A nh d MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: v o y e u o nu se l Fire e L Town Office & PUBLIC SCHOOLS: $2,175,000 ($1,450,000-$2,550,000) Station #3 Police Dept. NEIGHBORHOODS EL . e C Redwood City School District — HOMES SOLD: 4 v A A M I N Selby Lane School, 170 Selby Lane, Atherton; . O Fair Oaks l e a r v R Town d A E . A n a e L Hall e s v Library lm o A A lo a c s u T

n to r e th A 13 14 NEIGHBORHOODS y ao ob 5.6.31 LynJasonCobb: 650.566.5331 Unique Marketing|ProvenResults MatthewHolder:650.566.5309 y ao ob 650.566.5331 Cobb: Jason Lyn Lyn Jason Cobb &Associates

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WEST OF ALAMEDA ulu Frye loves her Sutherland Drive property. “It reminds me Lof home in Tennessee,” she says, in describing the view of the hills. “You can see the weather and the fog coming over.” The west side of Alameda de las Pulgas, between Walsh Road and Stockbridge Avenue, has a more natural and less manicured feel than the rest of the city. Deer are a common sight as you wend your way into the oak-studded hills. In the upper areas you can even hear coyotes, mountain lions and owls at night. However, many of the large properties are gated and qualify as “estates.” In the 14 years the Fryes have lived in the neighborhood they have seen major changes. “There have been at least seven big construction projects on our cul-de-sac,” she says, “and about a third of the homes have been replaced.” “The houses being built are more thoughtful, not just mega-boxes, but homes with character and personality,” Weber Veronica Atherton Avenue resident Bren Leisure says. “They’re kind of refreshing in their diversity.” noting that there are young families Ms. Frye says. “And for some reason “There are a lot of natural under- settling in. “It’s a very friendly neigh- the electricity almost always goes ground springs and ponds in the area,” borhood. There are more get-togethers out when there’s a storm.” Also, she says. Her family discovered water than you would imagine.” Ms. Leisure points out that you have on their property when they remod- “What I like best is the convenience to be careful of people driving too fast eled — such a common experience in to 280, Woodside, and Menlo Park,” on blind curves. However, both would the community that Atherton now has she says. She also appreciates walking agree that these are small prices to rules that make owners responsible in the hills, amid the oaks and pay for living in such a beautiful for containing run-off. redwoods. environment. Although there are no general Any downside to living in the hills? —Susan Golovin get-togethers and block parties, “It’s hard to go out for a bike ride,” Ms. Frye describes the tenor of her neighborhood as “very cordial and kind.” She feels that the area has FIRE STATION: 3322 Alameda de las Pulgas, FACTS . D R an aura of “mystery” because Menlo Park E Woodside ID High AL of all the long driveways S Woo A School M D dside T it E PUBLIC SCHOOLS: O im D L A O o and privacy. wn L n W w e D imi o iv E T r Las Lomitas School District — t n D L to r A Lori Bouret has lived 84 r e e S th h

A c n Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda t P o U e t on Stockbridge Avenue for l L r G F e . A e h e S de las Pulgas, Atherton; La Entrada School, g View t v d D A about 22 years. She too cites i r. A R 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park construction as a problem d F a it le o t R im NEIGHBORHOODS c L D h Sequoia Union High School District — due to the noise and parking Bear r e . r n Gulch

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it t h i it ls Lim m im a n i peaceful.” L L W w o ty MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: i T C on W t rk “I noticed this Halloween ood a er sid P $5,325,000 ($4,250,000-$6,400,000) e th Town A lo en that there were a lot of M HOMES SOLD: 2 trick-or-treaters,” she says, 15 16 NEIGHBORHOODS apr.com and PaloAlto. Woodside, PortolaValley, of Atherton,MenloPark, Peninsula communities experience intheMid- and Patofferawealthof Working asateam,Randy broker forover30years. Pat Briscoehasbeenarealestate residential realestatemarket. track recordspecializinginthehigh-end agents insalesproduction.Hehasaproven ranks inthetop1percentofallAlainPinel highly successfulrealestateagent.Currentlyhe Since 1984Randyhasestablishedhimselfasa MENLO PARK 620 Santa Cruz Avenue 650.462. 1550 ElCamino Real virtual tours&personalMLSsearches For moreinformationonourlistings, PROVEN TRACKRECORD EXPERIENCED EDUCATED Mid-Peninsula specializing infinehomesonthe Top-producing AlainPinelagent Real estateagentsince1984 Stanford University, MBA visit: RANDY EYLER PAT BRISCOE 650.543.1171 650.543.1196 www.randyeyler.com 650.303.8173 650.740.9747 [email protected] [email protected] 1111 (direct) (direct) (cell) (cell) WEST ATHERTON hen Faxon Dean Atherton, a wealthy businessman from WMassachusetts first rode his horse through pre-Civil War West Atherton, he was attracted to the same natural landscape that exists today. Native live oaks, white oaks, bays, redwoods, cedars and pines still hold sway thanks to the town ordinance that protects heritage trees. In 1860, Faxon Dean Atherton purchased more than 600 acres — essentially what is now West Atherton — and became one of the first residents of the area. He built what is described as a relatively modest home in the center of his plot. The home was approximately where the Menlo Circus Club, a private country club, site of polo games and charity events, is now located. He raised his seven children there, and today their names appear on West Atherton street signs: Isabella, Alejandro and Elena. Over the years, the city government has sought to preserve Atherton’s rural atmosphere. Nearly all the town is zoned for one-acre lots, creating dramatic settings for the impressive estates. Weber Veronica Technically, there are no streets in Atherton — only lanes, roads, courts, ave- Now that the kids are grown the neigh- says Kathy Ladra, a resident of Camino al nues. The lack of sidewalks preserves the borhood retains its friendliness, but has lost Lago for the past 15 years. “When I’m out feeling of walking on country lanes. In a some of its cohesiveness, she says. However, planting, people stop and ask gardening concession to practicality, the original stone in her status as a member of “one of the questions,” she says. street markers are now augmented with older families,” she enjoys making ginger- Ladra’s only complaint, and she stresses conventional signage. bread with the new, young family nearby. that it is minor, is that there is not suf- Chris Kitch has lived on Fairview for 20 One by one, the old ranch-style homes ficient street grading to allow for proper years and has fond memories of neighbor- are disappearing. “We have four brand-new drainage. Otherwise, she cites “great neigh- hood Halloweens with her three children. homes around us,” she says. When asked bors” as well as the “park-like peacefulness “About 30 to 40 kids in the Fairview-Linda if there were any neighborhood issues, she and natural beauty of the area as reasons Vista loop gathered for pizza at four and replies, “Our issues will go away when the for why she feels so comfortable living in then went trick-or-treating together,” she construction is done.” West Atherton. recalls, describing the elaborate decorations. “Our street is one that people walk on,” —Susan Golovin

CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Ave., Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, FACTS

Ln. St. Joseph’s Montessori Preschool and 1100 Elder Ave., Menlo Park

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Vi VALPARAISO AVENUE Park; Encinal Elementary School, 195 Encinal HOMES SOLD: 30 17 18 NEIGHBORHOODS Serving discriminating clients in clients discriminating Serving VRTIGCMSTOGETHER COMES EVERYTHING W A H E TCMSTO COMES IT HEN OME ...C ALN AE SURE MAKES HARLENE CCOGAN 650.868.0434 C WWW clients on the Peninsula. personalized to discriminating service philosophy forged hasbeen by years of Her businesshome that suits truly you. the pieces together to help you finda That helps her put taste andlifestyle. Charlene listens to your learn desires, HARLENE .C B HARLENE @ YN OR UYING APR A THERTON . COM C C OGAN OGAN . . S • COM M ELLING ENLO P ARK • W OODSIDE • P ALO A LTO • P ORTOLA V ALLEY NEIGHBORHOODS 19

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FACTS 2008-09 CITY OPERATING 2008-09 CITY OPERATING $38 Million BUDGET: (2000): 30,785 POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 12,387 HOUSING SINGLE-FAMILY (2000): 61.1 percent MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $1,505,000 MEDIAN CONDOMINIUM PRICE: $998,500 MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2000): $123,809 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

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280 M 20 NEIGHBORHOODS Veronica Weber Veronica NEIGHBORHOODS 2121 FACTS — Kris Young

ARK P But an inevitable resulttime means of But one characteristic has stayed con- she needs. Draeger’s Market, Stanford Stanford she needs. Draeger’s Market, Shopping Center and Stanford University are all within Park and Menlo downtown walkable distance, she says. the for- Hill, things change, according to Mr. has noticed Hill Mr. mer candle-shop owner. Lee younger families moving in. And Ms. says many homes have been renovated. and kind people in thestant: “caring The Brown says. neighborhood,” Ms. Downtown Menlo Park, SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park, Stanford Shopping Center MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $1,484,000 ($1,239,000 - $2,995,000) HOMES SOLD: 7 MEDIAN 2008 CONDOMINIUM PRICE: $1,570,500 ($940,000 - $1,611,000) CONDOMINIUMS SOLD: 4

TANFORD / S A local meeting spot for residents is lived in the has Lee neighborhood for 54Ms. “When first moved in, Cambridge we Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School, Nursery School, Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Ave. 802 Middle Ave. 700 Oak Grove FIRE STATION: Ave. 800 Middle Nealon Park, PARK: PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Menlo-Atherton High School, Atherton 555 Middlefield Road, CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Menlo Park City Elementary School District — Hillview Middle School; Oak Knoll School; Sequoia Union High School District —

years as it has matured, she says. “The Beer Garden. O” — The Oasis It’s a burgerand pizza bar in a located WWI building that had peanutshells on the floor andone of the was first places with a big- screen says. television, Betty Lee years. She and her husband raised a child there. was very quiet, you could almostAvenue of her One pri- she says. hear a pin drop,” mary reasons Arts for moving to Allied was that its access to just about anything

