MA Highscales Back Performing Arts Center in Face

M-A HIGH scales back performing arts center in face of global construction materials inflation. Page 5

Menlo’s Dick Gould inducted into college tennis Hall of Fame. [Page 5] THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE MAY 24, 2006 www.AlmanacNews.com | VOL. 41 NO. 38 WHICH WAY? New facilities or more portables is the choice facing voters in the Menlo Park City School District. See Voter Guide, Section 2. apr.com

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2 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 custom jewelers

This week’s news, features and community events.

FIRST SHOT

Where Art is Music for Your Eyes LADERA CENTER -3130 Alpine Road, 370 Portola Valley Take Apine Road/ Portola Valley Exit from I-280 TEL 650-851-4300 Mon - Sat 10am - 6pm, Thurs 10am - 8pm

MUSEUM QUALITY FRAMING ART EXIBITION All types of Art May 27 - June 30 Engraving, Restoration Carolyn Paterson Canvas Transfer Reception The Almanac/Marjan Sandoughi FRAMED ART MAKES June 3 • 1 - 5pm Wine and hors d’oeuvres Run with the otters GREAT GIFTS Runners in the recently organized Oak Knoll Otters Track Club are getting ready for the 12th annual Otter Run on June 4 in Menlo Park. Oak Knoll teacher Michelle Tom is shown here in the lead. There’s still time for kids, moms, dads and community members to sign up for this run and walk event, a 1.5-mile loop or a 5K double loop. See story on Page 14. /*,&5&//*4$".14BU Atherton Sports 45"/'03%6/*7&34*5: Q A change in town rules governing use of ath- Q Menlo Park’s Dick Gould inducted into college (SFBU$PBDIFT(SFBU$BNQT letic fields could kill off local Pop Warner football tennis Hall of Fame. Page 5 league, officials say. Page 9 Q Woodside’s Max Kreig helps hockey team win 3&4*%&/5%":$".14 national title. Page 19 1FSTPOBMMZ%JSFDUFECZ-FMF'PSPPE IFBEXPNFOTUFOOJTDPBDI+PIO 8IJUMJOHFS IFBENFOTUFOOJTDPBDI Menlo Park #PZT(JSMT "HFTt"MM"CJMJUZ-FWFMT8FMDPNF Q Veteran Menlo Park police office Bruce Goitia People %":0/-:$".14 is named chief. Page 5 +VOF%JSFDUPS+PIO8IJUMJOHFS "VHVTU%JSFDUPS%BWJE)PEHF Q Tyler MacNiven and partner win $1 million on "EVMUT "EWBODFE1MBZFST$MJOJD "TTJTUBOU.FOT5FOOJT$PBDI QCall for privatizing child care programs moves “Amazing Race” Page 7 +VOJPST )BMG%BZ'VMM%BZ +VOF%JSFDUPS%JDL(PVME "EVMUT )BMG%BZ forward. Page 8 %JSFDUPSPG5FOOJT 4UBOGPSE "EVMUT &WFOJOH Viewpoint Schools $BNQFST3FDFJWF/JLF5FOOJT4IPFT Q Pros and cons on school bond measure. 644QPSUT$BNQTDPN M-A High scales back performing arts center Page 27 Q /*,&$".1 due to inflation in construction materials cost. Page 5 Also Inside On the cover Calendar ...... 37 Students Sara Altman, left, and Sarah Collins Editorial ...... 26 depart Hillview Middle School campus. The school Letters ...... 27 is at the center of a June 6 ballot proposition to raise Obituaries ...... 22 $91 million in bond issues to build new facilities on Police Calls ...... 22 the four campuses of the Menlo Park City School District. See Voter Guide, Section 2, starting on Page 29. CALLING ON THE ALMANAC HOME RENOVATIONS The Almanac offices are at 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025. THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is KITCHEN/BATH DESIGN published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Publishing For Classified ads, call 854-0858 N E-mail news to (no photos please): Co., 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- [email protected] 4455. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and For all other calls, phone 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of www.danenbergdesigns.com News: Ext. 213 N E-mail news photos with captions to: general circulation for San Mateo County. The Almanac is delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Display advertising: Ext. 233 [email protected] Valley and Woodside. Voluntary subscriptions for $25 per CALL 650-325-2060 Fax: 854-0677 N E-mail letters to the editor to: year are welcome from residents of the above circulation [email protected] area. Subscription rates for businesses and for residents of FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION other communities is $40 per year and $55 for two years. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, P.O. Box 7008, Menlo Park, CA 94026-7008. Copyright 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. ©2006 by Embarcadero Publishing Co., All rights reserved. 1155 CRANE STREET, MENLO PARK Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited.

May 24, 2006 N The Almanac N3 Summer Salads A TOWN MARKET PLACE Low Fat Shrimp Salad 3015 WOODSIDE ROAD WOODSIDE, CA 94062 bay shrimp, lemon zest, celery, red bell pepper, $11.99 /lb. 650-851-1511 green onions, fresh dill, yougurt dressing Open 6:30AM - 8PM Stuffed Tomatoes Sale Dates: May 24, 25, 26, 27 • Abalone Tuna Salad $5.99 /ea. • Smoked Chicken Salad www.robertsmarket.com In Our Cheese Case Fromage d’ Affinois, Brie style cheese - faint mushroom aroma - delicious $11.25 /lb. 00 Sweet save $2. a lb. ¢ WHITE CORN 3 FOR 99 . Fresh ¢ BROCCOLI CROWNS 99 ea. $ PEACHES 1.99lb. California $ BLUEBERRIES per basket 2.49lb.

