M-A’s Jeremy Chow designs huge mural to inspire students at Belle Haven School | Section 2
THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE
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Menlo Park native, Seeing the 27, becomes leader in green-building big picture movement | Page 5
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2 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 UPFRONT Light Touch Key Lime Pie $3.99 Principal: ‘I was a bratty teen’ UÊ{Ê}À>ÃÊvÊv>Ì UÊnÊ}À>ÃÊvÊ«ÀÌi By Dave Boyce UÊ-ÜiiÌii`ÊÜÌ ÊvÀÕÌÊÕVi Almanac Staff Writer Before her time at Prospect Why did she pick Wood- High, Ms. Burbank spent five side? It’s larger than Prospect Open to the public: f students with attitudes at years as principal of Aptos by about 500 kids, decisions Woodside High School try High School in Aptos in Santa are discussed among parents, Shop our healthful Ito claim that Diane Bur- Cruz County. Prior to that, teachers and administrators in food marketplace bank, the new principal, doesn’t she worked at Cupertino High the Shared-Decision-Making and save understand them, that may not School, Gunn High School and Council, it’s a high-school-only wash. district, and there are “I was one of those “beautiful” facilities, 20% Off Offering Low Carb, Low Sugar, Gluten Free bratty teenagers,” Ms. Diane Burbank Ms. Burbank said. “I your entire purchase* Burbank said in an inter- thought that it was *Expires 8/15/2012 713 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park view with the Almanac. brings lots of experience really interesting.” Menlo Park location only 650.323.5483 She wanted to graduate as to her new job as Woodside’s recent a junior so she could enter re-accreditation in college and get going on principal of Woodside March also figured in a career in education, High School. her decision, she said. but her parents wouldn’t The school’s action agree to it so she spent her senior JLS Middle School in Palo Alto, plan lays out two priorities: year in a snit. “I was very angry,” and Newark Junior High School ■ Close the academic achieve- she said. in Newark. ment gap by emphasizing lit- Ms. Burbank comes to Wood- The Sequoia district adver- eracy skills. side and the Sequoia Union High tised statewide and received ■ Build a spirited school com- School District from four years about 30 applicants, Superinten- munity through the principles as principal of Prospect High dent Jim Lianides said. A team of a well-established program School in Saratoga. A Saratoga of teachers, administrators, staff at Woodside that, among other address may sound exclusive, and parents interviewed eight things, builds student confi- but the school’s demograph- candidates,. dence, creates a sense of belong- Why Home Care Assistance Is The ics are about what they are at “Diane Burbank emerged as ing and accomplishment, and Woodside: Hispanic and white the strongest candidate and best fosters a spirit of adventure. Leading Provider of 24/7 Live-In Care: students evenly share about fit for Woodside High School The action plan is “a really We offer experienced, bonded and insured caregivers, who two-thirds of the student popu- as a result of this process,” Mr. clear mandate for me as a lead- are trained in our Balanced Care MethodTM of promoting lation. Lianides said. er,” Ms. Burbank said. A healthy aging. We provide culinary training for our caregivers at Sur La Atherton: Lewis files for re-election Table to improve their skills and our clients’ meals. Our founders wrote the book Handbook for Live-In Care, By Renee Batti Other residents who have member of the Town Center which is a resource for the industry as well as families. Almanac News Editor taken out papers, but not filed Task Force Committee, and ith only one week left them, are: Cary Wiest, Denise has been a leader in the push to Call us for a FREE consultation: before the filing dead- Kupperman, Bob Roeser, Jo- rebuild the center using private 650-462-6900 Wline, Elizabeth Lewis Ann Byrne Sockolov, and Greg funds. She and Councilman 1-866-4-LiveIn (454-8346) turned in her papers Aug. 3 to Conlon. Jerry Carlson often cast the www.HomeCareAssistance.com run for re-election to the Ather- Councilwoman Kathy McKei- minority votes in divided coun- 148 Hawthorne Ave, Palo Alto, CA ton City Council, making her the then told the Almanac on Friday cil decisions. only official candidate to date. that she has made a decision The filing deadline for run- Ms. Lewis is completing her on whether she will run for re- ning for the two open council first term on the council, and election, but she will not make seats is Friday, Aug. 10. If Ms. now serves as vice mayor, which the decision public yet. Asked McKeithen doesn’t file papers SummarySummary RealReal Estate Reports puts her in a prime position why not, she said, “I just want a by then, the filing period will for being handed the gavel in certain amount of privacy in my be extended to Wednesday, forfor Week Week of of August May 7. 6. December if she wins re-elec- life right now.” Aug. 15, for all non-incum- tion. Councilwoman Lewis is a bents. A Available at PeninsulaSpecialist.com CALLING ON THE ALMANAC
THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, Newsroom: 223-6525 N E-mail news, information, obituaries 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- Newsroom fax: 223-7525 and photos (with captions) to: 6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and STEVE GRAY offers [email protected] Advertising: 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of 30+ years of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is N E-mail letters to the editor to: Advertising fax: 854-3650 delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola [email protected] local knowledge. Classified ads: 854-0858 Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send Reports for: Born in Menlo Park. address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2012 To request free delivery, Atherton Raised in Atherton. or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. without permission is strictly prohibited. Woodside A Woodside resident. Portola Valley Menlo Park Support The Almanac’s print Steve Gray and online coverage DRE# 01498634 of our community. 650-743-7702 [email protected] Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac
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4 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 Local News AUGUST 8, 2012 M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Taking on the big challenges Menlo Park native, 27, becomes leader in the green-building movement
By Elena Kadvany ed Hillview Middle School and Special to the Almanac graduated from Menlo-Ather- n 2005, a self-described ton High School in 2003. “annoying student advocate” She went on to study busi- Igot the University of Califor- ness economics at UC Santa nia at Santa Barbara to replace Barbara, but it wasn’t until her all of the campus’ carpets with sophomore year that any inter- “green,” environmentally sus- est in environmental issues was tainable carpets. She went on to sparked. “I had kind of an ‘aha’ write the entire UC system’s first moment,” she said. sustainable purchasing policy, She attended an on-campus transforming the way companies screening of a documentary do business with the UCs. called “The Corporation,” a film Almanac photo by Michelle Le Ashleigh Talberth works in her office at the at the U.S. Green Building Council in downtown San Francisco. Now, Ashleigh Talberth, 27, that takes an in-depth look at Cover photo: Ms. Talberth in the conference room of the Building Council. Photo by Michelle Le. of Menlo Park has taken on an the concept of the modern-day even bigger challenge: persuad- corporation. She was struck ing California companies to by a particular interview with dangers. carpets. She approached the with a passion for the environ- reduce their building’s energy, Ray Anderson, chairman and “He changed his whole com- facilities people, first at UCSB, ment, Ms. Talberth says she water and waste by 20 percent founder of an international pany to make it uber green and and then devoted lots of time to thrives at this intersection of in just two years. carpet company called Interface to contribute toward making persuading all 10 UC campuses business and sustainability. This is not just some idle wish. Inc. the world a better place rather to change their practices with Her introduction into the sus- As director of special projects In the film, Mr. Anderson than the alternative,” said Ms. regard to carpets. tainability world was through for the Northern California explains his own “aha” moment. Talberth. “That really inspired Ms. Talberth eventually carpets, but she soon moved Chapter of the U.S. Green Build- After reading “The Ecology of me.” helped change the way the onto green building. ing Council, Ms. Talberth is Commerce,” by Paul Hawken, So she decided to start with UC campuses do business by “Carpets go into buildings, leading the charge on the proj- he decided to transform his what she had: the college she writing their first sustainable but buildings are so much big- ect, known as the California entire life and company. was attending and an inspiring purchasing policy. “Now, when ger than that. I really believe Best Buildings Challenge, which “He (Mr. Anderson) basically story about an environmentally companies go to do business that the way to have the biggest has won the backing of former had this epiphany and realized conscious carpet company. with the UC system, it’s not just impact in the most cost-efficient president Bill Clinton and his his company was contributing to After extensive research, Ms. about cost,” she said. “They’re way toward sustainability is Clinton Global Initiative. a lot of environmental destruc- Talberth learned that UC San- not just bargaining over that; through buildings,” she said. tion,” Ms. Talberth explained. ta Barbara could go “green” they’re bargaining over recycled This belief led her to her cur- Menlo Park native Carpets can use a lot of oil and and reduce its environmental content and sustainability and rent position at the Northern Born and raised in Menlo give off chemicals that pose a impact, as well as save thousands that kind of thing.” Park, Ashleigh Talberth attend- multitude of potential health of dollars, just by changing the As a business economics major See TALBERTH, page 8 Menlo Park election: Hanretty pleads no contest to six felonies By Renee Batti tion can include up to a year in interest now burdening the Almanac News Editor county jail. Woodside district as a result of Carlton pulls papers ormer Portola Valley “If he got probation with no Mr. Hanretty’s falsifying papers By Sandy Brundage schools superintendent time — that would be totally to take out a school construction cessful companies, balanced Tim Hanretty is still likely out of step with what the case loan for nearly $2 million more Almanac Staff Writer F a budget, created jobs, met to serve county jail time even deserves,” Mr. Wagstaffe said. than what was authorized by s the deadline to file a payroll, paid taxes, and if he avoids state prison after “This is a violation of public the school board. He said Mr. draws near, another understand employee issues,” pleading no contest to six felony trust.” Markowitz’s position is likely Acandidate seems ready she said. “I offer voters both charges stemming from his work After last week’s court hear- to be “a significant issue” as the to jump into the Menlo Park my financial management at the Portola Valley and Wood- ing, Mr. Hanretty’s attorney, sentencing hearing approaches. City Council race. Catherine and business skills, and my side school districts. The felonies Mike Markowitz, said his client “There’s the indebtedness that Carlton, currently serving desire to work collaboratively include embezzling $101,000 “fully intends to pay the full he ran up,” he said. “Why as vice chair on the Parks to bring the highest quality from the Portola Valley district. amount back.” When asked by should the taxpayers have to pay and Recreation Commission, services for the best value to Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo a reporter how much that would for that?” pulled papers on Aug. 2, Menlo Park residents.” County’s district attorney, said be, Mr. Markowitz cited the After the court hearing, Mr. according to the city clerk’s She said she’s running that even though Judge Mark $101,000 amount Mr. Hanretty Markowitz noted that his client office. because she’s passionate about Forcum indicated during Mr. embezzled from the Portola had not stolen any money from Ms. Carlton’s background helping Menlo Park be a Hanretty’s July 31 plea hearing Valley district to pay for con- the Woodside district, where he includes an MBA with inter- vibrant, outstanding commu- that he would strongly consider struction work on his Woodside served for a number of years as national business manage- nity with a fiscally responsible a probationary sentence if the home. the chief business officer. The ment experience. council. “As a mother, I care former superintendent made But Mr. Wagstaffe said that district “got 100 percent benefit “As a businesswoman, I substantial restitution before his office wants Mr. Hanretty started and managed suc- See CARLTON, page 8 his Oct. 11 sentencing, proba- to repay at least a portion of See HANRETTY, page 8