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But tucked inside the neighborhood, a coun- Lamp-topped pillars mark the entrance ArtsAllied Guild is a centerpiece of the owned a candle shop and a Hill James Brown moved in 30 yearsStephanie S four distinct streets: Middle Avenue on the Avenue four distinct streets: Middle Creek to the south north, Francisquito San and Arts Allied Guild on Arborto the Road charm,west. its old-town Arts/ With Allied seems a world away from the Park Stanford Caminohustle Real east, of El to its and the promise of new high-tech concerns such as The cutting-edge electric-car Motors. Tesla company sports hosts a show room of cars Camino. just across El try feel remains. A lack of sidewalks results in a perfect for strolling among place 1925 bunga- low homes, attractive flower gardens and fruit trees on roads named after colleges — Yale Road, Princeton Road, Cambridge Avenue, Cornell Avenue. and Road Harvard to the neighborhood. old and And shady trees grace the streets. neighborhood and attraction. The a main Spanish-Colonial designed complex came into existence in 1929 and developed as an workspace artisan’s of studios and shops. gourmet cookware shop called “Batterie de in theCuisine” guild from 1963 to 2002. Arts in 1972 with moved to Allied his He and thewife Elaine couple live in a 1935 house that allowed him to be Tudor-style “living over the store, so to speak,” he says. when she started working at Stanford ago, The “sense of distinctive, University. autonomous, individual design of the she homes creates a sense of individuality,” says. That individuality has allowed the neighborhood keep its identity to over the 22 NEIGHBORHOODS 342 Hawthorne Ave., Palo Alto 1060 Palo Alto Ave., Palo Alto 23 Almendral Ave., Atherton 220 EmersonSt., Palo Alto 102 Pope St., MenloPark Miles McCormick Miles HomesOfThePeninsula.com Number One Team outof74,000Keller Williams agents Over $100Million Over in 2008Peninsula RealEstate Transactions Averaging 6,000 Visits Per Month Per Visits 6,000 Averaging

650-400-1001 6 5 0 117 Glenwood Ave., Atherton 3730 Ortega Ct., Palo3730 Ortega Alto 240 EmersonSt., Palo Alto 37 Watkins Ave., Atherton - 56 EdgeRd., Atherton 4 0 0 - 1 0 0 1 9 Woodhill Dr., Redwood City 429 Concord Dr., MenloPark 1727 Waverley St., Palo Alto 1709 Waverley St., Palo Alto 189 Galli Dr.,189 Galli Los Altos *No sloganneeded CENTRAL MENLO PARK ayla Skidmore, a 23-year resident of Central Menlo Park, considers her Khome’s proximity to local schools, downtown Menlo Park, and to Stanford to be a real asset. When her three boys were younger, they could walk downtown after school. She used to walk to work at Children’s Hospital; and over the years, the family frequently biked to events at Stanford. “I really valued being able to do that,” she says. West of downtown and east of the Alameda, between San Francisquito Creek and Valparaiso Avenue, vari- ous mini-neighborhoods comprise Central Menlo, the heart of Menlo Park. Neighborhood names are taken from their streets, such as Bay Laurel, Olive, and Santa Rita, or from their tracts, including Oakdell Manor and Oakville Terrace. The tree-lined streets give an orderly and peaceful feel to the area. The former site of the U.S. Army’s Weber Veronica Camp Fremont, which trained 43,000 into Central Menlo Park eight years ago, rounded by this cross-section of ages soldiers during World War I, Central building a new home on their lot after gives Ms. Skidmore “a very comfort- Menlo Park was transformed into a tearing down the original ranch. able feeling,” she says. residential neighborhood after World “The neighborhood has everything we Neighbors of all ages remain con- War II. Many of the houses were were looking for,” she says. “We are only nected. Block parties and Neighborhood constructed by custom-home develop- a few blocks from school, in a settled Watch groups are common. In the ers Day and Arnold, though a pocket neighborhood, with downtown shops Skidmores’ neighborhood there has been of Eichler-designed homes can be readily accessible, and the kids’ friends a Memorial Day block party every year found off Olive Street. A considerable are all close by.” for at least 31 years, and in the Fantuzzis’ amount of remodeling has taken place The quality of neighborhood schools neighborhood, neighbors gather together in recent years and it continues at a has attracted many young families, but for an annual summer party. steady pace. families with older children and empty Vickie Fantuzzi and her family moved nesters remain. Raising her family sur- — Monique Johnson

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: The Kirk 150 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton; St. Joseph’s School, FACTS House Preschool, 1148 Johnson St., Menlo Park; 50 Emilie Ave., Atherton; St. Raymond’s Elemen-

VALPARAISO AVE. St. Joseph’s Montessori Preschool and Kindergar- tary School, 1211 Arbor Road, Menlo Park

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B gu a b y or u r. L D Sa a A rel NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Allied Arts ur Am Lau y Arb S el a an B Bay Laurel F ra Santa Rita Homeowners Association, nc MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: isqu reek ito C Anita Dippery, 650-325-9936 $1,399,000 ($1,830,000 - $4,310,000) PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Menlo School, HOMES SOLD: 40 50 Valparaiso Ave., Atherton; Sacred Heart Prep, 23 24 NEIGHBORHOODS

25 Veronica Weber Veronica NEIGHBORHOODS FACTS

— Monique Johnson

of the action. They have the of the action. They have the Living downtown puts residents in pick of the crop at the Sunday farmers’ market, in operation year-round. And have farthey to go to enjoy the don’t city-sponsored summer concert series where young and old Park in Fremont spread their out picnic blankets to enjoy the and sounds sights. for a busy shop owner, she says. for a busy shop owner, the heart Sequoia Union High School District — Menlo-Atherton High School, Atherton 555 Middlefield Road, MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $1,375,000 ($1,125,000 - $1,650,000) HOMES SOLD: 10 MEDIAN 2008 CONDOMINIUM PRICE: $1,125,000 ($825,000 - $1,565,000) CONDOMINIUMS SOLD: 12 Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, Hillview Middle School, Menlo Park; Menlo Park Ave., 1100 Elder ARK P

ENLO M Both residents and business owners Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Nursery School, Nursery School, Menlo-Atherton Cooperative Menlo Park Ave., 802 Middle Ave., 700 Oak Grove FIRE STATION: Menlo Park Santa Cruz and Park, Fremont PARKS: Nealon Park, University Drive; Menlo Park Ave., 800 Middle SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park PUBLIC SCHOOLS: CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Menlo Park City Elementary — School District 1895 Oak Knoll Lane, Oak Knoll School, customers are local Menlo Park residents. Park customers are local Menlo Though the availability of parking does not seem to be a problem for patrons, the limit on parking two-hour “doesn’t encourage people to stay and enjoy all the Chow says. Ms. downtown has to offer,” such as the Chows are to have a delighted hardware store back in town again after a Chow has been there short absence. Ms. several times to purchase things when set- a real convenience ting up a new display,

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“We walk to get groceries, and to the “We people such as the Mouradians Young vibrant is a Park Menlo Downtown The variety of downtown shops mirror owners of Anna and Dexter Chow, Mr. Mouradian takes Mouradian Mr.

to work and his wife rides her bike to her fact, both walk or ride their bikes to In job. almost anywhere they need to go. downtown shops and restaurants,” says. he want to be close to the activity of downtown; other elderly neighbors like being close to the services downtown offers. place to live — and work — and local merchants are an integral part of the the neighborhood. Cruz Santa Avenue, is main artery Park, of downtown Menlo an street lined with attractive a canopy of trees. A wide variety of shops meet local needs and draw visitors from other parts Several restaurants offer of the Peninsula. sidewalk seating, and wooden benches scattered throughout the shopping district invite patrons to linger over an ice cream or cup of coffee. the nature of the eclectic neighborhood’s small older cottages and apartments to large, range multi-story remodels. Stores from upscale clothing, rugs, furniture and restaurants to longtime standards such as cleaners and second- N Toot the Hoot hand shops. a colorful toy store at Cheeky Monkey, find the commu- 640 Cruz Santa Ave., nity very supportive of local business and appreciate the fact that most of their loyal D 26 NEIGHBORHOODS

ackie “My husband and I could not andIcould agree husband for 7years,“My alongandshe came thenJackie • timeSaved us by •Used •Used • • Intuitively brought us together us brought Intuitively Excelled at listening accountant, aﬁaccountant, planner,nancial 1989 andsince asaRealtor. achieve their ﬁ personal for goals nancial over 25 years, asatax Jackie Copple Jackie Serving the communities of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside, Redwood City and north north and City Redwood Valley, Woodside, Portola Atherton, Park, Menlo of communities the Serving opple You Help Jackie YourLet Achieve strong negotiation skills negotiation strong to San Mateo; Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos and south to San Jose where I was raised. Iwas where Jose San to south and Altos View, Los Mountain Alto, Palo Mateo; San to “We soldmy“We mother’s homefrom 700 milesaway gave whenJackie Your needs. Your tastes. Your language. Your tastes. Your needs. Your • •Attention, •Attention, • Powerful • Powerful

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www.JackieCopple.com [email protected] 752-0866 (650) SRES CRS, MBA, ProfessionalThe for Professionals strong market knowledge market strong Real Estate Dreams! Real Estate Enjoy what Jackie’s clients are saying: marketing skills dedication to each of each to ourconcerns nancial background

has beenhelpingclients onthePeninsula to achieve our Portola Valley home!” ourPortola achieve dream to and energy, keeping conﬁ us andenergy, dent on price, our age-old issue ourage-old on price, , bringing 10% over asking price!" asking over , bringing 10% and intensepreviewing and for myfamily’s of peace mind FELTON GABLES ucked between Encinal Avenue, Holbrook Palmer Park and the Trailroad tracks, and buffered from El Camino by a commercial development is a neighborhood that retains the name of one of its first residents: Charles Norton Felton. Senator Felton made his fortune in the Comstock Lode and settled in Menlo Park in the 1870’s. He built “Felton Gables” a pink, two story mansion on 3.5 acres on the north side of Encinal and there he enter- tained presidents and royalty. President Harrison made a quick visit in l891 — when the population of Menlo Park was 400. By the time Harvey and Barbara Slate moved into their circa 1934 English Tudor home in 1967, most of the neighborhood’s 115 homes had been built. The major development took place in the 1930s and 40s — Weber Veronica which accounts for the mature foliage. “The neighborhood has a lot of archi- and people are invested in one another. The association is also making sure that tectural diversity: Craftsman and New “It’s basically one giant cul-de-sac with no people are both informed of and repre- England styles, ranches and cottages. through streets,” Mr.Slate says. sented on the issue of high speed and/ Now there are more two-story homes,” “I like to walk outside and know who or elevated rail and its impact. Some of Harvey Slate says, noting that their area my neighbors are,” says Mr. Keating. “I the Felton Gables homes border the train has had its share of tear-downs and ren- also like that it’s close to downtown and tracks. With the passage of Prop 1A in ovations. Felton Gables has its own zon- schools,” he adds, pleased that his daugh- 2008, some residents could lose property ing restrictions, which limit the footprint ters were able to walk places as they grew to eminent domain. and height of homes. to be more independent. “It’s really too bad. Keating says, adding Brian and Katy Keating have lived in Laurie Thomas, treasurer of the neigh- he is not happy the proposition passed. Felton Gables for nine years. They took borhood association, and resident of the But the neighborhood remains a stable their home down to the studs and rebuilt a oldest home in the neighborhood (1922), one. “country French” home with a brick front says that one of the major concerns is, And there is a strong community feeling. that retains the flavor of the area. At 7,900 in fact, for the safety of children walk- The Fourth of July block party is a major square feet, their lot is one of the smaller ing to and from school. Ways to enforce event. ones — more typical is 1/4 to 1/3 of an acre, the speed limit are being considered. “There’s not a lot of turnover in this with a few double lots. The neighborhood association is keeping neighborhood,” says Ms. Thomas. Both the Slates and the Keatings informed of the changes at Encinal School Mr. Keating echoes his neighbors’ senti- attest to the cohesiveness of the area. and traffic issues are to be addressed by the ment: It’s “charming and delightful.” Neighborhood get-togethers are frequent school district. — Susan Golovin