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4 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 L U C I L E P A C K A R D C H I L D R E N ’ S H O S P I T A L

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May 24, 2006 N The Almanac N6 M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY Bruce Goitia Menlo’s Dick Gould named new inducted into college police chief

By Rory Brown tennis Hall of Fame Almanac Staff Writer By Keith Peters son/ITA National Coach of the Palo Alto Weekly or the sec- Decade for the 1980s and 1990s. ond time ormer Stanford men’s Gould retired from coaching Fin four tennis coach Dick Gould in 2004 with a career record of years, Menlo Fof Menlo Park — widely 776-148 and was an amazing 88- Park has tapped regarded as not only the top 11 (.888) in NCAA tournament from within its collegiate tennis matches. own ranks in coach of all time, He is currently naming a new but among the director of tennis Bruce Goitia police chief. best in any col- at Stanford and Bruce Goitia, the depart- lege sport — will is tournament ment’s acting chief and admin- be inducted into director for this istration program commander, the Intercollegiate month’s NCAA was named police chief Mon- Tennis Associa- Division I Men’s day afternoon, May 22, by City tion’s Hall of Fame and Women’s Manager David Boesch. on Wednesday, Championships. Mr. Goitia has been with the May 24, during Stanford’s department for 24 years. As the NCAA Divi- Goldie, Mitchell a commander, he supervised sion I Men’s and and Palmer are the personnel, training, hiring, Women’s Tennis 13th, 14th and 15th media relations, records, com- Championships at Cardinal players to munications and administra- Stanford. be inducted into tive support. In addition to Gonzalesphoto.com the ITA Hall of He joined the department Gould, the nine- Dick Gould of Menlo Park Fame. in 1982 as a reserve officer, member class of guided Stanford’s men’s team Goldie played and served in several divisions inductees con- to a record 17 NCAA team on two NCAA before being promoted to ser- sists of former championships. championship geant. He was promoted to Cardinal players teams in 1983 and The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi commander in 2002. Dan Goldie, Matt Mitchell and 1986 and earned ITA All-Amer- “Bruce is a top-notch chief, Jared Palmer. ica honors three times from Making a splash and there’s no doubt he’ll lead us Gould highlights this year’s 1984-86. He also captured the Nicholas Gearing, 4, left, and Saoirse Kane enjoy the children’s effectively,” said Mr. Boesch. ceremonies, which will take place 1985 ITA National Indoor and pool at Menlo Park’s new Burgess Aquatics Center. Several hundred Chief Goitia was chosen Wednesday evening at Stanford’s 1986 NCAA singles crowns. people braved cloudy, threatening skies to attend the center’s from a field of 40 candidates, Arrillaga Family Sports Center. Mitchell won the 1977 NCAA grand opening Saturday. 20 of whom were from outside He guided the Cardinal to a singles title and helped the Cardi- California, said Mr. Boesch. record 17 NCAA team cham- nal to NCAA back-to-back team He added that the decision was pionships while coaching 10 titles in 1977-78. He was also a two mixed), reach No. 1 in the tion to the ITA Hall of Fame 15 particularly tough because NCAA singles champions and three-time ITA All-American. ATP doubles rankings and play for years after their last collegiate the other finalist is also a seven doubles champs during Palmer captured the 1991 NCAA the U.S. Davis Cup team several match and coaches are eligible member of the Menlo Park his 38 years at the helm. singles title. He went on to win two times over an eight-year span. force — Commander Terri Gould twice was named Wil- Grand Slam doubles titles (and Players are eligible for elec- See GOULD, page 8 Molakides. Chris Boyd, the department chief from 2002 to 2005, was M-A High scales back performing arts center also hired from within the department. His tenure was ■ Global demand for with escalating labor and trans- measures of $45 million and they used to,” said Mr. LaVigne marked by a high number of construction materials portation costs in California, $88 million, respectively. glumly. And despite the cuts, resignations of officers, some hits home. have cut some 30 percent out The trends mean a tighter the project cost is expected to longtime veterans. of the purchasing power of the budget for the new arts center at rise to $21 million from the Chief Goitia will undergo a By David Boyce $70 million in bond funds that M-A and some scaling back, said original $18.5 million, he said. six-month review process, and Almanac Staff Writer voters approved in November Mr. LaVigne. There will be 482 Woodside High’s theater will receive a pay raise “assum- 2004, said assistant superinten- seats instead of 500, a slot for one opened a year ago and cost the ing all goes well,” said Mr. he dramatic exterior lines dent Ed LaVigne, the financial semi-tractor-trailer at the load- Sequoia district $16.9 million. Boesch. He said Chief Goitia of the performing arts officer for the Sequoia Union ing dock instead of two, a stage The estimates for M-A’s the- now earns about $145,000 a Tcenter planned for Men- High School District. not quite as deep as planned, and ater include funding from the year, a figure that will increase lo-Atherton High School may Cost inflation over the 30 a smaller vestibule out front. city of Menlo Park, which has a to about $157,000 a year after make it a stylish addition to months between the 2004 elec- Unlike the computer-controlled memorandum of understand- his probationary period. Atherton and Menlo Park for tion and ground-breaking will rigging at Woodside High’s new ing “potentially committing the The new chief’s top priority high school plays, community cut the $70 million down theater, a change in a scenic back- city to pay up to $2.6 million” will be to fill the commander theater and cultural events when to about $49 million, said drop at M-A’s theater will need toward a shared use of the the- position left vacant due to his it opens its doors in early 2009, Mr. LaVigne. The $70 million ropes, weights and elbow grease. ater, said Menlo Park Finance promotion to chief, said Mr. but the impacts of global trends bond measure was intended “It will be a stark performing Director Carol Augustine. Boesch. will be a part of its story. to complete district modern- arts center in contrast to Wood- Cost escalation is normal, Chief Goitia could not be Worldwide demand for con- izing efforts begun in 1996 and side’s (and made with) durable reached for comment. A struction materials, combined continued in 2001 with bond materials that cost more than See THEATER, page 8

May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 5 PEOPLE REAL ESTATE Q&A by Gloria Darke Tenant-occupied house can be a difficult sale! Q. We’ve decided to sell one of our down. The bar has been set high in rental properties in Menlo Park. Are the way a property is presented to the there possible problems we need to market in our area. A home is painted, know, before we inform the tenants? carpet’s replaced, professionally cleaned –E.Taylor and usually staged. Tenants probably A. Sometimes, your once coopera- will not allow this to be done. tive tenant can suddenly turn into Keep in mind tenants have their rights your worst enemy after they learn too, they can usually demand a 24 hour about your intentions to sell “their” notice before the property is shown. The Winners of “The Amazing house. A difficult tenant can make a best strategy is to offer your tenants an Race 9” were Tyler MacNiven, home sale drag on far beyond your incentive for their inconveniences and right, who grew up in expectations. their cooperation. Woodside, and BJ Averell. Problems arise when a tenant makes You can gain tenants’ help by offering showing difficult, by not cooperation a rent reduction, while the property is with real estate agents. Also, unkind on the market. Another strategy is to Tyler MacNiven and partner win remarks about their landlord (you) and offer a bonus at the close of escrow, the property don’t help the situation based on the number of showings. The either. To make matters worse, the ten- more showings the tenant cooperates $1 million on ‘Amazing Race’ ant can suddenly let the property run with, the bigger the bonus.