August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 5 NEWS 1PSUPMB7BMMFZ]8PPETJEF .FBU1SPEVDF 'JOF'PPET 8JOF-JRVPS %FMJDBUFTTFO )BSEXBSF(SBJO Workshops: Where to Open 6:30 am - 8:00 pm daily Sale Dates: August 8, 9, 10, 11 build more housing? By Sandy Brundage N MENLO BRIEFS Almanac Staff Writer "MQJOF3PBE]1PSUPMB7BMMFZ] 8PPETJEF3PBE]8PPETJEF icking their housing Real, and 3.45 acres on Derry update process into high- Lane are among those under 7JTJUVTBOZUJNFBUXXXSPCFSUTNBSLFUDPN Ker gear, Menlo Park will consideration. hold two community workshops FRESH PRODUCE to discuss where to include Commission vacancies higher density housing zones LAST CHERRY SPECIAL THIS YEAR! $ 99 and affordable units. Civic-minded residents could CHERRIES 3 The workshops are scheduled enter the increasingly crowded lb PINTS $ 99 for Thursday, Aug. 16, at 6:30 race for a seat on the City Coun- p.m. at the Arrillaga Family cil this year .. or they could TENDER ¢ BLUEBERRIES 2 ea Recreation Center (700 Alma throw their hats into the ring BLUE LAKE BEANS 99 St.) and Thursday, Aug. 23, at for appointment to one of many lb 6:30 p.m. at the senior center at positions open on Menlo Park’s 100 Terminal Ave. commissions. MEAT AND SEAFOOD Go to tinyurl.com/MP-heu to Open commission seats: Three view the city’s project website on Planning, two on Environ- on the housing element update, mental Quality, one on Parks TERIYAKI $ 98 which includes a list of 23 pre- and Recreation, one on Library CHICKEN K-BOB 5 98 liminary sites to be evaluated and one on Bicycle. lb RACK OF $ as potential high density zones. Applications are due Thurs- 16-20 COUNT 13 lb Several locations along Sand day, Aug. 9. Contact City Clerk PEELED & DEVEINED LAMB Hill Road near the I-280 inter- Margaret Roberts at 330-6625 or $ 98 section, parcels owned by Stan- [email protected] to PRAWNS 15 lb ford University on El Camino apply. A ON SALE GROCERY $ 99 Tour de Menlo rolls out PEET’S WHOLE BEAN COFFEE 7 Aug. 18 at M-A High 12 OZ. - ALSO GROUND ome 500 cyclists are expect- Fund, which makes donations CLOVER ORGANIC $ 99 LUNDBERG $ 19 ed to take off from Menlo- to 10 local nonprofit agencies FARMS KEFIR 2 WILD BLEND RICE 2 SAtherton High School on that help the hungry, homeless Saturday, Aug. 18, for the annual and youths who need counsel- 32 OZ. 16 OZ. Tour de Menlo bike ride, an ing in southern San Mateo annual community event since Country. RAINCOAST $ 99 GOLDEN’S SPICY $ 49 2006. In last year’s ride, the 65-mile CRISPS 3 BROWN MUSTARD 1 Sponsored by the Rotary Club route was by far the most of Menlo Park and the Alma- 6 OZ. 12 OZ. popular, taking riders up to nac, the Tour features three Belmont and the first rest stop routes of 65, 45 and 35 miles on Polhemus Road. Then, after DELI DEPARTMENT and attracts many riders, some climbing up to the bike bridge, of whom return every summer. riders headed south to Canada As in prior years, the ride will Road in Woodside and then to Enjoy a light and refreshing salad from Roberts Deli! start and finish at M-A. The $50 the Portola Road firehouse near Try our Nutty Slaw And everyone loves our entry fee includes a T-shirt and Alpine Road to the second rest lunch prepared by Lutticken’s stop. $6.99 lb. Chinese Chicken Salad Deli at the Picchetti Open Space Riders on the 45-mile route Very nice, very refreshing! $7.99 lb. Reserve in Cupertino, as well as also stopped at the firehouse Your choice of Sesame or Plum Dressing. fully stocked rest stops and a and then both routes circled Also our Cucumber & Onion Salad water stop along the way. around to Page Mill Road, with $6.99 lb. Made Fresh in our Kitchens. The Rotary Club provides the longer route climbing up to Slightly sweet! emergency and technical sup- Altamont Road and the others port (SAG) over all three routes over to Arastradero Road and WINE AND SPIRITS that is accessible by phone. Los Altos. Those choosing the Proceeds from the ride sup- 35-mile route headed south on 2011 Rosé Part 2 port various Rotary projects, Junipero Serra and met all other The 2011 vintage has produced some of the freshest, crispest, fi nest rosés I have including tutoring English- riders in Los Altos before head- language learners and provid- ing up a short climb on Monte- ever tasted. Given how fi ne the ‘10s were, this is no small praise. If you are a fan of ing need-based scholarships to bello Road for lunch. All riders serious, dry rosé, do not miss out on these exceptional beauties. local high school students. In returned to M-A via the Foothill Dom. Sorin, Cotes de Provence ...... $11.99 Ch. D’Esclans “Whispering Angel” addition, funds from the Tour Expressway. Dom. De Fontsainte Gris de Gris, Corbieres ...... $13.99 Cotes de Provence ...... $20.99 support the Almanac’s Holiday Go to tourdemenlo.com for more information and to find a Mas Champant, Saint Chinian ...... $14.99 Saint André de Figuiére Vielles Vignes, Cotes de Provence ...... $21.99 link to sign up online, which is Triennes, Vin de Pays du Var ...... $14.99 open until Aug. 17. Riders may Ch. Saint Pierre, Cotes de Provence ...... $14.99 Mas Jullien, Coteaux du Languedoc ...... $22.99 also sign up at M-A until 9 a.m. Ch. de Trinquevedel, Tavel ...... $17.99 Ch. Pradeaux, Bandol ...... $27.99 on ride day. It is still possible Le Clos du Caillou, Cotes de Rhone ...... $17.99 Dom. Du Gros Noré, Bandol ...... $29.99 to order this year’s tour jersey, Commanderie de Peyrassol, Cotes de Provence ...$18.99 Domaine Tempier, Bandol (limited) ...... $38.99 which will be delivered about eight weeks after the ride. Ch. de Puligny-Mondrachet, Bourgoyne ...... $18.99 The above wines assort for a 10% discount on 6, or more, bottles. Join today: For more information, call SupportLocalJournalism.org Tom at 223-6507. A
6 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 NEWS El Camino Real facelift begins Menlo Park council approves Matteson Companies housing project By Sandy Brundage
Almanac Staff Writer traffic, the commute steals time lot left vacant at 389 El and volunteers for activities like Camino Real when a car after-school programs away, he Adealer abandoned Menlo said, and it’s important to the Park will now come to life again fabric of a community to have as a housing development. the people who fill critical roles You don’t often see neighbors to live closer. cheering alongside developers, He thinks those proclaiming but that’s what happened after that only people who can afford the City Council voted unani- to live in Menlo Park should live mously on July 31 to let Mat- here have the wrong perspec- teson Companies build 17 town- tive. “People are people. Just homes and nine single-family because their income isn’t as homes on the 1.23-acre site. high as someone else’s doesn’t Given the city’s current strug- mean they don’t make a great gle to meet the state’s affordable neighbor.” Rendering courtesy, the Matteson Companies housing requirements, three “It was easier in the ’60s This rendering shows the College Avenue view of the Matteson Companies planned housing development at units will be set aside as below- and ’70s, for those of us lucky 389 El Camino Real in Menlo Park. The townhouses end on the left, there is a pocket park in the center, and market-rate (BMR) housing, at enough to buy many years ago. on the right is a College Avenue house meant to be different from the rest of the project, said Matt Matteson, no small cost to the developer, I would bet a massive percentage CEO of the Matteson Companies. who estimated the units will of people in Menlo Park could cost $1.45 million out of pocket not afford to buy their home magnificent.” approval even if the zoning code of the Allied Arts residents, led to build. Matteson will also pay today.” He noted that his two Indeed, the council could not, said the uses were possible with by Annie Berlin, to collaborate $1.1 million in fees to the city adult daughters will have a hard voting 5-0 to approve the project a conditional use permit. You on a site design instead of stone- and other agencies. time buying a home in the town after some discussion on the tree were trying to count heads on walling any development. “It Developer Matt Matteson they grew up in on their own canopy and sidewalk widths. the planning commission and was a really effective process,” told the Almanac that it was salaries. Councilman Peter Ohtaki noted council to see if you were going he said. “I hoped it’s used by important to actually build the The BMR housing will be that he used to live near the to get through. When you don’t others.” The changes included BMR units instead of paying integrated into the project site. empty lot, and sounded pleased even know how many units you wider setbacks, two-story homes in-lieu fees, given the city’s dif- Years of negotiation led to the to know the landscape would be can build and how high they can instead of three, and reworking ficulty in translating those fees project’s current design, meant changing in the near future. go — that’s a problem.” exterior finishes and landscap- into housing. to blend in with the Allied Arts Mr. Matteson said he hoped As someone who lives 12 ing until they matched the “I’ve lived my entire life in neighborhood bordering the the recently approved down- blocks away from the project neighborhood. Menlo Park. We rely on a whole property. Originally, in 2008, town/El Camino Real specific site, Mr. Matteson wants to be Construction should start lot of people to make our life go, Matteson Companies proposed plan would shorten the approval able to go to Peet’s Coffee and some time next spring, accord- people behind the checkstand packing 48 homes onto the process for other projects by hear that people like what he’s ing to the developer, after the at Safeway, the guy changing small lot, a plan that inspired removing uncertainty and some done. He praised the willingness rains pass. A oil, city staff, teachers, police. If protest from the neighbors. of the city’s discretion to disal- we don’t watch out, all of those And now: “I don’t know how low projects that do meet the people end up living in Tracy you could possibly vote against code. “There are cities in our REAL ESTATE Q&A and Modesto and commuting this,” Menlo Park resident Pres- area that are doing this in a year in.” ton Butcher said of the scaled- and a half,” he said. “Formerly by Gloria Darke On top of contributing to down