PLANS STALLED for General Motors auto mall on Bayfront Expressway in Menlo Park. Page 5
THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE
MARCH 12 , 200820 08 |VOL| VOL. 43NO43 NO. 28 www.TheAlmanacOnline.com
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2 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 “Each gem has its own personality, and through us, it becomes This week’s news, features and community events. a part of your beautiful life.” George Tom FIRST SHOT Exquisite Jewelry Design TOM WING 888 SANTA CRUZ AVE. M ENLO PARK 650.326.0888 A legacy of excellence
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Photo by Veronica Weber/The Almanac $2.00 OFF Any Large Pizza Breaking new ground Exp. 3/31/08 Menlo Park officials rest on their shovels at the Feb. 28 groundbreaking ceremony at the site of what will be a 3,800-square-foot police substation at the corner of Willow Road and Ivy Drive. Officers will be stationed at the 3 Portolaa Road • (650) 851851-1467 1467 • Portola Valley new facility, and residents will be able to obtain police reports and parking permits, and pay tickets and water HOURS: Mon-Fri 8:00am - 7:00pm; Sat 10:00am - 7:00pm; Sun Closed bills there. From right are: Mayor Andy Cohen, Councilman Richard Cline, City Manager Glen Rojas, Councilman Heyward Robinson, Councilwoman Kelly Fergusson, developer Gary Moiseff and Police Chief Bruce Goitia.
Atherton Crime ■ Two candidates — James Dobbie and Elizabeth ■ Menlo Park cyclist MaryAnn Levenson Lewis — vie for a seat on the City Council. confronts driver who struck her. Page 5 Page 12 ■ Gang of youths attacks pedestrians in Menlo The Luck of Park. A 60-year-old man is seriously injured. Menlo Park Page 5 the Irish ■ Plans are stalled for a General Motors auto mall on Bayfront Expressway. Page 5 Schools is no way to ■ Menlo Park City School District may dip into reserves to shore up budget. Page 11 choose the Stanford ■ ■ Woodside School faces $380,000 budget gap; Stanford drops plan to dump fill from school board is likely to authorize staff cuts. Page 7 right color! construction on former Christmas tree farm. Page 9 Also Inside Going Green We have Calendar ...... 30 The Going Green stories in Section 2 merely scratch the Guest opinions ...... 19 surface of local efforts to conserve resources and reduce Letters ...... 18 greenhouses gases. We will be publishing more stories over 4,300 Obituaries ...... 13, 17 online and in print. If you know of exceptional initiatives, Police Calls ...... 16 please post the information on TheAlmanacOnline.com. samplemple ppotsots Check the links under the Town Square heading on the home page. You can also e-mail information to managing editor Richard Hine at [email protected]. to choose from CALLING ON THE ALMANAC
The Almanac offices are at 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025. THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Publishing For Classified ads, call 854-0858 ■ E-mail news to (no photos please): Co., 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- [email protected] 4455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and at FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR 20 YEARS For all other calls, phone 854-2626 additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general News: Ext. 213 ■ E-mail news photos with captions to: circulation for San Mateo County, the Almanac is delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Display advertising: Ext. 233 [email protected] ■ Woodside. Voluntary subscriptions for $30 per year or $50 per Fax: 854-0677 E-mail letters to the editor to: 2 years are welcome from residents of the above circulation [email protected] area. Subscription rates for businesses and for residents of 1411 Woodside Rd., Redwood City other communities is $50 per year and $80 for two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, P.O. (Across from Woodside Plaza) To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, Box 7008, Menlo Park, CA 94026-7008. Copyright ©2006 by 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. Embarcadero Publishing Co., All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. (650) 365-6222
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 3 Columbus Reduced Sodium A TOWN MARKET PLACE Turkey Breast $9.99lb 3015 WOODSIDE ROAD ROBERTS HEALTY HEARTY TURKEY SANDWICH WOODSIDE, CA 94062 650-851-1511 Reduced Sodium Turkey Breast Open 6:30AM - 8PM jarlsberg lite cheese low fat mayonaise, dijon mustard, Sale Dates: March 12, 13, 14, 15 tomatoes & crispy lettuce www.robertsmarket.com on Swirl Rye $6.50 each Located in our pre-made sandwich case
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Shades Of Gray LOUIE – MEAT DEPT.DEPT. hether called Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris, this white wine varietal is Wknown for its chameleon-like ability to transform itself. Begin with the fact that these grapes cloak themselves in skins that range in color from grayish blue to brownish pink. Similarly, the styles of wine that these grapes produce vary even more widely. This is a grape that is strongly Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio influenced by soil and climate, In northern Italy, Pinot Grigio is known Whether you prefer the French pronunciation Pinot Gris, or Italian, as a neutral, crisp white wine. In Alsace, where it is known as Tokay, Pinot Gris emerges as a rich, highly textured wine with its signature Pinot Grigio, the wine should be fresh and delicious. Pinot Gris rarely aroma of honey and flowers. These wines are often compared with red wines as food companions. sees oak, so they tend to be pure expressions of place and grape. Here are a few suggested examples from around the globe. There are a huge amount of varieties of white wines, varying in texture, aroma, and alcohol content. At ROBERTS MARKET, we feature an extensive selection of wines including whites and reds. ’06 Coppola “Bianco” Pinot Grigio, California Reg. $9.99 Sale $8.99 If you find yourself pressed for time visit our "heat and eat it" Surprisingly light and crisp. Very nice. department for wonderful gourmet prepared foods. These include ’06 St. Michael - Eppan Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige . Reg. $16.99 Sale $14.99 sushi, pasta, fresh salmon and a wide variety of fish, lamb, and A classic Italian example that's superior to Santa Marg . pork all prepared daily with delicious marenades as desired. Come and see us! ’06 Shaky Bridge Pinot Gris, Central Otago, NZ . Reg. $18.99 Sale $16.99 Nectarine, white peach, and melon. Juicy and delicious. HINT: Pinot Gris from California and Oregon have personalities of their own, borne of their unique climates, ’06 Palmina Pinot Grigio Alisos Vnyd, Santa Barbara Reg $18.99 Sale $16.99 soils, and wine-making styles Crisp and pure with lime, melon and mineral complexity. ’06 Willakenzie Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley Reg. $19.99 Sale $17.99 A riper, richer, fruitier style. ’06 Dom Zind Humbrecht Pinot Gris, Alsace . Reg. $22.99 Sale $19.99 A wine of power and drama. It oozes spice and honey. GUINESS DRAUGHT CAN $ 14 oz. – Plus Calif. Redeem Value 1.49 LUCKY CHARMS CEREAL $ 11 oz. – Also Cinnamon Toast Cruch 3.39 — Special This Week at Roberts —
EDWARDS KEY LIME PIE $ $ 36 oz. Also Turtle 5.99 PETRALE SOLE 14.98 lb. CLOVER ORGANIC FAT FREE MILK $ $ .5 Gallon. – Also Whole – 2% Reduced – 1% Low Fat 2.29 SMOKED SALMON DIP 14.98 lb. New Zealand NIMAN'S APPLEWOOD SMOKED CURED BACON $ $ 12 oz. 3.49 FREE RANGE RACK OF LAMB 15.98 lb. Hot And Spicy PEDIGREE CHOICE CUTS DOG FOOD $ $ 22 oz. – Can 1.05 PORK BACK RIBS 7.98 lb.
4 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 MENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Menlo cyclist confronts driver who struck her ■ Walter Sorensen sentenced to eight months in jail was just pure anger. I was not going to ‘There was just give him any tears.” for injuring MaryAnn Levenson. Ms. Levenson’s husband, Scott, who was pure anger. I was in the courtroom, said his wife called Mr. By Dave Boyce shattered larynx, extensively damaged foot Sorensen a coward and completely irrespon- Almanac Staff Writer not going to give and continuing numbness in her lips and sible, told him how the Dec. 23, 2006, accident t’s been 15 months since the arrest of an her jaw, Ms. Levenson has had plenty of him any tears.’ had ruined her life and damaged the lives of intoxicated Hillsborough man whose time to prepare remarks. MARYANN LEVENSON those around her, how her lips could no lon- Ipickup truck struck Menlo Park resi- She delivered on Friday afternoon, March ger feel the kisses she gives her sons, how she dent and bicycle racer MaryAnn Levenson, 7, in San Mateo County Superior Court in has to cover her mouth when eating to keep severely injuring her. The driver, 77-year- Redwood City at the sentencing hearing to eight months in county jail, followed by from spraying food, how her voice fails if she old Walter Sorensen, reportedly attempted for Mr. Sorensen, who had pleaded “no five years of supervised probation and loss talks too loudly or for too long. to leave the scene, but was blocked by contest” in January 2007 to charges that of driving privileges, 300 hours of commu- another driver’s vehicle. included felony drunken driving. nity service, fines of at least $366,000 and No remorse? During the months-long interval as she The hearing was the first time Ms. Lev- other penalties, said Chief Deputy District Ms. Levenson said that Mr. Sorensen did attempted to recover after being dragged enson has had the opportunity to say any- Attorney Steve Wagstaffe. not apologize and tended to look away as she 35 feet under Mr. Sorensen’s truck and suf- thing to him. She addressed Mr. Sorensen “I wrote it out, just in case I wasn’t able fering a fractured pelvis, broken vertebrae, before Judge Clifford Cretan sentenced him to say it,” she told The Almanac. “There Continued on page 7 Gang of youths attacks pedestrians in Menlo Park By Dave Boyce bruises from being punched and Almanac Staff Writer kicked, Sgt. Simpson said. Both victims were taken to gang of six young men and Stanford Hospital and were boys are in police custody expected to recover, Assistant Ain connection with two District Attorney Karen Guidot- attacks on pedestrians and a rob- ti told the Almanac. bery at the Safeway store on El The two were robbed of their Camino Real in Menlo Park. cell phones, Sgt. Simpson said. One victim, a 60-year-old To protect their safety, police are Menlo Park man who was walk- not releasing their names. ing along O’Brien Drive east of The District Attorney’s Office did the Bayshore Freeway about 6 release the names of four suspects a.m. on Feb. 24, was hospitalized in the case: John Persius Stanley with a blood clot on his brain Mahe, 17, Malakai Mataele, 18, and fractures to his jaw, nose and Holomesi Tuineau, 19, all of and eye socket, according to San East Palo Alto, and Sipukako Tony Mateo County Deputy District Vailala. The names of the younger Attorney Steve Wagstaffe and suspects are being withheld. The Sgt. Jim Simpson of the Menlo 17-year-old has been charged as an Photo by Veronica Weber/The Almanac Park Police Department. adult, Ms. Guidotti said. The second attack occurred In addition to robbery, the Wanted: bees (some travel required) about 50 minutes later near charges include assault and About 14,000 daffodils live on Village Hill in Woodside, having been planted there by the Woodside the intersection of Newbridge causing great bodily injury, Mr. Landscape Committee, and many of the yellow and white flowers are now in bloom. The committee’s Street and Carlton Avenue in Wagstaffe said. mission: “To beautify the town-owned open spaces in Woodside,” which includes areas near the library, the Belle Haven neighborhood. community museum, Pioneer building, Roberts market and Town Hall. A 37-year-old man suffered See ATTACKS, page 7 Plans stalled for General Motors auto mall on Bayfront Expressway By Rory Brown changed,” said Susan Garonta- be up and running by late 2008, David Johnson. Almanac Staff Writer kos, dealer and field communi- PROPOSED but that doesn’t look likely. He said planning an auto