By Jane Knoerle pies,” garnered lots of fans. Blogs called them For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me Almanac Staff Writer “funny and quirky,” “hilarious and entertaining at [email protected] or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market to watch,” “intelligent and courteous,” and “true analysis of your property. yler MacNiven, 25, who grew up in Woodside, gentlemen.” Some bloggers dissented, however, and partner BJ Averell finished in first place in calling them “attention-grabbing” and “preten- Tthe May 17 season finale of CBS’ round-the- tious prima donnas.” world competition, “The Amazing Race.” Many pitched the idea of the boys appearing on Their challenges included skydiving, bungee a travel show, such as “Globe Trekker” on PBS. Flegels jumping, scaling a building, and building a Tyler and BJ met four years ago during a presents Greek statue, to say nothing of gulping down Semester at Sea program, where they shared the bowls of stir-fried grasshoppers and panhan- experience of sailing around the world. dling in Australia. Tyler graduated from UC Santa Cruz after com- The prize? $1 million dollars. pleting two semesters abroad, one in Hungary, In the final event Tyler and BJ, who lives in Los the other in South Africa. BJ is a graduate of Har- Angeles, found themselves going against rivals Eric vard University. Both have traveled the world and Sanchez and Jeremy Ryan on a snow-covered field speak several languages. After his stint in the local in Colorado. One member of each team had to run spotlight in 1998 while campaigning to get into through a field with 285 flags and find the flags of Stanford, Tyler became a bit of a celebrity in 2004 the nine countries they trav- in Japan when he walked the Charles 9th Earl Spencer, eled to on the 59,000-mile race. length of the country. He cov- May 25th Then, that member had to line ‘This is an amazing world and ered about 2,000 miles in the up the flags in the order they 145-day trip. visited the countries. I want to show it to America.’ Tyler took video footage Charles, 9th Earl Spencer Eric and Jeremy, who were during his adventure in Japan TYLER MACNIVEN, will be at Flegel’s dubbed the “frat boys,” were and made a documentary ABOUT HIS INTEREST IN TRAVEL AND FILM this Thursday Evening well ahead of Tyler and BJ, but recounting his experiences. couldn’t get the order right. He identifies himself as a film- to introduce the BJ cracked it on his first attempt and he and Tyler maker and already has a future project in the Althorp Living History raced first to the finish. works ... a documentary entitled “Kissing Castro.” Tyler knew he had won the prize last December, He intends to walk the length of Cuba culminating Furniture Collection but couldn’t share the news until last week when he in a visit to Fidel Castro’s office, where he hopes to of Historic Reproduction Items and other contestants were flown to New York City plant a kiss on the Cuban leader’s cheek. from the Spencer Family Estate. for the season finale. His mother, Margaret, older Meanwhile, he and BJ are going to spend the brother Dylan, grandmother, aunt, and girlfriend, next few months “exploring media opportuni- You are cordially invited to attend Ayumi Meegan, were there to, hopefully, help him ties” and are meeting with agents in Los Angeles. this special event from 6:00 to 8:00. celebrate. Ayumi’s mother even flew out from Japan. His future will definitely be involved with Tyler’s dad, Buck’s restaurateur Jamis MacNiven, travel. He’s already been to every continent, Meet Charles, 9th Earl Spencer stayed home. “Someone had to stay to feed the except Anarctica. “This is an amazing world and and experience the Althorp dog,” he says. Mr. MacNiven, who doesn’t own a I want to show it to America,” he says. television, watched the show at a neighbor’s. While Tyler pursues his career, his brothers Living History Collection After attending CBS’ celebration party, Tyler and have plans of their own. Rowan is moving to Exclusively at Flegel’s. BJ were up early to make the rounds of the talk Tahiti and older brother, Dylan, is opening a shows, appearing on “The Early Show” and “Regis new restaurant, the Woodhouse Fish Co., at Kindly R.S.V.P.: 650-326-9661 and Kelly.” When we talked to Tyler Friday, he was Market and 14th Street in San Francisco with hoarse from three hours of radio interviews. his dad as partner. “We’re going to specialize in Tyler and BJ, known of the show as the “hip- fast-food lobster,” says Mr. MacNiven. A 9th Earl Spencer to visit Flegel’s in Menlo Park Flegels Charles Edward Maurice Spen- The evening is a preview of his As children, the 9th Earl cer, brother of the late Princess new line of furniture, featuring Spencer and Diana, Princess of Fine Furniture & Interior Design Diana, will appear at Flegel’s original designs and reproduc- Wales, spent time at the estate, 870 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park Home Furnishings for a cham- tions of the stately furniture and where he maintains a Princess www.flegels.com pagne reception from 6 to 8 p.m. accessories that furnish Althorp, Diana museum today. Thursday, May 25, at 870 Santa the family estate in the English To attend the reception, call Cruz Ave. in Menlo Park. countryside. Flegel’s at 326-9661 to RSVP.

