Palo Alto Resident Phil Helmuth Has Made a Career out of Playing Poker

Palo Vol. XXVII, Number 51 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 ■ 50¢ Alto ParentsPalo Alto’surged ‘dirty to stoplittle collegesecret’ admissionsPage 3 'frenzy' Page 3

www.PaloAltoOnline.com The gambler Palo Alto resident a household name in high-stakes poker Page 14 Norbert von der Groeben ■ Upfront Mayor emphasizes global warming, natural disasters Page 3 ■ Sports Stanford women’s basketball season is over Page 29 ■ Upfront Mixed reviews for 800 High St. project Page 5 apr.com

REDEFINING QUALITY SINCE 1990 Reading between the emotional line makes the difference between finding a house and a home.

PALO ALTO Lovely Crescent Park four bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a separate dining room, family room with built-in entertainment center. Elegant living room with lighted display shelves. Lush landscaping with pool on a 12474+/-sf lot. $2,850,000

LOS ALTOS Beautifully remodeled home with the finest materials in quiet Country Club area neighborhood. Bright and spacious three bedrooms and two baths with a gorgeous kitchen and family room. Romantic master. Electric gate. $1,749,000

MOUNTAIN VIEW Elegant remodeled two bedroom, one bath home near downtown. Large upgraded kitchen opens to arched living room/dining room with hardwood floors and vaulted ceilings. Large closets throughout. Unusually large expansive lot with patio and lawn area. $738,000

apr.com | PALO ALTO OFFICE 578 University Avenue 650.323.1111

Page 2 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly UpfrontLocal news, information and analysis Palo Alto’s ‘dirty secret’ COMMUNITY Parents, youth leaders launch campaign against intolerance State OKs emergency by Alexandria Rocha not getting it,” said Kate diverse place.” and students spoke on this SF creek funds group of Palo Alto Hill, Gunn High School’s Monday night’s panel week’s panel, which about parents and youth PTA president, during a was the kick-off event for 50 people attended. Slumping levee, fissures, prompted East Palo Alto A leaders are bring- panel Monday night at the a month-long campaign to The campaign was ing what they call the school district. battle hate and intolerance sparked by a hate crime mayor to declare state of emergency city’s “dirty little secret” “I grew up in Oakland in the schools called “Not at Palo Alto High School to the forefront and have and went to Berkeley, and In Our Town/Not In Our earlier this year (detailed by Lauren McSherry neighborhood, which abuts the le- launched a campaign when I got to Palo Alto it Schools.” The campaign in the Weekly’s Feb. 1 s a powerful storm system vee, would be among the first to be against hatred and intol- was a culture shock. There — which includes further cover story), in which a threatened the Bay Area Mon- flooded. erance in the schools. weren’t any dips in the panels, art exhibits and Gay-Straight Alliance A day with several days of rain, Some of the money will be used to “Kids are mean. We’re sidewalk for special-needs dinners — will continue (GSA) member’s belong- the state approved $475,000 to repair purchase and install riprap — coarse not teaching tolerance people. . . . The vision of through April. Nearly a a weakened levee in East Palo Alto. stones or boulders used to stabilize to our kids, or they’re Palo Alto is that it’s not a dozen parents, teachers (continued on page 10) The city was also preparing to stream banks — said East Palo Alto request approximately $1.3 million police Lt. Rahn Sibley, who has been for longer-term fixes as of Friday. working to secure funds for the city STATE OF THE CITY The levee, which stretches east from since Feb. 17. Highway 101, borders the Palo Alto The number of government stake- Municipal Golf Course. holders involved in fixing the creek Mayor Ruben Abrica declared has increased since the mayor’s a local state of emergency Feb. 27, emergency declaration. Count the issues during a week when emergency re- At least 14 agencies and govern- sponders feared heavy rains comment groups — from East Palo How the hot-button words of the day add up bined with a high tide could breach Alto’s police department to the the San Francisquito Creek levee. governor’s office and the Federal in mayoral State of the City addresses The declaration was intended to free Emergency Management Agency the city of red tape so it could fix the (FEMA) — were notified of the lo- creek before the next rainy season. cal emergency, creating a tangle of If the levee were to fail, 13,000 bureaucracy that has complicated people could be inundated with wa- who has jurisdiction over the creek, ter up to several feet deep in places, what kinds of fixes can be made and said Matt Lucett, district coordinator how money can be allocated. for the San Mateo County Sheriff’s For example, the city cannot im- Office of Emergency Services and plement any permanent fixes until Homeland Security. the Joint Powers Authority (JPA) JUDY KLEINBERG JIM BURCH BERN BEECHAM DENA MOSSAR VICTOR OJAKIAN Houses in the city’s Gardens (continued on page 8) 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 Budget (10) Library (10) Process (17) Housing (8) Housing (19) Daily News Editor Housing (6) Budget (7) Budget (10) Process(7) Traffic (11) Emergency (6) Infrastructure (5) Traffic (5) Infrastructure (6) Diana Diamond fired Abrupt termination after a year in position relates to policy differences, not content issues, according to Diamond ‘A City on the edge’ by Jay Thorwaldson iana Diamond, who for the only hint she had Mayor Judy Kleinberg unveils major initiatives for disasters, past year has been executive was a review last D editor of the six-newspaper week in which environment in annual ‘State of the City’ speech Daily News Group, was abruptly Daily News Pub- by Bill D’Agostino terminated Monday. She was re- lisher Shareef placed with a new editor, Lucinda Dajani discussed alling Palo Alto a assume that others will cent successes, including “Palo Alto is certain- Ryan, the former editor of the Al- her objections to “city on the edge be there to help us,” upcoming playing fields, ly a city on the cutting ameda Journal. recent decisions Cand at the edge,” Kleinberg said Monday recent awards for the edge,” she said. “But as “I was let go,” Diamond con- to eliminate the Mayor Judy Kleinberg night, citing the Bush city’s budget and positive we celebrate, we must firmed Tuesday to the Weekly. Monday issue of Diana Diamond used the annual “State administration’s failure ratings from a city-fund- also acknowledge that Staff members of the newspapers the San Mateo of the City” speech to to adequately aid New ed survey. But Kleinberg Palo Alto is also a city at were told at a special meeting at 4 Daily News and moving deadlines announce the formation Orleans during and after also offered new initia- the edge — we face ma- p.m. Monday that Diamond was forward to conform to San Jose of a pair of new commit- Hurricane Katrina. tives, not just analysis. jor challenges.” leaving “to pursue other interests,” Mercury and Contra Costa Times tees to address two large Regarding global In addition to suggest- Among those chal- not told that she was being termi- evening deadlines. issues: global warming warming, she said: “We ing the two committees, lenges: taming the nated. “He graded me not at all on my and emergency prepared- can’t wait for the state she also proposed the city flood-prone San Fran- There was no announcement of work as editor, my editorials or ness. and federal governments develop new events to cisquito Creek, breaking the change in Tuesday’s Palo Alto columns or the management of the The mayor repeat- to solve this — we must boost tourism and estab- the stalemate and de- Daily News. newsrooms,” she said in an inter- edly noted that Palo Alto take responsibility at our lish an annual report card ciding the future of the Dajani told the Weekly Tuesday view Tuesday morning. needed to lead locally, local level.” to track its progress. city’s library system, and that Diamond’s departure is “basi- Previous to the termination, rather than relying on the As in recent years, Kleinberg also didn’t rebuilding the outdated cally just a parting of the ways. We “there was not one note, one e-mail state and federal govern- much of the 30-minute shy away from pointing police headquarters. both agreed to go our own way; I or phone message criticizing my ment. speech was dedicated to out the city’s challenges don’t want to comment beyond work,” she said. “I was shocked.” “We cannot afford to celebrating the city’s re- and shortcomings. (continued on page 10) that.” Diamond, who wrote columns Diamond, clearly shaken, said the (continued on page 8) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 3 Oregon Sante Fe Shakespeare Tour Opera Tour June 5-9, 2006 August 6-11, 2006 703 HIGH STREET, PALO ALTO, CA 94302 (650) 326-8210 PUBLISHER William S. Johnson Our CREATIVE TRAVEL ARRANGERS (650) 854-4412 EDITORIAL Jay Thorwaldson, Editor Fax (650) 854-2102 • Email: [email protected] Marc Burkhardt, Managing Editor Lic# cst 2040042 www.creativetravelarrangers.com Jocelyn Dong, Associate Editor Allen Clapp, Carol Blitzer, Assistant Editors Keith Peters, Sports Editor Town Rick Eymer, Assistant Sports Editor by Don Kazak Rebecca Wallace, Arts & Entertainment Editor Don Kazak, Senior Staff Writer Bill D’Agostino, Lauren McSherry, Alexandria Rocha, Staff Writers BodyKneads SPA+SALON Norbert von der Groeben, Chief Photographer Imagining the worst Nicholas Wright, Staff Photographer Marjan Sadoughi, Photo Intern Tyler Hanley, Assistant to the Editor & Online Editor awrence Wein is a low-key, Wein testified before a Congres- Sue Dremann, Staff Writer, Special Sections affable guy, considering he sional committee on the fingerprint Start Fresh & Cammie Farmer, Calendar Editor Jeanne Aufmuth, Dale Benson, Lspends his time thinking about issue in the fall of 2004 in what Lynn Comeskey, Tim Goode, Jill Slater, things that would give other people turned out to be a highly charged Pamper Yourself Susan Tavernetti, Robert Taylor, Contributors Adena DeMonte, Benjamin Lincoln, the willies. political session. It was just five Manicure and Spa Pedicure Elizabeth Perry Editorial Interns Wein, 48, is a Stanford Graduate weeks before the presidential elec- DESIGN School of Business professor who tion, and he had been asked to Carol Hubenthal, Design Director $18 reg $37 Diane Haas, Lynda Lumish, Sue Peck, Senior teaches operations management. But testify by Democrats on two com- Designers; his work includes evaluating terror- mittees holding joint hearings on Dana James, Sarah McAleer, Charmaine $5 off One Hour Massage Mirsky, Scott Peterson, Designers ist threats and how to stop them. security and terrorism issues. The He became interested in terror- Republicans didn’t want any nega- PRODUCTION Gift certificates available Jennifer Lindberg, Production Manager ism after 9/11. He has evaluated the tive headlines. Dorothy Hassett, Brooke Fox, threat of anthrax and how to pro- “It was almost like being the mid- Sales & Production Coordinators 810 San Antonio Rd., Palo Alto tect U.S. Postal Service employees, dle of a murder trial,” he said. “One ADVERTISING has testified before Congress on side was throwing softball questions 650.852.0546 • 7 days, 10am-10pm Michael Howard, Advertising Manager Cathy Norfleet, Display Advertising Sales Assistant the inadequacy of a plan to use fin- and the other side was trying to dis- www.bodykneads-dayspa.com Jasbir Gill, Janice Hoogner, Sandra gerprints from only two fingers for credit me.” Offer ends April 30th 06 Valdiosera, Display Advertising Sales Kathryn Brottem, Real Estate Advertising Sales identification, and has written op- When the Democrats wanted to Joan Merritt, Real Estate Advertising Asst. ed pieces in the New York Times start asking him about port security, Linda Franks, Classified Advertising Manager Justin Davisson, Evie Marquez, Irene about the lack of port security and the Republican committee chairman Don’t Tempt Me! Schwartz, Classified Advertising Sales the threat of bioterrorism to the ended the hearing. Blanca Yoc, Classified Administrative Assistant country’s milk supply. “I kind of view my job as educat- ONLINE SERVICES Some people are listening to what ing policymakers,” he said. “Even Lisa Van Dusen, Director of Palo Alto Online Distractions lurk everywhere, enticing to do what is Shannon White, Assistant to Webmaster he says. if things don’t change, I still end up The government adopted the 10- educating them most of the time.” wrong, to doubt God, to ignore what He has done and BUSINESS Iryna Buynytska, Business Manager fingers fingerprint plan after his tes- His Stanford colleagues respect still does for us. Fudge on the weekly report. Plot Miriam Quehl, Manager of Payroll & Benefits timony, and Washington, D.C., has his work because they know he is Paula Mulugeta, Senior Accountant a little “friendly” revenge. Plant a seed of innocent Valentina Georgieva, Judy Tran, Business a plan in place to protect its postal dealing with serious issues. So far, Associates workers that other cities are now he hasn’t gotten any clever nick- gossip. All while ignoring a conscience and a clear Tina Karabats, Cathy Stringari, Doris Taylor, looking at, too. names from his colleagues. Business Associates Word from God. How easy to rationalize: “It’s not But it is the lack of security at U.S. But his wife, Anne, was recently at ADMINISTRATION really that bad;” “Times have changed;” “No one will Amy Renalds, Assistant to the Publisher & ports that may be the most troubling a Stanford event and one staff mem- Promotions Director; threat of all. ber referred to her as “Dr. Doom’s fi nd out;” “He did it fi rst.” Rachel Palmer, Promotions & Online Assistant Only 6 percent of the thousands of wife.” They live in Palo Alto, with Janice Covolo, Receptionist; Ruben Espinoza, Jorge Vera, Couriers 40-foot-long containers off-loaded children at Paly, Jordan and Walter God in the person of Jesus Christ has reconciled to EMBARCADERO PUBLISHING CO. at U.S. ports every year are flagged Hays schools. William S. Johnson, President for inspection. Wein never expected to be dealing Himself all mankind, paying for our broken loyalty to Michael I. Naar, Vice President & CFO; Robert D. Time magazine recently reported with terrorism issues. He teaches Thomas, Vice President, Corporate Development; Him with the faithfulness of Christ. This relationship Walter Kupiec, Vice President, Sales & Marketing; that the country has spent $18 billion the business school core course in He has initiated and He wants us to enjoy all of the Frank A. Bravo, Director, Computer Operations since 9/11 in making airports more operations management. His doc- & Webmaster torate degree from Stanford is in benefi ts, now and forever. His Spirit seeks to guide Connie Jo Cotton, Major Accounts Sales secure but has spent only $630 mil- Manager; Bob Lampkin, Director, Circulation lion to protect the ports. A study last operations research, which uses and strengthen that bond in genuine fi delity. & Mailing Services; Alicia Santillan, Circulation Assistant; Chris Planessi, Joel Pratt, Chip year by the Department of Home- mathematical models to help in de- Poedjosoedarmo, Computer System Associates land Security and the Coast Guard cision making. God knows our frailty, and we are not alone in our The Palo Alto Weekly (ISSN 0199-1159) concluded that 70 of the nation’s But even before 9/11 he was look- is published every Wednesday and Friday by ports are vulnerable to terrorism. ing at health care issues such as heart-felt struggles. “You can trust God. He will not Embarcadero Publishing Co., 703 High St., Palo Alto, CA 94302, (650) 326-8210. Periodicals post- The worst fear is that one of those AIDS and Alzheimer’s and how to let you be tested more than you can stand. But age paid at Palo Alto, CA and additional mailing 40-foot-long containers will have a allocate medical resources. After offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circu- nuclear bomb inside. 9/11, he shifted to evaluating bio- when you are tested, He will also give you a way out lation for Santa Clara County. The Palo Alto Weekly is delivered free to homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, “I’ve tried to focus on the handful logical and other terrorist threats. so that you can bear it” (I Corinthians 10:13). When Atherton, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, to faculty of ways terrorists could create hun- He is pleased his testimony con- and staff households on the Stanford campus and we are hard-pressed on every side, shouldn’t we to portions of Los Altos Hills. If you are not cur- dreds of thousands of casualties, and tributed to a change in fingerprint rently receiving the paper, you may request free thankfully there are just a handful,” policy. pray to the One who strengthens His family? Fellow delivery by calling 326-8210. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box he said. “A nuclear weapon going off “The system sometimes works,” believers in the Church can help us, too, with their 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Copyright ©2003 by in a U.S. city is the worst scenario, he said. Embarcadero Publishing Co. All rights reserved. but they all cause concern.” Wein is now studying another ter- counsel and prayers. And if we do fall, we know we Reproduction without permission is strictly prohib- have a Savior who was tempted in every way and ited. Printed by SFOP, Redwood City. The Palo Alto Port security is weak, he said, rorism-related issue. But since his Weekly is available on the Internet via Palo Alto but others are realizing that, too. study isn’t published yet, the work remained faithful, who died to forgive the sins and to Online at: http://www.PaloAltoOnline.com Oakland recently became the first can’t be revealed publicly. Our e-mail addresses are: [email protected], U.S. port to check all containers for Some things do give other people restore us to God. [email protected], [email protected]. radiation. the willies, and his new research Missed delivery or start/stop your paper? Call ■ 650 326-8210, or e-mail circulation@paweekly. Wein will go to Long Beach, Ca- likely will. We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 8:15 com. You may also subscribe online at www. lif., for an April 21 state Assembly Senior Staff Writer Don Ka- PaloAltoOnline.com. Subscriptions are $40/yr ($25 committee hearing on port secu- zak can be e-mailed at dkazak@ am and 11:00 am, with Sunday School and Bible within our circulation area). Classes for all ages at 9:45 am. On Wednesdays rity. paweekly.com. during Lent we have additional services at 12:00 noon and 7:00 pm. SUBSCRIBE! Support your local newspaper by becoming a paid subscriber. $25 per year for INDEX Trinity Lutheran Church residents of our circulation area: $40 for Pulse 10 businesses and residents of other areas...... Missouri Synod Name: ______Transitions ...... 11 1295 Middlefi eld Road at Melville, Palo Alto Movies...... 19 (Across from Lucie Stern Community Center) Address: ______Spectrum ...... 20 Sports ...... 29 650-853-1295 City: ______Classified ...... 40