mall cations manager for GM. “We AUTO MALL “It’s a completely different envi- is no easy feat, as GM has to eneral Motors’ plans to don’t have any definitive plans Bayfront Expwy. ronment in the industry and the draw independent dealers (both build a Menlo Park auto for the site right now.” economy right now compared GM, and non-GM) to the site. mall have been put on In October 2006, GM came (with) several years ago,” Ms. But he said he’s still confident G IN hold. forward with its proposal to CALTRA Garontakos said. “We want to the automaker will make its nAve. A GM spokesperson said the build an auto mall at the prop- Hamilto Willow Rd. make sure [the auto mall] is suc- plans a reality. . . e e. e . v e Ha automaker is still committed to erty, which was then part of the Av Av cessful, and that means doing this “I fully expect them to see this building an auto mall on Bayfront Tyco Electronics campus. The General Motors has purchased right.” She said GM currently has project through,” Mr. Johnson Expressway at Willow Road, but project includes plans for 8.5 22 acres from Tyco Electronics no timeline for the project. said. He noted that GM has due to slumping auto sales and an acres of the property to be allot- to build an auto mall on Bayfront Last year, GM officially pur- “bigger issues” to take care of at uncertain economy, the project ted for GM dealerships, and the Expressway at Willow Road. chased the property from Tyco the moment, including reports isn’t going anywhere quickly. other 13.5 acres designated for for “in excess of $20 million,” of a multi-billion dollar deficit “We’re still in discussions non-GM dealerships or other GM officials said if all went according to Menlo Park Busi- for its 2007 fiscal year, and with the city, but the market’s retail uses. well, the GM dealerships would ness Development Manager See AUTO MALL, page 7
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 5 ALBERTO ONCE HELD BACK BY WEIGHT CURRENTLY: DIVES RIGHT IN
JUST ANOTHER REMARKABLE DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. At 13 years old, Alberto was one of more than 2 million overweight kids in this country. The good news is, he chose to do something about it. Since he enrolled in the Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program last year, Alberto has lost over 30 pounds and is now an active and healthy kid. Rather than focus solely on © 2007 Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital calorie intake and weight loss, our program helps families maintain lifelong healthy eating and exercise habits. In fact, Alberto’s mom was so inspired, she lost 12 pounds herself. Alberto is still headed toward his weight goals. The way we see it, his loss is truly Lucile Packard his gain. To find out more about the Packard Pediatric Weight Control Children’s Hospital Program call 650 -725 - 4424 or visit pediatricweightcontrol.lpch.org. AT STANFORD
6 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008
1877_LPCH_Alberto_PAWeekly.indd 1 7/24/07 11:26:05 AM NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A by Gloria Darke Woodside School faces budget cuts How To Generate A Quick Sale By Andrea Gemmet of its accountants. The science on the district. In a report to the Almanac Staff Writer specialist would drop from full school board, Mr. Vinson said Q: Dear Gloria, of the showings that matter most. he Woodside Elementary time to part time, ending the the district is expecting a 4 per- We need to sell our house as Having an open house where it School District is facing school’s science pull-out pro- cent increase in property taxes, quickly as possible. What would is largely neighbors and people Ta $380,000 budget gap gram for grades 3-5. A school down from a historic average of you suggest? walking or driving by is far less and the school board is likely to counselor and an English lan- nearly 8 percent. Woodside is important that showing to serious authorize staff cuts at its Tues- guage development specialist also anticipating a 10 percent cut buyers. Usually the more serious day, March 11, meeting. would each be reduced from in state funding, and no increase A: Anyone who is associated buyer will be shown the home Superintendent Dan Vinson full time to half time positions in its grant from the Woodside with sales knows the meaning of through an agent who has seen blames the budget shortfall on under his proposal. School Foundation, he said. “selling is a numbers game”. So the home through the Multiple “normally increasing operating The Woodside school board is Cost increases faced by the dis- as it applies to your situation, it Listing Service. However, make costs at a time when revenue also contemplating an overhaul trict include a 2.5 percent rise in means that the more people who sure all your bases are covered growth is relatively flat.” He said in the district’s administra- staff salaries, an increase of 2 to see your home, be it over the and that you do use the internet, the problem is not limited to the tive structure, triggered by Mr. 4 percent in non-staff expenses, internet, newspaper advertising newspapers and mailings. And upcoming school year, but is Vinson’s upcoming retirement and $22,000 in annual leases of or having their agent show it to you never know what calls will ongoing. at the end of the school year in new technology equipment. them, the better your chance be generated from the sign Mr. Vinson is proposing that 2009. The board meets at 4 p.m. in of selling quickly. Sellers and in your yard! It goes without the K-8 school eliminate its State budget cuts and lower the Wildcats Room at Woodside their agents must use every saying that the house must also computer network administra- than normal growth in property School, 3195 Woodside Road. For possible strategy to maximize be in good shape for showings, tor, assistant principal, and one tax revenues are taking their toll information call 851-1571. A the number of showings. But inside and outside, and that it is sales success does not depend on priced correctly for the market numbers alone. It is the quality conditions. Menlo Park cyclist confronts driver who struck her For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at gdarke@apr. com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a freemarket analysis of your property. Continued from page 5 man explained this to the judge, who ing her clothes raked off, could said he would consider it as another have been exposed to passersby. was speaking to him, an account opinion, Mr. Blackman said. The witness reassured her in backed up by her husband and Mr. Levenson remained uncon- court. “I just want to let you by former Menlo Park mayor and vinced. “Having someone express know that I kept you covered,” cycling enthusiast Steve Schmidt, some feelings, some caring about she said, for which Ms. Leven- who attended the hearing. what happened rather than sitting son said she was most grateful. Before sentencing, Judge Cre- in your chair and rocking would tan noted that Mr. Sorensen “did have been very therapeutic,” he Being safe not appear to have any remorse said in an interview. “Just the In a comment on the proceed- for his criminal conduct,” Mr. words ‘I’m sorry, I made a mis- ings, Mr. Schmidt, the former Wagstaffe said. take,’ would have been very help- mayor and cyclist enthusiast, said Mr. Sorensen had been advised ful. He had the last word and he he felt that justice had been served. to remain silent, his Palo Alto chose not to say anything.” The publicity of the sentence “will attorney James Blackman said in Mr. Sorensen “got what he serve strong notice to motorists that an interview. Courtrooms in cas- deserved,” Ms. Levenson said in they can’t expect to get off easily or Europopeanop Faabricsaba es like this one tend to have a lot an interview. “I felt like I was the at all when they injure pedestrians English & Frerenchre Countntrynntt Furniture of anger in the room that can lead one behind bars, and now he’s or bicyclists,” he said. “People who to apologies being misinterpreted, there. It was such a relief to see drink and drive should be pun- Mr. Blackman said, adding that a him carted off the same day.” ished. I don’t care if you’re 95 years courtroom is an “artificial” envi- At the end of the hearing, Mr. old. … To drink and drive is the ronment and “not a place to share Sorensen was led away by the worst, absolutely the worst.” deep emotions.” bailiff. “Everybody needs to take a deep Was Mr. Sorensen in fact Among those who testified at breath and get off their cell remorseful? “Oh yes. Absolutely,” the hearing was one witness to the phones” and pay attention to the Mr. Blackman said. “He expressed accident who explained how she had road, said Ms. Levenson, who is remorse at every opportunity” to held Ms. Levenson in her arms and gradually returning to bike racing probation officers, his attorney, wondered if she was about to die. and is also a member of Menlo prosecutors, family and friends. As she was being held, Ms. Lev- Park’s Bicycle Commission. “How “Some people can verbalize that enson said, she had been preoc- do you make people more safe on That’s right, purchase any kind of emotion more effectively cupied with the parts of her body the road? Educate the cyclist; edu- than others,” he added. Mr. Black- that, after being dragged and hav- cate the motorist.” A of our silks, cottons or 110” wide French fabrics, ATTACKS AUTO MALL estimated first-year sales tax continued from page 5 continued from page 5 revenue from its dealerships at even special orders and we’ll $1.5 million, meaning the city The suspects are being held possible production cuts due would get $750,000. make the drapes for FREE! on $200,000 bail. A preliminary to striking workers at auto part The auto mall project still hearing is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday, factories. requires environmental review March 18, in San Mateo County and approval by the City Coun- Superior Court. Tax sharing deal cil. A Starts Februaryy 28th thru March 31st, 2008. The two attacks followed a 5:40 The previous City Council Certain restrictions apply. a.m. robbery on the same day (Feb. voted unanimously in Novem- 24) at the new Safeway store at 525 ber 2006 to approve an agree- TTHEHE AALMANACLMANAC El Camino Real, where thieves ment with GM that would tangled with a security guard, Sgt. evenly split — between the city ONLINEDELIVERS 535 San Anselmo Ave. 626 Santa Cruz Ave. Simpson said. Whiskey and a six- and GM — the sales tax revenue 2244/7. San Anselmo, CA. Menlo Park, CA. pack of beer were taken. generated from GM auto sales at 415.453.8200 650.328.8300 Police connected the three inci- the auto mall. dents after an investigation over Under the deal, the city would the next several days turned up share sales tax revenues for JOIN THE CONVERSATION “significant evidence” and arrests 15 years, or until GM receives AT TOWN SQUARE were made, Sgt. Simpson said. A $10 million. At the time, GM TheAlmanacOnline.com
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 7 SummerHill Homes: Building partnerships for a greener future.
SummerHill Homes is well known for quality and innovation. Today this means a SummerHill Homes is a proud partner with green greener approach to homebuilding that translates into more energy effi ciency organizations that are on the forefront of promoting and less impact on the environment. Our commitment to more sustainable sustainable building and living practices. design and construction is refl ected in the more than 1,100 ENERGY STAR qualifi ed homes we have built—and in our partnership with Build It GreenTM to attain GreenPoint Rated certifi cations for every new SummerHill home. ENERGY STAR Since 2002, SummerHill Homes has been a SummerHill green. The color of the future. partner with ENERGY STAR, a joint program of Check out the green features in these the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Peninsula communities today! U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR was organized to conserve resources and protect the PARK STATION • So. San Francisco MERIMONT • San Bruno environment through the more widespread use of energy-effi cient products and practices.