May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 7 NEWS Call for privatizing child care programs moves forward ■ Council divided on timeline that could have want to “rush” the process so that an agreement to privatize private operator taking over in January. can be made before the election. “We leap to solutions with- By Rory Brown ■ MENLO PARK out defining what the problem Almanac Staff Writer is,” Ms. Fergusson said. “We s if the question of wheth- the political leaning — of the need to have the budget num- er to privatize Menlo council. The terms of May- bers before we know what the APark’s child care programs or Jellins, Ms. Winkler and problem is.” isn’t divisive enough, City Coun- Ms. Duboc, who usually vote Ms. Fergusson said the city cil members last week argued together on major issues on the should wait for the results of a about the process they should consistently divided council, cost-allocation study that will use in deciding the issue. expire in December. They have begin in July, and assess how effi- At the council’s May 16 meet- not announced whether they ciently the city’s programs run. ing, council members Kelly Fer- will run for re-election. The estimated net cost of the gusson and Andy Cohen called Earlier this year after only a programs — what the city pays for the city to delay any move month of discussion, the council after revenues are recovered — toward privatization until the city majority voted to privatize the has shifted in recent weeks. Newly determines the exact costs of the city’s new $6.8 million aquat- revealed savings and fee increases current child care programs, but ics center — a 3-2 decision that are expected to reduce the costs council members Nicholas Jellins, angered many in the commu- more than $200,000 a year. Mickie Winkler and Lee Duboc nity and has made privatization The previous estimated net voted against the request. a hot-button issue in town. cost was $444,000 a year. Ms. Ms. Fergusson and Mr. Cohen Seymour said she doesn’t know said they are dissatisfied with ‘Limited pie’ the latest estimated costs. the fast-track process outlined Ms. Winkler and Ms. Duboc A 10-person volunteer com- by Assistant City Manager said the city shouldn’t be cover- mittee of parents, child care spe- Audrey Seymour to seek and ing the costs of programs that cialists, appointed officials and review bids from operators serve a small percentage of Ms. Seymour will determine interested in taking over the Menlo Park families. The two if a rental payment to occupy city’s toddler, preschool and Burgess-based programs serve a the new children’s center is an The Almanac/Marjan Sadoughi school-age child care programs combined 160 children. important factor in choosing a based at the city’s new Menlo “There’s a limited pie, and potential operator. Standing on deck Children’s Center. there’s only so many ways we The same committee will cre- Tim Sheeper, head of Menlo Swim and Sport LLC, poses next to the In April, staff had said the process can share it,” Ms. Duboc said. ate the request for proposals and 25-meter by 25-yard lap pool at the Burgess Aquatics Center. For for studying proposals, conducting Both council members ques- evaluate the potential operators. information about the programs offered at the center by hearings and, potentially, putting tioned the wide time frame giv- The city will also submit a bid to Mr. Sheeper’s company, go to MenloSwim.com. the program in private hands, en to the process of privatizing continue running the programs. would take eight to 16 months. the programs presented at the But at last week’s meeting, council’s April 19 meeting, but Union is watching don’t think they should be gov- Ms. Seymour introduced a applauded the new timeline. Representatives from the erning the public sector.” GOULD timeline that sped up the bid- Ms. Duboc said the new time- Service Employees Interna- The council devoted a sub- continued from page 5 ding and decision-making line shows voters — who may be tional Union Local 715, which stantial portion of its debate to following retirement. The main processes, making it possible asked to vote on a tax measure represents the city’s 20 child whether to even vote on the new criteria for election are college for the current council to November 7 — that the city is care employees, is watching timeline. Ms. Duboc moved to accomplishments as well as hon- decide on privatizing the pro- working quickly to save money the privatization debate “very approve the timeline, but Mayor ors earned after college. grams before the November 7 by considering privatization. carefully,” according to SEIU Jellins and Ms. Winkler said The ITA Men’s Tennis Hall of elections. She also said the city will Worksite Organizer Sascha there was no need to vote on the Fame inducted its first class in According to the new timeline, cut employee costs within the Eisner. matter. 1983 and has inducted more the city will submit a request for program and at the adminis- In April, Mr. Eisner said the Ms. Duboc withdrew her than 160 players, coaches and proposals by June 14, and the trative level if the programs are union would actively campaign motion, but Ms. Fergusson contributors since then. Mem- council could greenlight nego- privatized. against council members who moved to stop further explora- bers include the late Arthur tiations with a private operator support privatization and are tion of privatizing the child Ashe (UCLA), Jimmy Connors by September 21. Undefined costs running for re-election. care programs. Mr. Cohen sup- (UCLA), John McEnroe (Stan- City Manager David Boesch said Ms. Fergusson and Mr. Cohen “Some council members have ported Ms. Fergusson, even ford) and Stan Smith (USC). A the programs could be transferred told the Almanac that the city made it pretty clear they want to though in April, he said he was to a private operator by January. is yet to determine the benefits privatize city services,” Mr. Eisner willing to consider privatiza- — Keith Peters is sports editor of The November elections could of privatizing the programs, but said. “Some people just believe in tion as a means to cut the city’s the Palo Alto Weekly. change the makeup — and Ms. Winkler and Ms. Duboc the private sector model, and I costs. A

THEATER Another way to stretch dollars is pre-buy construction materi- cement plants, said Ed Sullivan, and we don’t have enough, we continued from page 5 to find another source of money. als,” said Mr. LaVigne. “Where chief economist for the Chi- can’t bring (the raw materials) The original plans for M-A’s am I going to store $5 million cago-based Portland Cement over,” he said. rising from 5 percent to 10 per- theater project called for bond worth of building materials? Association. Demand for cement is cent a year, said Mr. LaVigne; funds to pay for landscaping ... In construction, you live in As a coastal state, California is unusually high nationwide adjusting to economic realities and improvements to parking today’s moment, and today’s somewhat dependent on foreign and is likely to stay high “for is an ongoing conversation. lots and traffic circulation. moment means today’s costs.” sources for the raw materials the next couple of years,” said “The question is how to move Instead, the district will use that go into making cement, he Mr. Sullivan. If mortgage forward and at full speed and funds from the state ear- Cement shortage said. The explosive growth in rates rise and residential con- still do value engineering,” he marked for maintenance, said At this moment, California construction in China and India struction cools off, demand added, referring to the term of Mr. LaVigne. is vulnerable to shortages in and the competition for ships could ease but California may art for achieving the desired Could the district avoid cost cement, in part because of around the Pacific Rim is not be left on the short end any- function and performance but escalations by spending money the state’s demanding permit- helping, he added. way given its particular situa- at the lowest cost. on materials now? “You can’t ting process for building new “If China is using all the ships tion, he added. A