project. “It’s absolutely the city didn’t have to grant you Taking Possession Before The Close Of Escrow Ceremony to honor Michelle Mazzei Q. The sale of our home will be Who will pay the utilities after you The Oak Knoll School com- environmental issues, will dedi- riding her bike on Woodside delayed a couple of months until move out? Will the buyers’ be covered munity and the friends and cate a room at its EcoCenter in Road near Interstate 280. The the buyers’ home sells. Since we by adequate insurance while occu- family of former fourth-grade the Palo Alto Baylands in her 68-year-old driver was looking have a place to move the buyer is pying your property? What recourse teacher Michelle Mazzei invite memory. Ms. Mazzei was an for the entrance to the free- asking to move in before we close will you have if the buyers’ sale falls the public to an event on Sunday, active member of Environmen- way and his vehicle entered escrow. Is this a good idea or not? Sept. 9, to honor the memory of tal Volunteers. the bike lane and struck her, through and they cannot but your Ms. Mazzei, who died in 2005 at The two-hour event will start according to a Sheriff’s Office A. Giving early occupancy is rarely house? What if they decide they don’t age 34 when her bike was struck at 3 p.m. at the center, located at report. like the house as well as they thought by a car. 2560 Embarcadero Road. Write to [email protected] for a good idea because too many things Environmental Volunteers, Ms. Mazzei died at Stanford more information. could go wrong. For instance, what or decide they over-paid? What if whose mission is to educate Hospital in October 2005 after Go to evols.org for directions if your buyers’ home doesn’t sell they don’t want to leave? The buyers students and the public on being struck by a car while to the EcoCenter. on schedule or, worse yet, what if it “walk through” inspections should doesn’t sell at all? be done before occupancy, just in case However, if you must give early something happens to the property occupancy make certain that your Support after they move in. Even if you can The Almanac’s print contract covers critical items. First, how much rent will be charged and satisfactorily answer these questions, and online coverage when is it due? What kind of penalty this would be one area of real estate I of our community. will the buyers’ incur if the rent is late? would stick with “never!” For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at gdarke@apr. Join today: SupportLocalJournalism.org/Almanac com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market analysis of your property.
August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 7 NEWS
HANRETTY county schools. He resigned his continued from page 5 post in January after the DA’s office launched its investiga- from that loan. ... There was no tion of the misappropriation of Taking on the big challenges loss. The district got what (it) funds from his tenure with the TALBERTH paid for,” Mr. Markowitz said. Woodside district. continued from page 5 The attorney’s claim that no A subsequent investigation money was stolen from the of the Portola Valley district California chapter of the U.S. Woodside district echoes the finances turned up the theft of Green Building Council in conclusion announced by the public funds as well as numer- San Francisco, where she went DA’s office after auditors pored ous bookkeeping irregularities to work after graduating from over the Woodside district that overstated the district’s UCSB in 2007. financial records of the school available funds. From architects to engineers construction project. to lawyers, she has worked on Karen Guidotti, chief deputy ‘Philosophical dilemma’ educating people and compa- district attorney, said the proba- Although the judge capped the nies about green building. But tion department will determine possible state prison term at four her strong interest in public the amount of appropriate res- years, “we wanted the plea to be policy and advocacy eventu- titution, and will present a rec- open for the full nine years,” ally led her beyond education. ommendation to the court. The Mr. Wagstaffe said, referring In the spring of 2011, Presi- determination will be based in to the maximum sentence Mr. dent Obama issued a “Better part on what the school districts Hanretty had faced before the Building Challenge,” which request, she said. plea bargain. calls on businesses in the U.S. Photo by Michelle Le Ashleigh Talberth, 27, of Menlo Park is working to persuade With the plea deal, two of three Mr. Wagstaffe said that, in to reduce energy consumed California companies to reduce their building’s energy, water and felony charges stemming from recent years, the trend for judges in buildings by 20 percent by Ü>ÃÌiÊLÞÊÓäÊ«iÀViÌÊÊÕÃÌÊÌÜÊÞi>Àð the Woodside case were dropped; has been to focus on “making 2020. Ms. Talberth said she the remaining count was misap- the victim whole” by compelling was inspired by the president’s Council staff members, execu- event in Chicago. propriation of public funds. One the wrongdoer to make restitu- idea and originally thought tive director Dan Geiger, the Although Ms. Talberth did of six felony charges was dropped tion. This sometimes involves the local chapter of the Green Green Building board, and the not join the Green Building in the Portola Valley case. shortening prison time to give Building Council could con- national office, Ms. Talberth Council CEO, Rick Fedrezzi, Mr. Hanretty remains out of the convicted person the ability tribute by recruiting Cali- got six companies to commit on stage with President Clin- custody after posting bail. to raise the money to repay his fornia companies to join the to her project: Google, Zynga, ton at the event, the president Mr. Hanretty was appointed or her victims. campaign. But should they go Genentec, SAP, Prudential Real did come by to “chime in” on superintendent of the Portola “It’s a real philosophical beyond that? Estate Investors and Adobe. a breakout session that she Valley School District in 2010, dilemma,” he said, noting that Last November, she con- She also spearheaded an attended earlier in the day. succeeding Anne Campbell after the trend sometimes puts judges vened a group of Silicon Valley effort to win support of the “This has been a huge step she became superintendent of and prosecutors at odds. A company leaders to discuss Best Buildings Challenge by in my career. I’ve always kind what California’s green build- the Clinton Global Initiative. of had this theme of the con- CARLTON ler’s endorsements, as he seems ing role should be. Former president Bill Clinton nection between business and continued from page 5 to announce a new supporter “What came out of those founded this initiative in 2005 sustainability,” she said. “This almost on a daily basis. His list conversations was this very with the goal of inspiring glob- has really taken it to a whole that these valuable commu- now includes the entire county California attitude: We’re al leaders to find innovative new level.” nity assets, which belong to all Board of Supervisors; all seven California, we don’t just do solutions to the world’s most Now she is working on Menlo Park residents, are here Menlo Park planning commis- what the rest of the country pressing problems, from pov- building momemtum in this for children to enjoy.” sioners; Mayor Kirsten Keith; does. We’re leaders, we’re erty to pollution. The initiative area for a Greenbuild confer- Her community involvement Councilman Rich Cline; and innovators, we set the bar,” selects companies or projects, ence in November when she includes volunteering with the Assemblyman Jerry Hill. she said. and issues “commitments” says 40,000 people are expect- Junior League and the Sharon Meanwhile Mr. Bragg’s cam- She took the president’s that bring together leading ed to show up at Moscone Heights Homeowners Associa- paign had a slight setback as news “better” and made it “best,” company executives and “gets Center in San Francisco. A tion, in addition to serving on the of a bankruptcy filing in 2010 proposing the California Best them to commit to doing good city commission, which she was surfaced. He said his second Buildings Challenge, which things,” she said. INFORMATION appointed to in 2010. Ms. Carlton job running Thor Construction calls on companies to reduce The California Best Build- Visit tinyurl.com/Best-626 for more said she also volunteers with pro- came about as an attempt to their building’s energy, water ings Challenge was selected by information on California’s Best grams such as HIP Housing, Vista recoup investment losses in 2008. and waste by 20 percent in just the Clinton Global Initiative Buildings Challenge. Here are links Center for the Blind, and the Boys “Unfortunately for our personal two years. as a 2012 commitment. It was to videos on the Challenge: & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula. finances it was too little too late After much collaboration officially launched on June 11 UÊÌÞÕÀ°VÉÀiinäÎ She joins five other likely and we lost our home and sev- with other Green Building at a Clinton Global Initiative UÊÌÞÕÀ°VÉÀiinä{ candidates: incumbents Kelly eral rental properties,” he said. Fergusson and Andy Cohen; By 2010 he and his wife’s assets firefighter Dave Bragg; Housing trailed their debt by $800,000, Commissioner Carolyn Clarke; and the couple is still working to and Transportation Commis- pay the remaining balance. They Peet’s Coffee will go private in deal sioner Ray Mueller. sold their Menlo Park home and “Catherine has many strengths, rented a house four doors down Peet’s Coffee & Tea Inc., N BUSINESS BRIEFS and facilities industry has and I am really excited about all in the same neighborhood. which opened its Menlo Park for decades sought a tighter the perspectives and the experi- “This whole experience has store in 1971, says it will Patrick O’Dea, president and relationship and greater syn- ence base of the candidates in this been very humbling for us and continue to be operated by CEO of Peet’s. chronization between owners field, and the conversation that I get a daily reminder driving by its current management and Joh. A. Benckiser is a privately and service providers, and will occur during this election as our old house,” Mr. Bragg said, employees after it is acquired held company focused on long- the Oracle-Skire combination a result,” Mr. Mueller said. noting that he’s become a much by the German company, Joh. term investments in premium makes that vision a reality,” She will have a ways to go more cautious investor as a A. Benckiser. consumer-goods brands. said Massy Mehdipour, found- to catch up with Mr. Muel- result. “I cannot express enough Peet’s, founded in Berkeley — Sue Dremann er and CEO of Skire, in a July about how much more I learned in 1966 by Alfred Peet (Menlo 19 announcement. Support Local Business when we lost everything than Park’s was the second store), Oracle buys Menlo Park Terms of the agreement were when we were making it. This will go private as a result of software firm not disclosed. experience has been extremely the $1 billion acquisition, the Oracle has bought five other educational and an expensive Emeryville-based Peet’s said Oracle’s recent buying spree companies so far this year, one at that.” in a July 23 announcement. will include Skire, a Menlo Park including spending $300 mil- The filing period remains open Peet’s will remain based in the company founded in 2000 that lion to acquire Vitrue, a com- until Aug. 10, with a five-day Bay Area, with its home office specializes in construction and pany that focuses on social extension if one of the incum- in Emeryville and its roast-to- facilities management software. media marketing applications bents decides not to run. A order facility in Alameda, said “The capital construction for platforms like Facebook.