Build it Green Proud Member and Sponsor SummerHill Homes is a member and sponsor of Build It Green, a professional non-profi t Condominiums • 1-2 Bedrooms Single-Family Homes • 3-5 Bedrooms Approx 664-1,317 sq ft Approx 2,092-2,300 sq ft membership organization whose mission is to Anticipated from the $400,000s From the low $1,000,000s promote healthy, energy and resource-effi cient buildings in California. LANE WOODS • Menlo Park ECHELON • Palo Alto
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8 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 SHH 137 Palo Alto Wkly 10x13_v5.indd 1 3/10/08 2:19:29 PM NEWS
Stanford drops plan to dump fill on former Christmas tree farm By Marion Softky from the site, and the prospect of thousands of trucks Almanac Staff Writer entering and leaving the site, and traveling on Sand Hill Road over 10 years. aced with a long and expensive fight, Stanford The county planning department sent a four-page has withdrawn its application to dump large letter to Stanford on Nov. 21 listing additional infor- Famounts of fill, generated by its campus expan- mation and studies it would need before bringing the sion, on the former Christmas tree farm along Sand application to a public hearing. This included studies Hill Road, west of Interstate 280 and across from the of the wetland crossing of the creek, impacts on the Push It Up a Notch. Horse Park. endangered San Francisco garter snake, potential Let an AXIS trainer help you get the most from your workouts. On March 4, the San Mateo County Plan- hazardous materials, and traffic issues. ning Department received Stanford’s request to Bring in this ad to receive withdraw the application to place 300,000 cubic Where then? 50% off yards of fill over 10 years onto its 143-acre prop- Stanford is still considering where to put the thou- Your First Two erty between Sand Hill sands of cubic yards of AXIS Training Sessions Road and the Stan- dirt being generated by PERFORMANCE Good towards the first two sessions with ford Linear Accelerator, the addition of almost CENTER an AXIS staff trainer. May not be com- according to planner Lennie Roberts of the Committee for 5 million square feet of bined with other offers or discounts. Lisa Aozasa. building approved by Menlo Park ExpiresExpires 1/31/08. 3/30/08. Code:Code: AlmanacAlmanac Green Foothills has suggested that (650) 463-1920 “It would be a lengthy Santa Clara County in Expert Personal Trainers www.axispt.com and pretty expensive Stanford use its fill to help restore the 2000. Because the cam- Certified Massage Therapists process; it didn’t make former salt ponds ringing the Bay. pus is already densely sense to continue,” said built, much of the new Jean McCown, Stan- construction appears as ford University community relations director. basements and underground parking — which “We have a number of other locations to dispose generate the fill that needs to be disposed of. Hop till you drop. of fill.” Ms. McCown noted that Stanford is studying a Ms. McCown defended the project as providing number of options to dispose of its fill. environmental benefits by restoring land that has not Lennie Roberts of the Committee for Green recovered from years of growing Christmas trees. Foothills has suggested that Stanford use its fill to “We haven’t changed our mind,” she said. “We help restore the former salt ponds ringing the Bay genuinely felt this could be done in a very positive to active tidal marsh. Inner Bair Island, at the end of and environmentally responsible way that would Whipple Avenue in Redwood City, needs 1 million have resulted in an improved condition at the site and cubic yards of fill over five years to raise it enough no detriment to the surroundings or neighbors.” to open the levees, she noted in a guest opinion in The application had stirred up concerns and oppo- The Almanac on Nov. 14. “Just Bunnies!” sition from neighbors and environmental groups, Restoring salt ponds and rebuilding levees in including Portola Valley and the Committee for Menlo Park and East Palo Alto will also need fill, Green Foothills. Ms. Roberts noted. “Providing this fill from Stan- Concerns focused on the visual impacts of the ford’s nearby projects would yield fewer CO2 emis- Saturday, March 15th project, biological impacts on San Francisquito sions than those resulting from trucking fill in from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Creek and Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve downhill distant locations.” A Center Pavilion Hop on down to Stanford Shopping Center for the Creek ‘daylighting’ plan wins council OK spring-time musical “Just By Dave Boyce Center complex that includes a Bunnies!” You’ll be ■ PORTOLA VALLEY Almanac Staff Writer library, Town Hall and commu- entertained by four fabulous nity hall. For that project, all but and funny bunnies, with a ausal Creek may never The council’s 4-0 vote — Coun- $3 million was raised through special appearance from the again take its original free- cilwoman Ann Wengert was absent donations from town residents. running northerly path — included approval of a budget of The creek project is also being “official” Easter Bunny. Plus, S a mall-wide Easter egg hunt for across 11.2 green acres of Por- about $613,000 to pay for the first paid for with donations, with tola Valley’s Town Center, but of two phases of the $1.4 million about $425,000 already raised all Simon Kidgits Club members. it’s now likely that the part of creek daylighting project. and another $100,000 expected the creek that flows through the Phase 1 includes extensive soon, fundraiser Alex Von Feldt center will be liberated from the grading; building concrete walls told the council. About $900,000 60-inch concrete pipe in which it to support two bridges, one for is still to be raised. has been buried for decades. pedestrians and the other for The council did not approve The Town Council gave its vehicles, and a wall at the site the budget for phase 2 of the unanimous approval on March where the creek emerges; build- creek project, deciding instead 4 to a consultant’s plan that ing the vehicular bridge itself; to wait for the bid process to has the creek emerging from and a rerouting of Town Center run its course and see how the the pipe into a gently bending utility lines under that bridge. fundraising goes. streambed about 300 feet long Phase 2, at an estimated cost The new Town Center com- and designed with gradually of $787,000, includes construct- plex is likely to be completed in sloping sides along a meadow of ing the creek bed and stabilizing November or December. If the native grasses. it with native vegetation, and creek project proceeds on sched- The undergrounded creek installing the pedestrian bridge, ule, it should also be complete at crosses the Town Center’s landscaping and irrigation. the end of the year, said water ® northern border and continues, The creek plans are scheduled resource management consul- El Camino Real & Sand HillLocator Road, Line. Palo AltoShopping / Shopping Line Line® 000.000.0000. 650.617.8200 as a free-running stream, on to to go out to bid on March 12, the tant Jorgen Blomberg of San the property of Christ Episcopal same day as the final bid package Francisco-based Philip Wil- Church. for the new $20 million Town liams & Associates. A
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 9 NEWS
MP council starts budget talks By Rory Brown Workshop on El Camino Real draws 100 Almanac Staff Writer Some of the more costly proj- ects include: Councilwoman Kelly Fergus- uilding more than 1,400 ■ $975,000 to redesign By Rory Brown ■ MENLO PARK son was one of several residents feet of new sidewalks, and the downtown parking pla- Almanac Staff Writer to build on that idea, suggesting Bredesigning a downtown za between Doyle and Curtis fforts to revitalize El Ideas ranged from improv- that the city look at making parking lot. streets, adjacent to Su Hong To Camino Real in Menlo ing the aesthetics of El Cami- it easier for residents to bike Improving facilities at the Go. EPark got off to a lively no Real with new parks, pub- and walk — as well as drive — Onetta Harris Community Cen- ■ Up to $750,000 to create a start on March 6, as about 100 lic plazas, or a city square, to between the two cities. ter, and continuing efforts to plan to revamp properties along people packed the Burgess Other ideas included widen- revamp El Camino Real. El Camino Real. Recreation Center to pitch ing sidewalks, putting down- These tasks are among the ■ More than $1 million in their ideas to fix up the city’s town and El Camino Real list of priority projects Menlo citywide sidewalk repairs and main thoroughfare. Among proposed utility lines underground, and Park staff is suggesting the City construction, including build- The big turnout was good figuring out what to replace Council fund during the fiscal ing 1,400 feet of new sidewalks. news to City Council members changes: build city abandoned auto dealerships year that starts July 1. Council who have pledged to make square, attract with — such as a new grocery members will discuss that list Recreation revamping El Camino Real a store, houses, offices, green when they kick off 2008-09 City staff is also recommending top priority, and say the efforts green businesses, businesses, playing fields or a budget talks at their meeting on a slew of recreation projects for greatly depend on buy-in from rework nearby streets. dog park. Tuesday, March 11. next fiscal year, including mov- residents and local businesses Now, it will be up to city staff The meeting, devoted to discuss- ing ahead with plans to build a and property owners. and the consultant to make ing projects the city should fund new Burgess Gym, and allotting “We got a good crowd here reassessing a rejected plan to something of the suggestions, next fiscal year, is scheduled to $575,000 to study building adult- tonight, and I think we heard build a bike tunnel under the and create some preliminary start at 7 p.m. in the council cham- sized fields at Kelly Park. some great ideas,” Councilman Caltrain tracks, or figuring designs and plans for a re- bers at the Civic Center, between Other upgrades include Richard Cline said. “Hopefully out where high-density hous- imagined El Camino Real by Laurel and Alma streets. improvements for the Nealon things will take off, and by the ing could be built. the next workshop in April. Council members have the final Park softball field, building a next meeting (in April), we’ll Longtime resident Reg Rice, “This is kind of a neat pro- say on what projects get funded, shade structure over the Belle get double the people.” a member of the Transporta- cess to get people engaged,” but city staff has identified 54 Haven Child Development Cen- Participants at the meeting tion Commission, got the said Oliver Koehler, a one- projects that various commissions ter playground, replacing out- ranged from longtime council crowd buzzing when he sug- year resident. “The key will be and the council itself have shown dated equipment in the Onetta watchers to brand new resi- gested that the city could ease to get some consensus, to get an interest in pursuing. Finance Harris Community Center dents, and they told a city-hired traffic congestion on El Cami- something we all like rather Director Carol Augustine has weight room, and spending consultant wha t the city should no Real by working with Palo than diving into the conten- recommended that the council $110,000 to fix landscaping, play- consider when drawing up a Alto to connect Alma Street to tious issues that have been approve 38 of those projects for ground equipment, and park new plan for El Camino Real. Menlo Park with a bridge. hashed out before.” A the coming year. benches at various city parks. A
10 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 NEWS
Menlo Park school district may tap into reserves By Andrea Gemmet enrolled during the February priority real estate market, in terms of its ■ SCHOOLS Almanac Staff Writer registration period, Mr. Ranella said. impact on property tax revenues. Check TheAlmanacOnline.com for news updates. Children can register for kindergar- Mr. Ranella said layoffs are antici- he Menlo Park City School Dis- ten at any time, but an opportunity pated only at Hillview Middle School, trict is expecting to have to dip At the moment, the district doesn’t to enroll in the new bilingual Spanish mostly due to returning employees who Tinto its reserve funds to shore up know how much money in state fund- immersion kindergarten class is lim- have been on leave. One specialist who next year’s budget. ing will be lost due to California’s bud- ited to children who registered by Feb. teaches an elective class will have hours Rising enrollment, cuts in state get crisis. 29. Getting first dibs on transfers in the reduced, because there aren’t enough funding, and a smaller than usual Property tax revenues, the district’s wake of the district’s new attendance students enrolled in that particular increase in property tax revenues are chief source of income, are expected to boundaries for the three elementary class, Mr. Ranella said. A the culprits, said Superintendent Ken rise only about 5 percent, a lower rate schools is another likely motivation. Ranella. than in the past, Mr. Ranella said. Last As a basic aid district, Menlo Park “We’re working in worst-case sce- year, property tax revenues were up has to absorb the costs of adding classes ■ MEETING narios now, but it’s such a preliminary more than 9 percent, he said. for a growing student body with little The school board is scheduled to meet on analysis, it’s not accurate,” Mr. Ranel- The district is also facing bigger in the way of additional funding from Tuesday, March 11. Board meetings start la. expenditures due to rising enrollment. the state. That means that while Menlo at 7 p.m. and are held at the district office, He said he expects that the needed Kindergarten enrollment is higher than Park is protected from the brunt of located at Encinal school, 181 Encinal Ave., amount of reserve funds, or “fund bal- anticipated, although that could be state cuts in education funding, it is Atherton. ance,” will be “a modest amount.” due to this year’s push to get children also subject to the whims of the local