8 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 NEWS 2005-06 FIFTIETH SEASON WEST Pop Warner football dealt late hit OperaBAY BY IGOR STRAVINSKY (IN ENGLISH WITH By Andrea Gemmet Atherton Vikings Pop Warner word “exceptions” circled with a ENGLISH TITLES) Almanac Staff Writer league, he said. slash through it, City Manager The teams practice and play Jim Robinson said his recom- he roar of the crowd, the games on the high school’s arti- mendation was to not grant the trill of the whistles, the ficial turf football field after permit. Tcrunch of tiny football M-A’s teams get finished, he told “I don’t think anyone here helmets ... neighbors of Menlo- the City Council at its May 17 opposes Pop Warner,” said Oak Atherton High School have had meeting. On weekdays, the high Grove Avenue resident Carol their fill of noisy peewee football school teams don’t finish practice Smith. “The sound of children games. until 6:30 p.m. and the Vikings having fun is an awesome sound. CONDUCTOR A change in the town of Ather- practice sessions last as long as the The problem is the sound of chil- Mary Chun ton’s rules governing private daylight holds out, as late as 8:30 dren 24/7.” STAGE DIRECTOR groups’ use of athletic fields at p.m. he said. Residents need to know that Jonathon Field public schools could end up kill- “With these guidelines, you’re they will have some quiet time May 27, ing off the seven-year-old Pop basically shutting down this field so they can plan a barbecue or June 2, 3 Lucie Stern Theatre Warner football league that prac- to any other outside use,” Mr. an outdoor wedding, she told 8:00 pm Palo Alto tices and plays games at Menlo- Baty said. the council, and said that grant- Middlefield at Melville Atherton, league officials said. The Vikings aren’t allowed to ing an exception would have a May 28, Under the rubric of the special use any of the high school’s grass dramatic impact on residents’ June 4 Tickets $50 events ordinance adopted by fields, he said. quality of life. 2:00 pm Youth & Students $25 the City Council in September, Pop Warner officials asked the Council members encouraged For tickets call the West Bay Opera Box Office fields can’t be used after 7 p.m. council to give them a permit that Pop Warner officials to seek out 221 Lambert Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306 • 650-424-9999 on weekdays, 6 p.m. on Saturdays would allow them to use the foot- creative solutions and alternate Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. or 5 p.m. on Sundays without a ball field outside of the permitted playing sites that would allow Tickets may also be purchased online at www.wbopera.org permit. Pop Warner officials said hours, sowmething the city man- them to keep the program alive they weren’t notified in Septem- ager is empowered to decide. while obeying the time limits set ber and only recently realized that “The most important thing to in the town’s ordinance. the ordinance would affect their us is to not kill this program,” “It’s with a heavy heart I feel Smuin Ballet presents program. said Mr. Baty. “In my experi- you have got to work within the Michael Smuin’s 3YMPHONYOF0SALMS(WORLD PREMIERE!) Being restricted to those hours ence, this is the only place where strictures (of the ordinance),” The return of4HE"LUE!NGEL would signal the death-knell of kids meet other kids from all said Councilwoman Kathy and... the Menlo-Atherton Vikings Pop different socioeconomic cir- McKeithen. Warner teams, said Greg Baty, cumstances. I know my sons Since the issue is not techni- a coach and former NFL player have benefited greatly.” cally a council decision, the who lives in Atherton. At a packed council meeting council, by consensus, directed About 150 kids on six teams held May 17, with many neigh- the city manager to deny Pop participate in the local Menlo- bors sporting stickers with the Warner’s permit request. A Bayfront Park advocate to run for council By Rory Brown fresh face on the city’s divisive Almanac Staff Writer MENLO PARK political scene. “I don’t come with a lot of bag- enlo Park resident Eliz- a resident gage ... and I think that’s a good abeth Lasensky is no group that thing,” Ms. Lasensky said. “The Mstranger to speaking out gathered council should be cooperative and against members of the City Coun- the signa- get things done. There needs to be cil, but now she wants to fill one of tures of some change.” their seats. more than On the oft-divided council, Ms. Lasensky, a 15-year resident 2,000 peo- Mayor Jellins, Ms. Winkler and and one of the most outspoken ple against Ms. Duboc garner more support critics of the council’s push to build the plans to from business and real estate a golf course and playing fields at build a golf interests than the other side. Elizabeth Lasensky Bayfront Park, said she intends to course and Council members Andy Cohen MAY run for one of three council seats three playing fields at the 160-acre and Kelly Fergusson often receive THROUGH up for grabs in November. park off Marsh Road. Ms. Lasen- support from residents opposed &LY-E4O4HE-OON Those seats are currently filled sky served as the group’s president to increased development. by council members Nicholas until recently. Ms. Lasensky said she often JUNE 3YMPHONYOF0SALMS Jellins, Lee Duboc and Mickie Mr. Jellins, Ms. Winkler and Ms. agrees with Mr. Cohen and Ms. (WORLD PREMIERE!) Winkler, who often vote together Duboc authorized negotiations to Fergusson, but is yet to decide on major issues. So far, they haven’t develop the park, but the developer whether to align herself with 4HE"LUE!NGEL publicly announced whether they eventually withdrew the proposal, anyone before the election, will run for re-election. citing public opposition. including Mr. Schmidt, whom Ms. Lasensky, a member of Ms. Lasensky has also voiced she worked with through the #ALLNOW the Housing Commission since frustration over the council’s Friends group. August, is the third resident to privatization of the city’s aquatics Ms. Lasensky said her other /RDERONLINE WWWSMUINBALLETORG announce her candidacy. Parks center and a recent push to priva- goals include: maintaining a -OUNTAIN6IEW#ENTERFORTHE0ERFORMING!RTS and Recreation Commissioner tize the city’s child care programs, “diverse housing pool” through -OUNTAIN6IEW Richard Cline and former Coun- calling “the privatization of public the construction of affordable cilman Steve Schmidt say they facilities a breach of public trust.” rental units; promoting business also will run. “I’m really upset with the development on El Camino Real Ms. Lasensky has worked for quality of the decision making,” and the city’s downtown corri- the dean of research at Stanford she said. “I want the council dor; improving the city’s transit University for 19 years. to return to open, honest and system; researching sites for She and Mr. Schmidt were driv- respectful deliberations.” more playing fields; and encour- ing forces behind the creation last Unlike Mr. Schmidt and Mr. aging “green technology compa- year of Friends of Bayfront Park, Cline, Ms. Lasensky is a relatively nies” to move to the city. A