Page 4 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront SCHOOLS Major Additions and For kids who don’t fit in Middle College offers local teens a non-traditional Whole House Remodels high-school experience by Alexandria Rocha "It was terrific, excellent source of information." -Workshop Attendee aren Pezzetti has pinkish hair swelled recently. The Palo Alto no longer than an eyelash. school board decided two weeks Saturday, April 8, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm K Her round silver earrings ago to raise the student-population swing to her shoulders as she talks caps from 1,800 to 1,950 at Gunn 1954 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043 about Middle College, where she’s and Paly, and administrators are a teacher, guidance counselor and studying how to relieve some of ispel the myths of remodeling and learn the facts and how-to’s of the process Ultimate Frisbee coach. the increased-enrollment pressure. “In our classes we emphasize Because Middle College takes stu- in an interactive workshop designed specifically for homeowners. projects and discussion, not busy dents off campus, there is a lot of Whether you are undecided about remodeling or ready to go, the class will cover all the details, work,” she told a roomful of Gunn talk about expanding the program. D High School students last week. Currently, there is room for 100 decisions, and questions homeowners have—including how to live through a remodel. “You have the ability to design your students only, and Gunn and Paly own schedule. Some students don’t teens typically fill about half the Topics will include: start until 10, 11 or noon and take seats. The Mountain View-Los • Pre-planning • Choosing an architect, designer and /or contractor • The design process • Budgeting their classes in the afternoon and Altos Union High School District • Materials • Floor plans • Code requirements • Scheduling •Building permits • Inspections and more! evening.” and the Palo Alto Unified School It was 9 a.m. on Thursday, and District fund the program, which Harrell Remodeling, one of the San Francisco Peninsula's premier the students slouched in their chairs is free to students, unless they take remodeling contractors, will lead this workshop and take you step in the Gunn guidance center. They electives that require materials stared at Pezzetti, eyes begging: fees. by step through the design and construction process so you can go “Where do we sign up?” Typically, Middle College ap- through your major remodel confidently and intelligently. Your home It’s application time for Middle peals to students who want to go is an important part of your life—make it reflect who you are by College, an alternative program for to college but are not earning the Los Altos, Mountain View and Palo grades at Gunn or Paly to get there. giving it your very best! Alto high school juniors and seniors Most of the teens are dissatisfied ® who do not excel in typical school with elements of the comprehensive At Harrell Remodeling, we never forget it’s your home. settings. Palo Alto students who are high-school environment, including For more information or to pre-register for the workshop, accepted remain enrolled at Gunn the schedule, the heavy competition call Carol Langley at (650) 230-2900. Harrell Remodeling or Paly, but take their courses at between students and the way infor- Design + Build Foothill College in Los Altos Hills mation is presented. No credit cards accepted. www.harrell-remodeling.com and earn college credit. Essentially, “If I had a choice to go back, I Class fee is $20.00 if pre-registered, or $25.00 at the door. they become teenaged community would never go back,” said Saudi License: B479799 college students. Marine, 18, a senior at Middle Interest in Middle College has (continued on page 10) DEVELOPMENT 800 High project draws mixed reviews With dust settling, some give complex’s size, looks a thumbs down by Adena DeMonte s the final canopies and bal- and current member of the city’s conies are lifted into place Architectural Review Board, de- A at 800 High St. — a mod- fends the building. ern, four-story, multi-hued hous- “When it was unfinished, it ing complex in downtown Palo looked big and blocky, but the Alto — opinions on the long-con- railings, canopies and entrances troversial project are once again improved it a lot,” she said. “It divided. is big, and you can’t get over the The rectangular building stands fact that there was hardly anything approximately 50-feet tall and there before. This plan did a good spans a city block between Hom- job creating some movement, with SLIP INTO A BEAUTIFUL SMILE! er and Channing avenues on the parts of the building going in and former Peninsula Creamery plant out for entrances so it doesn’t look site. Approved by a 6-3 City Coun- like one giant unrelieved build- Rutner Dental is now offering LUMINEERS Find out just how easy it can be cil vote in February 2003, the ing.” BY CERINATE, the latest in porcelain to slip into a beautiful smile. project raised the ire of residents Other disagree. veneer technology. Incredibly thin, they who mounted an ultimately un- “The thing is much more hid- Call today for a $500 successful referendum to stop the eous than I thought it would be,” can correct chips, stains, and most other building’s construction. said Palo Alto resident David cosmetic problems in as little as two visits. discount on LUMINEERS! Some residents and planning Bubenik, who was involved with 866.57.SMILE experts continue to strongly sup- the referendum and created a Web They slide right over your own teeth, port 800 High St. for increasing site (http://www.theycantbeseri- in most cases without any shots, Rutner Dental, for beautiful high-density downtown housing ous.com/800high) to show the dif- grinding, or drilling! smiles that work. and limiting urban sprawl. ference between the architectural Others are upset over an expect- renderings and what he believed ed increase in the area’s traffic and would be the larger, actual scale the emerging aesthetic of the large and shape of the building. building. Painted mauve-red, nat- “I had no idea they would make ural gray, gray-blue and yellowy- this thing look like a row of Pop- mustard-green, the building’s sicles painted in wild cherry, rasp- been dubbed “a row of Popsicles” berry and gray,” he added. 1040 Grant Road, Suite 103, Mountain View, CA 94040 — sans sticks — by one resident. The project architect, however, 650.314.0100 • www.rutnerdental.com Judith Wasserman, former chair (continued on page 7) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 5

Upfront German International School WEST COAST GLASS of Silicon Valley QUOTE OF THE WEEK Accredited by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany ‘‘

10% off materials 4020 FABIAN WAY PALO ALTO I was let go. 493-1011 RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • Full and Part time Preschool from age 2 NOW ENROLLING — Diana Diamond, • “ Vorschule” Kindergarten Program Family Owned since 1929 JOE BAXTER former executive editor of the Daily News, on her • Grades 1-12 Summer School & departure from the chain. See page 8. Contractor License #227972 • Full language immersion! Vorschule – Grade 10 ‘‘ Mon. - Fri., 8:00 - 5:00 Mountain View • 310 Easy Street INSULATED & BROKEN WINDOWS REPLACED, MIRRORS 650-254-0748 HEAVY GLASS TOPS & BEVELS [email protected] • www.gissv.org GISSV Around Town SEGUE TO SEGWAY . . . is considering expanding the When Santa Clara County’s Embarcadero Road business bomb to include a hotel with meeting squad rooms and some housing. The made city values its hotels, both for a visit their meeting space and for to Palo the tax revenue they provide. Alto In an interview, Ching said last nothing is official and she is Thurs- still “doing the initial inquiry.” day to The redevelopment could check help revitalize the area east of out a U.S. Highway 101, she added. report “Eighty percent of the offices of a are vacant. We would be bomb happy to be a part of that new at the A help or waste? movement to a new look.” downtown transit center that TALK ABOUT SNAIL MAIL turned out to be a fake, it . . . Earlier this month, Norm brought a piece of high-tech Kroner of Green Bay, Wis. got equipment: a Segway. The a postcard in the mail from bomb squad’s purchase of his son Gary sent from Palo four of these scooters, using Alto about his two-week trip funds from the Department to the West Coast. That may of Homeland Security, has seem like a trivial fact, except “WE JUST LOVE THE SERVICE. long been controversial. A the card was sent back in De- recent report from the Council cember 1963, according to a for Foreign Relations said it report from CBS News. At the We can always reach anyone we need. was the “most outrageous” time the postcard was written, example of “wasteful expen- Gary was fresh out of college, Everyone is professional ditures” bemoaned by critics and the trip was made with of the federal government’s the Green Bay Packers. The methodology for distributing long-delayed note was a sur- and accessible." such money. But Deputy Serg prise to both men, according Palanov of the Santa Clara to the news report. “He said, County Sheriff’s Department ‘What was the date on that?’” —Candace and Connie Upman, owners of Mitchell Design said the equipment is vital Norm Kroner said. “I told him, to the squad’s operations. and he couldn’t believe it. “The last thing you want your He’d just got a big kick out bomb technician to have is an of it. He said, ‘Don’t lose that elevated heart rate,” Palanov card. I want to see that.’” said. On Thursday, Sgt. Brian Washburn rode the scooter PALY WALKOUT. . . To pro- Connie and Candace take very good care of their design clients with back and forth three times test the Iraqi war, 27 Palo while wearing 80 pounds of Alto High School students style, agility and a sense of humor. equipment, he noted. “For him participated in a walk-out to walk back and forth three of school last Monday, ac- We think a community oriented Private Bank should do the same. times, it would take quite a cording to the Paly Voice, while to cool down,” Palanov the school newspaper’s Web The Private Bank of the Peninsula presents personalized service and access to added. According to earlier site. “Americans are dying news reports, the office’s four and I just want to let the pub- real bankers. Business owners especially like the fact that decisions are made scooters cost $18,000. lic know that people here at right here – and quickly. Join us and see for yourself. Paly are also against the war,” MING’S HOTEL? . . . At a one protestor told a reporter. recent College Terrace neigh- The group had planned to borhood meeting, Mayor go downtown, but because Judy Kleinberg announced of unexpected rain, only that Ming’s Chinese Cuisine marched to the Town and and Bar owner Vicky Ching Country Village. ■

505 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 110, Palo Alto 650.843.2265 • www.The-Private-Bank.com Member FDIC Page 6 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Upfront

800 High look like an old building?” Wat- (continued from page 5) kins asked. In addition to design elements, explained the reasoning behind the the scale of the building has been multi-hued approach. a primary subject of controversy. “We broke it up with colors ver- Some are concerned the large com- tically so it doesn’t seem as big plex will set a precedent that will horizontally,” said Barry Watkins, forever alter downtown Palo Alto, project architect with Jon Worden while others say it merely reflects Architects, a Sonoma County firm. a trend already underway. Inspired by landscapes in the “It’s a neighborhood in change foothills, the color consultant towards that scale,” Watkins said. chose the gray and green hues “(The building’s size) fits with the from eucalyptus plants, the red storage building and the single- from wildflowers and blue from room occupancy complex on Alma the flowers and the sky, Watkins Street.” explained. Solnick agreed. “I think the However, another member of the massing and the scale are fine for Architectural Review Board said its downtown location and I sus- the look is hardly inspiring. pect some of its neighbors will be “The colors are less than elegant getting bigger in the next 10 to 20 and so is the detailing, so I sup- years.”

pose there is a sort of consistency Larry Hassett, the owner of Nicholas Wright there,” said David Solnick, vice neighboring Palo Alto Hardware, chair of the board. “In terms of doesn’t like it. architectural detailing, it could “The size is inappropriate for the have been a little more upscale. SOFA (South of Forest Avenue) The window detailing is very flat area; it could have been scaled because there’s no window trim; back,” he said. The 800 High St. project has attracted its share of admirers and detractors. they just changed the stucco color Located across an alley from the around the windows. project site, Hassett’s store and the “I think their intent was to do surrounding row of buildings look something a little different, but it like miniature dollhouses com- looks a little cheap.” pared to their looming neighbor. are too small. three-bedroom residential units, “You can argue with its height Watkins explained that he used Janet Dafoe, a 25-year resident “The public space . . . is like a which are reportedly selling be- and detailing,” Solnick said. “But a flat frame with contrasting color of the Professorville neighborhood postage stamp in comparison to tween $1.04 million and $1.6 mil- the fundamental issue is that it’s instead of a depth of foam around and one of the leaders of the refer- what it should have had,” Hassett lion. Limited units are available doing ... good things, and I think the window, a common design endum to block the construction, said. below market rate. that’s more important than window used to mimic the look of tradi- feels the promised public benefits Project developers Doug Ross The building will also be the detailing in the end.” ■ tional wood trim. of the structure were not fulfilled. and Kurt Peterson constructed the new home of St. Michael’s Alley, Editorial Intern Adena DeMonte “We believe if it’s going to be Hassett concurred that the public 96,000-square-foot building com- a restaurant currently located a can be reached at ademonte@ a modern building, why make it plazas at the corners of the project posed of mostly one-, two- and block away. paweekly.com.

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 7 Upfront

Diamond ter living in Sunnyvale during the 1960s to be managing editor of 49 (continued from page 3) 2003 PULITZER PRIZE WINNER newspapers in the Lerner Newspa- for the Palo Alto Daily News since pers chain of weeklies and semi- NO. CALIFORNIA PREMIERE 2000, was named executive editor of weeklies serving Chicago suburbs. the six papers on March 14, 2005. She received a Knight Fellowship “I loved them,” she said of the at Stanford University in 1978, and papers. “I was passionate about moved to Palo Alto. In 1982 she them,” and felt her six-day work started the California Wire service weeks had resulted in significant as editor in chief, and then began Anna in the improvements in stories and head- working at Stanford, holding sev- lines. Prior to last November’s elec- eral positions. tion, Diamond spent 79 hours con- She has four grown sons, and re- ducting interviews with political sides in Palo Alto with her husband, Tropics candidates and wrote endorsement Booker. editorials in 49 different commu- “I truly, truly believe in community races, she recalled. nity journalism,” Diamond said. By Nilo Cruz She said the Daily News papers “It’s the glue that holds these com- have been hurt, however, by a hir- munities together.” She said it gave Directed by Amy Gonzalez ing freeze that kicked in when dis- her great pleasure to see people gruntled investors of Knight-Ridder walking down the street reading a — the second largest newspaper paper, sometimes almost bumping Now through April 2, 2006 chain in the nation — forced the into trees. company’s sale. She said the disparate commu- Lucie Stern Theatre Diamond said she has no immedi- nities covered by the six papers Palo Alto ate plans, but will be seeking other — Palo Alto, Burlingame, Los Ga- employment. Prior to being named tos, Redwood City, San Mateo and executive editor she had a consult- the East Bay Daily News — “have 650.903.6000 ing business in writing and graphic a tremendous amount of pluses, but design, and earlier had worked for some are really facing problems. I theatreworks.org years in various positions at Stan- felt it was my obligation as a jour- ford University and Stanford Hos- nalist to point out the problems” as pital. Diamond said she didn’t think well as the pluses, she said. ■ she’d go back to consulting, at least Editor Jay Thorwaldson can not right away. be reached at jthorwaldson@ Diamond moved to Chicago af- paweekly.com.

Levee state. The city must pick up 25 per- (continued from page 3) cent, Renick said. Meanwhile, city, county and — a collaboration among East Palo state officials have identified Alto, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, the several more trouble spots along San Mateo Flood Control Agen- roughly a half-mile stretch of the cy and Santa Clara Valley Water levee. District — completes a feasibility In one area next to East Bay- study with the U.S. Army Corps of shore Road, the levee is noticeably Engineers, a process that could take slumping. High creek levels pro- up to seven years, JPA Executive duced by the New Year’s storms Director Cynthia D’Agosta said. exacerbated erosion and “caused However, the money approved the levee to slump more,” D’Agosta Monday by the Governor’s Office said of Emergency Services, which Elsewhere, a 37-yard-long fis- typically handles state funding sure runs along the top of the le- for disaster relief, “can only cover vee, one of the reasons Abrica de- permanent work related to repair,” clared a local emergency. But the “as lusty and funny as it is heartfelt” Public Information Officer Greg problem appears to be worse than Renick said. previously thought. The Mercury News In addition, given the recent “There are a whole bunch more funding approval, the office of (fissures) just below the surface emergency services could not con- that look like they are ready to firm whether the city is still eli- split,” D’Agosta said. “beautifully staged...brilliantly performed” gible for further assistance under Further downstream, pools have San Francisco Chronicle the governor’s disaster declaration formed on the other side of the issued Feb. 25. levee, away from the creek, near Congresswoman Anna Eshoo Friendship Bridge, which connects Passionate and shimmeringly poetic, this prize-winning drama asked the governor to amend the Palo Alto to East Palo Alto. ignites in the steamy heat of Tampa in the Prohibition era. There, declaration to include East Palo Water is seeping through unusu- Alto earlier this month. ally large rodent holes in the levee, Cuban-American factory workers still roll coronas by hand, and a Eshoo’s office is waiting for forming puddles more than 20 feet dashing young storyteller is employed to entertain them with a response this week about the wide and up to two feet deep at low possible amendment and options tide. enthralling readings of the classics. Soon he and his seductive for East Palo Alto levees. The re- The pools are at most 30 feet stories are intertwined in the emotional lives of his listeners, inflam- sponse is not expected from the from the backdoors of houses on ing loves, dreams, and jealousies once only imagined. state office of emergency services Jasmine Way. but from the State Water Resourc- Debate has also surfaced be- For mature audiences. es Control Board. tween San Mateo County and the The city initially requested city over who is responsible for the $600,000 from the Office of levee. The levee was built on East Special group pricing available. Call Amy Provenzano at 650.463.7126 or Emergency Services, but $125,000 Palo Alto land, yet is owned by the Linda Graham at 415.346.7805. for emergency response and debris county. removal were not eligible, Renick “We signed an agreement for said. routine maintenance of the levee,” Despite approval, the money Sibley said. “Our read is: This is will not be immediately available beyond routine. This is much more Love plays with fire. to the city. The city must first pay serious maintenance that needs to for the repairs and then apply for be done.” ■ reimbursement. Staff Writer Lauren McSherry Another stipulation is not all of can be e-mailed at lmcsherry@ the $475,000 will come from the paweekly.com. Page 8 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Drop that remote. Back away from the burger.