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Encinal School, 195 Encinal Ave., Menlo Park; FACTS The Playschool, Holbrook Palmer Park, Hillview Middle School, 1100 Elder Ave., So 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton; Trinity Early Menlo Park uthern Holbrook- Childhood Program, 330 Ravenswood Ave., Fe Sequoia Union High School District — Palmer lto Menlo Park Paci n Menlo-Atherton High School, Park Dr. fic RR FIRE STATION: 32 Almendral Ave., Atherton 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton Ave. PARK: Holbrook-Palmer Park, SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park s 150 Watkins Ave., Atherton in MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: Arden Rd. NEIGHBORHOODS ce $2,200,000 ($1,875,000 - $2,865,000) Watk u Lennox Ave. NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: e. Ave. Felton Gables Homeowners’ Association, Spr Av HOMES SOLD: 3 Laurie Thomas, [email protected] EL CAMIN Forest Ln. l ina PUBLIC SCHOOLS: O REAL Enc Menlo Park City Elementary School District — Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton;

27 28 NEIGHBORHOODS LINFIELD OAKS infield Oaks consists of 80 acres bordered by San Francisquito Creek, LMiddlefield Road, Ravenswood Avenue and Alma Street. The area was developed in the early 1950s by Claude and Ray Lindsay as a planned community with single family homes, garden apartments, and at the borders, campus-style office space such as Sunset Magazine, Western Headquarters of the U.S. Geological Survey and Stanford Research Institute. Stuart and Susan Soffer have lived in their 1954 ranch-style home on Linfield Drive for the past 14 years. “It’s really a ‘Leave It to Beaver’ neighborhood,” says Stuart, adding that there is a wide range of ages and circumstances. Mr. Soffer says that his neighbors have been sensitive to others’ sight lines when they’ve remodeled — something that poses a problem in some other neighborhoods. “We haven’t been victims of the second- story modification,” says Mr. Soffer.

Neighborhood unity is fostered by infor- Weber Veronica mal get-togethers and what Mr. Soffer describes as a “cohesive spirit” that they have replaced office buildings. “The offices cern. It’s also a great way to find a babysit- have found to be an unexpected bonus. were closed by 5 and didn’t have any activ- ter for Saturday night, she adds. “Once a year, in late summer, we have ity on the weekend,” he says. Suzanne Dahling, who, with husband a block party with about 100 people. We Nancy Hosay also wonders how the Randall, purchased their Claremont Way even have our own version of Christmas office conversions will affect her quiet home in l964 were one of the first families Tree Lane on Sherwood Lane,” he says. neighborhood. “They’re remodeling the to buy into the neighborhood, she says. The neighborhood is a nexus for many former Aetna building on Middlefield to The neighborhood has had a renaissance people’s interests because of the Recreation make way for medical offices,” she says. of young families. Center on Alma Street and the proximity Ms. Hosay and Jacob Asher have lived “I noticed a big change this year on to downtown Menlo Park and Palo Alto, on Linfield Place for 16 years. She says that Halloween: lots of young children,” she adds. he adds, but speed tables have lessened the she appreciates the civic awareness in her Another source of neighborhood pride: impact of increased traffic. neighborhood. The neighborhood Internet “The area is so pretty. There are lots of trees Mr. Soffer does have concerns about the group allows neighbors to share resources and flowers and it’s very green,” she said. new, higher density homes on Linfield that and keep abreast of issues of common con- — Susan Golovin

. wn E o FACTS

AV CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOLS: Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton;

D r. D Geokids Day Care Center, 345 Middlefield Road, Encinal School, 195 Encinal Avenue, y therton T r a A n Ave. GWOO i Seminary m Menlo Park; Burgess After-school Program, Bur- Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, N I e R S Oaks Park gess Kindercat Program, Menlo Park Recreation 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park St. Patrick’s Seminary Center, 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, Menlo Chil- Sequoia Union High School District — Fire D A dren’s Center, 801 Laurel St. Menlo Park Station nta Monica O SRI R Menlo Atherton High School,

International U.S. Sa RAVENSWOOD AVE. W Geological O FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton L M L Survey IDDLEFIELD I W Menlo Park SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park

RD NEIGHBORHOODS . PARK: Burgess Park, Alma Street and ey Burgess erl ek MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: v St re Park a . d C Mielke Drive, Menlo Park W oa to r. R i $1,675,000 ($1,215,912 - $2,050,000) u D q

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PUBLIC SCHOOLS: o C l altr n e M ain Menlo Park City Elementary School District — 29 30 NEIGHBORHOODS *Total volumeofMaya’s listings thatsoldinMenloPark SHARON HEIGHTS esidents of Sharon Heights are both secluded by an abundance of trees Rand given easy access to Highway 280 and a bustling retail area. “It’s easy to know the neighbors, we all look out for each other,” says Diane Tokheim of the cul-de-sac she has lived in for nearly 40 years. She and her husband Bob bought their home in its infancy and raised four children there, near to the Stanford Heights Golf and Country Club. Bordered by Alameda de las Pulgas, Santa Cruz Avenue, Sand Hill Road and the Sharon Heights Golf Club, the 574-acre neighborhood sits atop the hills of West Menlo Park. The location makes for an easy trip to Stanford Hospital, Stanford Shopping Center and downtown Menlo Park.

Sharon Heights Shopping Center located Weber Veronica on Sharon Park Drive is also convenient, sit- uated just on the border on “the Alameda.” ber of apartment buildings and condos are Las Lomitas School, La Entrada School and It is a one-stop shopping center for 95-year- located close to the entrances along Sharon Menlo-Atherton High School is one of the old Ben Hogan and his wife Lucille. Park Drive. Redevelopment in the recent main attractions to the neighborhood. “Everything you need is right there. You years has led to a wide range of homes. Carla and John Sakrison moved to can go to the pharmacy, grocery store and They vary from ranch-style and two-story Sharon Heights from San Francisco four bank all in one ride,” says Mr. Hogan, a resi- homes to lavish mansions reminiscent of a years ago. They both work near Sand Hill dent since 1964. Tuscan villa and the White House. Road and fell in love with the area, know- Sharon Heights was constructed on land “In the past several years you’ve seen ing it would be an ideal neighborhood to once belonging to William Sharon, the homes being torn down and bigger homes raise their two children. developer of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel going up in their place,” says Ms. Tokheim. “The proximity to work and 280 was a big and a former U.S. senator from Nevada. A number of the hilly streets are divided draw also. It’s just a low-flow traffic, hear-the- Sharon came to San Francisco during the by lush medians, full of trees and other birds kind of neighborhood,” says Ms. Sakrison. gold rush in 1849, quickly establishing him- greenery. Well manicured lawns front the Mr. Sakrison is currently the president of the self as one of California’s richest men. One homes in this tidy neighborhood. Sharon Heights Homeowners’ Association. of his homes included a mansion in Menlo The proximity to schools and parks has “There is a fundamental set of grounding Park, known as “Sharon Heights.” made Sharon Heights a haven for families here,” says Ron Oehm, father of two Phillips Developed for residential use by Duncan raising small children. The duck pond at Brooks graduates and a resident since 1979. McDonald and Mark Radin in the 1960s, Sharon Park gets the attention of many, chil- “It’s the kind of neighborhood your kids can the land now holds a variety of homes, con- dren and adults alike. And the parents’ choice come back home to after they’ve been gone.” dominiums and apartments. A good num- of Phillips Brooks School, Trinity School, — Susan Robles

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Trinity Atherton; La Entrada School, FACTS School, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park

Sharon FIRE STATION: 3322 Alameda de las Pulgas Sequoia Union High School District — Hills Hillside Al tschul Ave. Sharon Park Menlo-Atherton High School, Heights PARKS: Sharon Park, Sharon Park Drive;

Golf and SA C NTA 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton a Country s Sharon Hills Park, Valparaiso Avenue at c C a y R Club d

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Trinity Dr.s A Z s o R Clayton Altschul Avenue SHOPPING: Sharon Heights Shops e n o A n ti sa V nental E . te n o Crest NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: M Sand Sharon Sharon Heights Homeowners’ Association, $1,795,000 ($1,425,000 - $3,242,000) P Eastridge a NEIGHBORHOODS Hill S rk a D Circle S g r. isk a John Sakrison, president, 650-854-4487 iyou HOMES SOLD: 17 SAND HILL ROAD PRIVATE SCHOOLS: MEDIAN 2008 CONDOMINIUM PRICE: 280 Phillips Brooks School, 2245 Avy Ave.; $1,132,000 ($425,000-$2,300,000) Trinity School, 2650 Sand Hill Road CONDOMINIUMS SOLD: 29 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Las Lomitas School District — Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda de las Pulgas, 31 32 NEIGHBORHOODS

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PARK P A RK SOUTH OF SEMINARY/VINTAGE OAKS ld walnut and liquid ambar trees shade the modest homes of the OSouth of Seminary neighborhood where Laura and Mark Rich have lived for 24 years. The couple has raised their two children there, and Ms. Rich’s favorite part of living in this neighborhood continues to be watching the children on the block grow up. “Even though Middlefield is close by, the kids ride their skateboards, play ball and do chalk drawings on the street,” she says. South of Seminary is geographically defined by Middlefield Road, Willow Road, Coleman Avenue and Santa Monica Avenue, and is bordered by modest homes and apartment buildings, with the new development of Vintage Oaks in the center. Most homes were built in the 1940s and early 1950s. The neighborhood was named Weber Veronica because of its proximity to St. Patrick’s Seminary, which was dedicated in l898 Forty-six acres of this former pastoral Anne Butler’s home in Vintage Oaks and once occupied 86 acres donated to the retreat is now known as Vintage Oaks, and was one of the first three houses built there Catholic Church by Kate Johnson. consists of 131 homes and 14 duet-style 13 years ago. The neighborhood consists of one-story townhouses. The latter are reserved for Ms. Butler says she loves living in the houses on small lots, with some apartments people who work for the city, such as gov- neighborhood. She moved from a bigger lining the edges along Coleman Avenue ernment officials and school teachers. house in Woodside and enjoyed watch- and Willow Road. There are sidewalks, Dr. Richard Green and his wife Lynda ing the other homes being built. Today, but no curbs. And residents are walking moved into Vintage Oaks in the first of her favorite activity is watching the young distance to a small supermarket and Sunset the three phases of development. “We all families and children in the neighborhood, Magazine and Books. moved in at the same time, so we became she says. Residents say it’s a friendly neighborhood very close,” he says — a seemingly universal She chuckles and says that “my age skews where people are welcoming. When neigh- sentiment in the area — encouraged by the demographics — but it’s one of the bors get sick, word gets out and food magi- neighborhood BBQs and book groups. nicest things about living here.” cally appears. And neighbors gather every “There are six floor plans, and each plan Although you no longer see the seminary year for the Fourth of July and again in the offers several style choices, such as Tudor, students coming out every Thursday on fall for a block party on Nash Avenue. Craftsman, English cottage. Also, a certain their bikes — their black robes streaming “There hasn’t been a lot of change on our number of the floor plans are reversed. — the neighbors still enjoy the seminary block,” says Ms. Rich. “The Vintage Oaks Combine that with different color choices bells. subdivision is the biggest change in the and it explains why it doesn’t look like a — Susan Golovin and Karen Canty neighborhood.” development,” he says. FACTS