May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 9 NEWS Charters’ impact grows on Sequoia budget

Cuts likely in ■ SCHOOLS non-teaching staff By David Boyce of $500,000. Almanac Staff Writer To bridge that gap and cover additional costs for routine staff s has happened in the pre- pay increases and health care vious nine school years, premiums for retirees, the dis- Athe Sequoia Union High trict will likely cut $1.5 million School District is likely to see a in spending on non-teaching seven-figure increase in its prop- staff, said Mr. LaVigne. erty tax revenues for 2006-07. All “There are no new monies of this new money will be spent remaining,” said Mr. LaVigne. on district students, but most of “(And) the mantra of every edu- those students are likely to be cator is to keep the effects away attending two charter schools in from the classroom when times Redwood City. are tough.” The Sequoia district — which The influx of charter school includes Woodside and Menlo- students is behind the new Atherton high schools — has expense. Enrollment at High an $85 million budget for Tech High Bayshore is expected Norbert von der Groeben/Palo Alto Weekly 2006-07 and is expecting an to rise to 250 from 151 this year, upward bump of $3.4 million boosting the district’s annual Reason to celebrate in revenues due to an expected outlay for the school to about Dr. Marc Pelletier chats with Jen Judas of Menlo Park as she holds her daughter Sarah Judas during a 5.75 percent increase in assessed $1.6 million from $939,000 in May 17 reunion party at Stanford Hospital for heart and lung transplant patients and their families. Jen’s property values, said assistant 2005-06, said Mr. LaVigne. husband, Andreas Judas, received a new heart five years ago, and Dr. Pelletier performed the operation. superintendent Ed LaVigne. Adding 375 students in four But Sequoia’s legal obliga- grades from Summit Preparato- tion to pay operating expenses ry High School will add another district in Tuolumne County.) for the Sequoia district would be worry about given its popularity of $6,200 per student for local $2.3 million to the district’s While the governor recently earmarked for purposes such as and its respectable score for the charter schools may reach a total expense column for the first proposed adding $2.3 billion to school maintenance. The district 2005 statewide academic perfor- of $3.9 million, a gap between time. (Summit’s first charter the state budget for K-12 education relies on property tax revenues for mance tests. new income and new expenses was with a state-funded school in 2006-07, any additional money discretionary spending. Ms. Tavenner said she prefers a charter with Sequoia, though Summit Prep’s welcome she would not elaborate on the Summit Prep is three years old difference between a charter this year and enrolls 86 students from the district and one from from the Almanac’s circulation the county. The Sequoia district The Big Picture and Design Principles area. The first class of seniors must pay Summit’s per-student will graduate in June 2007. operating expenses for students Summit has petitioned for a who live in the district. for Pre-planning Your Home charter from either the Sequoia Ms. Tavenner noted that the district or the San Mateo Coun- state paid Summit’s expenses for ty Board of Education, said three years, an arrangement that "It was terrific, excellent source of information." -Workshop Attendee Summit’s executive director removed these students from Diane Tavenner. The Sequoia Sequoia’s rolls and increased the Wednesday, June 7, 6:30 pm-8:30 pm board is likely to vote on a char- funding available per student in ter at its Wednesday, May 31, the district. 1954 Old Middlefield Way, Mountain View, CA 94043 meeting. Sequoia officials have coun- State law requires that a dis- tered that Sequoia’s economies ispel the myths of remodeling and learn the facts and how-to’s of the process in trict justify denying a charter. of scale are such that, while the an interactive workshop designed specifically for homeowners. The state Legislative Analyst’s district must pay for each stu- Office notes that most denials dent who goes to a charter DWhether you are undecided about remodeling or ready to go, the class will cover the details, cite “an unsound educational school — $6,200 for 2006-07 decisions, and questions homeowners have—including how to live through a remodel. program” or concern that a — the savings of not having to school is “demonstrably unlike- educate that student are less Topics will include: ly to succeed.” than what the district pays to • Increasing curb appeal • Defining your scope of work • Effective space planning and defining Summit should have little to charter schools. A spaces without walls • Reflecting your personal needs and style • Functional organization • Selecting finishes and materials •Maximizing energy efficiency and more! School musicians win jazz fest awards Harrell Remodeling, one of the San Francisco Peninsula's premier Three students from Wood- Big bands from both Wood- remodeling contractors, will lead this workshop and take you step side High School came away side and Menlo-Atherton high by step through the design and construction process so you can go with awards at the recent Reno schools performed. A schools’ Jazz Festival, attended this year band and/or jazz combo per- through your major remodel confidently and intelligently. Your home by musicians from some 330 forms for about 30 minutes, is an important part of your life—make it reflect who you are by middle schools, high schools then receives feedback in a clinic giving it your very best! and community and four-year following the performance. colleges. Along with the competition, ® At Harrell Remodeling, we never forget it’s your home. Awards for musicianship at the the festival included concerts For more information or to pre-register for the workshop, Harrell Remodeling April 28-29 festival were given to and clinics on playing indi- Design + Build Woodside drummer Ben Bre- vidual instruments. The festival call Carol Langley at (650) 230-2900. No credit cards accepted. www.harrell-remodeling.com sler, trombonist Ray Torres and is sponsored by the University of Class fee is $20.00 if pre-registered, or $25.00 at the door. License: B479799 pianist Bennett Roth-Newell, Nevada at Reno and is one of the said Woodside band spokesman nation’s oldest and largest music Bill Newell. education festivals.