When it comes to a healthy lifestyle, we know it can be a challenge to get kids to choose fruit over candy bars and physical activity over computer games. That’s why Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital offers a wide range of resources that help families encourage healthy habits. Take Yves, for example. After participating with his family in the Packard Pediatric Weight Control Program, he’s significantly reduced his weight and gained self-esteem and confidence in the process.

Ranked as one of the top ten pediatric hospitals in the nation by U.S.News & World Report, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital is a world class hospital devoted entirely to the care of children and mothers. Best of all, we’re located right in your backyard.

To learn more about Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and how to help keep your family fit and healthy, visit www.lpch.org.

L U C I L E PA C K A R D C H I L D R E N’S H O S P I T A L

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 9 Upfront

Intolerance cluded racism toward Asian, Asian- State of the city saster Planning.” Such a board would (continued from page 3) American and African-American (continued from page 3) focus on prevention, preparedness, students, as well. response and recovery, she said. ings were stolen and defaced with Marvina White, a parent of a The city’s streets need attention, “If we put our best effort into this, the words “gay,” “faggot,” and Gunn student and founder of the the mayor also said, citing a recent we won’t wake up on the morning “queer.” The student, sophomore Black Parent-Student Network, said audit that found major deficiencies after a disaster and ask why we Jackie Chesson, had participated in there are serious concerns within the in how the city repairs and main- didn’t do more when we had the a panel of GSA students a few days black parent community that their tains its roadways. Kleinberg, a law- time and the resources to do it,” before. children are not being embraced and yer and the vice president of Joint Kleinberg said. “I’m hopeful that the Monday night’s participants were are not expected to achieve academi- Venture: Silicon Valley, said they greater Palo Alto community will be willing to shoulder some of the blame cally by district educators. were “earning the ignoble title of a model community of local readi- for the recent incidents, which also “There are a lot of unspoken reali- ‘the Mean Streets.’” ness, building on what is already be- include homophobic graffiti splat- ties. The district talks about the high “This is just plain bad govern- ing done, and based on both mutual tered across Gunn in April 2005 and test scores and the rate of college- ment,” she said. “The backlog of support and self-reliance.” a derogatory message carved into bound students, but there is another work and the inefficiencies of our An earthquake with the magni- the classroom door of Paly’s Gay- level of struggle,” White said. “The repair efforts will certainly be the tude of the great 1906 San Francisco Straight Alliance teacher/advisor dirty little secret is that the aca- subject of intense focus by council quake would cause massive destruc- last fall. Students and some teachers demic-achievement gap exists along and staff to correct this unaccept- tion, “with estimates of damage have also said it’s common to hear racial lines.” able situation.” Mayor Judy Kleinberg topping $122 billion, close to the teenagers say, “That’s so gay” or White said her group is analyzing Prior to delivering her speech, destruction wrought by Hurricanes “You’re such a fag” in a nonchalant test scores and discipline data to see Kleinberg introduced the Palo Alto Katrina and Rita in Louisiana and manner — sometimes in front of if their perceptions are in fact real- High School boys basketball team, Mississippi,” Kleinberg said. authorities. ity, and if so, what can be done to which won the state championship “It’s not just a question “It would be comparable to the “We’ve all had moments where change it. two weekends ago, and showcased of melting glaciers worst natural disaster in American we’ve heard something and we didn’t Regarding racism toward Asian- the debut of the Palo Alto Unified history.” stand up,” said Becki Cohn-Vargas, American students, Hill said she re- School District All-Star Jazz Com- — it’s a matter of public In her closing remarks, Kleinberg the district’s director of elementary cently heard a parent say they didn’t bo. dollars and public made a joke that failed to get much education. want their children applying to “the The bulk of the mayor’s speech of a laugh: “We Palo Altans love Cohn-Vargas detailed the district’s colleges where all the Asian kids go was dedicated to explaining the two health.” to talk — we should get an award —Judy Kleinberg, latest actions to prevent intolerance, because they want their kid to have new committees she’s forming. for that.” She continued: “But at the Palo Alto mayor including teacher workshops and a chance.” Noting that the cover of this right point, after plenty of discus- trainings. Three African-Ameri- Hill was appalled. week’s “Time Magazine” is about sion, it’s time to act.” can teachers also recently created “Every time you talk on the phone, global warming, Kleinberg said, “It ing glaciers — it’s a matter of public The current council, Kleinberg a workshop, called “Equity Equals make a comment, say something is would be irresponsible for our com- dollars and public health. It is abun- added, is more civil and productive Excellence,” which all new teachers crude or ugly, boy does it come back munity, with our history of environ- dantly clear that our grassroots local than those in the past. are required to attend. to bite you,” she said. mental stewardship, not to respond actions to deal with climate change “This leadership presents us with However, most in attendance Many participants Monday of- and be a catalyst for change.” will not only protect our economic an opportunity to resolve some of Monday night agreed they are bat- fered suggestions to battle intoler- The new “Mayor’s Green Ribbon well-being, but ultimately protect our most persistent and difficult is- tling a strong undercurrent of hate ance. Carolyn Williams, the PTA Task Force” will “recommend tan- public health.” sues. And I believe we get there by and intolerance inside and outside council’s director of parent educa- gible steps and local actions by all Addressing global warming was focusing on what is best for the com- the schools. tion, asked if “Not In Our Town/ stakeholder groups, including the part of Councilman Larry Klein’s munity as a whole and anticipating When Hill was president of the Not In Our Schools” directors could city, to reduce global warming and platform when he ran for council what is best for the community in Palo Alto PTA groups in 2003-2004, come up with a catch-phrase sup- encourage sustainable practices,” last fall. He praised Kleinberg for the future,” Kleinberg said. “As Bill she proposed the council adopt a res- porters could use when someone is Kleinberg said. making it a priority this year. Other Cosby once said, ‘I don’t know the olution opposing President George being hateful or intolerant. Researchers at Stanford Univer- cities like Seattle have been taking key to success, but the key to failure W. Bush’s call to define marriage as Others, including a gay Paly stu- sity will work with the city, and for- steps, he noted. is trying to please everybody.’” a union between a man and woman. dent who wanted to remain anony- mer Mayor Jim Burch will chair it, “We’re not alone in thinking we’ve At the end of the speech, the crowd The resolution passed in the council, mous, said people need to learn to Kleinberg announced. got to start in on a local level,” he of around 75, a smaller assemblage but when other parents caught wind raise awareness and act fast when “Some say this is too big a prob- said after the speech. than usual, gave Kleinberg a stand- of it, a huge controversy exploded hate crimes happen. The student lem to tackle at the local level,” she To better prepare the city for an ing ovation. ■ and the council was forced to hold a also said teachers need to give up said. “I disagree and so do dozens of earthquake or other disaster, Klein- Staff Writer Bill D’Agostino recall election. five minutes of their class time to other mayors across the country. berg also proposed a new “Mayor’s can be reached at bdagostino@ The resolution was upheld. talk about incidents. “It’s not just a question of melt- Committee on Emergency and Di- paweekly.com. “I got enough hate mail to sustain “If you hear students saying, me for the rest of my life. The com- ‘That’s so gay,’ or ‘You’re a fag,’ as munity response was swift, intoler- a teacher I must stand up and say, Middle a person you are, you’re accepted. If marine biology, human biology, nu- ant and very mean,” Hill said. “I ‘That is not OK.’ It is the law,” said (continued from page 5) you’re a quiet, geeky person, every- trition and pharmacology. think this is now the time the PTA Magdalena Rivera, Paly’s GSA ad- one is going to accept you,” Behling Besides their daily courses, stu- needs to say (its position) again. It visor. College who attended Gunn his first said. At Gunn, “if you do not fit in, dents can participate in an extracur- profoundly affected my kids to read For more information on the cam- three years of high school. “There’s it’s torture.” ricular activity taught by a Middle the e-mails and to hear my phone paign to battle hate and intolerance, not going to be a teacher wondering Davis added, “High school is re- College teacher. Behling and Davis calls.” visit. www.paloaltopta.org. ■ where you are, but because you’re ally segregated. Everyone is really are on the Ultimate Frisbee team The discussion stretched beyond Staff Writer Alexandria Ro- given a lot of freedom, you have a cliquey.” coached by Pezzetti, and Marine ending intolerance toward Gay- cha can be e-mailed at arocha@ lot of responsibility. Students in the Middle College takes Human Rights and Social Straight Alliance students, and in- paweekly.com. “I love learning now. When I was program take a daily English and Justice with Donnelly. here I felt like I was force-fed in- social-studies class from noon to The first Middle College was formation. I didn’t want to be here,” 2 p.m. with teachers like Donnelly developed in New York City in added Marine, who joined Pezzetti and Pezzetti. The students are also the mid-’70s to decrease the high- and Seth Donnelly, also a teacher required to take at least seven Foot- school dropout rate and increase the and counselor, for the Gunn presen- hill College units each quarter. college-going and completion rate. tation. “You don’t walk around in a uni- Locating the program on a college Edith Schneider Each year, Middle College teach- form that says: ‘Hello, I’m a high campus was meant to symbolize Jewelry & Accessories ers and students give talks at Gunn school student.’ The only people that a college education was pos- and Paly to introduce the program who know are us,” said Donnelly, sible. Opening Party – March 31, 10am-5pm and generate interest. who has taught at Middle College There are now dozens of Middle For Ashley Davis, 17, Middle Col- for six years. Colleges across the country. Lots of opening specials! lege has changed her academic life Graduation requirements are the “It fulfills a vital function. Com- for the better. She is now a senior in same for Middle College students prehensive high schools are great the program, but attended her first as those at Gunn and Paly. However, for many people, but they are not two high school years at Paly earn- teachers and students at the alterna- for everyone,” Donnelly said. ing “B’s” and “C’s.” Now she is an tive high school tout the expanded For more information on Middle “A” student. options for filling those require- College, call 949-7168 or visit www. “My parents were thrilled,” she ments. mvla.net/MiddleCollege. For those said. Students at comprehensive high interested in Middle College, there Allied Arts Guild Davis and Marine, along with schools, for example, have to take is a mandatory meeting at 6 p.m. their classmate Cameron Behling, biology to graduate. At Middle Col- April 18 at Appreciation Hall, room 75Arbor Road 17, all say it’s easier to “fit in” at lege, students can fulfill their biol- 1501 at Foothill College. ■ Menlo Park Middle College than in a compre- ogy credits through a wide range of Staff Writer Alexandria hensive high school. classes, including form and function Rocha can be e-mailed at arocha@ 650-327-2545 “Socially, no matter what kind of in plants and animals, evolution, paweekly.com. Page 10 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly TransitionsBirths, marriages and deaths Businessman Edwin van Bronkhorst dies at 82 Worked closely with Hewlett-Packard, Greater Bay Bancorp dwin E. van Bronkhorst, 82, a Palo and success of the Greater Bay Bancorp in cus Club for many years, as well as a past Alto businessman who joined the Palo Alto, serving as vice chairman and di- member of the Presidio Golf Club in San E Hewlett-Packard Company in 1953, rector until stepping down in 1998. Francisco. died suddenly March 22 at his home in He served as a personal advisor to the He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Menlo Park. Hewlett and Packard families for many Rusty van Bronkhorst of Menlo Park; his Born in Rio Linda, Calif., in 1924, he years, including serving as a trustee and brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Carol grew up in nearby Marysville. He received a treasurer of the David and Lucile Packard van Bronkhorst of Stockton; three sons bachelor’s degree in business administration Foundation and the Packard Humanities and daughters-in-law, Kort and Dona van from the University of California, Berkeley Institute. Bronkhorst of Los Altos, Jon and Wendy in 1944. He also served on the boards of directors van Bronkhorst of Redwood City and Derek He joined the Hewlett-Packard Company for numerous high-tech, medical, utility and and Suzy van Bronkhorst of Campbell; and in 1953 as chief auditor and served for 30 financial companies, including ROLM, Nell- six grandchildren. years before retiring in 1984 as senior vice cor and the Cal Water Service Co., as well A private family service has been held. president and chief financial officer. He as many civic and community organizations In lieu of flowers, the family requests do- served on the company’s board of directors including the Children’s Heath Council and nations be made to the Children’s Health from 1962 until his retirement. the Portola Valley School Board. Council or the Lucile Salter Packard Chil- In addition to working at Hewlett-Packard, He was an avid golfer and a member of dren’s Hospital. he was instrumental in the founding, growth the Menlo Country Club and the Menlo Cir-