VE. e CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Sequoia Union High School District — A u t n OD ve Limi ColemanA Footsteps Preschool, 490 Willow Road, Menlo Atherton High School, n WO w e RING nu Menlo Park; The Roberts School, 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton To ve n A ks Oa ay ey ue H 641 Coleman Avenue, Menlo Park lo W el en Atherto n k SHOPPING: Downtown Menlo Park Me er Av ton B ng G rli FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, l A C o MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: r Avenue irc i r. 1 a D 1st Str y Menlo Park s le ar t n South of Seminary: $1,460,000 i m S Se t r Seminary e ee PARK: Seminary Oaks Park, Santa Monica ($1,460,000 - $1,850,000); e t t Oaks Park Avenue, near Middlefield Road, Menlo Park Vintage Oaks: $3,230,000 ve. NEIGHBORHOODS St. Patrick’s A Gil be ($2,500,000 - $3,550,000) Seminary N r PUBLIC SCHOOLS: ash t U. S. Fire ica n Ave. Menlo Park Elementary School District — HOMES SOLD: Geological Station Ave. Ave. MID ta Mo Survey Laurel School, 95 Edge Road, Atherton; South of Seminary: 4; San rita ga DLEFI Mar AD Encinal School, 195 Encinal Avenue, Vintage Oaks: 9 ta O Willow R ELD San Oaks Menlo Park; Hillview Middle School, W Park LO IL RD. W 1100 Elder Avenue, Menlo Park.

33 34 NEIGHBORHOODS FOR into theirfuture... myclients’serve bestinterests now and representing your needs.I consistently and negotiatingskillstothetablein diligent, bringingallmyexperience My approach istobethorough and current toolsandtechniquesavailable. usingthemost quality ofservice I provide eachofmyclientsthe highest and enhancingyour qualityoflife. helping you getmore ofwhatyou want of buyingandsellingreal estate– A A O experience todemystifytheprocessexperience s aRealtor, Iusemy36years of O RVADA PENING [email protected] Top 1% Worldwide 650.752.0709 VER 36 Y D D ARNELL OORS EARS

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Michael Murphy has lived in Lorelei Lorelei has lived in Murphy Michael can still recognize the original “You Kitty Craven, a resident for over 40 Craven has been active in the neigh- Ms. Current hot topics are the proposed lives next door to his par- Wong Steve established in 1945 was Suburban Park loves raising herKate Kennedy chil- neighborhood“Our association T neighborhoods linked by geography. Flood Flood neighborhoods linked by geography. 23 acres dotted withand oak trees, bay Park, is the centerpiece of the threecommunities Road, Bay Road and enclosed by Marsh 101. Highway home, as for about 11 years. His Manor many in the neighborhood, was built in the early and 1950s been has expanded. sub-division around style as you walk of the houses the area,” he says. “Many have added family rooms and/or second stories.” years says, “When moved, the we first homes were considered modern ranch, with kitchens, all-electric and forced- air heat.” borhood association. Through the years the association, as the one in Suburban Park, has been a key element in organizing social get-togethers such parties, as block holiday celebrations and book clubs. Both associations play a strong role in advocating for neighborhood interests. as well as Dumbarton Rail Project repair project that Hetchy a Hetch impacts the greenbelt at the entrance to fought for and the area. Manor Lorelei won a zoning overlay that is specific to neighborhood needs. The typically 1/8- acre lots are smaller than those in most Park. of Menlo one of at least “I’m ents in Suburban Park. five ‘returning children,’” he says, describing the special pull of his close-knit community. and was developed as housing for military personnel. Remodeling and rebuilding have introduced a more eclectic look as well as larger homes. a real “There’s dren in Suburban Park. support system in the neighborhood,” she says. also does a lot of substantive work,” The Community Kennedy. says Ms. trained by Team, Response Emergency Department, is an Fire Park the Menlo 36 NEIGHBORHOODS M “Rare Combination &Knowledge” Skill of “Remarkably Competent” “Impressive, Keen, Courteous” • “Diligent andDetermined” “Extremely Responsive” • “Savvy and Well Informed” “Competence &Care Protected Us” “A Rare Asset” • “Superb Negotiating Skills” Negotiator”“Expert • “Honesty andIntegrity” • Mike and Sharon McGee • Paul and Julie Ekstrom • Tami and Marc Daugherty Melcher • Jill Sexton • JC Miller • Jeff and Janelle McCombs Elliott• Dennis and Sue Ann Snow • Tony and Sheila Schweitzer • Hal Nelson AGGIE Stockbridge Avenue, Concord Drive, M Concord Drive, “...Dedicated toExcellence...”Justaskmypastclients:

S Helping Sellersand BuyersForOver12Years! R ENLO ELLS EDWOOD Sterling Avenue, P MENLO PARK 1550 ElCaminoReal 650.462.1111 ARK C M ITY ENLO M ENLO P Stockbridge Avenue, • Alan and Heather Young • Ken Moffeit and Louise Rehling Alexandra• Narancic • Geoffrey Burn and Judi Palmieri • Kevin and Kelly Hunsaker DeStefano Gretchen Paul and • • Jim Long and Gloria Webster • Clyde and Landis Mary • Barbara Squires • Emi Jobling Cedar Avenue, P ARK ARK

AND M S ENLO A Ashton Avenue, THERTON URROUNDING P ARK Maggie Heilman [email protected] Direct 650.543.1185 REALTOR M ENLO Nimitz Avenue, Oak KnollLane,M P A ARK • Herb Szeto and Cynthia Woo • Bob and Pat Sheppard • Leslie Todd and Mark McLaren • Bob and Yosh Moriarty • Anastasia Yiand AkinDirik • Jon and Liesl Noble Pacalin Laurent and • Leslie • Pat Swift and Richard Cleverly • Joe and Sinnott Mary John and• Pamela Foster REA... R EDWOOD ENLO P C ARK ITY UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS niversity Heights feels like a little urban oasis where residents can Uleave their cars behind and walk to local stores, restaurants and schools. Ironically, many commuters drive through the neighborhood, which is why there are so many partial fences blocking the roads, speed bumps and extra signs posted to slow down traffic in the busy corridor. The unincorporated part of San Mateo County where neighbors live close together on tree-lined streets with well-manicured lawns is alternately called Menlo Heights, West Menlo Park, and University Heights. The area features a business district along Alameda de las Pulgas, and easy access to Sharon Heights. The neighborhood is bordered by Las Lomitas and La Entrada public schools, and Phillips Brooks, a private school. Weber Veronica Diann Lewis moved into her house 19 years ago. “We picked it for the good schools and the “a neighborhood in transition, where half of neighborhood because it was close to schools, fact that we could walk to everything,” she says. my neighbors are retired and in their 80s, and and the kids could walk or ride the bus to Time permitting, she walks 15 minutes to the other half are new families with children.” classes. The Las Lomitas bus stop is “the” the closest Safeway for groceries, and likes Two of her neighbors for example, have social place for parents to meet when they the simplicity of being able to drop off her lived in the area for more than 40 years. drop off and pick up their children. car for servicing at the nearby Shell station, Mrs. Colb feels the area has “everything you Local restaurants provide another option and then strolling home. need.” She likes how she can bike to work, walk for social interaction. The range is wide, going Now that her family includes two teen- her dogs up the hill to nearby Sharon Park, and from an informal family-friendly atmosphere agers, she says it feels as though there are run errands on foot to the dry cleaners and found at older establishments such as the fewer children living on their street. In the post office. But some of the streets are narrow Dutch Goose and Lutticken’s deli, to pizza at past, she has opened the doors to 100 trick and people drive too fast, she says. Round Table or Avanti, casual dining at the or treaters, but Ms. Lewis believes they Maura Morey and her husband Richard newer Lulu’s Taqueria, or fancier fare at Flea come in from other neighborhoods. bought their three-bedroom, two-bath house Street Cafe, another long lasting fixture in the Over the years, Ms. Lewis has noticed a from his parents 45 years ago, and couldn’t be neighborhood. Starbucks may be one of the change in the size and scope of homes. Most happier with their convenient location. newer additions to the commercial strip, but it of the former summer bungalows have been The Moreys raised their three children, but attracts foot and commuter traffic. replaced, and the trend is toward remodeling still feel a strong sense of community with After business hours though, Ms. Lewis and building large, two-story houses, she says. their “nice young neighbors.” Mr. Morey grew says, “It’s peaceful at night,” yet another Susan Colb has lived around the corner for up in Menlo Park, and Ms. Morey moved plus to calling University Heights “home.” six years, and describes University Heights as there in high school. They selected this — Kate Daly

Patterson CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Children’s Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda de las FACTS Arboles os Creative Learning Center, Las Lomitas School, Pulgas, Atherton; La Entrada School, Barney CAveerr s le 299 Alameda de las Pulgas, Atherton; Littlest 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park b N. Lemon Ave. Ro Angels Preschool, Bethany Lutheran Church, Mills Ave. os l Orange Ave. Sequoia Union High School District — Camino a los e 1095 Cloud Ave., Menlo Park; The Phillips d Sherman Ave. VALPARAISO AVE. Menlo-Atherton High School, Manzanita Ave.o Cloud Ave. in ALAMEDA DE LAS PULGAS Croner Brooks School, 2245 Avy Ave., Menlo Park; Montereym Ave. 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton Ca Cedar Ave. University Heights Montessori Children’s SANTA CRUZ AVE. Center, 2066 Avy Ave., Menlo Park SHOPPING: Alameda de las Pulgas, Sterling Ave. Sharon Heights Oakley Ave.

NEIGHBORHOODS Ashton Ave. FIRE STATION: 3322 Alameda de las Pulgas, Liberty Gordon Ave. Park Menlo Park MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: Avy Ave.