8 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 NEWS Owed a property tax refund? Wait in line By Renee Batti it merits ... a full investigation,” Almanac News Editor Ms. Flaherty said, adding that she had written to Supervisor arol Flaherty waited a Don Horsley and board Presi- long time before she dent Adrienne Tissier about the Ccould claim victory in matter. her effort to have her Atherton Late last week, the Flahertys property reappraised at a lower received their refund check, value. with 1.5 percent interest, but It had taken 17 months from she’s not letting the county off the time she filed an appeal with the hook. Attributing the action the San Mateo County Assess- on her case to inquiries made by ment Appeals Board in 2010 to Mr. Horsley’s office as a result the day she stated her case before of her complaint, she noted that the board. When the board “the squeaky wheel gets the ruled in her favor after her oil. But if you’re not a squeaky appeals hearing in early March, wheel, you sit at home wonder- she thought a refund check for ing” what’s happening. the overpayment of property New staffing taxes she and her husband John Almanac photo by Daniella Sanchez had paid since 2010, plus inter- The appeals board is indepen- est, would arrive in the mail dent of the assessor’s office, and Relay for life within a few weeks. is overseen by the county man- Luminaria bags are placed along a walking path that supporters of Menlo Park’s Relay For Life followed She was wrong. And now, she’s ager’s office. Assistant County at Burgess Park on Saturday night. The bags are decorated with images, words and drawings of people fighting mad. Manager David Holland told who have fought with cancer, such as former Menlo Park police sergeant Andrew Kline who died in Ms. Flaherty’s anger is the the Almanac that he has been 2005 at age 47 from cancer. Relay for Life is an annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society that result of what she learned last the person officially oversee- involves a 24-hour walk from 10 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday. month after making inquiries ing the board for only about about her case — that the coun- six months. “It wasn’t really ty had a backlog of hundreds assigned before,” he said. clerk, business since Mr. Yaco’s hearings, “and after people ber, thereby allowing quicker of such cases because the solo Mr. Holland confirmed that accident hasn’t gone smoothly, arrived, we’d find (the hear- processing of claims overall. clerk of the appeals board was no one had been cross-trained according to Mr. Goumas, who ing) was not on the docket for Santa Clara County processes in a serious accident in March, to pick up Mr. Yaco’s work load said he has some 200 cli- the day.” Other times hearings considerably more appeals per and went out on a months-long if necessary, but he said that’s ents with active appeals in the were scheduled, but no advance year: In 2011-12, it heard nearly medical leave. And because no changing. county right now — about 150 notices were sent out, he said. 9,600 appeals, and in prior one had been cross-trained to After the clerk went out on from the Almanac’s coverage recent years, that number has do his work, “everything is in leave, Mr. Holland said, tempo- area. When Mr. Yaco went out Santa Clara County topped 10,000, Ms. Campbell- limbo,” she told the Almanac in rary help was brought in while on leave, “the processes within Mr. Goumas said he has also Belton said. an interview in late July. someone with experience was the appeals board office, from represented a number of clients San Mateo County has only The clerk’s job involves pro- sought and eventually found. my perspective, came to a pretty before the Santa Clara Coun- one three-member appeals cessing the appeals board’s That person, he said, will remain sudden halt,” Mr. Goumas said. ty Assessment Appeals Board board. Mr. Holland said. In decisions, notifying appellants, in the full-time position even over the years, and although 2008, the county heard 1,472 and, in the case of a successful when Mr. Yaco returns to work the process can be slow in both appeals; the following year, that appeal, sending along the new full time. (Mr. Yaco returned County assessment counties, Santa Clara County number rose by slightly more assessment information to the to work part time several weeks has enacted new practices to than 300. Last year, there were appropriate county office so that ago.) appeals process keep up with the increase in 2,400 appeals, he said. refunds checks can be sent out. Mr. Holland noted that the jammed up after assessment appeals since 2008, Greg Goumas, a real estate law allows counties to take up clerk’s unexpected when property values began Watchful eye agent and appraiser who repre- to two years to process prop- to plummet. That hasn’t hap- Ms. Flaherty said that sented the Flahertys before the erty assessment appeals, and medical leave. pened in San Mateo County, he although her business with the appeals board, said that since added that San Mateo County said. appeals process has finally been the clerk, Jack Yaco, went out has complied with that require- “For example, when I went Anika Campbell-Belton, assis- wrapped up for this assessment on leave, he and his clients have ment. But “we’re looking at how before the appeals board to tant clerk of the board in Santa year, her concern about the received “no written notice of we can move things forward to appeal a case (in the past), I Clara County, confirmed that county’s handling of property judgments” made by the board. be done more quickly” in the would usually get a notice of the her office in 2010 increased tax assessments and appeals has He had received an email saying future, he said. That includes decision within a week,” he said. the number of three-member not ended. that the Flahertys’ appeal had the installation of new software “Those have stopped coming — appeals boards from two to She said that she intends to been successful because the judg- that should be in place in four to I haven’t received any notices” three to meet the increased keep an eye on the process, not- ment was issued shortly before five months, he said. since Mr. Yaco’s accident. demand. The county also began ing that “just because we got our Mr. Yaco’s accident, he said. Also, he said, since the clerk offering appellants the option checks, that doesn’t mean that “No back-up person? This is so Rough few months went on leave, he has received of having their cases heard by other people will be taken care egregious and so outlandish that Despite the hiring of a new notices of scheduled appeals only one appeals board mem- of soon.” A
Portola Valley posts ‘affordable’ housing info site would be intended for to the California Department By Dave Boyce people who live or work in of Housing and Community Almanac staff writer The town is negotiating to has answers to 41 “frequently town — teachers, firefighters Development. purchase a 1.68-acre site at 900 asked” questions, links to rel- and residents with changed The town is planning to finance he town of Portola Valley Portola Road, the former site evant sections of the town’s gen- circumstances — but who have the purchase of the site through has posted a new page on of Al’s Nursery, with plans for eral plan and municipal code, “moderate incomes” and cannot the sale of four parcels designated Tits website with answers about eight homes there that and resources from regional and afford the multi-million-dollar for affordable housing in the Blue to questions about the town’s would fulfill some of the town’s state agencies. The light green homes in Portola Valley. In Oaks neighborhood. Plans to housing policy, including plans affordable housing obligations box on the right of the page links San Mateo County, a moder- build homes in Blue Oaks have to build homes that would be under state law. to an online form for comments ate income is around $86,500 run aground on the high cost to affordable to people of moderate Go to tinyurl.com/Housing- and questions. for an individual and $123,600 the developer of preparing the incomes. 714 to see the new page, which The homes at the nursery for a family of four, according topographically complex site. A
August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 9 NEWS Parking downtown: Menlo Park revises task force By Sandy Brundage management study, according to focus on who the advisory interest in downtown parking The question then arose as to Almanac Staff Writer to staff. group should include. and have been vocal in their how many members the task Public Works Director Chip The staff initially suggested criticisms of the specific plan. force should have. Although no hich comes first, defin- Taylor clarified that it would appointing five people to the The Environmental Quality decision was reached, it seemed ing the mission, or not evaluate trial installations group: two Chamber of Com- Commission also wants to par- seven might work, allowing Wchoosing the crew? proposed in the plan, such as the merce representatives, one resi- ticipate in the hope of evaluating representatives from two more The Menlo Park City Council trial installation of a small mar- dent at large, one transportation parking strategies in terms of groups to participate while pondered that question on July ketplace off a Chestnut Street commissioner, and one plan- greenhouse gas and other envi- maintaining an odd number of 31 as it discussed the proposed paseo; those features would be ning commissioner. ronmental impacts, according members. downtown parking task force. overseen by the city’s capital That did not sit well with to an email sent Councilman The task force would study improvement process. groups such as the Lions Club, to the council by Andy Cohen implementation of parking While staff suggested first fig- which runs the Farmers’ Market, Commissioner ‘I don’t want to suggested stick- changes included in the down- uring out exactly how the task and the Downtown Alliance, a Adina Levin. ing with five, but town/El Camino Real specific force should accomplish those coalition of business and prop- Mr. Taylor said do this too fast.’ dropping the resi- plan and conduct a parking objectives, the council decided erty owners. Both have a vested that the goal is to COUNCILMAN RICH CLINE dent at large in construct a task favor of adding force with a stable an environmen- composition that could remain tal quality commissioner, and Rotary Club intact throughout a lengthy pro- replacing another representative of Menlo Park