Woodside to Derry project may depend on state funds THE review EIR for By Rory Brown ment for up to $3.78 million to housing program funding,” said ALMANAC county parks Almanac Staff Writer help get the project built. The Arlinda Heineck, the city’s com- ONLINE estimated total cost of the project munity development director, in The Woodside Town Council he O’Brien Group, the San is $34 million. a staff report. DELIVERS is scheduled to review the final Mateo-based developer The project is proposed for Jim Pollart, spokesperson for environmental impact report for behind the Derry condo- a 3.4-acre site bounded by El the O’Brien Group, could not 24/7. the Huddart-Wunderlich parks T commercial project proposed for Camino Real, Oak Grove Ave- be reached for comment by The master plan and issue a town posi- downtown Menlo Park, says it nue, and the train tracks. Almanac’s deadline. tion on the EIR to the San Mateo needs state funding, or its 108- The O’Brien Group is applying The grant would not cost the County Board of Supervisors. condo development may not get for funds recently made available city anything, but a majority of The council meets at 7:30 p.m. built. by the state for transit-oriented council members must sign off Tuesday, March 11, in Indepen- Citing rising construction costs development — multi-home on the application by May 5 if dence Hall. and sub-prime mortgage trends, projects near transit stations. the project is to be eligible for An earlier draft of the master the O’Brien Group will ask City “[The O’Brien Group] has state funds. plan elicited complaints from Council members in the next 60 determined that there is a sig- Council consideration of the Woodside residents over the days to sign off on an application nificant risk that the Derry proj- grant application is not yet listed CCHECKHECK THETHE LLATESTATEST MMOVIEOVIE RREVIEWSEVIEWS increased traffic and noise that to the state’s Housing and Com- ect will not be viable without on the council’s tentative sched- and much more could result from a proposed new munity Development Depart- transit-oriented development ule. A TTheheAAlmanaclmanacOOnline.nline.ccomom visitor’s center and community building at the Zwierlein group picnic area in Huddart Park. Weddings could be much more frequent and parking could over- THE ALMANAC ONLINE DELIVERS flow on to roadsides, they said. Equestrians also complained 24/7. about the possibility of creek crossings being closed to horses. CHECK COMMUNITY CALENDAR FOR SPECIAL EVENTS and much more @ At the Tuesday meeting, the council also expects to hear an TheAlmanacOnline.com update on the design of a three- story apartment complex for fac- ulty and staff of Canada College. A subcommittee of Mayor Coming soon to Menlo Park: Ron Romines and councilmen Peter Mason and Dave Tan- DMV services without the DMV lines. ner had planned to meet with officials from the college and Discover select DMV services and new lower rates on AAA Auto Insurance. Redwood City to resolve Wood- side’s concerns over the scale of the project. Come in today for a quote on AAA Insurance TRY THE SURF IN and receive a free gift.* TOWNSQUARE. The Almanac’s Online AAA Menlo Park Gathering Place 700 El Camino Real, Suite 175 Be a citizen journalist. www.TheAlmanacOnline.com Menlo Park 94025 (650) 289-5640
*Free gift applies to quoting new insurance policies only, while supplies last. ©2008 California State Automobile Association
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 11 NEWS County certifies vote: turnout 59.3% Two vie for seat on Atherton council The San Mateo County Elec- that the turnout “may reach By Andrea Gemmet general plan committee, and cial real estate agent with Cor- tions Office has certified the as high as 71 percent.” The Almanac Staff Writer Feb. 5 election results and presidential primary turnout James Dobbie, a member of the nish & Carey since 1985. With reported March 4 that the turn- has not exceeded 60 percent wo candidates are running Atherton Planning Commission her husband, she owns Orchard out was 59.3 percent, far exceed- since 1980, he said in a press in a June 3 special elec- and chair of the general plan Commercial, a San Jose-based ing the 48.6 percent turnout in release. Ttion to complete the City committee, an advisory body development, property manage- the 2004 presidential primary. Of those who voted, 45.3 per- Council term of Alan Carlson, that deals with development and ment and commercial opera- Of the 357,075 registered voters cent cast their ballots by mail. who resigned in December when land use policy. tions company, she said. in the county, a total of 211,697 Before certifying the vote, he moved out of Atherton. His (Mr. Dobbie filed earlier and a “The events of the past year cast ballots, said Chief Elections the Elections Office conducted term expires in November 2010. story about him ran in the Feb. 27 spurred me to feel that we need a Officer Warren Slocum. a manual hand count of 1 per- With the candidate filing issue of The Almanac, available more balanced council … to repre- While the highest in several cent of the precincts, selected period closing March 7, the on TheAlmanacOnline.com.) sent citizens from all the neighbor- years, the turnout was not a at random. The manual tally two candidates are Elizabeth hoods of Atherton, and all points record and fell short of Mr. matched the machine tally Lewis, a 10-year Atherton resi- Elizabeth Lewis of view,” she told The Almanac. Slocum’s pre-election estimate exactly, Mr. Slocum said. dent and member of the town’s Ms. Lewis has been a commer- Ms. Lewis said there’s a need to encourage environmentally sound or “green” building tech- PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE niques. If elected to the council, PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE she said, she would work to NOTICE OF INTENT TO DEFINE THE increase the council’s outreach NOTICE OF INTENT TO INCREASE SERVICE AREA AND INCREASE THE efforts and encourage Atherton THE EXISTING SOLID WASTE / EXISTING SOLID WASTE / RECYCLING residents to become part of the RECYCLING RATES FOR RATES FOR SINGLE-FAMILY process. Finding a steady source RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE of revenue for the town is also a COMMERCIAL AND MULTI-FAMILY CITY OF MENLO PARK RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS priority, she said. About the town’s controver- WITHIN THE CITY OF MENLO PARK The City Council of the City of Menlo Park hereby gives public notice of its intent to define the service area and increase the existing solid waste / sial historical artifact preser- The City Council of the City of Menlo Park hereby gives public recycling rates for single-family residential customers within the City of Menlo vation law, she said she’d like notice of its intent to increase the existing solid waste / recycling Park for the collection of solid waste and recyclable materials. The increase, to see the town’s heritage pre- served without compromising rates for commercial and multi-family residential customers within if approved, will be effective on July 1, 2008. The City Council plans to property rights. the City of Menlo Park for the collection of solid waste and recy- consider these rate increases at a public hearing on March 25, 2008 at 7:00 The current ordinance is “not clable materials. The increase, if approved, would be retroactively p.m., or as near as possible thereafter, in the City of Menlo Park Council Chambers Building at 701 Laurel Street - Civic Center. a positive way to go about pre- effective as of January 1, 2008. The City Council plans to consider serving our heritage,” she said. “I these rate increases at a public hearing on March 25, 2008 at 7:00 What are the new rates: Several rate increase amounts will be con- sidered at the public hearing. The maximum rate increase under consid- think there are other ways to go p.m., or as near as possible thereafter, in the City of Menlo Park eration is 18.6% higher than current rates. The maximum annual new rates about it, and provide more educa- Council Chambers Building at 701 Laurel Street - Civic Center. are as follows: tion to the public … instead of a punitive set of laws.” SERVICE LEVELS AND RATES What are the new rates: She is a native of Kentucky who CURBSIDE SERVICE BACKYARD SERVICE Several rate increase levels will be considered at the public moved to Palo Alto in 1964, she Size of Containers hearing. The maximum rate increase under consideration is 18.6% (In Gallons) 20 32 45 20 32 45 said. She graduated from Palo Alto High School and attended higher than current rates. A detailed listing of the proposed rates Rate for single can be obtained from the Finance Department located on the container used $76.44 $162.32 $267.69 $114.98 $243.56 $381.71 San Francisco State University, second floor at City Hall, 701 Laurel Street, on-line at http://www. she said. Rate per container Her volunteer work includes menlopark.org/departments/dep_finance.html, or by calling 650- when more than one 330-6644. container is used - 1st N/A 201.02 267.69 N/A 282.24 381.71 three years on the board of Miramonte Mental Health Ser- 2 N/A 402.03 535.38 N/A 564.50 763.43 Necessity for new rates: vices. She also was a member of 3 N/A 603.03 803.06 N/A 846.74 1,145.15 the Committee for Better The intended new rates are necessary due to the terms of the Schools in Palo Alto, a grass- City’s existing contract with Allied Waste Company which provide 4 N/A 804.05 1,070.76 N/A 1,129.00 1,526.87 roots group, and served on the for fees to be set at a level which gives the Contractor a rate of 5 N/A 1,005.06 1,338.45 N/A 1,411.25 1,908.58 Measure W committee to pass return based on approved costs. The Contractor’s costs have the Atherton parcel tax. A increased in the current year primarily due to increased labor and Necessity for new rates: disposal costs. The City’s costs of providing billing services and environmental programs that support reductions in solid waste have The intended new rates are necessary due to the terms of the City’s Help for seniors also increased in recent years, and rate increases have not kept existing contract with Allied Waste Company, which provide for fees to be pace with this combination of rising costs. set at a level which gives the Contractor a rate of return based on approved Saturday, March 15, is the costs. The Contractor’s costs have increased primarily due to increased deadline to request assistance labor and disposal costs. The City’s costs of providing billing services and from the annual Realtor Service If you wish to file a written protest to these fee increases, please environmental programs that support reductions in solid waste have also send a letter addressed to Solid Waste Rates, c/o City Clerk, City of Volunteer Program (RSVP), increased in recent years, and rate increases have not kept pace with this which offers seniors free assis- Menlo Park, 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Your letter combination of rising costs. tance with household tasks. must identify the real property you own by street address and the If you would like additional information on the proposed rates, please visit RSVP week will take place assessor’s parcel number. Your letter must be legibly signed by any the Finance Department located on the second floor at City Hall, 701 Laurel Street or call 650-330-6644. May 5-10 when teams of vol- one of the current property owners. Your name should be set forth unteers perform cleaning and as it appears on your tax bill. The City of Menlo Park must receive If you wish to file a written protest, please send a letter addressed to Solid Waste Rates, c/o City Clerk, City of Menlo Park, 701 Laurel Street, household maintenance work, your letter at City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2008, or it must be including changing light bulbs presented at the City Council meeting March 25, 2008, prior to the Menlo Park, CA 94025. Your letter must identify the real property you own by street address and the assessor’s parcel number. Your letter must be legibly and furnace filters, installing close of the public hearing on the matter. signed by any one of the current property owners. Your name should be set house numbers, cleaning win- forth as it appears on your tax bill. The City of Menlo Park must receive your dows, or installing new smoke Any person interested, including all solid waste / recycling col- letter at City Hall by 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2008, or it must be presented detector batteries. lection customers of the City of Menlo Park, may appear at the at the City Council meeting March 25, 2008, prior to the close of the public Volunteers will also rake leaves, public hearing and be heard on any matter related to the proposed hearing on the matter. trim overgrown hedges, do some increase in rates. Any person interested, including all solid waste / recycling collection vacuuming, and move items customers of the City of Menlo Park, may appear at the public hearing and from hard-to-reach shelves. Dated: March 3, 2008 be heard on any matter related to the proposed increase in rates. The program is sponsored by /s/ SHERRY M. KELLY, City Clerk the Silicon Valley Association of Published in THE ALMANAC on March 12, 19, 2008. Dated: March 3, 2008 /s/ SHERRY M. KELLY, City Clerk Published in THE ALMANAC on March 12, 19, 2008. Realtors. For information, call 408-200-0100. 