Jim Berk ees International Union (SEIU), events. Even at an older age she geant, died peacefully March 21 He was involved in the occupation Jim Berk, a becoming Local 680. remained concerned with political following a of China in 1945, where he trained key organizer But his personal style and short- issues. brief illness. and supervised the police force in of Stanford fuse temper alienated others in the Because she was interested in He was 81. Tientsin. He was one of the first University union and he was forced out in health, she would often pull and “He taught Americans to enter the Forbidden employees in 1978. The union local later became highlight news articles and then us that ob- City and with several other Marines the formation part of SEIU Local 715. share those articles with friends. servation is was invited to share a Thanksgiv- of their first In the early 1990s, Berk moved She is survived by her sons, Da- the keynote ing dinner with General Chiang union in the to San Francisco, where he became vid Bishop of Palo Alto and Ken- of police ef- Kai-Shek and his wife. Madame late 1960s, involved with community efforts to neth Bishop of Hayward, Calif. ficiency,” a Chiang asked him to dance, but died at his clean up the neighborhood, target- Graveside services were held daughter, San- he declined because he had never San Francisco ing trash and graffiti in the South March 17 at Alta Mesa Memorial dra Niehues danced before. apartment Jan. of Market area. He helped form the Park in Palo Alto. of San Diego, He moved to Palo Alto in 1947 1 following a brief illness relating Safe on Sixth (Street) organization recalled of his and joined the police force, though to a heart condition. He was in his and regularly led clean-up teams years with the Palo Alto Police De- he was recalled to the Korean late 70s. through the area. George Byron Lynch partment prior to his retirement in War in 1950 as a staff sergeant. Berk was an electrical engineer He worked for some time as as- George Lynch, 53, a resident of 1967. He returned to the Palo Alto po- who had been involved in the early sistant manager of the Silver Creek Palo Alto, died Mar. 21 of metastic For 20 years afterward, he worked lice department in 1951. He later years of the Stanford Linear Accel- Senior Center prior to his retire- prostate cancer. at Alta Mesa Cemetery as a grief served several terms as president erator Center (SLAC), but he soon ment. After growing up in Altadena counselor and helped families ar- of the Palo Alto Employees’ Credit became best known for his union- In his later years, Berk mellowed and Glendale in Southern Califor- range burials, where he developed Union. organizing efforts — first at SLAC personally, according to his son Ja- nia, where he competed in track and a reputation for his compassionate Highlights of his police work and later at all of Stanford and Stan- son Berk of Palo Alto. field, he attended Stanford Univer- support. include working on the first bank ford Hospital — and for his acerbic “He got grandchildren — he be- sity. He then became a resident of He was almost killed when he robbery in Palo Alto and being in personal style. (See Guest Opinion came a grandfather, and he calmed Palo Alto, spending most of his ca- was hit by a car near his home in charge of local security for French in this week’s Spectrum section.) down,” Jason said. reer as a courier for Stanford Uni- south Palo Alto during the 1998 President Charles de Gaulle, who Prior to joining SLAC he worked He is survived by another son, versity educational services associ- El Nino rains, and he never fully toured Palo Alto in an open motor- at the University of California, Tosha, and two daughters from his ated with Bay Area companies. recovered from the severe injuries. cade to visit early high-tech com- Berkeley. At SLAC, he worked first marriage: Linda and Imani He enjoyed Irish music and hik- The trauma also affected the health panies. on trigger systems, the beginning Berk. ing. A true animal lover, he made a of Niehues’ wife, Lois, who died six He was involved in the severe of the bombardment process for He has three grandchildren, Ar- hobby of rescuing cats. years ago. floods of the mid-1950s, when atomic-level particles. thur Berk, 28, Daniel Berk, 21, and George is survived by his mother His powers of observation were San Francisquito Creek flooded He was a native of Chicago and Jasmine Berk, 15, the children of Dorothy of Santa Rosa, Calif.; his respected in the department, ac- large parts of the city, and almost received a degree in electrical en- Jason and Rosemary Berk of Palo sisters, Eve and Joy of San Francis- cording to Ed Oblander, a retired drowned evacuating families from gineering from the City College of Alto; and three great-grandchil- co and Suisun, Calif.; his brother, police lieutenant who was a close their homes. New York. dren, the children of Arthur Berk Steve of Alamo, Calif.; and five friend and neighbor of Niehues. He also was assigned to cover ac- He moved to the Palo Alto area of Alburquerque, N.M. nephews. Oblander said police had been un- tress Jane Mansfield at a Stanford with his second wife, Ida Berk, An outdoor memorial service He is remembered by his close able to solve a rash of nighttime cat football game. who later became active in East will be held Sunday, April 2 at 1 friends for his graciousness, humor, burglaries in northern Palo Alto — But he would recall that his fa- Palo Alto community affairs and p.m. near the Baylands Nature In- diverse knowledge and engaging a burglar had been entering homes vorite assignment was when he reserved on the city’s Planning Com- terpretive Center at the end of Em- enthusiasm. while people were sleeping — until sponded to a disturbance call at the mission prior to her death in 2003. barcadero Road in Palo Alto. George cared deeply for the wel- on a bitter cold night Niehues said, Palo Alto Drive-In, where a young They divorced soon after moving to fare of animals. The family requests “Look for a car with no frost on it.” waitress offered him a cup of cof- the area, however. Berk later mar- that in lieu of flowers, donations be They staked out a no-frost car and fee. The waitress, Lois Williams ried Glenda Jones, who also was Doris Louise Bishop sent to the Nine Lives Foundation, netted the burglar. from Arkansas, became his wife of involved in the union-organizing Doris Louise Bishop, 90, died 2701 Spring Street, Redwood City, He was a native of Goff, Kan., 46 years. movement and who served as presi- March 14 at Stanford Hospital after CA 94063. Graveside services at and grew up as one of 12 children He retired due to an on-duty back dent of the union during its stormi- a short illness. Skylawn Memorial Park have been on the family farm with his German injury, and worked for 20 years at est years. She was born Nov. 26, 1915, in held. immigrant parents. He left Kansas Alta Mesa Cemetery as a counselor During the stormy, often acrimo- Dos Palaos, Calif. She moved to the to join the U.S. Marine Corps from helping grieving families with their nious union-organizing years, Berk Palo Alto area in the 1920s. 1943 to 1946 during World War II. burial needs. Families he had never played a strong role in forming the She graduated from Mountain He served in the Pacific as a rifle met would ask for him due to word- United Stanford Employees (USE) View High School and was pri- Otto Niehues sharpshooter and saw action at of-mouth referrals. union in 1968, which voted over- marily a homemaker. She was very Otto Niehues, who for 20 years Majuro Atoll and the Marshall Is- He was a member of the Palo whelmingly in the spring of 1973 to interested in politics, what was go- helped patrol Palo Alto streets as lands. He was named line sergeant Alto Elks Club and the Knights of affiliate with the Service Employ- ing on with the country and current a respected police officer and ser- in 1945. (continued on next page) Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 11 FOOTHILL COLLEGE 12345 El Monte Road Los Altos Hills Appreciation Hall, Room 1501 (650) 917-0509 or (650) 949-7325 Pulse A weekly compendium of vital statistics SUCCESSFUL Warrant/other agency...... 8 Alcohol or drug related POLICE CALLS Menlo Park Narcotics offense ...... 1 INVESTMENT Palo Alto March 17-23 Miscellaneous March 17-24 Violence related 911 hang-up ...... 2 Violence related Domestic assault ...... 1 Animal call ...... 14 Armed robbery ...... 2 Spousal abuse ...... 1 Citizen assist...... 7 STRATEGIES Battery ...... 1 Theft related Construction complaint ...... 1 Child abuse...... 1 Commercial burglaries ...... 5 Disturbance ...... 3 Monday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. It is better to register in Domestic violence ...... 3 Counterfeiting ...... 1 Disturbing/annoying phone calls ...... 1 advance, but you may also register before class April 10. The cost Elder abuse...... 1 Defrauding an innkeeper...... 1 Fire call ...... 2 Suicide ...... 1 Fraud ...... 1 Follow up ...... 1 is less than $46. The length is 11 weeks. The course is Business Theft related Grand theft ...... 3 Found property...... 1 102 (Practical Personal Finance). You might also be able to register Commercial burglaries ...... 2 Petty theft ...... 2 Hazard ...... 1 Embezzlement ...... 1 Vehicle related Juvenile problem ...... 6 online: www.foothill.edu. No prior knowledge is required and tests are Forgery ...... 3 Abandoned auto...... 1 Lost property ...... 1 optional. Park in lot #1 ($2 – machine will take quarters or dollars). Fraud ...... 5 Auto recovery ...... 1 Medical aid ...... 3 Grand theft ...... 13 Driving w/suspended license ...... 2 Meet citizen ...... 4 Petty theft ...... 14 Hit and run ...... 2 Missing person ...... 1 Some of the Topics Are: Residential burglaries ...... 6 Lost/stolen license plates ...... 1 Outside assistance ...... 5 Shoplifting...... 2 Reckless driving ...... 1 Suspicious circumstances ...... 9 $ THE BEST WAYS OF INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE Vehicle related Theft from auto ...... 4 Suspicious person ...... 2 Abandoned auto...... 2 Vehicle accident/major injury ...... 1 Town ordinance violation ...... 3 $ HOW TO PICK ANNUITIES, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS Abandoned bicycle...... 1 Vehicle accident/minor injury ...... 4 Tree blocking roadway ...... 3 $ RETIREMENT STRATEGIES & PLANNING Auto recovery ...... 3 Vehicle tow ...... 4 Vandalism ...... 2 Auto theft ...... 5 Alcohol or drug related Warrant arrest...... 3 $ ACHIEVING TAX-FREE INCOME Driving w/suspended license ...... 3 Drug activity ...... 4 Welfare check...... 1 Hit and run ...... 5 Drunk in public ...... 2 $ PROBATE AVOIDANCE & ESTATE TACTICS Misc. traffic ...... 5 Drunken driving...... 3 VIOLENT CRIMES $ MANAGING YOUR MONEY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE & Theft from auto ...... 3 Possession of drugs ...... 1 Palo Alto Vehicle accident/minor injury ...... 6 Possession of paraphernalia...... 1 Unlisted location, 3/17, 5:30 p.m.; battery. FINANCIAL PLANNING Vehicle accident/property damage. . . .21 Miscellaneous Unlisted location, 3/18, 2:26 a.m.; domes- Vehicle impound ...... 8 Coroner’s case ...... 1 tic violence. $ THREE ELEMENTS FOR SUCCESSFULLY BUILDING A Vehicle tow ...... 5 Disturbance ...... 2 Unlisted location, 3/18, 4:56 p.m.; elder STOCK PORTFOLIO Alcohol or drug related Failure to yield...... 2 abuse. Drunk in public ...... 10 Found property...... 2 4119 El Camino Real, 3/20, 11:59 a.m.; $ TAX-DEFERRED SAVINGS ACCOUNTS Drunken driving...... 4 Info. case ...... 1 armed robbery. Misc. liquor law violation...... 1 Other/misc...... 3 180 El Camino Real, 3/21, 2:49 p.m.; $ DOING WELL IN SPITE OF A VOLATILE ECONOMY Possession of drugs ...... 6 Possession of stolen property ...... 1 armed robbery. Sale of drugs...... 1 Suspicious circumstances ...... 1 Unlisted location, 3/21, 3:22 p.m.; domes- $ HOW TO CHOOSE A TOP-NOTCH ADVISOR Miscellaneous Vandalism ...... 3 tic violence. $ TURNING THE MOST COMMON FINANCIAL MISTAKES INTO PROFIT Animal call ...... 1 Warrant arrest...... 5 Unlisted location, 3/22, 6:30 p.m.; child Disturbing the peace ...... 1 Atherton abuse. $ IRAs: WHAT WALL STREET WON’T TELL YOU Found property...... 3 March 10-13 & 15-23 Unlisted location, 3/23, 12:16 p.m.; do- Lost property ...... 6 Theft related mestic violence. Misc. penal code violation ...... 3 $ ECONOMIC HEDGING & ASSET ALLOCATION Fraud ...... 1 San Antonio Road , 3/24, 1:29 p.m.; sui- Misc. sex crime...... 1 $ INCREASING INCOME: WHICH CDs OR T-BILLS ARE SUPERIOR Grand theft ...... 2 cide. Outside assistance ...... 2 Vehicle related Public incident ...... 1 Menlo Park Parking/driving violation ...... 3 $ AND MUCH, MUCH MORE INCLUDING ROLLOVERS Suspicious circumstances ...... 2 300 block Hamilton Avenue, 3/17, 11:13 Suspicious vehicle ...... 22 Vandalism ...... 5 a.m.; domestic assault. Vehicle accident/property damage. . . . .5 Warrant arrest...... 5 Unlisted block University Avenue, 3/20, ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Vehicle code violation ...... 3 10:56 a.m.; spousal abuse. Steve Lewis is President of Lewis & Mathews Investment Management, Inc., which is a personal financial advisory firm in Menlo Park. He teaches investment courses for various col- the Deep Cliff Golf Club in Cuper- She also lived in Newark, Calif. leges and institutions in the area. He is a financial author and Deaths (continued from previous page) tino. She was involved in a bowling She is survived by her sister, Cath- has appeared on national radio and television. He is a past offi- league and a member of the Widow erine Winter McDonnell of Ather- cer and has served as a board member of the S. C. International and Widowers Club, the Federated ton; 21 nieces and nephews; and 20 Association of Financial Planners. He has served on the National Academy Advisory Board of IAFP and is a member of Columbus. Women’s Club of Los Altos and a grandnieces and grandnephews. She the Palo Alto Financial Planning Forum. Among others, he has Niehues is survived by three bridge club. was preceded in death by her twin written for Money Magazine and Dow Jones’ Barron’s. daughters, Cynthia Everhart of She is survived by her daughter, sister, Nona Winter Ballas, and two Morgan Hill and twins Sandra Toni-Sue Passiantino of Monte Sere- brothers, Francis Clinton Winter Steve Lewis has taught over 30,000 Northern Niehues of San Diego and Susan no, Calif.; sister Wand Jean Hein of and Lawrence Jerome Winter. Calhoun of Federal Way, Wash. He Los Angeles; and one grandson. A memorial Mass will be held Californians his money managing techniques is also survived by his son-in-law, A rosary will be held March 30 Saturday, April 1, at 11 a.m. at the We will be having guest speakers addressing these subjects: George Everhart and grandchildren at 7 p.m. at Roller Hapgood Tin- Church of the Nativity, 210 Oak Jessica and Blake Everhart. ney Funeral Home in Palo Alto. Grove Ave., Menlo Park. TAXES • FINANCIAL PLANNING • BONDS A funeral mass was held at Our Graveside services will follow on STOCKS • MUTUAL FUNDS • TRUSTS Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church March 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Gate of SOME COMMENTS FROM PAST CLASS MEMBERS: in Palo Alto, with burial at Alta Heaven Catholic Cemetery in Los Submitting Transitions “This course has been excellent, very informative and enlightening.” Mesa Cemetery. Altos. Donations can be made to announcements “...Very objective in presentation of material...” the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, The Palo Alto Weekly’s Tran- “Opened up a vast field unexpectedly.” Isobella Odekirk IL 60601. sitions page is devoted to births, “I have looked forward to each class like opening a new package each week.” Isobella Odekirk, 89, died in San weddings, anniversaries and “The course exceeded my expectations.” Mateo on March 18. Mary Fidelis (“Del”) deaths of local residents. “...I personally benefited a great deal from the subject covered.” Born in Van Meter, Iowa on Feb. Winter Obituaries for local residents “... A very helpful, well thought out, well presented course. I have recom- 13, 1937, she was the ninth of 10 are a free editorial service. Send mended it to many people.” children. She moved to California in Mary Fidelis (“Del”) Winter, 96, information to Obituaries, Palo 1948, living in San Mateo and Palo a longtime resident of Palo Alto, Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo “Well done, informative, stimulating.” Alto in her later years. died March 8. Alto, CA 94302, or fax to (650) “Terrific! Loved the course.” A devoted housewife, she worked She was the daughter of Honora 326-3928, or e-mail to editor@ “ Your ability to take subject matter to which I have never been exposed and as a professional interior decorator Elizabeth Hobbs and Fidelis Clinton paweekly.com. make it understandable commands my highest respect.” at Sloans for 15 years. Winter. She was educated in Rich- Please include the name and “This course has been excellent in motivating me to understand the major Her interests included music, mond, Va., and retired in 1974 as a telephone number of a person tools and techniques to use.” sports and outside activities in- real estate and policy specialist with who might provide additional cluding hiking and fast walking. the Prudential Insurance Co. after 45 information about the deceased. “Extremely informative.” Golf was her main hobby. She was years of staff service in Jacksonville, Photos are accepted and printed THIS IS THE ONLY AD THAT WILL APPEAR FOR THIS a competitive player and received Fla., Houston, Texas, and the home on a space-available basis. The COURSE. PLEASE CUT OUT AND BRING TO CLASS numerous golfing trophies. Orga- office in Newark, N.J. Prior to mov- Weekly reserves the right to edit nization memberships included the ing to the San Francisco Bay Area, obituaries for space and format (This space donated to Foothill College. Not paid with tax dollars.) Sunnyvale Municipal Golf Club and she resided in South Orange, N.J. considerations. Page 12 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Glaucoma

Skin cancer

Chronic sinus infections

All equally deserve extraordinary care

No matter how serious your condition, don’t you deserve the peace of mind that comes with world-class medical care? We think so. At Stanford Hospital & Clinics, we have more than 900 physicians among the best in their elds, all using the latest technologies and treatments. So when you’re choosing a health plan, make sure you choose one that includes Stanford. And get the care you deserve. To learn more, go to stanfordhospital.com