cess. He said the city therefore with someone from one of the presents focused on groups like the com- downtown groups. missions that had been around As it became clear that the task for a long time. force was not ready for prime But some on the council time, the council directed staff thought the groups had a point. to adjust the proposal and “The Lions Club has been return at a later date. “I don’t around a long time,” Mayor want to do this too fast,” Coun- Kirsten Keith noted. cilman Rich Cline said. A Local donations to presidential campaigns By Dave Boyce N ELECTION 2012 Tour de Almanac staff writer he presidential campaign ney has received eight, accord- of Barack Obama has ing to the Center for Responsive Traised $1.25 million in Politics, the source of data for contributions from local indi- this story. viduals, nearly twice as much as The gap between the Obama the $682,832 the Mitt Romney and Romney campaigns nar- campaign has raised, according rows considerably when you 2012 to data through June 30, com- look at only primary election piled by the Center for Respon- donations and the individuals sive Politics, which tracks money who gave the maximum $2,500 in politics. for the primary elections. In These are contributions made that case, Mr. Romney’s cam- directly to the presidential cam- paign raised about $493,000 paigns and do not include dona- from local individuals and Mr. tions to other organizations that Obama’s, $529,000. MENLO65, 46, 35 mile routes support the campaigns, such as Using this measure, the can- political parties and super PACs. didates are essentially tied in This report deals with contribu- Portola Valley in terms of dollar Saturday, August 18 tions by people who report asso- donations, while in Woodside ciations with ZIP codes from Mr. Obama is up by 14 percent- one of the four Almanac towns: age points, and in Menlo Park Register online at www.tourdemenlo.com Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola by 34 points. In Atherton, Mr. Valley or Woodside. Romney leads by 20 points. Ride day registraion: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. There is an explanation for In addition to limits on dona- why the Romney campaign tions to presidential campaigns, at Menlo-Atherton High School, 555 Middlefi rld Rd, Atherton trails the Obama campaign by there are limits on contributions such a wide margin. Because to a national party committee s &ULLY SUPPORTED WATERREST STOPS s AM OR AM START TIME AT Mr. Obama was running unop- ($30,000 per calendar year) and s ""1 LUNCH CATERED BY ,UTTICKENS $ELI -ENLO !THERTON (IGH 3CHOOL posed, donors to his campaign to a state, district or local party committee have been able to committee ($10,000 per year), s &REE 4 SHIRT FOR EVERY RIDER WHO s !LL PROCEEDS GO TO 2OTARY 4UTORING give the maximum ($2,500) for according to the Federal Elec- REGISTERS ONLINE SCHOLARSHIPS AND NONPROl TS SUCH AS "OYS AND 'IRLS #LUB AND 3ECOND each election, both the primary tion Commission. As for so- s 'REAT VIEWS OF 0ICCHETTI /PEN 3PACE (ARVEST &OOD "ANK and the general, a total of $5,000. called super PACs, an individual 0RESERVE AND 7INERY That’s not true of Mr. Romney, may give an unlimited amount s /PPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT THE 2OTARY who faced substantial opposi- to advance a political point of tion in the primaries. While view if the organization does not Sponsored by he faced opposition, donors to “coordinate” its efforts with a his campaign committee could candidate or campaign. A give only up to $2,500 for the primary election . Obama campaign Mr. Obama’s campaign has Following are local donors who have given at least $2,500 to Barack Obama’s received 148 local donations of $5,000 each, whereas Mr. Rom- See DONORS, page 11
10 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 NEWS Local donations to super PACs, bundlers Dave Boyce N ELECTION 2012 state assembly candidate Josh pro-Obama super PAC. Of $21 Almanac staff writer Becker of New Cycle Capital, million given to Priorities USA, to, according to the Center for and $5,250 from Craig Hanson Ms. Thompson is the only donor few local people have Responsive Politics, a Washing- of Next World Capital. listed from the Almanac’s circu- been responsible for gath- ton, D.C.-based nonprofit group A super PAC is a politi- lation area of Atherton, Wood- Matched Aering and/or contributing that tracks money in politics. cal action committee open to side, Portola Valley and Menlo hundreds of thousands of dol- A prominent bundler for unlimited contributions from Park, according to the Center for CareGivers lars to support the presidential Democrats is Woodside attor- individuals and corporations. Responsive Politics. campaigns of Barack Obama ney Sandra A. Thompson. Ms. Super PACs cannot give to or By contrast, the pro-Romney and Mitt Romney. Thompson gathered $966,556 coordinate with candidates, super PAC Restore Our Future, For the Democrats, the money in contributions for Mr. Obama, campaigns or parties, but are with total assets of $82 million, came in bundles. according to records at OpenSe- free to make unlimited inde- lists several local donors: A bundler is someone who crets.org, the website of the pendent expenditures that sup- ■ From Portola Valley: collects checks from individuals Center for Responsive Politics. port the cause of a candidate $200,000 from Dick W. Boyce and delivers them as a bundle The Democrats had the ser- or political party, or a political of TPG Capital, $100,000 from to a candidate. The Federal vices of five other local bun- point of view. The super PAC Richard Boyce of TPG Capital, Election Commission requires dlers, all listing Menlo Park ties: became a legal entity in 2010 fol- and $20,000 from Kurt Jaggers disclosure of bundlers who $437,200 from Steve Westly of lowing the U.S. Supreme Court of TA Associates. are registered lobbyists. The the Westly Group, $240,200 decision Citizens United v. Fed- ■ From Atherton: $100,000 Democrats are disclosing bun- from Noosheen Hashemi of The eral Election Commission. from Hewlett-Packard Corp. dling by non-lobbyists, whereas H.A.N.D. Foundation, $36,900 Ms. Thompson, the Wood- CEO Meg Whitman, and Republican presidential candi- from Steve Spinner of Sports side attorney, also gave $75,000 “There’s no place dates in 2012 have chosen not Potential, $9,650 from former to Priorities USA Action, a See SUPER PACS, next page like home.” DONORS Gregory, Karen Grove, Stephen J. Har- James McLean, Mervin G. Morris, Missy Cassin, Bebe Cassin, David Castagna, When you, or someone rick, Judy Heyboer, Bill Hinman Donna Morris, Robert O’Donnell ,Tom P. Palecek, Karen Castagna, Jeff Chambers, Robert continued from previous page Ito, Cathryn Jenkins, Michael Jung, Scott Patricia Perkins-Leone, Vivek Ranadive, Dean, Timothy C. Draper, Victoria Huff you care about, Kaspick, Kathy Ann Kwan, Craig Lewis, Christine Rogers, Jennifer Rogers, Jesse Eckert, Diego Gilbert Fonstad, Saul Fox, needs assistance... presidential campaign, according to the Angela MacFarlane, Michael Malecek, T. Rogers, Mindy Rogers, Mario Rosati, Cassius L. Kirk Jr., John Knoll, Don- Center for Responsive Politics: Wendy Malecek, Bonnie Matlock, Beth Laurie Shepard, Roderick Shepard, Wil- ald Lucas, Grant L. Malquist, David F. you can count on us ■ Portola Valley: Polly W. Bredt, Ellyn McClendon, Roderick McInerney, liam C. Sonneborn, Catherine R. Spieker, Marquardt, Lori Marquardt, George E. to be there. Thomas H. Bredt, Lise J. Buyer, Gayle John McMurtry, Beverly Mitchell, Sally Tod Spier, Barbara Stephenson, Thomas McCown, J. Sanford Miller, Amity Susan Collat, Laura Cornish, Dennis Debroeck Morton, Brad O’Brien, Judy O’Brien, F. Stephenson, Mark A. Stevens, Mary V. Millhiser, Ellen H. Moran, R. Matthew We provide Peninsula Eileen Donahoe, John Donahoe, Donna Carol Orton, Kay Pauling, Claire E. Perry, Stevens, George Joseph Still Jr., Barbara Moran, Sanjay Morey, Roslyn Morris, Greg families with top, L. Dubinsky, Anne S. Galli, Judith Hasko, Joyce Pharriss, Shervin Pishevar, Andrew Alison Walecka, John Walecka, Frank Mrva, Marion Oster, Robert J. Oster, Ste- professional caregivers. Nancy Heinen, Jeffrey D. Jordan, Vinod Rappaport, Heyward Robinson, Diane Walters, Alan Waxman, Mary J. Wheeler phen Peters, Carolee R. Petterson, Dale Khosla, Gregory King, Karen King, W. Savage, Catherine Selleck, Nancy B. George, Margaret C. Whitman, David B. J. Petterson, Jeanette S. Ritchie, Jeffrey Call now Joseph C. Krauskopf, Steven Krausz, Serrurier, Susan Termohlen, Immanuel Wright, Arthur F. Zafiropoulo, Lisa Zafiro- A. Rodgers, Doug Roeder, Bryan Taylor, Chong-Moon Lee, Richard J. Lee, Joann Thangaraj, Stephen J. Venuto, Babette poulo, Delon Zinn, Ray Zinn. Pyeatt Taylor, Alan R. Thompson, Jon (650) 839-2273 Loulan, James McGeever, Armand Vllasenor, Jeff Weiner, Steven Westly, ■ Menlo Park: Katherine Herbert A. Woodruff, Tiffany A. Woodruff, Geoff www.matchedcaregivers.com Neukermans, Elaine Neukermans, Steve Jason Wheeler, Jackie Wood, Eric Wright. Alden, Jeff Bird, Mary Jo Brimhall, B. J. Yang. Newman, Dorothy Polash, Kathy Reavis, Elizabeth B. Ross, Nicole Rubin Diana Sunshine, Arlene B. Tenenbaum, Jay M. Romney campaign Tenenbaum, Lawrence Tesler, Leonie Following are donors who have given at Walker. least $2,500 to Mitt Romney’s presidential ■ Woodside: Roger J. Bamford, campaign, according to the Center for Multimedia Andrew Bridges, Susan Z. Breyer, Victoria Responsive Politics: Burns Humphrey, Diane M. Chesler, Joy ■ Portola Valley: Robert R. Allen Jr., Covey, Laura H. Covington, John C. Dean Michael J. Boskin, Carter Boyce, James Advertising Sales Representative Jr., John Doerr, John Doyle, Elizabeth C. D. Boyce, Richard W. Boyce, Sandra Dressel, Cindy Goldberg, Evan Goldberg, Boyce, Travis Boyce, Laird Cagan, Doug- Alan C. Herzig, Grant Huberty, Roberta las C. Carlisle, Andrew Chase, Jacquelyn Embarcadero Media is a multimedia company with websites, email news digests Kameda, Deepak Kamra, David Klaus- S. Curtis, Mark T. Curtis, Jeff Epstein, (Express) and community newspapers on the Peninsula, in the East Bay and in Marin. ner, Elizabeth Korman, Mitchell Lasky, Sue Epstein, William S. Floyd, Daniel Mary Ellen Lemieux, Ronald Lemieux, Gilbert, Amy Gurley, John Gurley, Judith We are the leader in community news and local advertising solutions in the markets we Shirley Ludwig, James E. Lyons, Laird H. Hamilton, Kenneth L. Hirsch, Kurt McCulloch, Ann K. McNamee, Laura Nib- Jaggers, Suzanne K. Jaggers, Denny serve. More residents in our communities turn to our websites, email news digests