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more public amenities than previously builtin. previously than more publicamenities butwith residential, predominantly remains Highwayand BelleHaven south 101onthe Willow east Roadonthe north, tothe Railroad Peninsula Joint Corridor Powers Board multi-ethnic. isstilltruly neighborhood — the class. whiteworking forthe development affordablehousing asan originally conceived were builtbyBohannon duplexes and ments Depression. Its homes,apart- singlefamily Great duringthe country inthis undertaken Yahoo several traffic groupand groups. A 540-acre triangle bordered by the bythe bordered A 540-acretriangle Nearly later, hasdiversified 70years area the Belle Haven onlyhousingproject isthe Belle HavenElementarySchool, 415Ivy CONDOMINIUMS SOLD: The Willows:$489,000 ($456,000 -$655,000) MEDIAN 2008CONDOMINIUMPRICE: HOMES SOLD: Belle Haven:$399,500($329,000-$494,900) The Willows:$1,300,000 ($400,000 -$1,600,000); MEDIAN 2008HOMEPRICE: Haven: Cornerof Willow Road&Hamilton Avenue SHOPPING: Atherton, Carlmontor Woodside HighSchool Park SequoiaUnionHighSchoolDistrict—Menlo Belle Haven: 555 MiddlefieldRoad, Atherton School District— Elder Ave., MenloPark SequoiaUnionHigh 195 Encinal Ave., MenloHillviewMiddleSchool, 1100 School, 95EdgeRoad, Atherton; EncinalSchool, SchoolDistrict— City Elementary PUBLIC SCHOOLS: /B Willow Road;The Willows: Willow

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Veronica Weber FAIR OAKS n enclave wedged between Menlo Park and Redwood City, Fair Oaks Ahas the feel of a country hamlet, yet is less than a mile from Highway 101. Turn east off Middlefield Road onto one of the numbered streets. Suddenly taco joints and joyerias give way to narrow lanes shaded with stately trees and homes with welcoming porches. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Fair Oaks attracts families and individuals from a broad spectrum with its true neighborhood feel. The Fair Oaks Beautification Association, or FOBA, has done everything from lobby successfully for traffic calming to raise money for a gorgeous new playground. Laura Caplan got involved with tree- plantings and other events when she moved into the neighborhood 5 1/2 years ago. “I love that the neighbors have accomplished a lot” through the association, she says. Fair Oaks appealed to Ms. Caplan and her family because of its relative affordabil- ity, central location on the Peninsula and Weber Veronica proximity to Menlo Park, Palo Alto and 101. But once she got to know it a bit bet- Fair Oaks because of the relative afford- Redwood City schools. ter, she realized the neighborly atmosphere ability. In the early evening hours there The area receives excellent service from was perhaps its greatest asset, she says. are lots of people out and about, says Uri the sheriff and fire departments, and there While Fair Oaks fosters the cohesive- Sarid, who has also lived in the neighbor- are stations for both in the neighborhood, ness of a group, it also has a lot of variety. hood about 5 1/2 years. Moms with young Ms. Caplan says. And the neighborhood “It’s not your everything-looks-alike type kids take advantage of the playground on group communicates the neighborhood’s of place. You see homes that were built at Edison Street, which is maintained com- needs to county officials, she adds. The all different times, all different styles and pletely by the efforts and donations of association has a Web site with informa- sizes,” she says. volunteers. But there are plenty of people tion for community members and has And that appeals to a lot of people. in the neighborhood who have been there regular community meetings. Many of the narrow streets lack sidewalks, for decades, he says. “A lot of places in the Bay Area have curbs and gutters, and the “eclectic” mix Some young families look for other all sorts of problems,” Sarid says. “Some of residents seems to like those features homes when children reach school age, are snobbish and aloof, some have a lot of and the unique feel they give the place, Ms. Caplan says. Though Fair Oaks resi- crime. In our area it just doesn’t seem to Ms. Caplan adds. dents have Menlo Park addresses, their be the case.” Young families are a common sight in children attend the less-sought-after — Kathy Schrenk

FIRE STATION: 300 Middlefield Road, Sequoia Union High Scholl District — FACTS Menlo Park Menlo-Atherton High School, NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 555 Middlefield Road, Atherton Fair Oaks Fair Oaks Beautification Association, SHOPPING: Middlefield Road, Redwood City 10th 11th

12th Ave.. www.fobaneighbors.org Park Rd. e v MEDIAN HOME PRICE: MIDDLEFIELD RD. A 14th Ave.

NEIGHBORHOODS 15th Ave. Oak Drive o PUBLIC SCHOOLS: $749,000 ($390,000-$1,395,000) t i 17th Ave. 5th Ave. n 18th Ave. 6th Ave. e B 16th Ave. 7th Ave. MARSH RD. Redwood City School District — HOMES SOLD: 23 8th Ave. Fire 9th Ave. n

a Station Encina Ave. S Garfield School, 3600 Middlefield Road, Placitas Ave. SEMICIRCULAR RD. Redwood City

39 40 NEIGHBORHOODS Top 1%ofColdwellBankerAgents Elegant Contemporary&CraftsmanResidence 2 homeson1lot•PaloAlto$3,995,000 Portola Valley $1,879,000 Portola Valley $3,495,000 Recently Renovated Prime Location Call GinnyorJoeforaprivatetourofthese exceptional properties. [email protected] Direct 650 529-8570 Cell 650400-8076 GINNY 2 homesonproperty•PortolaValley $2,995,000 Kavanaugh www.thekavanaughs.com Magical Vistas &SereneSetting Exceptional Views &Property Portola Valley $2,049,000 Charm &Convenience Palo Alto$1,695,000 [email protected] Cell 650269-1352 Direct 650 529-2060 JOE 4 1/2AcreLot•PortolaValley $4,400,000 Custom-built withSpectacularViews Co-listed withMary&BrentGullixson Build Your World-Class Estate Information deemedreliable, butnotguaranteed. Portola Valley $3,950,000 Portola Valley $2,599,000 Exquisite Design Society ofExcellence NEIGHBORHOODS 4141

Central Portola Valley Portola Central Ladera Valley Ranch Portola Westridge Highlands Woodside

FACTS $205,700 2008-09 TOWN 2008-09 TOWN OPERATING $10.7 million BUDGET: (2000): 4,462 POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 1,772 HOUSING SINGLE-FAMILY (2000): 74.6 percent MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $1,128,000 MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Woods/ Central Vista Verde

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ORTOLA Highlands Woodside

Farming and stock ranching were major Farming A

begins with the logging town of Searsville. Its begins with the town of Searsville. logging Its most famous 19th-century settler was Andrew who pur- inventor of the cable car, Hallidie, chased property then 1883, in donated land for a school and post office. enterprises between and 1860 1920, but as P 42 NEIGHBORHOODS CENTRAL PORTOLA VALLEY hrough the years Mollie Raab has lived in Hillsborough, Atherton and TWoodside, but she chose to build a new house for her family in Portola Valley “because it’s out in the country — but not really in the country — with nature, space and quiet,” she says. On her two and a half acres, she over- looks a neighbor’s orchard on one side and a sweeping view of the Western Hills on the other and a walking trail passes in front of her nearly new two-story house. Lynn McKinnon lives nearby in what’s known as the flat area around Ormondale Elementary School. On her street pedes- trians, dogs, bikes, and skateboards make up the bulk of the traffic. “I feel it’s very safe. The kids walk home from school,” the mother of three says. The McKinnon family moved into the neighborhood 12 years ago, after spending some time up in the hilly part of Portola Weber Veronica Valley, where lot sizes are generally larger and the streets wind around mature oaks corner of Portola and Alpine roads, nized sports, her husband, Dick, and Ms. and scenic canyons. Ms. McKinnon says and Ladera. McKinnon’s husband, Neil, teamed up to they “felt pretty secluded” and were sur- Sandy Boyce says when she first moved raise money to rehabilitate the sports field rounded by wildlife. She prefers where to Portola Valley 11 years ago, “I thought at Rossotti’s. That successful campaign they live now. it was very inconvenient,” being located so serves as a good example of neighbors will- Incorporated in 1964, Portola Valley prides far off of Hwy. 280, but over time some ing to pull together to do something nice itself in doing what it can to “retain rural new additions and improvements have for their hometown. ambience reminiscent of earlier days,” as the been made in the local shopping areas “that The Boyces recently remodeled their town’s Web site states. Portola Valley is popu- make it so you never have to leave town.” ranch-style house and say they have not lated by about 4,500 residents, and boasts The draws for her family are the “ter- noticed much turnover in their neighbor- of 1,900 acres of permanent open space, rific public schools, beautiful views, and hood. They know their neighbors and including Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, fabulous hiking trails.” When the kids were appreciate the friendly atmosphere, they a popular destination for hikers, dog walkers, younger, Little People’s Park — the play- say. The town seems as though it is always and mountain bikers every day of the week. ground perched next to the redwood grove staging a barbecue, race, art show or the- The town has three separate commercial and tennis courts behind Town Center — atrical event, giving the residents plenty of focal points: Portola Road, where Town provided hours of entertainment. opportunities to commingle. Center is now under reconstruction, the When the kids started to play orga- — Kate Daly

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Portola Valley; Corte Madera School, FACTS

Trinity Preschool at Christ Church, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley

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815 Portola Road, Portola Valley; Windmill

Sequoia Union High School District —

Favonia Preschool, 4141 Alpine Road, Portola Valley N

I Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Ave., P Degas DR. Cuesta L A FIRE STATION: 135 Portola Road, Woodside M Vista

a p a G M Portola Valley c o ls i h ld Hil n Portola Road; Valley Center e en o SHOPPING: c D . a r d k . R a R

O d Little People’s Park (at Portola Valley (Portola and Alpine Roads) PARK: s . te n n e a d Cerv l o o Town Center); Windy Hill Open Space Preserve er G d MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: a NEIGHBORHOODS tr s r a d. A R PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Woodside Priory $2,895,000 ($1,830,000 - $3,500,000)

Sausal Dr.