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 13 “How many people have a New York Times best seller, DVDs, a cell-phone game with 500,000 downloads? My picture is on every product I have out there. I’m on ESPN every day. The celebrity stuff is just out of control.” —Phil Hellmuth, on fame The gambler Palo Alto resident Phil Helmuth has made a career out of playing poker

by Lauren McSherry/Photos by Nobert von der Groeben efore becoming a world champion poker player, before writing a best- purse and a top prize of $500,000. selling book, before all his endorsement deals, nine gold bracelets and “I was sick, but it’s not an excuse,” he said. B millions of dollars in winnings, Phil Hellmuth Jr. knew he would become Last year NBC televised the tournament as a six-week-long series, which av- a legend. eraged 4 million viewers per episode, and a two hour finale, which garnered 6 When Hellmuth was 17, a psychic paid a visit to his family. She performed million viewers. (NBC is scheduled to air the series until May 21.) hand readings for all the Hellmuth siblings, but singled out Phil. This year, Hellmuth signed on to do an advertising campaign televised during “She told me I’d be really famous,” he said. “I hung on to that. I didn’t discard the series. The ads were developed around the theme, “It’s just too easy.” it.” The only catch: It wasn’t. Today Hellmuth is one of the best-known poker players in the world, his fame The tournament is notorious for unpredictability because it is not seeded. In the growing as the sport’s popularity has explod- first round Hellmuth went up against David ed in recent years. “Chip” Reese, also regarded as one of the top Hellmuth, a Palo Alto resident, has a reputa- poker players in the world. tion as an intense poker player who is simulta- “I had the advantage, but it didn’t matter,” neously unreadable and good at reading other “I’m trying to get rid of it because I’d like Hellmuth said. “You don’t want to face some- players. He is also known for his bad behavior to be more of a class act, more of a man body that tough in the first round. ... Imagine during poker tournaments. the No. 1 and 2 teams in the NFL having to He throws temper tantrums. He can be a at the table. ... I haven’t found a cure for play off early in the playoffs. You’d prefer it sore loser. He has been known to resist con- it yet.” if they had a chance to play at the end at the ceding defeat, even when the game is over. —Phil Hellmuth, on his reputation Super Bowl.” Some Hellmuth fans have come to expect for being the ‘bad boy’ of poker After Hellmuth lost, he called tennis star his antics, which helped fuel his reputation, Andy Roddick, who contracted to do a lucra- but the 42-year-old poker icon says it’s not an tive ad campaign “Where’s Andy’s Mojo?” act. He also says it’s something he would like with American Express before the U.S. Open to change about himself. in September 2005. “Even though my sponsors like that, I’m trying to get rid of it because I’d like “I told Andy, I said, ‘Now I know what you went through,’” Hellmuth said. to be more of a class act, more of a man at the table,” he said. “I haven’t found “Andy was eliminated in first round of the U.S. Open, and I was laughing at him, a cure for it yet.” teasing him about it. Now he had a laugh at my expense.” Hellmuth is more than just a good judge of when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em. ellmuth’s study is surprisingly bare of poker paraphernalia. There are a After more than 17 years as a professional poker player, he knows to market couple of trophies, a leather-bound photo album embossed with “1989 himself — aggressively. H World Series of Poker” and a plaque for first place from the 1994 Four He has cashed in on the online poker boom and endorses one of the top Inter- Queens Poker Classic. net poker Web sites and a poker game for cell phones. He appears in major ad On the walls hang a framed stethoscope and his wife’s medical degrees. She campaigns for soda and sunglasses. Fans can is a local doctor. buy a “Phil Hellmuth Poker Table” and “Phil On shelves lining the walls, books about Hellmuth Professional Chip Set.” poker are mixed in with various other subjects — medicine, gardening, fitness and hen the Weekly visited Hellmuth’s “I feel like I fit in well here. I mean, children’s books, such as “Babar and Father North Palo Alto home, he appeared I’m an oddity. I’m a professional poker Christmas.” W at his front door inscrutable behind player.” On a windowsill sit two copies of his New his trademark dark sunglasses. He wore a —Phil Hellmuth, on living in Palo Alto York Times best-seller “Play Poker Like the baseball cap, gray cotton shorts, a black T- Pros” — much of which he wrote at Univer- shirt and sneakers. He had just returned from sity Coffee Café — in Swedish and French. the dentist. Before that, he had been working He is the author of two other books, “Texas out. Hold’em” and “Bad Beats and Lucky Draws.” He asked for 10 minutes to himself. Hellmuth also writes a syndicated newspaper column, which he said appears in “I’m a little stressed out,” he said, alluding to the commercials he had shot more than 40 newspapers every week. that week, deadlines he was facing, in addition to “hauling around the kids.” He Standing in one corner, Hellmuth’s modest-sized desk looks like a slightly has two children. messy display for some of the products Hellmuth endorses. When he returned, he was freshly showered and sharply dressed in a black Tossed on its surface are seven boxes of Oakley sunglasses — Hellmuth, like sweater, black dress pants, a different black baseball cap, dark leather dress shoes Lance Armstrong, has his own signature line. There are a few copies of his vari- and, of course, Oakley sunglasses. He is unusually tall. ous books and DVDs, a laptop computer and a pack of cards from San Jose’s That day, Hellmuth said his face was on the cover of every major poker maga- Shooting Star Tournament — another high-profile, televised competition held at zine, and he had just returned from the National Heads-Up Poker Tournament the beginning of the month, where Hellmuth made an appearance. — a championship he had been favored to win, having claimed the inaugural Behind his desk, on a shelf next to a Belvedere Vodka poster depicting an ink title last year. drawing of Hellmuth, stands a birthday card from his kids. Hellmuth, however, didn’t live up to expectations. He was fighting a cold and Whether or not the psychic’s prediction had anything to do with Hellmuth’s folded in the first round of the three-day competition, which touted a $1.5 million resolve to be famous, one thing is clear. He is extremely self-focused, possessing (continued on page 16)

Page 14 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 15 Cover Story

Gambler (continued from page 14) a confidence that never wavered — not even when he was attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison and couldn’t see what direction to head career-wise, or when he lost interest in college after learning his grades weren’t good enough to get into business school. But it was also during this period that his success in poker began to take off. He would meet friends in the student union to play Texas Hold’em. They used Austrian coins instead of traditional, colored plastic chips to fool school officials. “They didn’t care if you smoked marijuana in the union, but they didn’t want you to play poker,” he said. Soon he was playing in high-stakes poker games in Wisconsin and traveling to Las Vegas regularly. “Here I was 20 years old and winning thousands of dollars every week,” he said. “One day I won close to $20,000. We’re talking about the ‘80s still.” By the time he qualified to play in the World Series of Poker, which Hellmuth refers to as the “Holy Grail” of poker tournaments, he was 24 and had paid off his student loans. Hellmuth’s resolve to win was so strong he pledged celibacy. “I hadn’t had sex with a woman for like four years because I told myself, ‘You’re not going to do it. If you don’t, you’re going to win the 1989 World Series of Poker,’” he said. “Somehow I convinced myself if I could just wait ... I would win.” Win he did, clinching the series with a pair of black nines and becoming the youngest world champion in history. He earned more than $755,000 that day, at the time one of the largest sums won in the series ever. Today he holds nine, solid-gold World Series of Poker bracelets. Shortly after, he met his wife. When she learned he was a professional poker player, she almost canceled their first date. When he picked her up in his brand-new gray Cadillac, she thought he was “pretty weird,” he said. By 2001, he became the all-time leading money winner, having claimed $2.8 million alone from playing annually in the series. He has won at least 50 poker championships. With poker’s increasing popularity as a spectator sport, Hellmuth has become a household name. He currently is one of the celebrities, along with Jackie Chan, featured in a series of Diet Pepsi commercials. The Travel Channel, ESPN and NBC Sports air poker tournaments and showcase poker personalities — including Hellmuth, Doyle “Texas Dolly” Brunson, Johnny “The Oriental Express” Chan, “Amarillo Slim” Preston and Chris Moneymaker. And the popularity of poker is eclipsing other sports, such as golf; more than 50 million people play poker regularly, according to the World Poker Tour Web site. When the Weekly interviewed Hellmuth, he said he had recently been hired to host a TV show that he could “neither confirm nor deny” was “Celebrity Poker Showdown,” Bravo’s hit show. According to his Web site, the Game Show Network is developing a reality TV program starring Hellmuth called “Winner Takes All.” There are many varieties of poker, but Hellmuth remains associated most strongly with the Wild West of card games, Texas Hold’em. In Texas Hold’em, each player is dealt two cards. The players bet. Then three common cards, called the "flop," are turned face up on the table. Another round of betting ensues. The dealer turns a fourth common card over. The players bet, and then the fifth and final common card, called the "river," is turned. Those remaining bet again before revealing their cards. The best five-card hand wins. Palo Alto may seem an unlikely choice of residence for a professional gambler. It is about as far away as you can get from the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas’ poker tables. There are no brightly lit casinos or smoky card rooms. Much of the Poker champion Phil Hellmuth has successfully parlayed his card-playing career into a multi-media success population consists of working professionals and many are affiliated story. “Not to say I don’t love poker,” he says. “...When you have a chance to make that hundred million, you with Stanford University. have to make it the same level as poker for a while.” In 1994 Hellmuth and his wife, Kathy, moved here so she could com-

Hold'em Poker Lingo Alligator blood: a tough player who plays well Dead man’s hand: the hand Wild Bill Hickok was No-limit: when players can bet as much as they under pressure holding when he was shot and killed in 1877, refer- like Ante: a first-round bet ring to any two pairs of aces and eights. Pocket rocket: two aces in a private hand Belly buster: when a player needs one card to Drawing dead: when a player cannot win a hand Rag: a worthless card complete an inside straight draw, also called a no matter what cards are drawn River: the fifth and final communal card dealt gutshot Fish: an unskilled player Sheriff: player who calls bluffs Big chick: an ace-queen starting hand Fish hooks: a pair of jacks Stone-cold bluff: a bluff with no possibility of Big slick: an ace-king starting hand Flop: the first set of three communal cards dealt winning Blaze: a hand of five face cards outranking a flush Ice: a cold deck Under the gun: the first player to bet in a round Bullet: an ace or a chip Lady: a queen Sources: Wikipedia and Phil Hellmuth's "Play Poker Cowboy: a king Muck: to fold Like the Pros"

Page 16 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Cover Story

plete her residency in medicine. They have two children who attend Palo Alto schools. The quality of the schools, the area’s beauty and the climate are some of the reasons they stayed, Hellmuth said. He added, “I feel like I fit in well here. I mean, I’m an oddity. I’m a professional poker player.” Introducing Hellmuth’s reputation for tantrums and heckling competitors during tournaments earned him the nickname “Poker Brat.” He can be anything but humble. “How many people have a New York Times best seller, DVDs, a cell- phone game with 500,000 downloads?” he asked. “My picture is on every product I have out there. I’m on ESPN every day. The celebrity stuff is just out of control.” In a profession where money and titles mean everything, it’s no sur- prise that when Hellmuth talks about motivation and success, it boils down to dollars. Mantra “It’s not all straight up. It’s not all up,” he said. “When I had dark times, sure, I allowed myself to feel down, but I always worked on my game. ... I would look back on my life and say, ‘You had all this money. Palo Alto’s newest entry Now you’re down to $4,000. Next month you’re going to have $50,000.’ I always looked to a bright future.” into ﬁ ne dining with a Asked how much time he spends playing poker these days, Hellmuth’s answer is surprising. sophisticated ambiance. “Sometimes I don’t play for a month,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll play 10 hours of online poker in one week, sometimes 40 hours of online poker in one week.” He spends about one-third of the year traveling: attending tournaments, shooting commercials and emceeing celebrity poker events and charity benefits. During a celebrity poker game he was hosting recently at the Sundance Film Festival, he won a $700,000 condominium. Hellmuth is currently involved in so many projects he has to keep a list. It’s called his “rejoice-evermore-be-thankful-every day list,” which Elegant California Cuisine he consults daily. Ranked after his wife and two sons, his accomplishments, fortune and fame and incredible poker talent are his projects: with a dash of India “The Madison Kid,” a movie, which has yet to be green lit, starring Hayden Christiansen, who played a young Darth Vader in the recent presented by Executive “Star Wars” trilogy; his autobiography; his series of DVDs; endorse- ments for Oakley; Ultimatebet.com and a poker game downloadable on Chef Robert Ciborowski. cell phones; a personal clothing line, poster and calendar deals; commercials; and “Card Player” magazine, of which he is part owner. (Previously with The French As for Hellmuth’s future goals, he wants to be the best poker player in the world. He would also like to buy his own personal jet. Laundry and The Ritz He said the jet will cut down the time he spends traveling and help him “be more focused on poker.” Carlton.) “Getting a jet is all about having more time with my family. And the Phil Hellmuth logo painted on the tail,” he deadpanned. As for criticism that he spends more time marketing his image than honing his skills, Hellmuth concedes it’s true. Usually, family comes first, poker second and business third — but right now the business op- portunities have as much priority as poker, he said. “I might as well make a fortune while I’m at it,” he said. “The guys that criticize me, they play high-stakes poker every day, it’s not neces- sarily an easy way to make a living. They’re going to have their ups and Mantra’s Daru Lounge: downs. I just collect checks, watch my stocks. Not to say I don’t love poker. ... When you have a chance to make that hundred million, you Sleek and chic long bar and have to make it the same level as poker for a while.” ■ Staff Writer Lauren McSherry can be reached at lmcsherry@ lounge serving small plates, paweekly.com. wine and exquisite cocktails to the rhythm and beats of the world.

Palo Altan Phil Hellmuth has built a reputation as the “bad boy” of poker, an image he would Now Open for Lunch & Dinner like to change.

Mantra Mantra Restaurant & Lounge 632 Emerson Street • Palo Alto, CA 94301 tel 650.322.3500 • fax 650.322.3502 [email protected] • www.mantrapaloalto.com

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 17 Weekend Preview Thursday “Seven Supermans,” a play by Rinne Groff about farmers in the year 2306 seeking help from bandits (think a futuristic “Seven Samurai”), will be staged at Terman Middle School at 655 Arastradero Road in Palo Alto. Show times are 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and 2 p.m. Sat- urday. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students and children; call (650) 858-6828. “Tales of the Lost Formicans,” a play by Constance Congdon that examines American life through the eyes of aliens, runs through April 9 at the Pear Av- enue Theatre at 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, in Mountain View. Tick- ets are $10-$20. Call (650) 254- 1148 or go to www.thepear.org. “The Phantom Tollbooth,” enduring in popularity, will be staged at 7 p.m. tonight and tomorrow and at 2 p.m. tomorrow at El Carmelo Elementary School at 3024 Bryant St. in Palo Alto, under the direction of “Perfect Posture,” a media collage by Christine Oliver, is on display at the California Theatre Center. the Great American Framing Gallery in Palo Alto as part of a sneak- Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 preview exhibit — works on display at various area galleries give the for children; call (650) 856-0960. public a taste of what will be shown at the Silicon Valley Open Studios “Expecting Isabel” by Lisa event in May. Loomer takes a look at a couple trying to become parents part in the Silicon Valley Open spring with a show of the floral through everything from fertility Studios event in May are giving watercolors of Lillian Balliet, a drugs to adoption. The play runs folks a sneak preview by exhibit- painter and flower arranger at “Good Garbage,” “This Pretty Planet” and other kid-friendly songs will through April 15 at Bus Barn ing some of their art in April, in Filoli. The exhibit runs through be the order of the afternoon when musician Tom Chapin performs this Stage Company at 97 Hillview galleries on the Peninsula and in April 28 at 315 State St. in Sunday at Foothill College. the South Bay. Locally, some of Los Altos. Hours are Monday Ave. in Los Altos. Tickets are students and seniors; proceeds and Their Fine Group perform $20-$32; call (650) 941-0551 or the art will be shown through- through Saturday from 11 a.m. out April at the Great American to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 go toward scholarships for dis- bluegrass music at the First go to www.busbarn.org. trict music and art students. Presbyterian Church at 1667 “Anna in the Tropics” by Nilo Framing Gallery at 229 Hamilton a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (650) 941- Ave. in Palo Alto. There will be 5789 or go to viewpointsgallery. Call (650) 329-3944 or email Miramonte Ave. in Mountain Cruz runs through April 2 at [email protected]. View. Doors open at 7 p.m. and TheatreWorks. Shows are Tues- a reception on April 7 from 6 to com. 8:30 p.m. Call 1-888-330-6177 Nancy Huddleston Packer and the concert starts at 8. Tickets day through Sunday at the Lucie Sunday are $15 in advance and $18 on Stern Theatre at 1305 Middle- or go to www.svos.org. Phillip Done, local authors, El Camino Youth Symphony will speak at an American As- Tom Chapin brings his Grammy- the day of the show; go to www. field Road in Palo Alto; tickets winning singing style to Foothill ticketweb.com. are $21-$51. Call (650) 903- holds a Sinfonietta Orchestra sociation of University Women Concerto Festival at 8 p.m. luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at the College’s Smithwick Theatre Areon Flutes brings flute cham- 6000 or go to theatreworks.org. at 12345 El Monte Road in Los ber music to the Unitarian Uni- “Night Watch,” a thriller written at Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Michaels at Shoreline restaurant Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. The at 2960 N. Shoreline Blvd. in Altos Hills for two family-friendly versalist Church of Palo Alto at by playwright Lucille Fletcher, shows at 1 and 4 p.m. He’ll be 505 E. Charleston Road at 7 is being presented by Menlo- program will include works by Mountain View. Packer’s fiction Saint-Saens, Mozart, Doppler includes the volumes “Small accompanied by musician Mi- p.m. Flutists Tamara Chadima, Atherton High School students chael Mark, and the choir from Jill Heinke, Kassey LeBow and at Dragon Productions’ theater and Wieniawsky. Tickets are $10 Moments” and “In My Father’s general and $5 for students and House”; Done is the author of Almond School in Los Altos will Amelia Vitarelli will play works at 539 Alma St. in Palo Alto also join him on stage for a few by such composers as Mower, through April 8. Tickets are $8. seniors. Call (650) 327-2611 or “32 Third Graders” and “One go to www.ecys.org. Class Bunny: Life Lessons from numbers. Tickets are $17 for Gianella, Feld and Telemann. Call (650) 473-9225 or go to adults and $13 for seniors in Tickets are $15 general and $8 www.geocities.com/kyblanck/ The Ives Quartet premieres a Teaching.” Tickets are $35, with new commissioned work, “Cel- proceeds going toward fellow- advance and $20/$17 the day of for students and seniors. Call nightwatch. the concert. Call (408) 255-8322 (408) 234-1001 or go to www. Stanford Art Spaces exhibits ebrating the Muse: Seven Hom- ships and grants to women ages to American Composers,” scholars and teachers. Call or go to www.peopleofnote.org. areonflutes.com. airbrush paintings by Roni Feld- The Fortnightly Music Club man, paintings by Nena Jaye by Sondra Clark of Los Altos, (650) 967-2848. at 7 p.m. at the Community Music and art teachers in the hosts a formal concert at 8 p.m. and quilts by Deborah Karasik at the Palo Alto Art Center audi- and Janet Mednick through School of Music and Arts at 230 Palo Alto Unified School Dis- San Antonio Circle in Mountain trict will hold a chamber music torium at 1313 Newell Road. The For more on the local arts May 11 at the Center for Inte- program will include “The World scene — footnotes, updates, grated Systems Art Spaces at View. Also along for the ride is concert and art show at Gunn Mozart’s “Adagio & Fugue” and High School at 780 Arastradero is a Butterfly’s Wing” by Nancy audio and video files — check Campus Drive and Via Ortega. Bloomer Deussen and works out Weekly arts editor Rebecca A reception is set from 5 to 7 Beethoven’s “Quartet in C Major, Road in Palo Alto. There will be Op. 59, No. 3.” Tickets are $20; a 3:30 p.m. art preview, a 4 p.m. by Beethoven, Scriabin and Wallace’s blog. To get there, go p.m. on Friday. Call (650) 725- Brahms. The concert is free. to www.PaloAltoOnline.com 3622 or go to cis.stanford. call (650) 917-6800, extension concert and a 5:15 reception, 335; or go to www.arts4all.org. with art for sale. Tickets are $15 Call (650) 854-5583. and click on Ad Libs. edu/~marigros. Robin and Linda Williams “Stitches in Time,” an exhibit at The Peninsula Pops Orches- general ($12 presale) and $5 for the Los Altos History Museum, tra holds its annual “Big Band traces the history of the sewing Blast!” show tonight at 8 p.m. COMING UP IN FRIDAY’S WEEKEND EDITION machine with machines dating and tomorrow at 3 p.m., at from the 1850s to the 1950s. Spangenberg Theatre at 780 Photography Theater Movies The free exhibit is at 51 So. San Arastradero Road in Palo Alto. Tunes on tap include “In the Manuel Gómez Miralles’ illumi- A review of “Expecting Isabel” Reviews of “Basic Instinct 2,” Antonio Road and open Thurs- nating images of Costa Rica in the at Bus Barn Stage Company. “Ice Age 2” and “Lonesome Jim.” day through Sunday from noon Mood,” “Stardust” and “One O’Clock Jump.” Tickets are $18 early 1900s are taking on new life, to 4 p.m. Call (650) 948-9427 or thanks to Palo Alto photo restorer go to www.losaltoshistory.org. for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for students. Call (650) 856- Alejandra Chaverri. 8432 or go to www.peninsul- Saturday apops.org. Selected artists who will take Viewpoints Gallery celebrates ON THE WEB: Comprehensive entertainment listings at www.PaloAltoOnline.com Page 18 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Comfort to fit you New Styles & Luxurious Tempur-Pedic beds for every style New Spring Colors