and bi, Yagyensh Pati, Lois Ann Porter, Caitlyn Lanfear, Karen Lanfear, George McCown, print media as the primary choice for local news and information. Symone Prather, Sally Rau, Erica J. Rog- John M. McGraw, Dorian McKelvy, Scott ers, Dan Rosenweig, Eve Shaw, Nicole McNealy, Susan McNealy, Christopher J. Sheehan, John Shoch, Robert E. Sims, Molumphy, Ralph A. Pica, G. Kirk Raab, We are looking for an aggressive, sophisticated Outside Sales Representative for a prime Deborah Suppes, John Thompson, San- Maryann Raab, Daniel Webb. display ad sales territory on the Peninsula. Experience in online, social media, search dra Thompson, Frank Van Veenendaal, ■ Woodside: Deborah E. Addicott, Bet- marketing, and print media sales is a plus. Familiarity with the advertising industry and Lisa Wan, Maurice Werdegar, Pegi Young. ty Bialek, Fred Bialek, H. Raymond Bing- ■ Atherton: Fred Alvarez, Alan Austin, ham, Kristin Bingham, Lawrence Bow- selling solutions to local and regional businesses is required. Vinod Bhardwaj, Jennifer Blakely, Jen- man, Jonathan Coslet, Frederick Degrosz, nifer Carrico, Bita Daryabari, Jorge Del Kenneth Diekroeger, Oliver Evans, Mary We offer salary, commission, bonus plan, health benefi ts, paid time off and an environment Calvo, Caroline Donahue, Marilee Gard- E. Finlayson, Norris Finlayson, Kenneth where success and achievement is rewarded. ner, David Goldberg, John D. Goldman, Fisher, Sherrilyn Fisher, Rhodine Gif- Marcia L. Goldman, Noosheen Hashemi, ford, Emma Goltz, Frederick Goltz, John Caitlin Heising, Mark Heising, Matthew Hamilton, Fredric W. Harman, Stephanie Most importantly, the successful candidate must have a drive to be a top performer and Heising, David Henig, Manuel Henriquez, C. Harman, Gregory J. Hartman, Bruce enjoy working with clients who are looking to our company to provide them with cost Felicia Horowitz, Lawrence Horowitz, Isackson, Robert C. Kagle, Ann M. Liv- Susan Hyatt, Ross Jaffe, Edward D. ermore, Thomas H. Livermore, Armas effective and effi cient advertising solutions. Consultative selling approaches are key to Johnson, David Keller, Chris M. Kelly, C. Markkula, Linda Markkula, Marissa success in this position. Steven Kleiman, Ross Koningstein, Hilarie E. Matusich-Kagle, Matthew K. McCau- Koplow-McAdams, Omid Kordestani, ley, Mary Meeker, Harold M. Messmer James M. Koshland, Jim Koshland, Jr., Daniel W. Morehead, Helen O’Neill, If you have the passion to achieve great success in your career and believe you can Patricia Kubal, Joan Lane, Gary Lauder, Gary Pinkus, Erik D. Ragatz, Kendra L.H. contribute signifi cantly to our leadership position in the market, please send your Laura Lauder, Gregory Loew, Giacomo Ragatz, Jeanne Rosner, Larry Solomon, resume and a brief summary as to why you believe you are the right candidate for this Marini, Steve Markoulis Charles L. Marks, Barbara Sonsini, Larry Sonsini. Steve McAdams, Beth McLellan Marjo- ■ Atherton: Douglas C. Allred, Carol outstanding opportunity. rie McMorris, Agnes Mendelson, Alan Bartz Bruce Basso, Peter Bell, Doug- C. Mendelson, Dianne Morton, James las Bergeron,Sandra Bergeron, Ivan J. Qualifi ed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Neupert John O’Farrell, Renuka Prasad, Brockman, James Carrathers, Noreen N. Geoff Ralston, Arvind P. Relan, Sheryl K. Carrathers, John D. Carter, George W. Please submit your resume and cover letter to: Sandberg, Komal Shah Elizabeth Simons, Cogan, Bret E. Comolli, David Crawford, Patrisia Spezzaferro, Jim Stephens, John Brenden P. Cullen, John D. Diekman, Tom Zahiralis, Vice President Sales and Marketing Suttle, Richard Thesing, Lida Urbanek, Donald R. Dixon, Bruce Dunlevie, Barbara [email protected] Arthur Wong, Brenda Woodson. H. Edwards, Jennifer Fonstad, Stephen ■ Menlo Park: Sheri Anderson, Clar- B Gaddis, Susan Gaddis, Lainie Garrick, ence Andresen, Joseph S. Andresen, Gary George, Michael L. Goguen, Ken- Jody Beecher, Eugene James Boyle, Jody neth Goldman, Linda Grais, Dr. Griffith Buckley, David C. Burke, Brook H. Byers, R. Harsh IV, David A. Haynes, Stanley Andrea Corney, Lee Courtney, Lance J. Hiller Jr., Jeffrey Housenbold, Ruth Dixon, Melissa P. Draper, Timothy Draper, Housenbold, Bradford C. Koenig, Lauren 450 Cambridge Avenue | Palo Alto, CA 94306 | 650.326.8210 Judith Estrin, Robert Alan Eustace, Diane Koenig, Pierre Lamond, Pierre R. Lamond, PaloAltoOnline.com | TheAlmanacOnline.com | MountainViewOnline.com Frankle, Gregory M. Gallo, Penny Gallo, Steven A. Laub, William P. Laughlin, David Venky Ganesan, Maria Gomes, Peter Mark, Nancy H. Mark, Debra McLean, August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 11 NEWS
externally for a new police chief. City, Utah. Bryan Roberts gave notice in Finance director Carol Augus- Menlo names interim police chief July, 23 months after taking the tine said that the recruitment By Sandy Brundage left the lat- according to the Menlo Park job. He cited family concerns as process used to hire Chief Rob- Almanac Staff Writer ter post after announcement. among the reasons for accepting erts cost the city $18,518 in nearly a year, “I’m looking forward to a new position as chief in Draper 2010. A eteran police chief Lee moving on in working with the talented Violett stepped in on Aug. 2011 as that and dedicated police men and V6 as departing Menlo Park police force women in Menlo Park,” Chief Menlo specific plan spurs chief Bryan Roberts stepped out, consolidated Violett said in the announce- the city announced. under the ment. “It’s a great department City staff said he’ll make $90 San Mateo with an excellent reputation Crittenden development an hour in addition to retire- County Sher- in the law enforcement com- By Sandy Brundage N MENLO BRIEFS ment benefits as Menlo Park’s iff’s Office. Chief Lee Violett munity and I am honored to Almanac Staff Writer interim police chief, a role that Prior to be able to support them in their is not entirely new to him. He that he served 26 years with work.” he home of one of the continue to investigate. previously filled the gaps in the city of San Mateo and then Menlo Park is currently Menlo Park’s landmarks Anyone with information may Millbrae and Half Moon Bay. He as police chief for San Bruno, searching both internally and Tmay become something contact Menlo Park police at new, according to property own- 330-6300. er Howard Crittenden. He told NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD the Almanac on Aug. 4 that the $3.2 million granted Draft Remedial Action Plan Available for Park Theatre, long defunct at for Caltrain upgrade Menlo Park West Campus (Facebook) 1275 El Camino Real, may give way now that the city has passed Caltrain’s goal of “faster, qui- Menlo Park, California the downtown/El Camino Real eter, more frequent service” Public Comment Period: August 6 – September 6, 2012 specific plan. using electric trains instead of He declined to elaborate on diesel got another step closer to WHAT IS BEING PROPOSED? The California Department of Toxic Substances Control what it may become, saying reality when the federal govern- (DTSC) invites the public to comment on the draft Remedial Action Plan (RAP) for the proposed that it depends on the comple- ment awarded the agency $3.2 Facebook Menlo Park West Campus (Site), located at 312 – 314 Constitution Drive, Menlo Park, tion of architectural studies. million in August to upgrade its CA. The draft RAP describes the investigations and proposed cleanup activities for the Site. Another developer, Sunil Suri, signals. DTSC has prepared a proposed Negative Declaration/Initial Study to comply with the California had expressed interest in reno- The new signal systems are Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). DTSC wants you to review and comment on the draft RAP and vating the theater or converting a component of the $1.5 bil- proposed Negative Declaration/Initial Study. it to office space, according to lion Caltrain modernization an email sent to the council, but initiative, and includes a feder- The Site is south of Highway 84, west of Willow Road, north of the Dumbarton rail corridor, and declined to check with Mr. Crit- ally mandated safety feature east of the current TE Connectivity facility. It has been purchased by Facebook for an expansion tenden first. that automatically stops a train of office space. Previous uses of the Site resulted in contamination of the soil and groundwater. when another train is detected The previous owners conducted a DTSC-approved cleanup action that included removal of a 1 truck + 2 bikes up ahead on the tracks. The fed- large amount of contaminated soil, installation of an engineered cap over PCB-impacted soils, a eral grant may also be used for groundwater monitoring program, and a Land Use Covenant (LUC) that continues to restrict uses = 3 arrests of the Site. These actions cleaned up the property to levels protective for commercial/industrial safety improvements at vehicle land uses. Even though the Site meets standards required by law Facebook wants to voluntarily Just as many Menlo Park crossings according to a press make the Site even cleaner than it currently is. residents prepared to leave work release. Aug. 2, police officers found More contaminated soil would be excavated and disposed of at a permitted facility. Shoring and themselves busy responding to Need for blood spikes dewatering of an engineered cap area will probably be needed as it will be excavated as well. a report of a suspicious truck. during the summer Soils currently capping the contaminated areas will be stockpiled and reused with other clean fill Officers were called to the 700 for backfilling the excavated areas. An updated LUC would be put in place. Current groundwater block of Roble Avenue around Demand for blood has spiked monitoring and Site inspections would continue. 4:21 p.m., and then discovered recently at hospitals served the truck a few blocks away on by the Stanford Blood Center, HOW DO I PARTICIPATE? During the 30-day public comment period, from August 6, 2012 to Yale Avenue. including Stanford Hospital September 6, 2012, DTSC encourages you to review the draft RAP and to provide your comments According to the police report, and Lucile Packard Children’s by attending the Public Meeting. Your participation is encouraged. the truck contained two bikes, Hospital, according to Harpreet burglary tools, drugs, stolen Sandhu, administrator of the PUBLIC MEETING – Wednesday, September 22, 2012, Belle Haven Senior Center, 110 property, and three people. Stanford Blood Center. Terminal Ave., Menlo Park, CA, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The trio of suspects became a Demand often rises in the duo for a few short moments as summer, due to car accidents Comments may also be submitted in writing, postmarked or e-mailed no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 6, 2012: one tried to run away on foot. and other factors, while sup- Chip Gribble, Project Manager Police gave chase and detained plies decline because people are DTSC Berkeley Office all three in time to hear the off on vacations. Students, who 700 Heinz Avenue owners of the bikes report that give 20 percent of donations, Berkeley, California 94710 a short while ago, the bicycles often give at mobile on-campus Phone: 510-540-3773 had been sitting in their car- blood drives held only during [email protected] port. the school year. Paul Gunning, 40, and com- The center urges people to fill WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION? A copy of the draft RAP is available at the following panions Eric Espino, 26, and the gap by making an appoint- locations: Maria Soreque, 32, all of San ment to give blood. Jose, were arrested on charges Vist BloodCenter.Stanford. Belle Haven Community Library Department of Toxic Substance Control including possession of burglary edu or call 888-723-7831 for 413 Ivy Drive 700 Heinz Avenue tools, stolen property and con- more information or to make an