School, 302 Portola Road, Portola Valley

Bear Gulch Dr. 18 HOMES SOLD: Hillbrook Dr.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

D. Portola Valley School District — PO R RT E OL N A PI Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass Road, RD L . A

43 44 NEIGHBORHOODS www.woodland-school.org 360 LaCresta Drive,PortolaValley, CA 94028 Woodland School drama, computers,gymnasticsandphysicaleducation. enrichment program intheareas ofFrench, art,music, focus isachallengingacademicprogram withastrong Preschool through eighthgrade,Woodland School’s Building aLifelongJoyof Learning grade experience. are anintegralpartofthe5th-8th Science, mathandtechnology Portola Valley nearAlpineRoad Beautiful tenacre campusin Parent Magazine San FranciscoBayArea byBayArea Voted BestPrivateDaySchoolinthe and Highway280. (650) 854-9065 LADERA eople who live in Ladera value it for the sense of community and “Pbelonging,” says Judith Weber, a resident there for 14 years. “It’s like a small town in the Midwest where the people look out for each other.” Ms. Weber loves when the Ladera Community Association (LCA) publishes a directory listing local kids who will baby sit and pet sit. She also likes the fact that many of the neighborhood children who compete on the swim team, and go to summer or tennis camp at the centrally located Ladera Recreation Center later go on to become lifeguards and camp coun- selors there when they’re older. “It’s a wonderful facility,” she says, also giving credit to the Caryotakis family who raised money from neighbors to put in a large playground next to the pool and tennis courts for all to enjoy. Peter Caryotakis grew up in Ladera and is Weber Veronica now raising his own family there. LCA President Rob Decker says he sees this ated on anywhere from quarter- acre to when he was a four weeks old; the neigh- happen a lot, where the kids return and two-acre lots in the oak-studded hills bors fed the family for almost a month. maybe even buy their old family home. of unincorporated San Mateo County, And her older children can play in the He moved in 25 years ago and says once surrounded by Stanford University and cul-de-sac away from their house, with- you’ve lived in Ladera it’s hard to find Portola Valley. out much adult supervision. Ms. Plume anything that compares. Anna Plume, her husband and their says she knows it is safe and that neigh- Ladera started out in the 1940s as an four children have lived in Ladera for nine bors watch out for them. experiment in cooperative living, where years. She chose the neighborhood specif- The Plume’s children make use of the the goal was to set up “a diverse com- ically because of the sense of community Ladera Recreation Center as members munity of modest homes, not too far she felt there — even when just looking of the swim team in the summer and apart, with shopping and nature,” Mr. for a house. Ms. Plume enjoys taking the two young- Decker says. The plan ran into money “As a stay-at-home mom, I felt I needed er children to swim while their siblings trouble and ended up in the hands of a place where we could connect with other are practicing. Overall, she couldn’t be developers. families,” she says. happier with the choice they made to He estimates less than half of the The sense of camaraderie in her neigh- live in Ladera, she says. 535 homes date back to the originals, borhood is wonderful, she adds. Her — Kate Daly and Karen Canty but most are still ranch-style and situ- third child spent time in the hospital

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Pulgas, Atherton; La Entrada School, FACTS Ladera Community Church Preschool, 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; Woodland e Sequoia Union High School District — Cu st a School (also a private elementary school), a

Menlo Atherton High School,

Floresta 360 La Cuesta Drive, Portola Valley

555 Middlefield Road, Atherton Lucero Wy.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS: Woodland School, z SHOPPING: Ladera Country Shopper

a E La Mesa

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MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: NEIGHBORHOODS NEIGHBORHOODS PUBLIC SCHOOLS: $1,649,000 ($1,300,000 - $2,050,000) a i ALPINE ROAD

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i Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda de las HOMES SOLD: 9

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W est ridge Dr. 45 46 NEIGHBORHOODS Selling Celeste Henzel Celeste International President’s Premier President’s International Previews Property SpecialistPreviews Property search or a complimentary market analysis of your home. property my forVisit Web apersonalized www.chenzel.com site at: Top 1% Internationally PRIME PROPERTIES PRIME [email protected] www.chenzel.com heart of Silicon Valley Silicon of heart just minutes from the all – serenity country you ofBringing best the P FOR OVER20YEARS and surrounding communities…and surrounding P W Los Altos Hills Altos Los Los Altos Park Menlo Atherton Alto Palo 650.529.8568 650.529.8568 ORTOLA ORTOLA OODSIDE V V

ALLEY ALLEY

R Portola Valley, CA 94028 CA Valley, Portola

ANCH 116 Portola Road 116 Portola

PORTOLA VALLEY RANCH idden away on the edge of the old valley, near where Alpine Hand Los Trancos roads intersect and Portola Road ends, lies the planned community known as Portola Valley Ranch. The houses, their natural wood exteriors and earthy colors are visually harmonious, in keeping with developer Joe Whelan’s award-winning 1975 design plan. An active homeowner’s association administers the lush common areas and shared recreational facilities, including a community ranch house capable of hold- ing more than 100 people, two swimming pools, three tennis courts, a wine producing vineyard, vegetable gardens and dedicated hiking trails. Longtime PV Ranch resident Sheldon Breiner is an avid hiker (he describes himself as “peripatetic”) and values the site’s natural setting and the totally natural landscape plan — all foliage, both existing and newly planted, are restricted to native plants, despite changes in own- ership. “It’s a good sign that both Joe Weber Veronica Whelan and his son Mike still live right here on the Ranch,” he says. here in 1978,” he says. that one son is off to college we hope Dr. Breiner, a sort of hi-tech He also has written about Portola to downsize, but stay in the area, which Renaissance man who’s a writer, Valley history. “Part of the old Bovet we love.” amateur explorer, as well as successful Ranch, the forerunner of PV Ranch, is For several years Ms. Schectman has Silicon Valley inventor/entrepreneur — still here, hidden away; the old stable is been secretary of Portola Valley’s highly Geometrics is one of his better-known there too. To safeguard it, I can’t tell regarded Ormondale School, which startups — says there’s a rewarding visual you exactly where, he says.” she says sponsors numerous commu- continuity from the forested open space Dr. Breiner’s friends and neighbors nity projects. “Every spring we put on a to the design of the residential clusters. Denise and Hal Schectman live across popular gardening project … and other “But I couldn’t resist using my Stanford the hill on Sandstone Road. local get-togethers. This is a wonderful geophysics skills in adding earthquake “We’ve lived on the Ranch for over place to live.” stability elements to the mandatory house 20 years. … We raised both of our chil- —Phyllis Butler plan when my wife Mimi and I moved dren here,” Ms. Schectman says. “Now

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Windmill Ormondale School (K-3), 200 Shawnee Pass, FACTS PO RT Preschool, 4141 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; Portola Valley; Corte Madera School (4-8), OLA RO Ladera Community Church Preschool, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley C A o D r 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; Carillon t Sequoia Union High School District — e

M d Preschool at Christ Church, 815 Portola Road,

a a Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Ave., W

d o i e Portola Valley; New Horizons (after school

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w s b o care), 200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley

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o ors sh o n SHOPPING: Nathhorst Triangle, Portola o H e

k a Woodside Fire r FIRE STATION: nd Road at Alpine Road; Village Square, 884 e T B NEIGHBORHOODS NEIGHBORHOODS Longspur s Protection District, Portola Valley Station, o Portola Road; Ladera Shopping Center, 3130 L 135 Portola Road, Portola Valley g Alpine Road, Portola Valley in ss Corte Indian Cro NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: Madera Portola Valley Ranch Association, ALPINE ElementaryROAD $2,825,000 ($2,250,000 - $3,400,000) Ohlone Garth McCune, president, 650-851-0186 HOMES SOLD: 2 PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Portola Valley School District — 47 WESTRIDGE n a place filled with ancient oaks, golden hills and native wildlife, such as IPortola Valley’s Westridge neighborhood, it’s easy to forget how close one is to the heart of busy Silicon Valley. Though it’s just a few minutes west of Highway 280, residents say Westridge sometimes feels like a world away. Developed by the Westridge Company as a residential neighborhood in the 1920s after serving as a ranch for many years, Westridge is a retreat from cramped suburban and urban life, with a border touching Stanford’s Jasper Ridge Preserve and strict building restrictions conserving its old- fashioned, nature-connected identity. Fourteen-year resident Judith Mendelsohn said she was attracted to the

neighborhood by its “quiet, rural beauty” Weber Veronica combined with its proximity to a major shopping center for convenience. because he knew some residents who recom- ral charms are not spoiled by overzealous “There really is a very rural feeling. The mended the neighborhood highly. And it may builders. Ike Van Cruyningen, who moved views are incredible and there are trails seem like a sleepy enclave but residents are in to the neighborhood and built a new home everywhere,” she says. touch with the community, Mr. Morgridge there three years ago, says the neighborhood In addition to residents’ horses (each says. “The people here are energized and discourages “extravagant, fancy, show-off-y homeowner is allowed to keep up to five), involved with the world. It’s very stimulating.” houses” and that there is sometimes ten- many wild animals make their presence Though people are friendly, the space sion involved with the building process. The known. “We see deer everyday, hawks all between homes means the area can feel area’s strict design guidelines are what keep the time and quail and rabbits on a regular isolated at time, Ms. Mendelsohn says. the pastoral environment intact, he says. basis,” Ms. Mendelsohn says. “People meet each other while they’re out Hiring a local architect who knew the John Morgridge, a Westridge home- walking their dogs, but because there is a neighborhood well, along with the sup- owner since 1992, says of the area’s natural greater distance between homes compared to port of his neighbors, helped Mr. Van bounty, “We have all the animals: bobcats, most neighborhoods, people probably don’t Cruyningen ensure his project went coyotes, foxes, even mountain lions.” know their neighbors as well. The houses are smoothly, he adds. The beauty of Westridge is in its bucolic just not very close,” she says, adding that each “The rural character and small-town roots, yet it’s close to amenities to both the property has a 2.5-acre minimum. feeling is the reason people like the neigh- north and south, along with access to “great The Westridge Architectural Supervising borhood. The architectural rules make sure schools” in the Portola Valley district, Mr. Committee maintains the neighborhood’s it stays that way. I am very happy with my Morgridge says. regulations on construction and renovations, choice,” he says. Mr. Morgridge was drawn to the area ensuring that the area’s tranquility and natu- — Karla Kane

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: Ormondale School (K-3), 200 Shawnee Pass, Windmill Preschool, 4141 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; Corte Madera School (4-8), Road

a . y d o R Portola Valley; Ladera Community Church 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley G GE Escobar ID R Preschool, 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; T S . d Sequoia Union High School District — E R

W Bolivar Favonia Road Lane

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R 815 Portola Road, Portola Valley; d Cuesta . . G Woodside Vista Ln. M o D a ld p R New Horizons (after school care), e a n c n Ln. M h H aw i e ills . F n E SHOPPING: Nathhorst Triangle, Dr r o k D . c N 200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley D d. Oa a I r. R R n P e d L Portola Road at Alpine Road; Village Square, d . l s A e o nt FIRE STATION: Woodside Fire Cerva G

884 Portola Road; Ladera Shopping Center, A TR D S A Protection District, Portola Valley Station, R P A 3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley O R Sausal Dr. 135 Portola Road, Portola Valley T O

LA Bear Gulch Dr. MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $3,250,000 Hillbrook Dr.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION:

($1,770,000 - $3,600,000) . Westridge Architecture Supervising Committee D R R E HOMES SOLD: 4 OA N D PI PUBLIC SCHOOLS: AL Portola Valley School District — NEIGHBORHOODS FACTS 48 WOODSIDE HIGHLANDS n his recent memoir “Do You See What I See,” Woodside Highlands Iresident Russell Targ describes how he and his wife Joan dreamed of a cluster development that would also include a com- mercially viable organic garden to benefit the community. After discovering an idyllic parcel rising 800 feet above the valley floor, in 1976, along with Nancy Hunt Kiesling, the Targs purchased 80 acres which they dubbed the Hayfields. It took considerable time and money to work out the water and zoning problems. But they eventually gained town approval for a planned-unit development that would allow nine homes on 28 acres, with the remaining land reserved for agri- culture, or a “farm field,” Mr. Targ says.