Exclusively at

DARREN MoviesMovie reviews by Jeanne Aufmuth, Tyler Hanley, MCCLUNG and Susan Tavernetti PRECIOUS JEWELRY

MOVIE TIMES The Stanford Barn

Note: Screenings are for Wednesday through Thursday only. 700 Welch Road

✭✭1/2 Suite 102, Palo Alto 16 Blocks (PG-13) Century 16: 11:50 a.m.; 4:20, 6:55 & 9:10 p.m. 2601 Garcia Ave, Mountain View Now here in Palo Alto Century 12: 4:50, 7:25 & 9:55 p.m. 650.625.1000 (650) 321-5994 Beautiful - Fun - Italian Handbags www.bentonmedical.com and Accessories Aquamarine (PG) Century 12: 11:50 a.m. & 2:25 p.m. (Not Reviewed) Brokeback Mountain Aquarius: 3:30 & 9 p.m. (R) ✭✭✭✭ CSA: Confederate States Aquarius: 4:45, 7 & 9:20 p.m. Grand Opening of America (Not Rated) ✭✭✭1/2 ✭✭ Special Curious George (G) Century 12: 12:35 & 2:55 p.m. Don’t Come Knocking Century 16: 12:05, 2:40, 5:05, 7:35 & 9:55 p.m. (R) (Not Reviewed) $250 Off Duck Season (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Century 16: 11:20 a.m.; 1:20, 3:20, 5:20, 7:20 & 9:20 p.m. any major dental procedure Eight Below (PG) ✭✭✭1/2 Century 16: 11:45 a.m.; 2:15, 4:50, 7:25 & 10 p.m. Failure to Launch Century 16: 12:10, 2:25, 4:40, 7:05 & 9:25 p.m. For a brighter, more dazzling (PG-13) ✭1/2 Century 12: 11:35 a.m.; 2, 4:30, 7:05 & 9:40 p.m. smile tonight, come in today for Find Me Guilty (R) Century 16: 7 & 9:40 p.m. (Not Reviewed) BriteSmile or Rembrandt The Hills Have Eyes Century 16: 12:15, 2:45, 5:15, 7:55 & 10:25 p.m. teeth whitening and receive (R) ✭✭1/2 Century 12: 11:40 a.m.; 2:15, 4:45, 7:15 & 9:50 p.m. Inside Man (R) ✭✭✭ Century 16: 12:10, 1:45, 3:05, 4:35, 6, 7:30, 9:05 & OP$100RA off. 10:30 p.m. Century 12: 11:55 a.m.; 1:25, 2:50, 4:20, ENINGND 5:45, 7:20, 8:40 & 10:15 p.m. $250 off any major dental procedure. Joyeux Noel (R) ✭✭✭ Aquarius: 6:30 p.m. New patients only. ! Larry the Cable Guy: Century 16: 11:35 a.m.; 1:40, 3:45, 5:50, 8 & 10:05 LLOSOS AALTOSLTOS Health Inspector (PG-13) p.m. Century 12: Noon, 2:20, 4:35, 7 & 9:30 p.m. entistry (Not Reviewed) For a brighter, moreDD dazzlingentistr smiley Match Point (R) ✭✭✭✭ Century 16: 12:45 & 3:55 p.m. tonight, come in for BriteSmile or The Pink Panther Century 16: 11:15 a.m. & 1:20 p.m. www.losaltosdds.com (PG) ✭✭1/2 Century 12: 5:15, 7:40 & 10 p.m. Rembrandtwww losaltosddsteeth whitening com and The Shaggy Dog (PG) Century 16: 11:40 a.m.; 1:55, 4:15, 6:50 & 9 p.m. 925 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos • (650) 559-0000 (Not Reviewed) Century 12: 12:30, 3:05, 5:25, 7:50 & 10:20 p.m. She’s the Man (PG-13) Century 16: 11:55 a.m.; 2:20, 4:45, 7:10 & 9:35 p.m. (Not Reviewed) Century 12: 12:15, 2:40, 5:10, 7:35 & 10:05 p.m. Stay Alive (PG-13) Century 16: 11:25 a.m.; 1:25, 3:25, 5:25, 7:40 & 9:45 (Not Reviewed) p.m. Century 12: 11:30 a.m.; 1:35, 3:40, 5:50, 8 & 10:25 p.m. Free Thank You for Smoking CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 2, 3, 4:30, 5:25, 7, 8, 9:30 Accessory (R) ✭✭✭1/2 & 10:30 p.m. Transamerica (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Century 16: 2 p.m. Package Tsotsi (R) ✭✭1/2 Guild: 4:45, 7 & 9:15 p.m. V for Vendetta (R) ✭✭✭1/2 Century 16: 11:30 a.m.; 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, $775 Value 6:30, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 & 10:20 p.m. Century 12: 11:45 with a.m.; 1:15, 2:45, 4:15, 5:40, 7:10, 8:45 & 10:10 p.m. Spa Purchase

★ Skip it ★★ Some redeeming qualities ★★★ A good bet ★★★★ Outstanding Spring Sale Aquarius: 430 Emerson St., Palo Alto (266-9260) 4 days only! Century Cinema 16: 1500 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View (960-0970) March 30th - April 2nd Century Park 12: 557 E. Bayshore Blvd., Redwood City (365-9000) ALL 2005 MODELS MUST GO CinéArts at Palo Alto Square: 3000 El Camino Real, Palo Alto (493-3456) Guild: 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (266-9260) SAVE UP TO Stanford: 221 University Ave., Palo Alto (324-3700) $3,000 OFF MSRP Internet address: For show times, plot synopses, trailers and more informa- Financing Available O.A.C. tion about films playing, go to Palo Alto Online at http://www.PaloAltoOnline. com/ PALO ALTO 2001 El Camino Real ON THE WEB: The most up-to-date movie listings at www.PaloAltoOnline.com 650-566-8022 www.jacuzzisf.com

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 19 Editorial Don’t let initiatives overshadow revenues Mayor’s ‘State of the City’ speech lists four new initiatives to add to older and deeper priorities — SpectrumEditorials, letters and opinions which must not be slighted our new initiatives were offered Monday night by Mayor Judy Kleinberg in her “State of the City” address (posted online at Editorial on the mark that are sent through TCSN only ac- to maintain a safe environment for F www.PaloAltoOnline.com). Editor, count for approximately 2 percent of the students. We are members of Kleinberg rightly recognized the accomplishments of the The Weekly’s editorial charac- the citations that we issue. the city/school traffic safety com- city and the progress it has made in important areas, as well terizing our street-repair record as After juveniles receive a citation mittee and we provide all crossing as awards it received for outstanding budgets, the bicycle/ disgraceful is right on the mark and they are sent a letter from TCSN ad- guards for crosswalks to and from pedestrian Homer Tunnel, housing projects, and for being “Tree the auditor’s report is a good start vising them to attend a traffic-safety the schools. I believe it is unfair for Rotow to City USA.” toward getting official recognition class, or they can take the citation to for this problem. court. TCSN administers a program allege that our officers are exclu- She pointed out the city has trimmed $20 million from its However, I believe the report does that is funded from a DMV Kids sively targeting students. We are expenses over four years, reduced staff by 10 percent to 1998 not identify the key cause of this Plate Grant. out there trying to ensure that they levels and eliminated projected budget deficits for the next nine failed program: As long as manage- The grant provisions include a are safe. If Rotow went to just one years. The city has a rare AAA credit rating, she noted. ment practices in Public Works re- traffic-safety class taught by local accident where a child had commit- “But excellence brings with it the challenge of maintaining main unchanged, wherein funds are law-enforcement officers, monitor- ted a violation and was run over by that high level of achievement,” she said. She cited nearly allocated on the basis of geography ing of traffic violations in the safe- a car, she would better understand a dozen current challenges, from restructuring the Utilities rather than need, this problem will route-to-schools corridors and dis- our motivation to teach our children Department to traffic safety, upgrading city libraries, improving not be solved. tribution of helmets to students who safety through all avenues to include transit facilities, upgrading police facilities, adding new housing About a third of the streets in don’t have one. Several agencies in education and enforcement. and moving forward on the planned Campus for Jewish Life in downtown and elsewhere in Palo Santa Clara County participate in Lt. Mike Denson southeast Palo Alto. Alto north of Oregon Expressway the program, including Palo Alto, Traffic Manager, Kleinberg’s new initiatives include the already announced are in poor condition owing to lack Mountain View, Los Altos, Sunny- Palo Alto Police Department “Destination Palo Alto” effort to attract more tourists — to of timely repairs. These constitute vale and the Santa Clara County Forest Avenue which she proposed adding “several new annual major events” more than 90 percent of the most Sheriff’s Office. Palo Alto for weekends when hotel occupancy is lower. damaged streets in Palo Alto. De- In addition to participating in the She also proposed a new “City Report Card” to “track spite this need, Glenn Roberts al- TCSN program, the Palo Alto Police progress against timelines and budgets.” locates just 35 percent of funds for Department routinely holds bicycle Natural bumps She reiterated her top priority: to improve the community’s this work because, as he explains it, rodeos at the middle schools and to Editor, preparedness for major emergencies. this area constitutes 35 percent of scouting programs. Laguna Avenue, the access street All day-shift and traffic officers And she announced the creation of a “Mayor’s Green Ribbon the area of the city. to my cul-de-sac in Barron Park, is The report estimates a 15-year “adopt a school” and provide for the definitely bumpier than it was five Task Force” — chaired by former Mayor Jim Burch — to backlog of repairs at current fund- safety in and around each school. years ago. Should the city re-pave address broader issues relating to the environment and global ing levels. This is wildly optimistic. We provide two school-resource of- it? warming. Many of the damaged streets we see ficers/juvenile officers to the district No. Yet while Kleinberg recognized “the most important and have not been repaired in more than (continued on page 23) fundamental challenge” as being keeping city revenues up and 25 years. Forest Avenue, Newell costs down, only a few paragraphs of her speech focused on Road and Embarcadero Road are YOUR TURN that — a departure from the emphasis placed on this topic by just three examples. the past four mayors: Burch, Bern Beecham, Dena Mossar and Contrary to the conclusions of the Vic Ojakian. Kleinberg glossed over a huge issue this year: report, I strongly believe that delay- The Palo Alto Weekly encourages comments on our coverage or on issues of local Negotiating a new labor contract with city employees, with long- ing normal maintenance on well- interest. term ramifications for the city’s economic health and employee paved streets is the only option for What do you think? Are potholes a good alternative to speed bumps morale. reducing the backlog of damaged in slowing down traffic? The new initiatives may be exciting and important, and some streets to a manageable level in a have been ignored too long already. few years (unless the council infuses But because they are new and a bit glitzy we must not let them another $2 million per year into the Letters: Address to Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302, distract the community from the core issue facing us today — program). or hand-deliver to 703 High St., (at Forest Avenue), Palo Alto. namely that without a solid revenue base, cherished city services To continue current practices en- Fax: (650) 326-3928 will continue to erode and eventually go away. sures that Palo Altans will live in E-mail: [email protected] perpetuity with this failed system. Ted Mill Arcadia Place A two-faced City Council No anonymous letters or “open letters” to other organizations or individuals will Palo Alto be printed. Please provide your name, street address and daytime telephone istress over how the Palo Alto Utility Department has been number. Please keep length to 250 words or less. We reserve the right to edit operating flared up again last week at a meeting of the City contributions for length and style and for factual errors known to us. D Council Finance Committee, when the city staff blamed un- Response to ‘targeting’ named former employees for ripping up streets shortly after they Editor, had been freshly paved by the Public Works Department. I just read Kathleen Rotow’s letter Council members were not satisfied with the answers, nor (“Targeting students”) in the March should they be. But they are also a little late to the party. 15 Weekly. I would like to respond. The City Council and city manager have failed miserably in As traffic manager for the Palo their oversight of the Utilities Department and are now trying to Alto Police Department, my re- regain some control with a reorganization that will be the subject sponsibilities include coordinating of a study session next Monday night. the activities of the traffic team and In the meantime, the council and manager are fighting the assisting in coordinating the Traffic Weekly in court to keep the public from seeing the results of Safe Communities Network (TCSN) Juvenile Diversion Program. a months-long, $300,000 investigation into the department — Rotow states that the Palo Alto Po- which led to the resignation, termination or discipline of at least lice Department “summarily rounds 19 employees, including Director of Utilities John Ulrich. up” students at the beginning of the Even City Council members have not seen the report, since day and issues them citations “with doing so would mean the public could see it. Now that’s effective or without cause.” This is complete- oversight. ly inaccurate as officers only issue Which City Council do you want representing you — the citations to the offenders that they one that is challenging the staff and demanding answers or actually observe committing viola- the one that is spending taxpayer money to keep secret an tions. Rotow further alleges that we outside investigator’s report into the operation of a major city are ignoring violations committed department? by vehicles. In actuality, over the last six months juvenile violations Page 20 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Guest Opinion Remembering Jim Berk, gadfly father of the Stanford employees’ union by James Wolpman June 4, 1974. With the help of a fed- spected Jim’s talents and dedication, hat Working with Jim was no easy matter. He could eral mediator and assistance from and so for a long while the members Stan- be acerbic as hell. And pigheaded. But I have to SEIU International representatives, tolerated his idiosyncrasies. But T ford the strike ended and the first labor eventually his acerbic manner and University say he was one of the few clients I’ve ever had agreement at Stanford was finally “do it my way or no way” attitude employees who knew exactly how to use lawyers. signed in June l974. poisoned the relationship. They now have Employees at Stanford Hospital rebelled and essentially threw him a success- had been excluded from the original out. ful union is Jim, who started as an engineer its own good-guy self-image. election, so USE undertook — in Afterwards he came over to my due, in good at SLAC and later gave it up to be- The procedure permitted employ- addition to servicing and policing office. When I tried to explain that measure, come a full-time union represen- ees to have a representative. Jim and the agreement it had just negotiated I had to side with the union because to someone tative, would have none of it. And the staff that had gathered around — an extensive campaign to orga- it was my client, he let me know that whom few he was never reticent about letting him began representing grievants, nize the hospital workers. Again, considered it a betrayal. That was of them know or remember — Jim Stanford managers know exactly and succeeded in turning the griev- Jim was the leading strategist and the last I ever saw of him. Berk, who died recently. what he thought of their benevolent ance procedure into a potent orga- organizer. Eventually, a vote was Unfortunately for the union, Jim began organizing at Stanford pose. nizing tool. Stanford, though it des- held, but the union lost. Only later there was no one with Jim’s tal- in the late 1960s, and was one of Jim was extremely bright, and able perately wanted to, couldn’t find a did it achieve recognition. ent, energy and dedication to take the founders of United Stanford quickly to assimilate the university’s way to back out. Working with Jim was no easy over, and so for a good while it Employees, which subsequently af- financial and organizational intri- That, along with an energetic and matter. He could be acerbic as hell. languished. Eventually, it was ab- filiated with the Service Employees cacies. He was also highly focused, dedicated staff, good day-to-day or- And pigheaded. But I have to say he sorbed into SEIU Local 715. I left International Union (SEIU), and and once he locked onto an issue, ganizing and an excellent newspa- was one of the few clients I’ve ever in 1980. ■ was eventually absorbed — after he wouldn’t — couldn’t — give up. per, led to its victory in a June 1973 had who knew exactly how to use James Wolpman is a Stanford Jim left — into SEIU Local 715. He locked onto the union project in runoff NLRB election. lawyers. He was smart enough (an law graduate who in the late 1960s I think its safe to say that during the spring of 1969 and by Septem- Winning the election was only the intelligent client is always a plea- and 1970s represented union and the early and mid 1970s Jim pretty ber USE was officially formed. Af- first step. A decent contract had to sure) to quickly grasp legal concepts counterculture individuals and well drove Stanford crazy. Back ter several years as an independent be negotiated, and Stanford, by then, and jargon, and he was not one to be organizations in legal clashes. In then, though it had long outgrown union, in a key vote April 12, 1973, had wised up and hired as its chief intimidated by anything or anyone, addition to representing the early its image as “The Farm,” Stanford nearly 75 percent of USE members negotiator Doug Barton, the NLRB including law and lawyers. Stanford union, he represented still treated its non-academic, non- voted 223 to 15 to affiliate with lawyer who had presided over the He knew he could do it himself the former Midpeninsula Free professional workers as the help. It SEIU, and USE became Local 680. hearings that led to the election. if he had to, but if he didn’t have University and was a founder of fancied itself a benevolent padrone. A good example of Jim’s energy The negotiations, with Jim as the time or there was some other good the Palo Alto Law Commune. In With the exception of SLAC, is that early on, before USE’s affili- chief union spokesperson, went on reason he’d use a lawyer. 1982 he was named chief judge which never pretended to be any- ation with SEIU and its victory in a for several months. Bargaining was It was easy to pick a quarrel with for the Agricultural Labor Rela- thing other than the big business it National Labor Relation Board elec- difficult and at times acrimonious. Jim, or he with you. If he thought tions Board in Sacramento, moved was, Stanford’s employee-relations tion, Stanford inaugurated a formal Frustrated with Stanford’s unwill- you were acting stupid, he said so. to Cal OSHA in 1994 and retired operation, such as it existed, was grievance procedure — partly to ingness to agree to what it consid- Often he was right, but sometimes to Walnut Creek in 2002. He can decentralized and pretty much ad demonstrate that workers didn’t re- ered reasonable terms, the union he was dead wrong. be e-mailed at jimwolpman@as- hoc. ally need a union and partly to feed went on strike, from May 10 to The union’s Executive Board re- tound.net. Streetwise Should there be continued development of higher-density housing projects in downtown Palo Alto? Asked at Whole Foods on Homer Avenue. Question and interviews by Adena DeMonte. Photographs by Marjan Sadoughi.