spiracy to commit crime. Police appointment. A Menlo Park, California 94025 Berkeley, California 94710
(650) 330-2540 (510) 540-3800 (call for appointment) SUPER PACS from Jennifer Fonstad of Drap- Documents are also available online at the DTSC EnviroStor web site: continued from previous page er, Fisher & Jurvetson, and http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/profile_report.asp?global_id=60001437 $425,000 from Mercury Trust. Mercury Trust also gave Contact Information: If you have any questions or wish to discuss the project, contact Chip $25,000 from Donald Dixon of $500,000 to American Cross- Gribble, DTSC Project Manager (510) 540-3773 or [email protected]. For public participation Trident Capital. roads, a Republican super PAC activities, contact Wayne Hagen, DTSC Public Participation Specialist (510) 540-3911 or ■ From Menlo Park: $25,000 with assets of $40 million, [email protected]. Members of the media should contact Sandra Friedman, DTSC Public from Katherine Alden of Wood- according to the Center for Information Officer (714) 484-5383 or [email protected]. side Hotels & Resorts, $12,500 Responsive Politics. A
12 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 NEWS
Motorcyclist dies in crash Portola Valley to honor Martin Litton Martin Litton, a renowned to block dams today. In a bid to protect trees on Woodside Road environmental activist and a that would on a property near the Sequoia By Dave Boyce nounced dead at Stanford Hos- Portola Valley resident since have flooded National Forest, he is engaged Almanac Staff Writer pital of blunt force trauma, Sgt. 1958, will be honored at the the Grand in a campaign to persuade Jason Peardon of the San Mateo Blues & Barbecue Festival at Canyon and members of Congress to sign a 27-year-old San Francisco County Sheriff’s Office told the the Portola Valley Town Cen- Dinosaur letter to President Obama that man was killed Friday on Almanac. ter on Sunday, Sept. 16. National would authorize the transfer AWoodside Road when Mr. Cooner had been traveling Mr. Litton, who is 95, has Monument of the property to the National his motorcycle collided with a at the speed limit, Sgt. Peardon a lifetime of activism behind in Colorado. Park Service from the National car heading out of the Menlo said. Driving the Lexus was a a him, including successful Proceeds Photo by Virginia Bacon Forest Service, according to Country Club. 72-year-old man from Menlo efforts in partnership with from the festival go to the a story on the Portola Valley The motorcylist, identified as Park. He stayed at the scene after Friends of the Earth founder Portola Valley Open Space town website. Sahil Cooner, was driving his the accident and was coopera- David Brower and desert pres- Acquisition Fund. Go to tirnyurl.com/PV-Lit- Suzuki motorcyle westbound tive, deputies said. Authorities ervation activist Edward Abbey Mr. Litton is still active ton to see the story. A on Woodside Road at about are not releasing his name pend- 1:30 p.m. when it collided with ing an investigation that could the side of a four-door Lexus determine whether or not he heading east out of the country will be ticketed. club and making a left turn Deputies closed westbound across Woodside Road, authori- Woodside Road for about two Phil Sorensen ties said. hours. “We want to make sure of Mr. Cooner, who had been what we have, that everything’s (Philip H. Sorensen, Ph.D.) wearing a helmet, was pro- correct,” Sgt. Peardon said. A Phil Sorensen was a man who loved and consultant from 1983-1990, to Saudi Arabia. lived his life. Sixty-two years to the day he On the golf course, Phil scored five holes- N POLICE CALLS and B.J. (Betty Jo) Lyon applied for their in-one, relishing competing against himself, marriage license, Phil died. His beloved B.J., fellow duffers, his sons-in-law and grandsons. This information is from the Atherton cell phone, Marsh Road, July 27. daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren He was a strategic and spirited bridge player and Menlo Park police departments Theft reports: and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s were with him when he ascended his last and once he gave up golf, he replaced it with ■ Losses estimated at $1,100 in theft Office. Under the law, people charged of miscellaneous tools from unlocked mountain. lawn bowling. His ever-present pipe smoke with offenses are considered innocent tool locker on vehicle, Henderson Ave., until convicted. Phil was born in Bellingham, WA on announced his arrival and lingered upon his Aug. 1. December 26, 1924, and thereafter, that departure. ■ Loss estimated at $500 in theft of MENLO PARK unlocked bike, University Drive, Aug. 1. became ‘the’ holiday to celebrate. The family He and B.J. were enthusiastic travelers. Residential burglary reports: ■ Losses estimated at $400 in theft of later settled in Vancouver, WA, where Phil When at home, they cherished time with purse from unlocked office, Menlo Park ■ Losses estimated at $3,900 in entry joined the Boy Scouts and progressed quickly their three daughters Chris, Carolyn (Steve Presbyterian Church at 950 Santa Cruz through unlocked bedroom window through the ranks, earning his Eagle Scout Balling) and Cathy (Jon Buurma). Phil was Ave., July 30. and theft of handgun, laptop computer, by age 14. Throughout high school he was an proud of his grandsons Erik and Kevin two gold rings and two gold necklaces, Fraud report: Unpaid balances of Ivy Drive, July 30. $21,502 on three recently opened but active Scout and summer camp Buurma, Corey Scher, and his unauthorized credit card accounts, ■ Losses estimated at $820 in break- counselor, a member of the granddaughter, Jordan Scher. Santa Cruz Ave., July 27. in and theft of two handguns from bed- swim team, newspaper editor, Phil loved to measure, room, Willow Road, July 28. and student body officer. evaluate, and report and spent ■ Losses estimated at $650 in theft WOODSIDE of camera and pocket watch, Olympic Phil enlisted in Naval Officer hours tallying and analyzing Theft report: Losses estimated at Ave., July 30. $1,000 in unauthorized access to gro- Training in 1942, a month shy trends and numbers on behalf ■ Losses estimated at $550 in theft of cery account and several purchases, of his 18th birthday. He served of the Stanford Men’s Golf bicycle from open garage, San Mateo including recent purchase attempt in as a navigator aboard the USS Club, the Fellowship Forum, Drive, July 30. which suspect would not provide iden- Commercial burglary report: No tification and left in white pickup truck, Adair in the Pacific until 1946 and the Palo Alto Jazz Alliance, losses but hole cut into siding of exte- 3000 block of Woodside Road, July 28. and as an Intelligence Officer among many other community rior wall, Menlo Clock Works at 961 El in the Naval Reserve until organizations and committees Camino Real, July 29. ATHERTON 1985, reaching the rank of at the Sequoias. He took great Auto burglary report: Losses estimated at $520 in break-in through Theft report: Unknown losses in Commander. joy in gardening and his expert smashed window and theft of two theft of copper wire, Almendral Ave., After he and B.J. married touch with the pruning shears purses containing $180 in cash and Aug. 2. in Spokane, they settled in lingers in the gardens of homes Portland where Phil was a he and the family occupied and teacher and counselor in the public schools. in The Sequoia’s ‘Philoli’ Arboretum. In 1952 the family moved to Manhattan, Phil shared his remarkable memory with Tuesday: New Belle Haven KS and Phil served as the Assistant Dean of friends and family, describing when asked, Students at Kansas State. Daughters Chris every mountain climbed, math problem foundation kick-off event and Carolyn were born in Portland, OR and solved, story heard, and place explored. Cathy in Manhattan, KS. He loved his wife and dancing with her, On a quest to change the qual- Olive Church and the Menlo Taking advantage of the GI bill benefits, mountain climbing, golf, his daughters ity of life for Menlo Park’s Belle Park police on Tuesday, Aug. 7, Phil enrolled at Stanford University in 1954 and their husbands, making puns, his Haven community, a group from 7 to 9 p.m. at the church to complete his Ph.D. in Psychology. He grandchildren, analyzing and solving of residents has formed a new on 605 Hamilton Ave. and at earned both his BA in 1948 in Education problems, his sisters and their families, nonprofit, according to council nearby Hamilton Park as part and Social Science (awarded Phi Beta Kappa) jazz of all kinds, his mother-in-law and her candidate and co-founder Caro- of free “National Night Out” and his Masters in Educational Psychology family, a generous pour of bourbon, his lyn Clarke. festivities. A in 1950 at Washington State University. He lifelong friends, and voting as a Democrat. The Belle Haven Community was a lifelong member of Lambda Chi Alpha A celebration of Phil’s life will be held Foundation will be a 501(c)(3) fraternity. August 18, 2012 from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm at organization working to get the Phil accepted a position at Stanford The Sequoias, 501 Portola Road, Portola community engaged in reach- Research Institute in 1956. For the next Valley, CA. ing common goals, Ms. Clarke 27 years he worked as a Senior Research Gifts in memory of Phil can be made to said, as a “diverse, educated, Psychologist and Director of the Education The Sequoias-Portola Valley Tomorrow economically self-sustaining Research Department. He commuted to Fund Endowment, which assists residents and empowered” full-service SRI from his Palo Alto home on his 3-speed who run short of financial resources. Please neighborhood. The founda- bike. His work at SRI took him across the make checks payable to Senior Services for tion currently seeks start-up country and around the world, to Nigeria Northern California and mail to 501 Portola funding. and Micronesia, and later, as independent Road, Box 8053, Portola Valley, CA 94028. Its kick-off event takes place Join today: in collaboration with Mount SupportLocalJournalism.org PAID OBITUARY