12 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 NEWS TOWN OF PORTOLA VALLEY 765 Portola Road Remembering Father Egon Javor Portola Valley, CA 94028 WORKSHOP ON HOME ENERGY Father Egon Javor, one of seven CONSERVATION AND GREEN DESIGN Benedictine monks from Hungary The Town of Portola Valley is responding to the challenge who founded the Woodside Priory monastic community and then of climate change. On April 5, the Town Council invites Woodside Priory School in Portola residents to a community workshop on home energy Valley 50 years ago, was remem- conservation and “green design”. The purpose of the bered last week by members of the workshop is to share ideas for moving the Town forward religious and Hungarian commu- on practices to save energy, conserve water, and use nity, as well as students, alumni, sustainable materials in our homes. parents and friends. Father Egon, a refugee from We will begin from the premise that home energy con- Hungary, dreamed of founding a servation and green design offer many benefits to hom- Benedictine school in the United eowners, including cost savings, durability, creative use States, and lived to see the school of materials, and lifestyle enhancements. celebrate its 50th anniversary this school year. He called it “an The workshop will include presentations and an interac- American miracle.” tive exercise. Participants will explore ways to improve He died on Sunday, March 2, the energy performance and resource efficiency of exist- at age 91 at the Priory, where he ing homes and examine the Town's potential adoption lived his life dedicated to the of flexible green design standards for new homes and Father major remodels. Benedictine tradition of help- Egon Javor ing students become lifelong at Woodside learners and good stewards to Priory School The workshop will take place in the Corte Madera School humanity, said his colleagues. 2006 photo courtesy of Eva Soos MUR from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. At 2:00 p.m., inter- More than 600 attended the ested participants can tour a new “green home” in the Portola Valley Ranch. Mass of Resurrection for Father ■ Emod Brunner, Christopher Hites, Egon on March 5 at St. Pius Cath- OBITUARY Benignus Barat, Leopold Hoffer, olic Church in Redwood City. Note: Much of this story is taken Stanley Jaki and Achilles Horvath. We hope you can join us! Father Egon’s casket was attend- from an obituary on Father Egon Javor All were experienced high school Green Design Workshop ed by 50 members of the Sover- submitted by Woodside Priory School. and university teachers. April 5, 2008 eign Knights and Dames of Malta, As the likelihood of going back 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. wearing their official robes. He oned before, and the monks to their homeland diminished, Corte Madera MUR was a longstanding member of the received information that he was the group focused on learning Published in THE ALMANAC on March 12, 2008. order as a chaplain. being targeted again. English and attaining citizenship. Retired San Francisco Arch- He escaped on a cold November Soon they were ready to consider bishop John R. Quinn was the night across a mined and well- what to do next. They opted to main celebrant. Participating in guarded border by taking small seek their own community and the service were Auxiliary Bishop steps, listening for the footsteps of a school where they could trans- TOWN OF ATHERTON of San Francisco Ignatius Wang, the guard, then taking a few small- plant their academic tradition. ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES Hungarian Consul Gabor Kaleta er, careful steps until he successfully Father Egon took the lead in find- 91 ASHFIELD ROAD ATHERTON, CALIFORNIA 94027 from Los Angeles, and Pastor crossed a wide, moonlit meadow. ing the right location. He started 650-752-0500 Gabor Magyari-Kope of the Hun- In 1948, he found refuge on the driving across the country with a FAX 650-688-6528 garian church in Redwood City. East Coast of the United States few potential sites to check but in Abbot Matthew Leavy traveled along with six others from the from St. Anselm’s Abbey in New Hungarian Archabbey: Fathers See FATHER EGON, page 14 PUBLIC NOTICE Hampshire to give the homily. Among former Benedictine NOTICE OF VACANCY school alumni speaking were Say John Fisher of Atherton and Greg “Buh-Bye” Notice is hereby given that the Town of Atherton encourages Hampton, also a former teacher residents to apply for a position on the Transportation/Traffic Sub- With Dinan’s new software Committee to fill an unexpired term of a Committee Member as noted at the school. and sweet-sounding exhaust installed on your below. The position has been vacated. Priory obituary 335i/xi or 535i/xi, feel what your BMW was really Much of the following information meant to be: TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC SUB-COMMITTEE is taken directly from an obituary pre- 392 hp @ 5500rpm pared by Woodside Priory School. 429 ft/lb torque @3700 rpm Robert Huber appointed 04/03 vacated 03/13/08
After World War II, the com- All with a four-year 50,000-mile munists occupying Hungary powertrain warranty. The Transportation/Traffic Sub-Committee advises the City Council began confiscating Benedictine If software is to installed, vehicle on matters regarding traffic and transportation issues within the Town is required to have either a property and closing schools. BMW-factory or Dinan oil cooler. Father Egon and the six other The Committee consists of two Council Members and three resi- monks who eventually founded dent advisors who are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Woodside Priory joined many City Council. Currently, terms are for one year; however, Committees/ others in leaving Hungary. Commissions are under review by the City Council and terms are Father Egon, a scholar with a doc- Portola Valley Garage subject to change. Regular meetings are scheduled quarterly on the second Tuesday, at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, at 94 tor’s degree in theology and a mem- Whether you’re looking to modify or just have regular Ashfield Road. ber of the religious community at maintenance on your new, vintage, or hybrid vehicle, you can historic St. Martin Archabbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary, had been trust Portola Valley Garage’s sixty years of excellence. ASE certifi ed Applications are available on the Town website at www. immersed in editing medieval mis- techs and factory diagnostic equipment ensure that your car is ci.atherton.ca.us under “Town News” and will be accepted in the sals from the 13th and 14th centu- taken care of right, the fi rst time! Town Administrative Offices, 91 Ashfield Road, until Monday, March 31, 2008. ries. He had expected to continue Website: www.pvgarage.com doing this, but, as he often said, 650 851-7442 Online scheduling: “God had another plan for me.” 4170 Alpine Road www.pvg.mechanicnet.com Dated: March 7, 2008 Father Egon was instructed by Portola Valley, CA 94028 Email: [email protected] ______his Benedictine order to leave Kathi Hamilton, Acting City Clerk Hungary. He had been impris- 10% off regular maintenance labor with your CCA card Published in THE ALMANAC on March 12, 2008.
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 13 NEWS
FATHER EGON had only $18,000 among them and continued from page 13 borrowed $5,000 for the down pay- Developing open space: Let voters decide? the back of his mind was thinking ment on the Gilson property. that California could be it. The monks lived their motto, By Marion Softky nor the only, target of the ini- manager of DMB Redwood When he reached the Bay Area, “Ore et Labore” (pray and work), Almanac Staff Writer tiative is a proposal by Cargill City Saltworks. Father Egon was warned that Arch- as they moved into the ranch Salt and DMB Associates to DMB is developing a specific bishop John J. Mitty in San Fran- house and built the monastery broad coalition of envi- develop 1,433 acres of retiring plan based on a 50/50 concept, cisco might not be happy to see him, and school from the ground up. ronmental groups wants salt ponds between Bayfront Mr. Bruno said. This will restore since the diocese already had many The first students — 14 boys — Ato qualify an initiative in Park in Menlo Park and Seaport at least 50 percent of the site schools to support. When he made arrived in September 1957. Redwood City to require two- Boulevard into a mixture of as wetlands and natural open the obligatory visit, however, Father The school has grown to thirds of city voters to approve uses including housing, recre- space, and utilize the remain- Egon quickly discovered that the include a middle school, added any new development in the ation and open space. ing 50 percent for a mixture of two had in common the experienc- in the mid 1990s; coeducational city’s open space areas. developed uses. es of being military chaplains. The day and boarding programs; a Members of the Open Space Mr. Nobles and the Open visit turned into a warm welcome. new performing arts center; and Vote Coalition launched their Space Vote Coalition want to The archbishop agreed to the type arts, science and computer labs. initiative to amend the city see all the property returned of school Father Egon envisioned On-campus housing has been charter at a press conference in A target of the initiative to the Bay. “Destruction of — small, self-supporting, boys- built for about one-third of the front of City Hall March 6. is a proposal to develop our limited open space harms only, and a boarding school, with an faculty and staff. “The protection and restora- 1,433 acres of retiring our precious environment and emphasis on developing character The history of the Priory was tion of the Bay has long been a denies our children an oppor- and values that would prepare each chronicled by Father Egon in two priority of Redwood City vot- salt ponds between tunity to connect with nature,” student to be a successful parent, published books: “Beginnings: The ers,” said Ralph Nobles, who has Bayfront Park in he said. citizen and individual. He pictured Founding of the Woodside Priory” already led two successful refer- “Today our Bay shoreline is the student body would include and “Being Benedictine: 50 Years of enda blocking Bayfront develop- Menlo Park and under assault, and tomorrow international students, Catholics, Woodside Priory School.” ments of Bair Island and Marina Seaport Boulevard. the threat could be to our city non-Catholics willing to study the “Father Egon never dwelled Shores. “This measure ensures parks and hillsides,” said Len- teaching of their own faith, and on his personal contribution,” that Redwood City residents nie Roberts of the Committee Catholics who might eventually commented Tim Molak, head of have a say in any development of DMB has been engaging Red- for Green Foothills. “Voters choose a religious vocation. school. He preferred “to tell the our parks and open space, now wood City residents for almost should have a say on massive Father Egon recalled in an stories of all of the people who and in the future.” two years in an extensive out- development on our baylands, interview with The Almanac that helped the school thrive.” The “Open Space Vote Initia- reach effort to devise a plan just as we voted to save Bair Emmet Cashin of Fox and Carska- The Father Egon (Javor) Endowed tive” will require signatures of for the property that would Island, Bayfront Park, and the don was driving him around the Scholarship Fund has been estab- 15 percent of Redwood City’s have solid public support. “A Palo Alto Baylands.” hills in 1956 when they came upon lished at Woodside Priory School. registered voters to qualify for strong majority advocates a Supporters of the initiative a small ranch house on an 18-acre Contributions may be sent to the November ballot. The char- balance of uses — including include Friends of Redwood barren site off Portola Road. He Woodside Priory School, 302 Por- ter amendment will take a both wetlands restoration and City, Save The Bay, Committee liked the site and it was the cheapest tola Road, Portola Valley, CA simple majority vote to pass. development,” said John Bru- for Green Foothills, and the property — $80,000. The monks 94028. The most obvious, though no, vice president and general Sequoia Audubon Society. A
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14 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 Emerson School brings out the extraordinary in every child.