Janet Chen David Kleiner Mariska Anderson Jim Freedom Melanie Hibbs Homemaker Computer consultant Researcher Signature gatherer Speech and language therapist Nathan Way Jordan Avenue, Los Altos Kipling Street Homer Avenue Alester Avenue

“No, Palo Alto is not considered a “I have no problem with higher-density “I don’t think there should be. It com- “As long as they keep the open space; “It should be limited because the sub- hugely populated area.” housing, it makes sense in a bigger pletely ends up clogging the whole is there a park downtown?” urban character of Palo Alto will be city.” area with traffic and drives the prices lost. We’re a community of families, up around here.” and I enjoy that suburban quality.”

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 21 )&)43./4).4()36!5,4 )43./43!&% On Deadline On making Palo Alto into a true ‘tourist destination’

by Jay Thorwaldson oes “And as we near the end of our tour, heading Palo back downtown, there on your left, folks, is D Alto want to be- Palo Alto’s great ‘Living Landmark,’ the come a real famous El Palo Alto Redwood Tree — for “tourist des- ,/3!,4/36!5,43!&% tination”? which the city is named and which guided the Well, why Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portola back to his $%0/3)4#/ not? City officials have camp in 1776. !PRIVATEDEPOSITORY created a “It was a seedling when Christ was born. 7 Ê, Ê£t special task 3AFEDEPOSITBOXESOFALLSIZES / iÀiÊÃÊ ÊÓ force to see if Palo Alto can add “What was that, ma’am? ... No, ma’am, that’s 3TRICTANDTOTALCONlDENTIALITY 6 Ê/t enough to its historic luster to be a not a cell-phone tower — it’s a real tree. ... ” 3ECUREDANDAMPLEPARKING beacon for tourists. Not that it already isn’t, in some &ORYOUROWNSAKEWESHOULDHAVEYOURBUSINESS specialty areas. 6ISITOURFACILITIESANDJUDGEFORYOURSELF One such area is the huge tour buses that stop on Addison Avenue $ATABANKFORIMPORTANTANDCONlDENTIALRECORDS just west of Waverley Street so the predominantly Japanese tourists can fects? If a tourism program is suc- 100,000 or so street trees that have &IRST3TREET ,OS!LTOS #! visit and photograph the small ga- cessful, and a few thousand more made the community famous as an 4EL WWWLOSALTOSVAULTCOM rage where young William Hewlett tourists show up around town, ‘urban forest.’ Immediately on your and David Packard tinkered with sporting Hawaiian shirts, shorts, right is where Hewlett and Packard electronic gizmos more than 60 cameras and sandals, will Palo Al- tinkered in their cold, drafty garage years ago. tans turn from friendly types to sur- seven decades ago. We’d stop except Lee de Forest’s vacuum-tube ex- ly New Yorkers or Parisians? Will there are already six buses parked periments just a few blocks away locals get crowded out of our many in front. (and several decades earlier) laid coffee shops? There is a special way “Nearby is where the vacuum Now Open! the groundwork for television and of saying “tourists” that drips with tubes were invented, and transis- radio and worldwide wireless com- scorn, and being denied a place to tors were created just a few miles Town & Country Village munications. And the early work enjoy one’s nonfat latte would in- south — everything that has made on transistors a few miles south, duce that. our America work better, faster, just over the Palo Alto border in But if it’s for the good of the com- smaller and more expensive. Mountain View, made everything munity as a whole, if it means that “Oops. Better duck there, folks portable, even pocket-sized. city services can be maintained — watch that branch, driver! Sorry, The famed Palo Alto Research and enhanced, our streets repaired folks, the city was supposed to trim Center on the flank of Coyote Hill, more often, our parks preserved and that last week. Must have slipped under the leadership of George polished, and our arts, cultural and in a pothole. Uh, would someone DayOne is now open Pake, Doug Engelbart, Bob Taylor children’s programs enhanced, well, chase that squirrel down the back and other instantly recognizable what’s a few tourists? steps? Good thing this is ‘The City in Palo Alto! names quietly expanded the vision If Palo Alto, as some of us fear, the Loves Trees,’ eh? of technology and laid the ground- slips off its long-time pedestal of “OK, now we have circled work for the early Apple Computer being “the place where new things through the Stanford Research Your complete pregnancy and and PC revolution in design and are happening” because the city Park, one of the first great ‘clean’ function. couldn’t get together on fiber-to-the- manufacturing centers (if you ig- new parent resource Palo Alto’s sandstone neighbor, home technology, or control its in- nore the underground leakage here Stanford University, has long been famous Palo Alto Process, or solve and there). There is the Stanford a tourist magnet, especially during its traffic and commuter problems, University campus, marked by the It’s all under one roof, student/parent visiting time. The then we might need all the tourist famous Hoover Tower (which some 7 days a week! view down Palm Drive toward the dollars we can get. say leans a bit to the right) and the Memorial Church on a spring day We might at last be able to forget Memorial Church (which some say • Take prenatal classes, yoga, new parent is one of the most sublime sights in the dread jobs-to-housing ratio (one leans to the left) and now we ap- the world. of the highest anywhere) in favor of proach the famous Stanford Shop- groups and workshops Computer hackers — originally the new tourist-to-resident ratio, ping Center, hailed as one of the meaning experts, not electronic and begin debating whether or not first regional shopping centers from • Get breastfeeding support from our burglars — scattered in labs around to charge a “tourist impact fee” with the late 1950s, before we as a nation nurturing lactation professionals Stanford University redefined the each cup of coffee sold to an out- really knew how to shop. social applications to which com- of-towner. “And as we near the end of our • Connect with other new and expectant puters could be used. And it could even be fun. I could tour, heading back downtown, there But, folks, will it play in Peoria? get a retirement job someday as a on your left, folks, is Palo Alto’s parents in our relaxed setting This is all groundbreaking, world- tourist guide, along with former great ‘Living Landmark,’ the fa- shaking stuff of vital, pivotal im- councilman Gary Fazzino. I’d mous El Palo Alto Redwood Tree • Browse our vast portance to the shaping of the world choose a big red London bus with — for which the city is named and lending library in the past century. And as a mem- an open top, from which one could which guided the Spanish explorer ber of the city’s new tourist-destina- appreciate the towering Civic Cen- Gaspar de Portola back to his camp • Purchase everything tion task force, I’m happy to try to ter and other high buildings above in 1776. figure out how to package it to draw today’s 50-foot height limit. “It was a seedling when Christ you and your people to Palo Alto — presuming “Welcome, folks, to the first offi- was born. baby need the program actually gets launched cial tour of the Magic of Palo Alto, “What was that, ma’am? ... No, in earnest. a blend of amazing history and fa- ma’am, that’s not a cell-phone tower So far, there are mixed feelings mous sights, and sites, where things — it’s a real tree. ... Come see why about the idea, and no clear esti- happened that changed the world “Well, yes, it does sort of look like DayOne was voted mate of how many dollars such a we live in. a cell-phone tower. Well, you’ll just “Best Place to Go...” program might bring into the city’s “Now that we’ve all had a ride have to trust me. ... That’s nice that by SF Weekly revenue coffers. An informal survey on the overhead tramway from the you have one just like it in down- on the Weekly’s community Web Civic Center to the Office Center town Minneapolis. But, you know, site, www.PaloAltoOnline.com, tower and Palo Alto Medical Foun- they really didn’t have cell phones (650) 322-DAY1 (3291) showed a roughly 2-to-1 sentiment dation and back, we’ll start out in 1776.” ■ against the idea, but that was only from the Civic Center’s graceful Weekly Editor Jay Thorwaldson from about 150 persons. fluted columns and head south on can be e-mailed at jthorwaldson@ DayOneCenter.com And what about unwanted side ef- Waverley Street to see some of the paweekly.com. Page 22 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Spectrum Stratford School is opening

Letters a new preschool and elementary (continued from page 20)

Now that Laguna is full of bumps, school in Palo Alto! we have to drive more slowly and carefully. And since there are no To learn more about Stratford or to schedule a tour, sidewalks here, with the slower please call (650) 493-1151 or email [email protected]. traffic the neighborhood pedestri- ans are safer. The city has spent a lot of money installing speed bumps in some neighborhoods. It can save money and increase safety by leaving natu- rally occurring speed bumps alone. Al Coleman Shauna Lane Palo Alto Praising Price Editor, Palo Alto Online (March 22) reported the most welcome news that developer Craig Price will no longer pursue plans to build a golf course at Bayfront Park. This letter is to express my gratitude for that wise decision. By withdrawing the proposal, www.stratfordschools.com Price is helping us maintain open space on San Francisco Bay and supporting the ongoing effort to restore natural habitat for local and migratory wildlife. He is also assisting us in preserv- ing a place where people can walk, bike, meditate and enjoy the stone sculptures. Personally, I think Price should receive an award for helping to save the environment that sup- ports life on earth. With my gratitude and the relief of countless residents of Menlo Park and adjoining communities comes my very best wishes for Price in his business endeavors. The issue has always been about location. So with that in mind, I wish him success and personal fulfillment in each and every enterprise. Yes, life is short. May Price always be able to step back from a project and feel pleasure know- ing that it is the right project for a worthwhile purpose in the best location. John Beverley Butcher Director, Seers Research Institute Menlo Park About the law Editor, Santa Clara County is in the throes of electing its next district attorney. Although I am not a resident of this county, the office is of importance to me because of the considerable amount of time I spend there almost every day and for the last 30 years. Recently, State Senator Joe Simi- tian introduced Bill SB 434, which if adopted would have increased the penalty for falsifying reports in criminal cases from a misdemean- or to a felony. It further stipulated a prison sentence that could range from three to nine years with a penalty of up to $10,000. The Mercury News recently published an informative series on the criminal justice system in Santa Clara County, with disturbing articles on the district attorney’s office (as well as the judiciary and defense attorneys). Even though Senator Simitian’s (continued on page 26)

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 23 Special Needs Trusts: The Cornerstone of Estate Planning for Disabled Children April 18, 2006 Crowne Plaza Cabaña, Palo Alto, CA Mediterranean Room Michael Gilfix, Esq. Gilfix & La Poll Associates 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Stanford Law School • Public Benefits Retained 33 yrs. Experience • How SNTs fit with Revocable Living Trusts Co-Presenters: • Choice of the SNT Trustee • What SNT funds can and cannot be used for

Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP Ronald McDonald House at Stanford “FREE Seminar” Seating is limited! Call 650-493-8070

My job has added benefits––working to make the residents happy and “satisfied makes me happy and satisfied. You can’t ask for more than that from a job, and I’m 100% committed to BridgePoint at Los Altos.” Who will make a difference in your day?

When you love what you do, it shows. Each and every member of our team looks forward to making a difference in your day, every day. Call today to schedule a complimentary lunch and tour of BridgePoint senior lifestyle community. Come experience the difference that a caring, committed staff makes. We provide the lifestyle—you do the living.

An Independent & Assisted Living Community 1174 Los Altos Ave., Los Altos, CA 94022 (650) 948-7337 www.kiscoseniorliving.com • License #435200989

Page 24 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly East Palo Alto Kids Foundation Board of Directors: The East Palo Alto Officers: Kids Foundation Tasha Castañeda, The East Palo Alto Kids President Foundation (EPAK) is a Mary Noonan, Vice President community-based, all- Laura Roberts, volunteer organization Vice President whose mission is to Jocelyn Guansing, promote academic Secretary success for students Dianne Otterby, Treasurer in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park by Board Members: providing cash grants Steve Bowles directly to classroom Debbie Dasker teachers and other Martha Hanks frontline educators. Libby Lukrich Founded in 1993, EPAK Judith Steiner secures and distributes EPAK Helps to Bridge the Barbara Susco contributions from Marisol Vazquez individuals, corporations, Educational Funding Divide Major Sources service organizations t a time when state budget woes force fundraising its highest priority for 2005-2006. Ser- of Funding: schools to depend on education founda- vice organizations and corporations have played a and foundations to help Ations to restore essential programs and much larger role this year, donating over $65,000 American Century Foundation instructional activities, it has become apparent to EPAK. However, Fundraising Chair, Judith those educating the that wealthier communities can fundraise more Steiner, notes that “EPAK needs a lot of donors Bancroft Foundation easily from their parent communities and offer who give us $25 a year, and a few hundred “ma- children in the most more educational programs than their less wealthy jor” donors who give us $500 to $1000. Building Callison Family Foundation direct and immediate neighbors. this individual donor base will be our focus for “The East Palo Alto Kids Foundation can’t this year.” Citigroup Foundation way possible. compete with the fundraising capacities of neigh- Approximately 450 individual grants of $350 boring communities like Palo Alto, Menlo Park each were awarded in 2003-2004. The benefit Midpeninsula Bank and Los Altos” said Tasha Castañeda, President of to kids was quick and direct. An EPAK grant EPAK, and a resident within the Ravenswood City is often the only money available to teachers to Palo Alto Weekly Holiday ❧ School District. “The reality is that East Palo Alto purchase resources needed to overcome the chal- Fund schools do not have the financial resources within lenges of educating kids from this predominantly their own parent community to fund an education non-English speaking area. Maura Marino, a SAP foundation. Help needs to come 10th grade teacher at EPA High P.O. Box 50542 from the wider community.” School, says she was able to Scandling Family Foundation Palo Alto, CA 94303 The East Palo Alto Kids “kick-start a literacy campaign Foundation raised $118,000 using books that sparked my Message Phone: in 2003-2004 and $179,000 in students’ interests...the results Silicon Valley Realtors Chari- 2004-2005 (due to an unex- “East Palo Alto have been amazing!” table Foundation (650) 852-9398 pected windfall of $52K). These schools do not have Tasha Castañeda expressed amounts are what an average el- her hope that EPAK will con- Sobrato Foundation Website: www.epak.org ementary school PTA raises in the financial resources tinue to play an increasing role neighboring communities. within their own in bringing educational fund- Thomas & Ancella Toldrian Email: In stark contrast, Palo Alto’s parent community to ing and program equity to East Town Crier Holiday Fund [email protected] “Partners in Education” (a col- fund an education Palo Alto schools. “As a teach- laboration between the Palo Alto er in the Ravenswood District Foundation for Education and foundation. Help for seven years, I know that a University Rotary All Schools fund), the Los Altos needs to come from the small grant can go a long way ❧ Education Foundation and the wider community.” toward making teachers feel Wells Fargo Bank Menlo Park Atherton Education valued. And the students ben- Foundation raised upwards of $1 efit as a result.” million in 2004-2005 and plan to raise near $1.4 million this year. The EPAK board has made