“Foremost was our desire to create an Weber Veronica intentional community, much like those of the Shakers, where families could have that possible,” he says. Woodside Highlands was originally sub- their own homes, but share the beauty of The Larry Lane Trail runs through divided in the mid-1920s and marketed as the land — and a small-scale organic com- the Hayfields, starting at Russell Road. summer cottages to upwardly mobile San munity garden,” Mr. Targ says. It was designated in 1979 as a tribute Franciscans. But when gardening actually began in 1992, to early Portola Valley Pioneer L.W. Mr. Crevelt, president of Woodside two of the homeowners protested, and com- (Larry) Lane, father of Bill Lane, retired Highlands Improvement Association, menced a court battle that consumed the last Sunset Magazine publisher and former is a fairly recent neighborhood resident, several years of Joan Targ’s life. In spite of Ambassador to Japan and Australia. although he grew up in Portola Valley. numerous hearings and trials, she never gave Commissioned by Bill Lane and his “My wife Ann and our two kids moved up. In June 1998, just two months after the brother Mel, the breath-taking trail climbs here from Emerald Hills two years ago, San Mateo County Superior Court at last more than 100 feet along an old logging although we bought the property in 2003. decided in her favor — that she could indeed trail, through the Hayfields to the bridle I’m a contractor so I built our house farm three of her 52 acres — the 60-year-old path of the Woodside Pony Club. after tearing down an old cottage. We woman died of a cerebral hemorrhage. The community, along with Nicholas love it here. My daughter Jordan is at Mr. Russell Targ regrets his wife wasn’t Targ, has located a new trail loop to be Corte Madera School and son Owen at able to enjoy the results of her fight. dedicated next March to Joan Targ in the Ormondale, he says.” Mr. Crevelt volun- “Today the garden is quiescent, waiting area adjoining the Hayfields — the wider teered for the semi-annual community for a dedicated gardener to resume Joan’s district known as Woodside Highlands, cleanup project — part of the neighborli- dream ... my youngest son Nicholas and his according to Hayfield neighbor Richard ness in Woodside Highlands. family have hopes to return here to make Crevelt, who lives nearby on Russell Road. —Phyllis Butler

FACTS CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: PUBLIC SCHOOLS:

Windmill Preschool, 4141 Alpine Road, Portola Valley School District — P O Portola Valley; Ladera Community Church Ormondale School (K-3), 200 Shawnee Pass, R T Preschool, 3300 Alpine Road, Portola Valley; Portola Valley; Corte Madera School (4-8), O L Carillon Preschool at Christ Church, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley Santa A 815 Portola Road, Portola Valley; Sequoia Union High School District — Maria Ave. R O New Horizons (after school care), Woodside High School, A D 200 Shawnee Pass, Portola Valley 199 Churchill Ave., Woodside FIRE STATION: Woodside Fire SHOPPING: Nathhorst Triangle, NEIGHBORHOODS Protection District, Portola Valley Station, Portola Road at Alpine Road; Village Square, 135 Portola Road, Portola Valley . d 884 Portola Road; Ladera Shopping Center, Russell Ave. R Trinity Ln.e NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 3130 Alpine Road, Portola Valley id s Woodside Highlands Improvement Association, y MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: a president, Richard Crevelt, 650-851-4518. W $1,393,000 ($1,0930,000 - $2,495,000) HOMES SOLD: 3 49 50 NEIGHBORHOODS # the top 1% ofColdwell Banker internationally. asthe#1ranking agentin herofﬁ ce andin herthedistinguished none –andhasearned issecondto estate and to ofreal the business schools, Erika’s commitment to thecommunity residing in Born and raised in raised and Born 1 Woodside [email protected] Portola ValleyPortola WOODSIDE OFFICE AGENT erikademma.com 650.740.2970 withchildren in local s surrounding areas …and Emerald Hills Park Menlo Valley Portola Atherton Woodside pecializing in: pecializing , and now , andnow RECENT SALES your dreamhome. Approximately 2levelacresreadytobuild 189 MountainHomeRoad,Woodside FOR SALE homes; listpricesshown Erika representedthebuyerand/orselleroftheseﬁ ne

#1 Agent,WoodsideOffice- 2008 Top 1%Internationally $6,900,000 Atherton Road, Walsh SOLD Not Disclosed Atherton Road, Walsh SOLD $1,795,000 Woodside Way, Woodside SOLD $7,995,000 James Avenue, Atherton SOLD Not Disclosed Woodside Lane, Josselyn SOLD by Erika Demma Call forprice. NEIGHBORHOODS 5151

Kings Mountain Mountain Home Road Skywood/Skylonda Heights Woodside

FACTS 2008-09 TOWN 2008-09 TOWN OPERATING $7.7 million BUDGET: (2000): 5,352 POPULATION HOUSEHOLDS (2000): 1,949 HOUSING SINGLE-FAMILY (1999): 98 percent MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $2,285,000 MEAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (2000): $171,126 ■ ■ ■ ■

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i land and cattleheirs to the Newhall H.M. fortune, as well as millionaire spice magnate Schilling. August building boom brought more than 500 new houses to the area that local residents decided to get together protect the to rural nature of the Town 1956, In of their community. was incorporated, bringing road Woodside maintenance, management, planning and zoning under local control. ta a n d u Wunderlich

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Mountain OODSIDE or more than years, 100 beginning in the 1830s, the area now called was gradually developed, Woodside

Preserve Redwoods Open Space

first as sawmills that supplied redwood to later as farms, small cattle Francisco, build San ranches and vine ular stagecoach service connected Woodside and by the prosper- 1880s, Francisco, to San began building country Franciscans ous San estates. Their ranks included coffee tycoon Talbot, lumber baron C.F.A. Folger, James F

Purisima Creek W KINGS MOUNTAIN n Northern California there are hun- dreds of redwood-studded enclaves, Ibut nowhere like Kings Mountain, residents say. When Ardyth Woodruff’s husband returned from the hospital to die at home in 1985, word spread throughout the neighborhood. “The whole mountain was there,” she says. “People came and say, ‘I’m sleeping here tonight,’ ‘I’m cooking,’ ‘I’m doing laundry.’ That’s how people are here. Everyone’s here for everybody else.” It’s been that way since Ms. Woodruff moved here 46 years ago; all that’s changed are the names and the real estate prices. And some of the rustic homes tucked into the woods are being replaced, as some newcom- ers to this area stradling Skyline Boulevard south of Highway 92 build mansions. When Weber Veronica Ms. Woodruff visited a mother’s-group meeting at a home on a nearby lot, she was and public relations and started volunteer- sophisticated equipment, she says. shocked to learn the seemingly average home ing for the Kings Mountain Art Fair, the The fair also helps fund the community was merely the guest house. annual fundraiser for the local school and center, which hosts classes for residents and Happily, Ms. Woodruff says, those who fire brigade. serves as a central gathering point. have moved in are keeping the spirit of “What brought us here was the beauty,” The only downside to living here, Ms. Noe community in Kings Mountain alive. she says. “What we didn’t realize was how says, is that there’s some distance to go if you “When values went up and different kinds tight nit the community is. That was a pleas- need something. And cell phone service and of people bought million-dollar houses, you ant surprise.” She was amazed at how many wireless Internet access can be spotty. wonder if they came here for the same rea- people — she guesses nine out of 10 resi- “I feel bad environmentally driving so son (we did) — and they did,” she says. dents, from ages 5 up — volunteer to help much, but the payoff is so much greater for Many, like Aeron Noe, come for the views. with the fair. me,” she says. She and her husband moved here three- Ms. Woodruff helped start the fair 45 years Ms. Woodruff, for her part, doesn’t miss and-a-half years ago from San Francisco ago and has been volunteering ever since. being close to stores and restaurants. She after getting to know and love many of the Back then, the fire brigade was a group of can get to San Jose or San Francisco for the nearby hiking trails. “I’m looking at the red- untrained volunteers with a mish-mash of theater in under an hour, and Costco is just wood trees and the sun setting on the ocean surplus equipment stored in people’s front down the hill on Highway 84. all at the same time,” she says. yards. But now the volunteers all have formal “To me, it’s utopia,” she says. Ms. Noe had a background in marketing training and a fire house with much more — Kathy Schrenk

CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Kings Kings Mountain Children’s Center at Kings Cabrillo Unified School District —

Mountain Mountain School, 211 Swett Road, Woodside Kings Mtn. Elementary School, 211 Swett Road, H u ck County Road Woodside; Cunha Intermediate School, lebe FIRE STATION: CDF Skylonda Station, Tra rry il Kelly Avenue and Church Street, Half Moon Bay; Ridge 17290 Skyline Blvd., Woodside; Kings Road ine S Mar K Half Moon Bay High School, Half Moon Bay Y Mountain Fire Brigade, 13889 Skyline Blvd., L IN Woodside Elementary School District — E Woodside Woodside Elementary School, B LV PARK: Huddart County Park, 1100 Kings Purisima Creek D 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside . Mountain Road, Woodside; Wunderlich County Redwoods Park, 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside; Puri- Sequoia Union High School District — Open Space Woodside High School, sima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Preserve TAIN MOUN 199 Churchill Ave., Woodside Skyline Boulevard, Half Moon Bay KINGS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Kings SHOPPING: Crystal Springs Shopping Center, Mountain Association, Cindy Phelps, president, Half Moon Bay shopping district, Woodside E-mail: [email protected] MEDIAN HOME PRICE: $1,254,000 NEIGHBORHOODS FACTS HOMES SOLD: 1 52 MOUNTAIN HOME ROAD any people who live off Mountain Home Road are, by their own Madmission, “horsey.” Residents love their horses, and aren’t afraid to show it. Moreover, they love where they live, because the animals are tolerated and even encouraged. Many of the homes in the Mountain Home Road area border on horse trails, and the town of Woodside hosts a number of horse-related events. This neighborhood attribute brings many, if not most, of the residents to this area. And while the huge lots and mansions — along with the beautiful and convenient location — are attracting rich and famous types such as Oracle’s Larry Ellison, the equestrian element is still going strong. The neighborhood got its start as the huge Mountain Home Ranch and passed on to the hands of famous millionaires Weber Veronica from the previous century, including the Folger family of coffee fame. friendlier here than where she used to live Ms. Scutchfield lives on a cul-de-sac off Fentress Hall has lived in the area for in Atherton, she says. Mountain Home Road, where she knows eight years, but had wanted to live there Woodside, and especially Mountain all her neighbors. She’s always loved the 25 years before that. She had always rid- Home, are so accommodating to eques- peacefulness of the place, but that’s been den her horse in nearby Wunderlich trians, she wouldn’t want to live anywhere changing, too: “For the last 15 years I’ve County Park and always wanted to live else, she says. had constant construction,” she says. Noisy nearby. She finally found a 100-year-old “The horses are allowed to be them- machinery and pounding hammers are a cottage on a property with a barn and selves. The town council and staff are way of life, but at the moment there seems enough acreage to allow her to keep up to supportive of what it takes to have horses. to be a lull. “I’m really enjoying having my eight horses. The trail to Wunderlich goes Even people who aren’t horsey, they’re windows open,” she adds. right along her property. happy to go along,” she adds. Still, she wouldn’t want to move herself “If you want to have horses at home, this But more people are moving in or her three horses anywhere else. “The is where you go,” she says. who don’t have horses, says Kathleen trail system goes right by my property. I At least half the people in the neighbor- Scutchfield, who’s lived there for 26 years. can get on it and be at Wunderlich in 10 hood have horses, Ms. Hall estimates. She “It is changing,” she says. Some of the trails minutes. I feel really fortunate because I already knew many of them when she go across private property, so access is at have in my backyard what people trailer moved in and met the rest of the “horsey” the whim of the owners. “If the property their horses for.” folks on the trails thereafter. People are (owner) wants to close them off, they can.” — Kathy Schrenk