NEWS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY . Superior Academic Preparation . Individualized Montessori Curriculum 2800 W. Bayshore Road . Palo Alto, CA 94303 Cultivation of Gifts & Talents www.headsup.org Little House hosts ‘Growing Up Chinese’ . Emphasis on Thinking Skills & Personal Values Tracy Bootz, Administrator . [email protected] A multi-media program with lier program focused on “Grow- Asian Art Museum docent. . International Curriculum (Chinese, Spanish) 650-424-1267 lectures, plays, music, art, a little ing Up Jewish.” ■ Cynthia Wilcox, a Wood- Year-Round, Full-Day Program Parent Information Dates Tai Chi, and two panel discus- Among the program’s high- side resident and member of the March 13 5:00 sions, all focusing on “Growing lights: Peninsula Volunteers who grew Affiliated Programs: Up Chinese,” will be held Satur- ■ Mark E. Lewis, Stanford pro- up in China, will moderate a Hacienda School – Pleasanton day, March 15, at the Little House fessor of Chinese culture, will give panel of other locals who immi- HeadsUp! activity center in Menlo Park. a lecture on “Swordsmanship in grated here as adults. She is the Child Development Centers – Sponsored by Little House and Ancient China.” He recently gave author of a memoir, “The Love Palo Alto . San Jose . Pleasanton the Menlo Park Library, the pro- this lecture to the International of Lotus.” gram will run from 10:30 a.m. Olympics Committee in London, Chinese nationals who are stu- to 4 p.m. and includes lunch. Ms. Lewis-Rakova said. dents at Menlo College will serve People of all ages are welcome ■ A San Francisco musical lunch, said Ms. Lewis-Rakova. Join Now to the program, part of a series ensemble, Melody of China, The cost, which covers lunch, is Get Lite for Summer honoring major immigrant will play traditional Chinese $40 per person and $35 for Little groups in the area by providing instruments. House members. There are dis- & Save education about the immigrant ■ Jane Pittsinger, a local phys- counts for multiple members of Lose 15-20 Lbs. in 8 Weeks experience and the cultural gifts ical therapist and expert on Chi- the same family. Little House is at each group has contributed, said nese art, will give a lecture and 800 Middle Ave. in Menlo Park. $75* Little House program manager slide show on “Taoism and the For tickets or more informa- Wendy Lewis-Rakova. An ear- Healing Arts.” She is a retired tion, call 326-2025. Menlo College’s Hawaii Club to hold luau Saturday The Hawaii Club of Menlo ment play prizes and thank you ■ AROUND TOWN UÊ«ÀÛiÊ9ÕÀÊi>Ì College will host its 17th annual gifts. Advanced players will be luau on Saturday, March 15, eligible for grand prizes, includ- UÊVÀi>ÃiÊ9ÕÀÊ iÀ}Þ Both a continental breakfast and in the Haynes-Prim Pavilion. ing a 1951 New York Giants UÊ ÊEÊiiÊ iÌÌiÀ buffet lunch will be served. Doors open at 4 p.m. jersey signed by baseball great Fees are $140 for advanced UÊ, Ê ÃÕÌ>Ì The buffet dinner, featuring Willie Mays. players and $70 for novice play- kalua pig, will be served at 5 To register, call 617-3816. ers. The event includes tourna- p.m. with a Polynesian dance Now Open show to follow at 6 p.m. After in Menlo Park the dance show, there will be a THE BEST QUALITY & SELECTION OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS reggae concert featuring Coastal Sage and Sideaction. The MC will be Lina Girl Los Altos Menlo Park from the KCCN (FM 100) InÊÜiiÊ Ê ÎnnÊ-iV`Ê-Ì° Ê Ç£ÎÊ">ÊÀÛi Õ Ê Èxä®Ê{£x{ÎÎ Ê Èxä®ÊÎÓÎx{nÎ Morning Jam radio program Ìi`ÊÌiÊvviÀ°Ê >VÀÃÃÊvÀÊÌ iÊÀiÊ-Ì>Ì® in Honolulu. The Polynesian >ÊvÀÊ`iÌ>ð dance show will feature mem- www.liteforlife.com bers of the Hawaii Club. Tickets to the luau are $50 Stanford Shopping Center reserved seating, $40 general Now located between Macy's and admission, and $20 for college )& )43 ./4 ). 4()3 6!5,4 )43 ./4 3!&% students and children. For Bloomingdale's, next to Playa Grill more information, call Hawaii Club adviser Mary Robins 650.321.4177 at 543-3735 or Hawaii Club president Asti Merino at 808- 255-4650. Visit052%/,/'9 s 2%$+%. s ")/,!'% s /0) us to receive a FREE GIFT! No purchase necessary. CHC domino tourney at Menlo Circus Club The 46th annual Children’s Low Cost Divorce/Living Trust Health Council domino tour- nament, set for this Saturday, DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICE March 15, at the Menlo Circus LOS ALTOS VAULT & SAFE DEPOSIT CO. Club in Atherton, is dedicated INCLUDES: A private depository to the late Roger May of Portola UÊ ÛÀViÊfx{ Valley. Safe deposit boxes of all sizes 7 Ê, Ê£t UÊÊ Û}Ê/ÀÕÃÌÃÊf{ Strict and total confi dentiality / iÀiÊÃÊ ÊÓ Mr. May, who died unex- 6 Ê/t pectedly Nov. 21 at the family UÊÊVÀ«À>ÌÃÉ ÊfÎ Secured and ample parking ranch in Colorado, was a char- UÊ *ÀwÌÊfÎ For your own sake we should have your business. ter participant in the domino U Ê ÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊÊ*ÀL>ÌiÊÀiiÊ+ÕÌi®Ê Visit our facilities and judge for yourself. tournament, and played every Data bank for important and confi dential records. year since the tournament was UÊ`ÊÕV ÊÀit launched in 1962. Kyle & Koko IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HACKERS TO PENETRATE OUR Registration for the tourna- C O M P U T E R S Y S T E M . R E A S O N — W E H A V E N O C O M P U T E R S . ment, which is sponsored by ® WE DO BUSINESS THE OLD FASHIONED WAY. the Children’s Health Council We The People 650-324-3800 Auxiliary, starts at 8:30 a.m., We the People is a registered trademark. Stores are owned/operated by franchisees who are not 121 First Street, Los Altos, CA 94022 lawyers, cannot represent customers; select legal forms, or give advice on rights or laws. Services are with play beginning at 9:30 a.m. provided at customers’ request and are not a substitute for advice of a lawyer. Prices do not include court costs. Tel: 650-949-5891 www.losaltosvault.com
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 15 COMMUNITY UC-approved HIGH SCHOOL Classes for Credit Big meeting Wednesday on Burgess Gym
By Rory Brown will present four basic plans at gym into a gymnastics facility, Almanac Staff Writer the meeting, scheduled to start and building a separate gym • Enroll full time or concurrently at 6 p.m. in the Burgess Recre- near the Burgess Recreation with your high school embers of the public ation Center at 700 Alma St. Center. ■ • Open year round. Enroll anytime! can get a first look at Field Paoli is seeking feedback Renovating the existing ideas to build a new from parks commissioners and gym and building a separate • Planning ahead? See our web site M Menlo Park Burgess Gym at the members of the public regarding gymnastics facility near the for Summer School details. Wednesday, March 12, meet- four conceptual plans: recreation center. ing of the Parks and Recreation ■ Building a new gym for ■ Building a new gym in con- Call 650-321-0550 to register Commission. gymnastics, basketball, vol- junction with building a new San Francisco-based Field leyball, other sports groups and recreation center, both of which LYDIAN ACADEMY Paoli Architects, the firm hired drop-in users at the site of the could house gym and gymnas- 815 El Camino Real, Menlo Park by the city to redesign and existing gym. tics programs. 650-321-0550 • www.lydianacademy.com rebuild the 34-year-old gym, ■ Renovating the existing The gym project is expected to be funded by a bond issue authorized by Measure T, the $38 million recreation bond measure approved by voters TRELLIS in 2001. The city will collect SEASONAL ITALIAN CUISINE roughly $9 million from the WITH A CALIFORNIA FLAIR bond issue, according to city staff’s latest estimates. WWee IInvitenvite YYouou ttoo Tryry OurOur Parks commissioners and City Council members plan to fur- NEW EARLY BIRD DINNERS ther discuss Burgess Gym in ★ CHOICE OF: coming months. A Today’s Soup or Mixed green lettuces with citrus vingaigrette ★ CHOICE OF ENTREE: ■ POLICE CALLS Penne with Portobello mushrooms, broccoli, peas and fresh tomato-herb sauce Braised beef in Barolo wine sauce with melted leeks and gorgonzola-potato puree ATHERTON King Salmon grilled fresh with sun-dried tomatoes-chardonnay sauce and basil orzo Burglary report: Laptop computer and wallet stolen from residence with ★ CHOICE OF DESSERT: unlocked front door, 100 block of Homemade dessert Heather Drive, Feb. 29. Theft reports: Satchel and contents ★ HOMEMADE BREAD * valued at $3,000 stolen from unlocked $ 95 vehicle, first block of Faxon Road, For All Your Special Occasions, Call Us 19. March 6. You Will Love Our Customized This menu is available MENLO PARK Menus & Prices • No Room Charge from 5:00pm to 6:00 pm Stolen vehicle reports: *tips + tax not included ■ First block of El Camino Real, Feb. 29. ■ 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 100 block of The Best Terrace Patio in the Peninsula Newbridge St., March 2. ■ Unattended 2000 Jeep Grand Thank You For Your Support Menlo Park For This Past 7 Years! Cherokee with keys in it stolen from gas station, 200 block of El Camino Real, 650.326.9028 March 4. 1077 El Camino Real • Menlo Park Burglary report: Vehicle window smashed and purse and keys stolen, Lunch: Mon-Fri 11-2:30 • Dinner: 7 Days/Week 5-10 1600 Marsh Road, March 6. Grand theft reports: ■ Jewelry valued over $40,000 stolen from residence, 1000 block of Lassen A TASTE OF THE PENINSULA Drive, Feb. 29. ■ Camera equipment stolen from A cornucopia of restaurants and cafes providing vehicle, 800 block of Coleman Ave., Live Music the finest dining from brunch to dessert. March 2. ■ Computer stolen from office, 1100 block of Alma St., March 4. Tuesday thru Saturday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm WOODSIDE Embezzlement report: Unau- thorized use of credit card for over $100,000 in charges in Bay Area, 600 Celia’s Mexican Restaurant block of W. Glen Way, Feb. 29. 3740 El Camino, Palo Alto (650) 843-0643 Theft report: About $2,000 stolen Mon. & Tue. from unlocked safe, Canada College at Enjoy Wine 1850 El Camino, Menlo Park (650) 321-8227 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard, Feb. 29. Bring your own www.celiasrestaurants.com Arson report: Car reported stolen Full Bar - Happy Hour Specials; Catering from Tracy found burned on a horse No Cork Fee! trail, Manzanita Way and Sand Hill Road, March 1. Daily Specials Vive Sol-Cocina Mexicana PORTOLA VALLEY Great Atmosphere 2020 W. El Camino Real, Mtn. View (650) 938-2020. Assault report: Soccer player punched someone during handshake Specializing in the Cuisine of Puebla. ritual at end of game, 3000 block of Open daily for lunch and dinner. Alpine Road, March 2. Featuring SERVING WEST MENLO PARK Six days Lunch Pianist Seven days Dinner Nancy Burglary report: Silverware and jew- Gilliand elry worth $5,700 stolen from residence, 200 block of Stanford Ave., Feb. 29. Theft report: Catalytic converter Connoisseur Coffee Co. worth $300 sawed off Toyota 4 Runner, 1000 block of Wendy Lane, March 1. Fine Dining, Full Bar, Live Pianist 2801 Middlefield Road Redwood City (650) 369-5250 9am-5:30pm Mon. - Sat. LADERA Take Out Available 650 592-7749 Coffee roasting & fine teas, espresso bar, retail & wholesale. Burglary report: Vehicle window BANQUET 777 Laurel Street, San Carlos WEDDING smashed and purse stolen, Lawler CATERING www.Latoscarestaurant.com Reserv. On-Line RECEPTION Ranch Road, March 3. To Advertise in “A Taste of the Peninsula” call The Almanac 650-854-2626.