THIS SPACE DONATED AS A COMMUNITY SERVICE BY THE PALO ALTO WEEKLY

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 25 Japanese • Mandarin Portuguese Russian Spanish German • French • Italian • Japanese • Mandarin • Portuguese Spectrum Language Open House April Fool’s Day Sale (continued from page 23) Saturday, April 1, 1-4pm Studies Save $35 on regular group tuition! ->ÌÕÀ`>Þ]Ê«ÀÊ£ÃÌÊÞt bill did not make it out of the Meet our professional instructors, Appropriations Committee, it is Institute nevertheless a bill that should be receive a free evaluation and \ÎäÊ>°°ÊÌÊx\ÎäÊ«°° strengthened and introduced. Per- enjoy complimentary refreshments! haps the candidates for the district Ã ÞÊ i>«Ê->iÊ*ÀViÃÊÊ attorney’s office might be ques- Spring Quarter VÕÃÌVÊEÊ iVÌÀVÊÕÌ>ÀÃÊ>`ÊÌ iÀÊÃÌÀÕiÌÃ]Ê tioned on this bill. «ÕÃÊLÃ]Ê>VViÃÃÀiÃ]ÊÃÌÀ>«Ã]Ê}}ÊL>}ÃÊ>`ÊV>ÃiÃ° Specifically, would they support April 10 – June 16 increasing the term for sentence and the financial penalty imposed if the person convicted of falsi- Qualified Native Instructors • Small Group Classes Stringed fying or omitting reports were a Private Instruction Anytime • Cultural Tips Instruments member of law enforcement? Fur- Focus on Conversation • Professional Atmosphere ther, that the sentence and fine be Ó££Ê>LiÀÌÊÛi°ÊÊUÊ*>ÊÌÊUÊÈxäÊ{ÎÓ£Î£ even more severe if the death pen- 650-321-1867 • www.languagego.com ÜÜÜ°}ÀÞ« ÃÌÀ}Ã°V alty were sought? Henry Organ

Italian • Russian Spanish Arabic English• Danish 350 Cambridge Ave. Ste. 100, Palo Alto, CA 94306 Euclid Avenue Menlo Park Business Owners: Biased democracy? Editor, Reports have surfaced of numer- How’s your Nest Egg? ous targeted assassinations of Iraqi gays by Sadr militias egged on by NEST EGG TO DO LIST: Iranian Shite clerics, yet there is no outcry by the Bush administra- ✓ tion to stop this injustice. OWN YOUR HOME GOT IT! Concern about Christian con- verts facing death in Afghanistan ✓ is against all Western values of re- INVEST IN 401K GOT IT! ligious tolerance, but where is the administration’s tolerance for gay people either here at home or in OWN YOUR OFFICE BUILDING CALL US! Afghanistan or Iraq? Bush, Cheney, Rice and Rums- feld like to talk the talk but not “OWNING MY OWN BUILDING? IT’S A NO-BRAINER!” walk the walk for real democracy in the world. Edith Groner Parkside Drive Palo Alto

Patriotic Feingold Editor, Senator Feingold is showing his patriotism for demanding that the Constitution be defended and any lawbreakers held accountable — the president included. That is the job he was voted by the citizens to do and he is doing it. Inez Beale Harrell Duncan Place Palo Alto

Vince Gidaro, owner of VSG Real Estate Appraisal, recently purchased an ofﬁ ce condo at The Vineyard.

online coupons • transportation • non-profits • sports • restaurants • community resources • real estate • archives • class guide • open The Vineyard home guideFind • rentals an • community event calendar • movies • restaurants • community resources • MOUNTAIN VIEW real estateList • online an coupons event • lodging • things to do • transportation • non-profits • same- ■ day classifiedsSave • teens a &date kids • seniors • ■ Starting at $425,000 Ideal for Ofﬁ ce, Profesional Service and Technology Firms photo reprints • shopping • best of palo alto • home & garden • personals • sports • arts & ■ ■ Design your own space! entertainment • archives • class guide • open 90% Financing Available home guide • transportation • non-profits • ■ ■ Close to restaurants, health clubs, sports • same-dayMaster classifieds • community 1,070-7,744 square feet resources • real estate • online coupons • lodging • things to do • transportation • non- other amenities profitsCommunity • shopping • best of palo alto • home & garden • personals • sports • arts & enter- Conveniently located at 425-495 Whisman Rd., Mountain VIew tainment • archives • movies • lodging • best (near Ellis Street offramp from Hwy 101) of paloCalendar. alto • home & garden • personals • sports • arts & entertainment • archives • Visit Online at www.thevineyardmv.com class guide • open home guide • rentals • community calendar • movies • restaurants • communitywww.PaloAltoOnline.com resources • real estate • online RICK BELL KEVIN CUNNINGHAM coupons •seniors • photo reprints • shopping Contact Exclusive • best of palo alto • home & garden • Agents: 408.982.8428 650.688.8521 personals • sports • arts & entertain- [email protected] [email protected] ment • archives • class guide • open home guide • rentals • community cal- Page 26 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly Would you like to be a MEDIATOR for the City of Palo Alto? City of Palo Alto OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD Human Relations Commission If you live, work, or own property in Palo Alto and would like to help resolve disputes BEST BROADWAY PLAY 1993 in your community, consider becoming a VOLUNTEER MEDIATOR with the Palo Alto Mediation Program. The Mediation Program assists people in resolving disputes under terms they control, instead of going to court or doing nothing. The service is free to anyone who lives, works, does business, or owns property in Palo Alto. Our cases typically include disputes involving tenant/landlord, neighbor-to-neighbor, consumer, and workplace issues. Mediators spend six to ten hours each month working on various aspects of the mediation process, and are required to attend a program meeting on the third Thursday The Sisters of each month. Applications must be postmarked by April 17, 2006. For more information or to request an application, please contact: Palo Alto Mediation Program 430 Sherman Avenue, Suite 308, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 856-4062 Rosensweig [email protected] By Wendy Wasserstein Directed by Robert Kelley “An abundance of humor, heart, and wisdom.” It’s All About The Kids Newsday Parents, check out the great camps and Brilliant. Attractive. Hilarious. Three American sisters meet in London for the 54th summer activities! Camp Directors, reach 79,000 birthday of Sara, a fast-track banker who’s left her romantic hopes and her Jewish homesPALO with ALTO an ad WEEKLY in Summer AD Fun 3.875” in Classiﬁ x 3.125” eds heritage far behind. Joined by Pfeni, a globe-trotting journalist, and Gorgeous, a and on Fogster.com dervish of a suburban housewife, this sisterhood revisits long-lost roots, newfound love, and a woman’s place in a changing world. Nominated for five Tony Awards, this Call Irene Schwartz - 650.326.8210 x213 warm and witty comedy is a tribute to the memory of America’s premiere female or email [email protected] to reserve your playwright, Pulitzer Prize winner Wendy Wasserstein. space in this popular, annual special feature. April 5–30, 2006 | Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts 650.903.6000 theatreworks.org For groups, call Amy Provenzano at 650.463.7126 or Linda Graham at 415.346.7805. Discover… Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture ■ Chinese Herbs Massage (Chinese Tuina) Treatments by Specialty Experts or Low-Cost Interns supervised by Expert Faculty ■ Insurance ■ Workers’ Comp ■ Personal Injury ■ Modern & Serene Clinic Near Santana Row Five BraNches Institute College & Clinic of Traditional Chinese Medicine 3031 Tisch Way, Suite 5PW, San Jose (near Santana Row) (408) 260-8868 ■ www.fivebranches.edu

Opening April 1st True Caribbean Cuisine and a “NO PROBLEM” authentic atmosphere Featuring: A World Class Caribbean Chef • Blended Island Drinks • Jamaican Patties • Spicy Chicken Wings • World Famous MANGO CARIBBEAN Jerk Chicken • Traditional appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and the best entrees and RESTAURANT desserts from the Caribbean. Love plays a round. & TIKI BAR Tiki Hut Bar • HD Flat Screen TV • Reggae, Soca & Calypso Music All Day - All Night 435 Hamilton Ave, Downtown, Palo Alto 650-324-9443 Come Check It Out!!! It Will Be A Cool Experience

Palo Alto Weekly • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Page 27 CUPERTINO…This 3 BR/2.5BA split level ranch is approx FOSTER CITY…Fabulous sought after Plum Island! This state LOS ALTOS… Exquisite NEW HOME featuring 5 BR suites, 1708sq.ft located on a quiet street with mountain views. Includes of the art 3BR/2.5BA waterfront with widewater views home boasts 5.5BA, approx. 3,850 sqft. of living area. Beautiful professionally many upgrades. Living Room/Dining Room combo with wood burn- a Gourmet Kitchen, Great Room, separate Dining Room, & Master landscaped lot of approx. 17,500 sqft. Grand Entry, Formal Living ing fireplace. Currently licensed for (up to 14 children) daycare. suite w/lrg. adjacent office. Beautiful/low maintenance landscaping. Room & Dining Room, huge Gourmet Kit., w/center island, high- Close to shopping, schools and commute arteries. Great Schools. Two car garage w/custom cabinets. Community tennis courts, pool end appliances, spacious eating area, Family Room w/French doors to JOHN COYLE $1,149,888 & spa. rear yard & stately Library. 3 car garage, lovely wrap-around porch. JULIA KEADY $1,849,000 Los Altos schools. PAUL SKRABO $2,798,888

■ ATHERTON ■ the most spectacular views imaginable. Huge barn surrounded by trails & parks, perfect climate & soil for Exquisite details throughout the entire property. vineyards. So much land & so much potential! Located on approx 1.4 ac in the heart of Atherton, Dana Cappiello/Steve Gray $8,900,000 yet secluded & quiet, this 5BR/5BA is spectacular. Landscaping feat, a waterfall, hundreds of plants spe- Country contemporary nestled in the Redwoods. cies, a large pool & greenhouse. Spacious 3BR/1BA, eat-in kitchen, new roof, well Dana Cappiello $6,500,000 maintained yard, perfect for entertaining. Peaceful and serene setting. MENLO PARK… Totally renovated! This 2bedroom/1 bath boasts Spacious 6BR/5.5BA home with elegant living areas Steven Keefe $635,000 hardwood floors and dual pane windows. Separate Dining Room. and casual day-to-day spaces. Park-like grounds Huge lot of approximately 7350 sq.ft. Move in condition. Desirable include a peaceful Redwood grove, level lawn and Menlo Park Schools. ■ MENLO PARK ■ TED PAULIN $749,000 children’s play space. Features include kitchen with granite countertops, living room w/fireplace, library, Charming, remodeled 3 BR/3 BA home plus bonus pool, cabana and tennis court. room/office located in prime West Menlo location. Kristin Cashin $4,295,000 Bright kitchen w/granite counters & breakfast nook overlooking separate family room. Private, spacious Sensational three-story. A parade of features, includ- yard w/lush landscaping. ing family room with fireplace. 6BR/4BA. Desirable Stephanie Savides $1,799,000 3-car garage. Hardwood flooring, ample storage space, breakfast room. Central air. Slate roof, patio, sauna. Charming, turnkey, 5 BR home in west Menlo Pierre Buljan $8,995,000 Park’s most desirable location. Vaulted ceiling family room opens to gourmet kitchen with cozy breakfast- Over 1 acre flat lot with existing 4BR/3.5BA home nook. Spacious, luxurious master suite, with fireplace with wonderful exposure. and French doors opening to gorgeous rear garden. Also offered as future site for new (approx.) 9600sf MENLO PARK... Enjoy living in this adorable 2BR/1BA home Separate guest cottage, approx.1/3 acre lot, outstand- country French estate with approved plans. with a great single level flr pln. Hrdwd flrs, French doors, recessed ing Oak Knoll Elementary School. lighting. Situated on a level lot, the house is approx.1060 sq.ft. A Mark Kaprielian $2,950,000 lovely landscaped backyard w/deck & patio. Elizabeth Daschbach $3,150,000 PATRICIA DWYER $998,000 This prime West Atherton flag lot boasts an approxi- Go first class in this inspired 2BR/2+BA condo. Both mate 1 acre+ of level, sunny and private land. The lot is cleared and ready for you to build your dream house! beauty and utility, including fireplace and hardwood Desirable Menlo Park Schools. flooring. Space to spread out. Double ovens, central Skip Cashin $4,295,000 air. Two-car garage. Community swimming pool and tennis. Incomparable French country-style estate home of Kristin Cashin $1,875,000 over (approx) 7000 sq.ft. nestled on (approx) 7.5 pri- Selling vate acres at the end of a cul-de-sac. This 4BR/3BA, ■ PALO ALTO ■ plus 2 half-baths with library, art studio & central couryard. Custom finishes, natural stone & French Entertain in this breathtaking single-level. Ideal fea- Northern doors throughout. 1BR/1BA apt. & 1BR/1BA guest tures include office, pool & deck. 5BD/2.5BA. Space hse. to spare. Desirable 3-car garage. Family room w/fire- SARATOGA…A flowing floor plan and park like gardens allow Suzanne Scott / Elizabeth Daschbach $5,995,000 place, hardwood flooring. Covered patio. for comfortable everyday living. This spacious 2,666sq.ft,(approx.) Phyllis McArthur $1,988,888 California’s 4BR/2BA home features formal LV & DR, crown moulding, custom cabinetry, dual pane windows/sliding doors and wet bar . ■ EAST PALO ALTO ■ Newly landscaped w/brick pavers. Lot size is 11,326sq.ft. approx. ■ PORTOLA VALLEY ■ www.18749aspesi.com This prize winning 3-bedroom single-story. This Finest MIKE GRANNEMAN promising residence highlights carpeting with hard- Classic luxury enhances this 5BR/4BA French-style. wood flooring. Office, ample storage space, home Superbly appointed, with fireplace, fireplace and slate warranty package. Gas heat. Garage, patio, deck. A roof. Here’s space galore! Atrium. Office, family room, Properties home full of potential. breakfast room. Patio, greenhouse. Stylish ambiance! Gordana Wolfman $649,000 Mark Benson $8,995,000

This unique 1BR /1BA fixer is perfect for first time ■ WOODSIDE ■ buyers! A quaint size of approx. 480 square feet allows for adding on to the existing house or the opportunity Central Woodside’s most sought after location! to build your dream home. Conveniently located near Gorgeous views of the western hills from this prime, commute access, University Av. Shopping & Stanford level one acre site. Minutes from school and town. University. Rare opportunity! Ready to build. On sewer. Edelmira Cardenas $399,000 Elizabeth Daschbach $2,850,000

PALO ALTO… Charming classic Spanish style home in desirable Conveniently located, minutes to ocean and the bay Professorville neighborhood. 2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Baths, vaulted ceiling ■ LA HONDA ■ in Living Room, sep. Dining Room, eat-in Kitchen, indoor laundry on approx. 5+ acres in a newly contructed custom room. Detached one car garage. Nicely landscaped front & rear yards Alpine Ranch! This historical property is approx. 350+ 4BR/3.5BA Craftsman Style Woodside Estate Home. on an approx. 5,000 sq ft lot. Short distance to downtown and P.A. acres w/2 homes. 3BR/3BA & wonderful porches Gated w/security camera. The property is fully fenced. schools. all the way around. Caretaker’s cottage includes 1 loft Easy access to HWY 280. Approx 4220 sq.ft. PAUL SKRABO /JAMI ARAMI $1,250,000 bedroom, lrg living area & kitchen. Set in an area of Gary McKae $5,999,000 400 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto (650) 853-7100 1377 El Camino Real, Menlo Park (650) 614-3500 • 2989 Woodside Road, Woodside (650) 529-1000 496 First Street, Suite 100, Los Altos (650) 948-8050 • 300 El Camino Real, San Carlos (650) 598-4900 www.cashin.com 430 N. El Camino Real, San Mateo (650) 343-3700 • 1412 Chapin Avenue, Burlingame (650) 340-9688

Page 28 • Wednesday, March 29, 2006 • Palo Alto Weekly