Portola Valley; Corte Madera School, FACTS AD CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOLS: RO M IDE Woodside Parents’ Nursery School, 4575 Alpine Road, Portola Valley DS O

O U WO N 3154 Woodside Road, Woodside;

T Woodside Elementary School District —

A I N Woodside Preschool, Woodside Elementary School, M a 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside n W 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside z H a I n S

i K 3111 Woodside Road, H t FIRE STATION: a E Sequoia Union High School District — O M W Y a Woodside Mountain E H Wood y Woodside High School, 199 Churchill Ave., I L L

R PARK: Huddart County Park. Woodside O Hooper Way A W D 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside; O SHOPPING: Woodside Road, Woodside NEIGHBORHOODS O Wunderlich County Park, D R S I O D A MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: E D 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside D A R O O R $6,050,000 ($5,500,000 - $6,600,000) A D L IL PUBLIC SCHOOLS: H 2 D Portola Valley School District — HOMES SOLD: AN S Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass Road,

PORTOLA ROA D 53 54 NEIGHBORHOODS Roe DriveLosAltos•Vaquero CourtSaratogaAftonLane •Violet LaneSanCarlos•Talia Avenue Woodside •ChicoryLaneSanCarlosPortolaGreenCircle Portola Valley Waverley StreetMenloPark •Ben Los Altos•ForestAvenue PaloAlto•OakGroveMenloParkSantaCruzAvenue Menlo ParkDryCreekLane Woodside •BeachParkBlvdFosterCityElCaminoRealAtherton • BayLaurelDriveMenloParkLakemeadWay RedwoodCity•CordillarisRoadLaningDrive Park •FremontStreetMenloArborRoad Park •MoraDriveLosAltosBoweAvenue SantaClara•RobleAvenueMenlo Park •MenloPlace Menlo Park•W. EdithAvenue LosAltos•ByronStreetPaloAltoOlive Menlo Park•Menalto Santa Clara•QuettaAvenue Sunnyvale•PolitzerDriveMenloParkGarbardaWay Ladera•ArborRoad lege Avenue PaloAlto•SanMateoDrive ley •MountainHomeRoadWoodside •OliveHillLaneWoodside •GammellBrownPlaceSantaClaraCol- Street Alto •LaningDriveWoodside •BeachParkBlvdFosterCityElCaminoReal Atherton •WilliamsStreetPaloAlto City •CordillarisRoadRedwoodArborMenloPark •W. EdithAvenue LosAltos•ByronStreetPalo • WindsorDriveMenloParkEuclidAvenue Atherton •BayLaurelDriveMenloParkLakemeadWay Redwood Hill LaneWoodside •GammellBrownPlace Santa Clara•CollegeAvenue PaloAlto•SanMateoDriveMenloPark Woodside •ManzanitaWay Burlingame •Avy Avenue MenloPark •Woodhill DriveRedwoodCity•E.FlorestaPortolaValley •DeanRoad • Woodhill DriveRedwoodCity•ArborRoadMenloParkW. EdithAvenue LosAltos•ByronStreetPaloAlto Barry LaneAtherton•Woodside DriveWoodside •AcaciaDriveBurlingameAvy AvenueMenlo Park• Clara •QuettaAvenue Sunnyvale•PolitzerDriveMenloParkGarbardaWay Ladera Los Altos•Vaquero CourtSaratogaAftonLane•Violet Lane San Carlos•Talia Avenue Santa • ChicoryLaneSanCarlosPortolaGreenCircleValley Waverley StreetMenloPark•BenRoeDrive Forest Avenue PaloAlto•OakGroveMenloParkSantaCruzAvenueMenlo ParkDryCreekLane Woodside Beach ParkBlvdFosterCity•ElCaminoRealAthertonWilliamsStreetPaloAltoAnnetteLaneLosAltos • Menlo Park•LakemeadWay RedwoodCity•CordillarisRoad Redwood City•LaningDriveWoodside • Alto •SanMateoDrive Home RoadWoodside •OliveHillLaneWoodside •GammellBrownPlaceSantaClaraCollegeAvenue Palo tola Valley •DeanRoadWoodside •ManzanitaWay Woodside • BenRoeDriveLosAltosVaquero Court Saratoga AftonLane•Violet LaneSanCarlos•Talia Avenue Creek LaneWoodside •ChicoryLaneSanCarlosPortolaGreenCircle Portola ValleyWaverley StreetMenloPark • AnnetteLaneLosAltosForestAvenue Palo Alto•OakGroveMenloPark •SantaCruzAvenueMenlo ParkDry side Place • MenaltoMenloParkMoraDriveLosAltosBoweAvenue Santa Clara•RobleAvenue MenloPark• Santa Clara•QuettaAvenue Sunnyvale •PolitzerDriveMenloPark GarbardaWay Ladera •OliveStreet

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SKYWOOD/SKYLONDA ocated in the western hills within the Town of Woodside, Skywood Acres is La community of 75 homes, many with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay and the surrounding foothills. “This is a community in the truest sense of the word,” says Suzanne Muller, the Skywood Association’s president. “We have an active board of directors, an Internet users group, hold a wonderful annual BBQ, throw Ladies’ Nights get-togethers, and have a parent’s group. I’ve never lived anywhere that has as much of a neighborhood feel as here.” Each home in the neighborhood was custom built on up to several acres of property. Architectural styles vary from mid- century modern to contemporary craftsman, with classic ranch styles predominating. Most older homes have been remodeled. Landscaping is also diversified, ranging from a preference for native species to patioed Weber Veronica pool areas and formal Japanese gardens. “I love my short commute through the showcase for local professional artists. Many residents regularly walk the five trees to my business on Sand Hill Road, On the weekends, the Four Corners is streets that comprise the neighborhood, convertible top down. It just starts my day also a popular meeting place for motorcy- or utilize local access to Wunderlich in such a relaxed way,” says 29-year resi- clists, bicyclists, and hikers. One can meet Park trails. Others take advantage of dent, Kyung Yoon. tourists from throughout the world who nearby cycling routes and horse trails. Matt Bordering Skyline Boulevard is the have been attracted to the beauty Richter, a newer resident, enjoys that his wooded neighborhood of Skylonda. of the area. back property line is on the Woodside “We have the freshest air anywhere,” Towering redwoods, wildlife and rural Horse Trail. “My four-year-old, Alison, says Patty Mayall, who has lived here for tranquility attracted San Franciscans to loves to watch horses ride by,” he says. more than 16 years. “You live far enough build summer homes in Skylonda in the Skywood Acres boasts its own award- apart that it’s a very peaceful place to earlier part of the 20th century. Today, winning boutique winery, the Chaine reside,” she adds. “a lot of professionals, Stanford professors D’Or, and the Thomas Fogarty, Woodside For neighborhood communication, resi- and doctors, artists and musicians” popu- and Kings Mountain Wineries are also dents rely on a bulletin board posted at Four late the area, says Ms. Mayall. close by. Local restaurants are within walk- Corners, the name given to the busy inter- “It’s a lovely little community,” says ing distance or a 10-minute drive to down- section of Highways 84 and 35, where locals Hertha Herrington, a Skylonda resident town Woodside. And with Highway 280 go to buy gas, convenience groceries and to since 1985. also just 10 minutes away, the entire Bay dine. A recently opened art gallery offers a Area is quickly accessible. — Kate Daly and Karen Canty

R A

D N

FACTS

Wunderlich FIRE STATION: 3111 Woodside Road, Sequoia Union High School District — A L

County Woodside Woodside High School, Park

199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside r. PARK: Wunderlich County Park, D 84 ise Still Cr nr u Thornewood 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside ee . SHOPPING DISTRICT: Four Corners, R k S n oad L r s Open ia Ra d Fr Highways 84 and 35 nc oa Wo S h R y Space NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: LINE ta a Y d W K od l Preserve Woodside Road, Woodside e S r side D d Skywood Association: r o i o v R e w D and Redwood City y k A Suzanne Muller, president, 650-529-1999; 35 S O R

a Skylonda Area Association: MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: NEIGHBORHOODS NEIGHBORHOODS

B d LV n D o

La Honda . H Sandra Bachman, president, 650-851-5135 $1,510,000 ($1,430,000 - $1,588,000)

Town A

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O PUBLIC SCHOOLS: HOMES SOLD: 2

Preserve

ld Portola Valley School District —

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Ormondale School, 200 Shawnee Pass Road,

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CHILD CARE & PRESCHOOLS: PUBLIC SCHOOLS: FACTS AL Woodside Parents’ Nursery School, Las Lomitas School District — AM ED 3154 Woodside Road, Woodside; Las Lomitas School, 299 Alameda de las A D Woodside Preschool, Pulgas, Atherton; La Entrada School, E Woodside L D High AS 3195 Woodside Road, Woodside 2200 Sharon Road, Menlo Park A School P O Ward U R L G FIRE STATION: 3111 Woodside Road, Sequoia Union High School District — A S

Woodside Woodside High School, 199 Churchill

Northgate Greenways Avenue, Woodside PARK: Huddart County Park, South E Stockbridge ID gate 1100 Kings Mountain Road, Woodside; SHOPPING: Woodside Road, Woodside

S NEIGHBORHOODS D Wunderlich County Park, and Redwood City O Eleanor O 4040 Woodside Road, Woodside W MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE:

Eleanor NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: $3,975,000 ($1,950,000 - $6,000,000) Woodside Heights Neighborhood Association, M HOMES SOLD: 2 oo John Rossi, president re Ro ad 280

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