August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 13 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 44 years. ViewpointIDEAS, THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ABOUT LOCAL ISSUES FROM PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY. EDITED BY TOM GIBBONEY
Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Newsroom Is prison appropriate in Hanretty case? Managing Editor Richard Hine t is hardly a surprise that the district attorney and no costs are ongoing as the district struggles to pay interest on $2 News Editor Renee Batti Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle doubt more than a few citizens of Portola Valley would million that Mr. Hanretty borrowed without the school board’s Staff Writers like to see prison time included in the sentence that will consent. Dave Boyce, Sandy Brundage I be handed down Oct. 11 for Tim Hanretty, who on July 31 Hindsight shows that trustees of the Portola Valley and Contributors Marjorie Mader, Barbara Wood, Kate Daly pleaded no contest to embezzling $101,000 from the Portola Woodside districts apparently were so charmed by Mr. Han- Special Sections Editors Valley School District and mismanaging funds at the Wood- retty that they neglected to take adequate precautions against Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann side Elementary School District. such an insider attack. Most embezzlers are clever enough to Photographer Michelle Le The final call will be made by Superior Court Judge Mark hide their tracks for a time, but ultimately fall victim to an Design & Production Forcum, who will base his decision on a report by the county’s innocent inquiry or in the case of Mr. Hanretty, school officials Design Director Shannon Corey Designers Linda Atilano, Lili Cao, probation department. At the plea hearing, Judge Forcum who suspected that something was amiss. Diane Haas, Rosanna Leung, said he would strongly consider a probationary sentence if the Sadly, it is the Portola Valley students who will be the big- Paul Llewellyn, Scott Peterson former superintendent of the Portola Valley gest losers in this case. The district already Advertising district made substantial restitution before the EDITORIAL has eliminated teachers’ aides and canceled Vice President Sales sentencing. or cut summer school, K-5 Spanish, support and Marketing Tom Zahiralis The opinion of The Almanac Display Advertising Sales Even probation can mean up to a year in and instruction from some outside technol- Adam Carter the county jail, according to District Attorney ogy staff, janitorial and supply budgets, and Real Estate Manager Neal Fine Steve Wagstaffe, who strongly believes jail is called for in this district office staff, as well as the traditional eighth-grade trip. Real Estate and Advertising Coordinator Diane Martin case. And teachers will be asked to cover a major part of the budget Classified Legal Advertising “If he got probation with no time — that would be totally out shortfall, getting hit with a possible salary freeze and elimina- Alicia Santillan of step with what the case deserves,” Mr. Wagstaffe said. “This tion of as many as 10 school days.
Published every Wednesday at is a violation of public trust.” School families and other supporters in Portola Valley already 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, In our view the sentence for violating the “public trust” provide hundreds of thousands of dollars to the district every Menlo Park, CA 94025 should also include full repayment of the stolen funds from year that is used to upgrade the curriculum or cover other Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 the Portola Valley district, and at least partial restitution to the special needs. In light of the financial woes left behind by Mr. Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 Woodside district. Both districts spent thousands of dollars on Hanretty’s embezzlement and other mismanagement of funds, Advertising: (650) 854-2626 Advertising Fax: (650) 854-3650 forensic auditors to track and document Mr. Hanretty’s laby- we hope this tightly knit community will provide even more Email news and photos with rinthine scheme to defraud both districts. In Woodside, the support to help the district recover in the next few years. captions to: [email protected] Email letters to: [email protected] Atherton blog has The Almanac, established in September 1965, is delivered each week to residents of Menlo two points of view Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San By Charles Marsala However, I am concerned Mateo County. The Almanac is qualified by decree of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to ast week’s guest opinion that the town might build a publish public notices of a governmental and by Walter Sleeth was 10,000-square-foot or larger legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, titled: “Misuse of social library in the park at the issued December 21, 1969. L media by ‘Athertonians’ Blog” expense of other park resourc- Subscriptions are $60 for one year and es and that it will have trouble $100 for two years. I have been friends of Mr. Sleeth and his wife Judy for filling the library. The ballot more than a decade. statement does not state a size In early June, Wally limitation for the and I respectfully library. discussed our posi- Last October the ■ WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? tions on having a Athertonians con- town vote regarding ducted a detailed All views must include a home address moving the library survey of its mem- and contact phone number. Published to Holbrook-Palm- bership regarding letters will also appear on the web site, er Park and those their opinion about www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and GUEST moving the library occasionally on the Town Square forum. positions have been posted on the Ather- OPINION to the park. One TOWN SQUARE FORUM tonians website since hundred and eighty- Post your views on the June 5. one people respond- Town Square forum at While I support a town vote, ed. Comments both pro and www.TheAlmanacOnline.com Mr. Sleeth believes our elected con are posted on the website. representatives are empow- Approximately 30 percent Atherton Historical Association EMAIL your views to: ered to make the decision. of those responding favored [email protected] And he believes I am a mod- moving the library to the Our Regional Heritage and note this it is a letter to erator of the Athertonians park, and several expressed the editor in the subject line. The roots of the Menlo Circus Club go back to the early 1920s website. I am not. I have stated their reasons why. Thus the when some Fair Oaks girls decided to use their ponies in a MAIL or deliver to: this frequently. I do not know site contains an exchange of circus and charge admission with the proceeds benefiting Editor at the Almanac, Yahoo Group policy and do viewpoints. charity. The event grew quickly and raised $10,000 or more 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, not have any beliefs regarding After this survey was taken, a year from ticket sales and other activities. At first called the Menlo Park, CA 94025. such a policy. I did not make one member of the City Coun- “Riding and Driving Club,” the group became the Menlo Circus a decision to remove anyone Club that still exists today in Atherton. Here Rowena Dunphy CALL the Viewpoint desk at from the list. Continued on next page performs for an early Circus Club audience. 223-6507.
14 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012 VIEWPOINT
ing explanation of the C-1 trail LETTERS fiasco on last week’s Viewpoint Our readers write pages. We are proud to be neigh- bors of Stanford University, but Grateful for clear it is certainly time for Stanford to recognize its huge impact on thoughts on C-1 trail the surrounding communities Editor: and to cooperate accordingly. Thank you, Steve Schmidt, for Marilyn Walter your accurate and enlighten- Coyote Hill, Portola Valley
GUEST OPINION How many Atherton residents continued from previous page a day visit the library? For how long per visit? Atherton cil who favored moving the residents make up what per- library to the park instructed centage of the usage? the city attorney to “shut them With the Menlo Park library (the Athertonians) down.” I so close, why do we need believe this position violates a larger Atherton library? the First Amendment and Would it be less of an envi- have expressed that position at ronmental impact to just do a council meetings. The Alma- seismic upgrade of the exist- nac published an editorial ing 4,800 square foot facility? with a similar viewpoint. What happens during the Since that editorial there winter when the park closes have been several letters criti- at 5 p.m. and the library is cal of the moderators of the still open? What are the traf- Athertonian blog. Yet ques- fic concerns? Would residents tions asked about the library prefer to keep the library near PENINSULA in the park go unanswered. other town buildings? Is there Hopefully, in the future those a better use for the park land questions will be answered. than moving a library to the Can the energy to shut down park? the Athertonians and discredit Charles Marsala them be focused on answering is a former Atherton Town questions about the library? Council member. Discover the best places to eat this week!
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August 8, 2012 N TheAlmanacOnline.com N The Almanac N 15 represented by Scott Dancer
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16 N The Almanac N TheAlmanacOnline.com N August 8, 2012