10 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006

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May 24, 2006 N The Almanac N11 NEWS Atherton rethinks solar energy fees By Andrea Gemmet eliminating the solar permit fee Almanac Staff Writer altogether, but failed to get a majority of council members’ t’s going to be cheaper to go support. green in Atherton. The permit Councilwoman Kathy McKei- Ifees for installing solar energy- then argued that since it costs the producing photovoltaic systems town several hours of staff time to will drop to $250, thanks to a May process the permits and inspect 17 decision by the City Council. the photovoltaic systems, it would Kurt Newick of the Sierra Club’s be unfair to eliminate the fee. Loma Prieta chapter asked the “The cost should not be borne council to consider lowering or by other people,” she said. “The waiving its fees, saying that a fee should be minimal, and in recent study by the organization direct relation to the actual cost showed that Atherton had the to the town.” eighth highest permit fees out of The decision to set a flat fee of 40 jurisdictions surveyed. $250 passed on a 5-0 vote. “Solar fees are way out of whack,” Mr. Newick said, add- Other towns ing that a $200-$300 fee should While several municipalities, cover the actual cost of reviewing including Los Altos Hills, offer plans and inspecting photovol- free solar power permits, Por- taic systems. tola Valley has the lowest permit Atherton bases its fees on the fee — $50 — on a Sierra Club value of the project, said Building cost-comparison list. Official Mike Hood. For $27,000 However, Woodside’s fee is photovoltaic system, Atherton was actually lower, said Town Man- charging $970 in fees, he said. ager Susan George. It’s only $30, In the past year, there were only and it has been since 1995, she two applications for grid-tied told the Town Council at its May solar energy systems in Atherton, 9 meeting. Mr. Hood said. Up until recently, The Woodside fee on the most solar permits were for sys- Sierra Club list — $700 — is tems designed to heat swimming actually the town’s roofing per- pools, he said. mit fee, she said. Mayor Charles Marsala and The Sierra Club study is at Councilman Jim Janz advocated http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org. A Grade separations at Willow, Marsh roads? As regional transportation ■ MENLO WATCH bodies plan a public transportation project that will connect Menlo Park with the East Bay, portation authorities in San at least one Menlo Park council Mateo, Santa Clara and Alameda member has a major concern. counties and a measure passed by Councilwoman Mickie Win- Bay Area voters in 2004. Trains kler says the Dumbarton Rail, the are expected to serve about 4,800 commuter train being planned passengers a day. to connect Menlo Park and Red- wood City with Union City via Stanford hotel the Dumbarton railroad bridge, will likely jam traffic when it Stanford’s proposal to build crosses Willow and Marsh roads. a hotel-office complex on Sand Ms. Winkler says regional Hill Road near Interstate 280 transportation bodies planning is scheduled to go before the the project, such as the Cities Menlo Park City Council June and Counties Association of 20. Governments (CCAG), should The project includes 100,000 consider funding grade separa- square feet of office space, a 120- tions — projects that would sep- room hotel, a restaurant and a arate the tracks from roadways spa/fitness center. — where the tracks intersect The hotel would generate Marsh and Willow roads. $1.3 million for the city when it Ms. Winkler drafted a let- opens in 2008 and $1.9 million ter to CCAG, requesting grade by 2011, according to a recent separations are funded and financial study. implemented before trains are The Planning Commission is operational in 2010, and will ask scheduled to consider the pro- the council to sign off on it at a posal May 22, after the Alma- future meeting. nac’s deadline. Check Almanac- The project is funded by trans- News.com for a news update.

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May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 13 NEWS OF LOCAL PEOPLE AND EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY ‘Otter Run’ takes off June 4 from Oak Knoll School