16 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 FOR THE RECORD Enroll Now: ■ OBITUARY to work in her father’s architectural Nancy Lanzafame of Pittsburg, firm. They were married in 1944. Jon Daseking of Los Altos, Bruce ART CLASSES Bernice Daseking Before her marriage, Ms. Dasek- Daseking of Danville, and Wendy Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced ing worked at the White House Van Gaaskeck of Mountain View; 70-year Atherton resident department store in San Francisco. a brother, William Janssen of San Over 50 selections Bernice Janssen Daseking, a long- After her children were born, she Carlos; a sister, Barbara J. Smith • Watercolor • Acrylic • Collage/Mixed • Sculpture time Atherton resident and mother was involved in their schools, of Menlo Park; 18 grandchildren; • Oil • Photography Media • Printmaking of eight, died serving as a room mother, PTA and four great-grandchildren. Her Feb. 29 at the age president, Boy Scout leader and Girl husband, William H. Daseking, Classes begin APRIL 7. of 86. Scout leader. preceded her in death in 1996. Ms. Daseking Their home in Atherton, which Memorial donations may be Call 650-321-3891 for detailed brochure, or write: was born in Oak- Mr. Daseking designed, was a hub made to Redeemer Lutheran land, the daugh- of activity, say family members. Church, 468 Grand St., Redwood MAIL THIS AD ter of Emma and IN WITH YOUR A dedicated member of Redeemer City, CA 94062. ENROLLMENT Arthur Janssen. Lutheran Church in Redwood City, FOR A $25 SINCE 1921 DISCOUNT In 1937 the fam- Bernice Ms. Daseking was first a member Line 668 Ramona St, Palo Alto, CA 94301 ily moved to Daseking of the Mary Martha Circle and Fri- Visit us at: www.PacificArtLeague.org Atherton into a day Nighters, then continued with down home on Austin Avenue that Mr. Ladies Guild activities, including Ford A. Janssen, an architect, designed. Ms. decorating and cooking for lun- Daseking graduated from Sequoia Wade of cheons, receptions and bazaars. She Los Trancos High School and San Jose State Col- helped with the Altar Guild and led Woods shot Photo by Ford A. Wade lege with a bachelor of arts degree. a women’s Bible study group. this picture of a power line down on She was a member of Allenian Ms. Daseking is survived by Los Trancos Road, where he lives. sorority, which later became Kappa her eight children, Carol Fisher of He said a dump truck didn’t lower the Kappa Gamma. Dayville, Oregon, Barbara Young of truck bed and it caught the wire. “I She met her future husband, Alamo, Hal Daseking of Palo Alto, noticed a flash out my window and the William Daseking, when he came Janet Smith of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, power went out,” he says. The Bowman program builds confidence, creativity and academic excellence.
Lower School - Grades K - 5 Middle School - Grades 6 - 8 Individualized, self-directed program Rich international and cultural studies Proven, Montessori approach State-of-the-art facility Low student-teacher ratio
www.bowmanschool.org 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto, CA Tel: 650-813-9131
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS BID PROPOSALS SOUGHT FOR TERMINAL AVENUE SITE REMEDIATION PROJECT
The City of Menlo Park invites qualified contractors to submit sealed bid proposals for the construction of TERMINAL AVENUE SITE REMEDIATION PROJECT. Work required as part of this project consists of, in general, excavation support, excavation, stockpiling, loading, transportation, and legal disposal of impacted soil and debris; backfill of excavation, and management of groundwater including all necessary labor, equipment, materials, transporta- tion and disposal fees described in the scope of work as set forth in the contract documents. Performance of this work requires a valid California Contractor’s License Class A. Project documents and copies of the prevailing rate of wages can be obtained from the Menlo Park Engineering Division, located in the Administrative Building at 701 Laurel St. A mandatory Pre-bid conference is scheduled for 19 March 2008 at 10:00 a.m., at the Site; meet at the gate between the fire station and the railroad tracks on Chilco Street, near the intersection of Terminal Avenue and Chilco Street in Menlo Park. Sealed bid proposals will be received at the Engineering Division office until 2 p.m. on TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2008, at which time they will be opened and publicly read. Additional information can be obtained on the City’s website: www.menlopark.org/cip
Published in THE ALMANAC on March 12, 19, 2008.
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 17 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 40 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.
Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney New vision welcome for El Camino Editorial enlo Park officials who are making a major effort to mixed retail and office or housing combinations already proposed Managing Editor Richard Hine get the public involved in a plan to spiff up El Camino for the former Cadillac dealership near Glenwood Avenue. News Editor Renee Batti Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle MReal, the city’s main thoroughfare, have to be pleased A consultant has organized two walking tours of El Camino Senior Staff Writers with the turnout and wide range of ideas presented at a work- and sent out thousands of surveys to every home and business in Marion Softky, Marjorie Mader Staff Writers Andrea Gemmet, shop last week. Menlo Park to facilitate the community soul-searching for this David Boyce, Rory Brown Suggestions for filling the unsightly gaps left by vacant auto project. So far, more than 1,800 surveys have been returned, a Contributors Barbara Wood, Kate Daly, Bill Rayburn, Miles dealerships on either side of the historical boulevard ranged response that has pleased city staff and council members. McMullin, Katie Blankenberg from affordable housing and parks to public art and a prome- It is hoped that after extensive public hearings, the council Special Sections Editors nade along the railroad tracks. The opinions came from a varied will approve a development blueprint for El Camino that will Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann Photographer Veronica Weber group of residents, including entice property owners to move forward with projects that fit Design & Production EDITORIAL Reg Rice, a perennial fixture in the guidelines. Ideas that differ from the city plan could still Design Director Raul Perez city politics, and City Council be advanced, although we presume the council would be very The opinion of The Almanac Designers Linda Atilano, member Kelly Fergusson. reluctant to step outside their guidelines, at least at the begin- Gail Thoreson, Eric Kinnaird, Joanne Lee, Laura Don, Mr. Rice struck a nerve when ning of the process. Gary Vennarucci he suggested that the city approach Palo Alto about building All of this means that now is the time for residents who have a Advertising a bridge to connect Alma Street in Menlo Park to Alma Street vision, whether “outside” or “inside” the box, of El Camino Real Advertising Manager Neal Fine in Palo Alto, which he said would ease traffic congestion on El to come forward and speak up at these sessions. We see a firm Display Advertising Sales Camino Real; Ms. Fergusson also endorsed the idea of breaking commitment from the city to complete this process and get on Ella Fleishman Real Estate Account down the barriers for all modes of transportation between the to the next step, unlike prior efforts that fizzled out before the Advertising Assistant two cities. work was done. Coordinator Nora Cecilia Meléndez Others picked up the “green” theme by urging more ameni- In many ways, the city is fortunate that four dealerships, which Advertising Services Receptionists Renee Meil ties for pedestrians and cyclists, like wider sidewalks and a bike represent a considerable swath of El Camino frontage, have chosen Circulation, Classified, bridge, and it was suggested that underground utilities would to leave at roughly the same time, leaving prime areas ready for a & Legal Advertising Bill Rayburn take away the visible clutter on the busy road. Another good, but new beginning. It is a golden opportunity that apparently is not lost Published every Wednesday at costly, idea to solve the challenge of grade separations at the Cal- on the 100 or so people who attended last week’s workshop. 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, train tracks is to put the trains underground. It is time for anyone who hopes to see improvement in the city’s Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 854-2626 Building affordable housing, senior housing and more park downtown to step up and make their views known. The next pub- FAX (650) 854-0677 space also were mentioned, and the consultants discussed possible lic workshop, the second in a series of five, will be held April 3. A e-mail news (no photos please) to: [email protected] e-mail photos with captions to: [email protected] e-mail letters to: LETTERS politician that I have heard in a [email protected] Our readers write long time. The Almanac, established in September, 1965, is delivered each week to residents of Menlo Robert Cronin Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San Marmona Drive, Menlo Park Mateo County. The Almanac is qualifi ed by decree Are the French smarter of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish public notices of a governmental and legal than we are? nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued Rail critics live November 9, 1969. Editor: next to the tracks Voluntary subscriptions are available for delivery to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley I was disappointed in the and Woodside at $30 per year or $50 for 2 years. “no-can-do” attitudes about Editor: Subscriptions by businesses or residents outside the area are $50 for one year and $80 for two years. high-speed rail expressed in I noted with interest in last your editorial and also in the week’s high-speed rail article guest opinion by Jack Ringham that you identified which of last week. “It costs too much. It the system’s critics live near the will lose money,” you said. Caltrain tracks. An article in the Feb. 23 Econ- It turns out to be most of ■ omist magazine states that the them. Even Martin Engel, the WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? French national railroad SNCF rail critic in your “Ups and All views must include a home address is profitable, and the TGVs (high Downs” opinion piece lives on and contact phone number. Published speed trains) are very profitable. Stone Pine Lane, a short street letters will also appear on the web site, www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and Are the French smarter than we which dead ends at the tracks Portola Valley Archives occasionally on the Town Square forum. are? Perhaps we should invite (a fact both you and he failed to TOWN SQUARE FORUM SNCF to construct and operate mention). Our Regional Heritage POST your views on the our high-speed rail. Those residents who live near This little building, a converted dance hall, was known as St. Town Square forum at More disturbing to me is the proposed grade separa- Catherine’s Catholic Church. It stood on the side of today’s Our Lady www.TheAlmanacOnline.com that Menlo Park, with its ever- tions will suffer mightily and of the Wayside on Portola Road in Portola Valley from 1902 to 1912. EMAIL your views to: increasing NIMBY attitude, is disproportionately during what letters@AlmanacNews. trying to pretend that it is not promises to be a long period of com. Indicate if it is a part of a large metropolitan area construction. It is valid that they I have great compassion for I urge everyone to remember letter to be published. in a very large state. An example should feel unfairly penalized the plight of these neighbors that we have a stake in the larger MAIL or deliver to: of this is Mayor Andy Cohen’s for merely living on a certain and friends. However, while community, with the Peninsula, Editor at the Almanac, remark that he will not support street or near a certain inter- acknowledging them, I believe the Bay Area and all of Califor- 3525 Alameda de las any transit improvement that section, because the disruption we must consider the potential nia facing both transportation Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025. does not directly benefit Menlo to their lives will be so much safety and traffic benefits which gridlock and environmental Park residents. greater than to those of us who all Menlo Park and Atherton nightmares. CALL the Viewpoint desk at This is one of the most narrow must endure only the mess when residents can reap from grade 854-2626, ext. 222. and selfish statements from a trying to navigate around it. separations. Most importantly, See LETTERS, next page
18 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008 VIEWPOINT
LETTERS Continued from previous page Time to act on greenhouse gases I am not sure that the high- By Carol McClelland and Mitchel Slomiak mittee. Working together, we researched ject matter and our community, we will speed rail project as proposed is the likely impacts of climate change in continue working with the City Council the answer. But I am sure that e thank the Menlo Park City Menlo Park and recommended actions and staff to support and monitor existing staying focused on the short- Council for voting to develop a Cli- our community can take to do our part in and new city initiatives. term drawbacks will ensure that Wmate Action Plan (CAP), addressing this global crisis. Our If you would like to reach out to commu- we never find one. which will guide our community’s report, with 130 recommenda- nity sectors, research ways to reduce emis- Marta Morando effort to address the climate crisis tions and 32 high-priority items, sions, or engage with the city’s initiatives, Berkeley Avenue, Menlo Park over the coming decades. As a was accepted by City Council in there are volunteer opportunities for you. community we must work together November 2007. Actions we are contemplating include: to reduce the half-million tons of While action at the municipal ■ Schools: Energy efficiency, zero waste City should look greenhouse gas emissions Menlo level is a critical part of addressing lunches, walking/biking to school, solar for rail compromise Park produces each year. climate change, each sector of our rooftops; The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize community and each individual ■ Businesses: PG&E energy efficiency Editor: was awarded to scientists for has a part to play. During the nine rebates, recycling, eliminate bottled water; There will be a time in the not establishing that human-caused GUEST months the climate action plan ■ Communities of faith: Green sanctu- too distant future when Cali- emissions of greenhouse gases OPINION is being developed, we can start ary program, energy retrofits; fornians will not only want but are the key contributor to the building new habits regarding our ■ Building professionals: Green certifi- actually need a more efficient climate crisis and to former Vice transportation choices, electric cation, deconstruction over demolition; means of travel between north President Al Gore for galvanizing govern- and natural gas consumption, and waste ■ Residents: Energy audits, recycling, and south. ments, institutions and individuals to act. generation. For those who desire to have replace incandescent light bulbs, drought- The affordability and availabil- Unless the Earth’s temperature stays a larger impact, we invite you to become tolerant landscaping; ity of gasoline is in question as is within 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit of cur- involved in the local efforts supported by ■ Events: Educational forums on long- the time-consuming, cattle-car rent levels, climate change will reach the green ribbon committee. term issues, including transit, renewable experience of the flights connect- catastrophic levels. “Business as usual” In 2008 the committee will engage with energy, and sustainable building. ing the Bay Area with LA/San will warm the Earth far above this level five community sectors to provide educa- How effectively the Menlo Park commu- Diego. If Menlo Park is to talk the and degrade the quality of life for genera- tion and tools to reduce their greenhouse nity reduces the impacts of climate change green talk, we should be willing tions to come. To avoid undesirable con- gas footprint: schools, businesses, commu- depends on everyone. If you are ready to to support action on building sequences, greenhouse gas emissions must nities of faith, building professionals, and take action, please visit this Web site for alternatives to these established be reduced by at least 80 percent below homeowners/neighborhood associations. contact information: http://menlogreen. and soon-to-be obsolete airport 2005 levels over the next 40 years, or by 2 In addition, we will continue research and typepad.com. and freeway paradigms. percent per year. public education efforts regarding sustain- Rather than attack the high- In 2007 more than 100 local citizens able building, energy, waste reduction, Carol McClelland and Mitchel Slomiak speed rail concept as absolutely from many walks of life participated in the transit/transportation, and green business. are the co-chairs of the Menlo Park Green and unacceptably disruptive Menlo Park Green Ribbon Citizens’ Com- As a group with knowledge about the sub- Ribbon Citizens’ Committee. and costly, Menlo Park resi- dents, The Almanac and the City Council should take the A four-track system is unnec- figuration is that grade separa- diose BART extension to Mill- communities. lead in building consensus with essary if this high-speed train tions, which may be desirable brae, should be reminded that Of course high-speed rail other communities between used the current tracks and for other reasons, would no residents of the Midpeninsula costs money. If we do nothing, San Jose and San Francisco traveled between San Jose and longer be required. expect and want progress in rail what alternatives will we have on a compromise system that San Francisco at the same speed High-speed rail chairman service in California and that we in 20 years for travel within utilizes an electrified Caltrain as the existing popular “Baby Quentin Kopp, who bears con- support the high-speed rail con- California? infrastructure within the exist- Bullet.” The added benefit of siderable responsibility for the cept if it is done without gouging Steve Schmidt ing right-of-way. keeping the existing rail con- unnecessarily costly and gran- the heart out of the Peninsula’s Central Avenue, Menlo Park
develop effective programs and attract Budget crunch will hit all public schools the best teachers. Under Proposition 98, programs and staff aren’t slashed one year and then By Eric Hartwig responsibly from defies its very purpose: to protect public hastily reinstated a few years later. It is year to year. Proposi- education from the “feast or famine” one thing to slow down a highway project he next several months are crucial tion 98 was designed environment that can occur when our when the economy stumbles, but it’s a for public schools in California, as to assure that a mini- lawmakers don’t develop far-reaching totally different thing to say to millions of Tour lawmakers cope with the $16 mum — not optimal and responsible spending and revenue children that we just can’t provide a mini- billion state budget deficit projected for — level of funding is plans to support public programs. mum level of education this year. Proposi- 2008-09. While the immediate implica- available to schools Suspending Proposition 98 again will tion 98 keeps this from happening. tions for many of the districts in the during good times as have two very negative effects: first, it On Feb. 25, the Las Lomitas School Dis- Almanac’s circulation area are not as dire well as bad times. will permanently erode the fiscal safety trict trustees passed a resolution opposing as for most of the other districts in the GUEST During the last fiscal net for public education that voters the suspension of Proposition 98. I and state, I believe it is very important for us OPINION crisis in 2004, when intended; and, it will be treating local other educators around the state are urg- to stay closely involved and help protect Gov. Schwarzenegger school districts as if they were the state’s ing voters to let their legislators know that all public schools from unnecessary cuts came into office, he secret bank account, to raid whenever the they strongly oppose suspending Propo- and future uncertainty. negotiated with the Legislature and edu- state cannot balance the budget. sition 98. For sure, Proposition 98 is not At the center of current negotiations cation advocates to suspend Proposition Some might ask why schools should perfect, and our state needs to undertake between the governor and the legislature 98 for the first time; this freed up money be exempt from sharing the pain of an a complete reform of education funding, is the question of whether to suspend to be used for other purposes but resulted economic downturn or of shortsighted as recommended recently in Stanford Proposition 98, the law that guarantees in a highly contentious debate about how legislative leadership. I would answer that University’s exhaustive “Getting Down to a minimum level of funding for K-14 to restore that funding over the next two schools do share the pain, even under Facts” study. Until we get down to reform- public schools. years. Now the governor is proposing to Proposition 98. Schools manage from ing education finance in California, we Proposition 98 is an initiative passed suspend Proposition 98 again, and this year to year on a guaranteed minimum need to stay the course with Proposition into law by voters in 1988 to help even out time legislators and advocates for educa- funding level that, although it is some- 98 — it’s the best we’ve got. the wide fluctuations of funding avail- tion are resisting. times augmented in good years, is still able to public schools that occurs during Why aren’t lawmakers just going along one of the lowest in the nation (46th) on Eric Hartwig is superintendent of the typical economic cycles. Voters wanted with the governor this time around? a per-pupil basis. But at least that level Las Lomitas School District. schools to be able to plan and budget Because suspending Proposition 98 is relatively predictable, and schools can
March 12, 2008 ■ The Almanac ■ 19 Ed Kahl presents 3 glorious opportunities: 335 Kings Mountain Road, 3 acres, lovely home, view – $5,500,000 345 Kings Mountain Road, 3.2 acres, lovely home – $5,000,000 Both – 6.2 acres for the ultimate estate – $10,300,000
WOODSIDE – 335 KMR – sophisticated home on 3 level acres w/hints of Tuscan and Mediterranean styling. 4BR, 3BA, spacious LR ideal for entertain- ing. Formal DR, a gem of a kitchen, family room w/fireplace. Porte cochere, pool, tennis ct, horse barn w/corral and meadow. Woodside Elementary School. Lovely views of Western Hills. $5,500,000
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20 ■ The Almanac ■ March 12, 2008