About 1,200 runners, joggers See picture on Page 3. loop) event. No bikes, skaters or fees go up $5 for each category. Custom Homes, Cody/Brock and walkers are expected to hit dogs are permitted. Registration fee also includes General Contractors, Trident the pavement on Sunday, June All participants, age 12 and an Otter Run T-shirt. A smor- Capital, Pacific Peninsula Cus- 5, when the 12th annual “Otter community event for all ages under, will receive ribbons. gasbord of post-race treats will tom Group, 24 Lost Soles, Dia- Run” takes off from Oak Knoll and continues as a benefit for Medals will be awarded to win- be waiting at the finish line. mondhead Ventures, Ferguson School, 1895 Oak Knoll Lane in Oak Knoll School. ners in age categories. Sponsors include: Laurel Family, Coldwell Banker, II Menlo Park. Funds from the run this Participants may pick up reg- Homes, CIBC World Markets, Mechanical, PEI , Saunders- Getting a head start on con- year and next will go toward istration forms at the Oak Knoll Trammell Crow Co., Sutter Hill Ruiz Family and Vais Fam- ditioning for the race are the building a jogging path at the School office or by going online Ventures, Whitman Capital, ily. Twenty more families have 140 members — students from K-5 school, said event co-chairs to www.active.com. Early regis- Redpoint Venture, The Carlyle signed on as supporters and 13 first through fifth grades, teach- Dana Hayse, Katie Ferguson and tration deadline is Friday, May Group, Electromatic Inc., Regis local businesses are contribut- ers and moms — of the new Sydney Wachhorst. 26, and the fees are $20 for adults Management Co., Atria Genetic, ing in-kind donations. Oak Knoll Otters Track Club. Warm-ups begin at 8 a.m. Sun- and $10 for students, age 18 and Menlo Park POA, Gene Lentz/ For information, call the race They’ve been working out since day at the school. The run starts under. After the early deadline, Coldwell Banker, David Crouch hotline at 322-6263. April 18 every Tuesday and Fri- at 8:30 a.m. along a 1.5-mile loop day after school. through the residential streets in Organized by a small group of the Oak Knoll neighborhood. Triple challenge to runners under 18 Oak Knoll parents 12 years ago, For the more serious runners the run has become a popular and walkers, there’s a 5K (double The 24 Lost Soles, a Menlo Atherton High School. ners High shop. Park running club of moms and ■ Otter Run on Sunday, June After completing all three dads, and the Runners High 4, the 1.5 mile or 5K courses races, runners must bring their Do you experience unpleasant pulling, painful, sports shoe shop in Menlo Park from Oak Knoll School in three race bibs into the Runners creeping, crawling, or tingling sensations in are sponsoring the Triple Feat Menlo Park. High, 859 Santa Cruz Ave. in — a challenging to boys and ■ Olivia’s Miles, a 5K certi- Menlo Park to win an award. your legs that are worse at rest or at bedtime girls under 18 to get on their fied run/walk on Saturday, June They will receive a full-size and interfere with your ability to fall asleep? feet, put on running shoes and 10, from Menlo Park’s Fremont beach towel imprinted with race If so, you may have Restless Legs Syndrome, or RLS. finish three upcoming races. Park that benefit’s research for logos and selected goodies to Anyone can win an award, say Krabbe Disease and other leu- help in future races. You may be eligible to participate in a clinical research trial being the organizers, if they register kodystrophies. For more information and conducted at the Stanford University Center for Human Sleep and complete the three runs: Runners may register online answers to questions, call Jeff ■ The 5K Big Bear Run on at www.active.com or pick up Child at 325-1989 or Tom Hayse Research which is studying an investigational medication to treat RLS. Sunday, May 21, at Menlo- forms at the schools or the Run- at 233-6263. Six clinic visits are required for this study. There are no costs to you, and you will receive payment for your participation in this study. You must be at least 18 years of age, not pregnant and not nursing, Say so long to Mary Ann Somerville a 40-year career in education. and in good health. The event, hosted by the La Parents, teachers, staff and a get-together to say goodbye Entrada PTA, is scheduled for If you are interested in this study, please call community members from to Superintendent Mary Ann 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 650-725-8527 ext. 1 the Las Lomitas Elementary Somerville, who is retiring after in the La Entrada Middle School School District are invited to 10 years leading the district and library. The annual “apprecia- tion tea” for staff and volunteers will follow. La Entrada Middle School is located at 2200 Sharon Road News Reporter in west Menlo Park. For more information, write to PTA co-president Angela Sherry at [email protected]. Th e Voice, an award-winning community newspaper, seeks a fulltime reporter to tackle local education The Bowman program builds and other community issues, break stories and work confidence, creativity and under deadline. Candidates must be self-motivated Correction academic excellence. and eager to learn, working with experienced editors An Almanac story in the May 17 issue, “Political LowerSchool-GradesK-5 in a creative environment. Experience preferred. pandemonium in Menlo Park,” was incorrect in Middle School - Grades 6 - 8 Please e-mail a cover letter, resume and two or reporting that Menlo Park resident Hank Lawrence Individualized, self-directed program three writing samples to Don Frances at spoke against Council- [email protected] or fax to 964-0294. Th e woman Kelly Fergusson’s Rich international and cultural studies mailing address is 655 West Evelyn Ave., Suite 3 home-remodel project at the council’s May 9 meet- Proven, Montessori approach Mountain View, CA 94041 ing. Mr. Lawrence did not speak against the project; State-of-the-art facility he donated time to resident Sam Sinnott, who spoke Low student-teacher ratio against the project.

www.bowmanschool.org 4000 Terman Drive Palo Alto, CA Tel: 650-813-9131

14 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 Supporting the 2006 Gala Coldwell Banker Woodside & Portola Valley Ofﬁ ces Agents Supporting the Portola Valley School Foundation Heritage Oak Level

DEAN ASBORNO SCOTT DANCER CELESTE HENZEL HEIDI JOHNSON & ED KAHL BERDINE JERNIGAN

GINNY KAVANAUGH MARK LARSEN STEVEN LESSARD SARAH RIVERS ELLEN VERNAZZA & JOE KAVANAUGH PRINCETON CAPITAL Valley Oak Level

JOHN BARTLETT ENAYAT BOROUMAND JEAN ISAACSON MARGOT LOCKWOOD HELEN MILLER

LANA REBERT MOLLY WESTRATE ED RANG

May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 15 COMMUNITY

dent will receive $500. Staffs of Locals win Toastmaster communication awards the respective schools made the awards. Margaret Winterburn of Men- ■ PEOPLE strating gifts as a storyteller, said Visitors and new members are lo Park was recently named Aldora Lee, a club vice president. invited. For information, go to Danielle lives in Redwood “Toastmaster of the Year” by the Ms. Winterburn’s talks included www.sriorganon.com, or call City and will attend UC Berke- SRI Organon Toastmasters club Ms. Fergusson was recognized memories of growing up in Eng- Douglas Bell at 859-3126. ley in the fall. Kelly, who lives at its 26th anniversary luncheon for her efforts to organize com- land during World War II and in Menlo Park, will attend UC at SRI International in Menlo munity support for the reopen- coming to America as a young Students win Santa Barbara. Park. ing of Kepler’s bookstore. nurse. Menlo Art League, which is Two others were honored: ■ Hal Huntley of Los Gatos Toastmasters is an interna- art awards affiliated with the city of Menlo ■ Menlo Park Councilwoman received, for the second time, tional organization that helps Graduating seniors Dani- Park Community Services Divi- Kelly Ferguson received the the Karl Lind award for excep- people develop public speaking elle Morin of Woodside High sion, has given awards to out- Communication & Achievement tional service to the club. He and leadership skills. The club School and Kelly Morton of standing seniors in the arts at Award, given to a local leader previously won it in 1990. meets Tuesdays at SRI, from Menlo-Atherton High School the two schools since 1997. For who is not a Toastmaster and Ms. Winterburn was recog- 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the have won Menlo Art League more information about Menlo who has used communication nized for winning five “best Building G conference room on scholarships for outstanding Art League, call Beverly Balanis, skills to serve the community. speaker” awards and for demon- Laurel St. in Menlo Park. students in the arts. Each stu- 323-9935.

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16 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 NEWS Three Menlo Park youths reach Eagle Scout rank Three Menlo Park Boy Scouts has been on the Freshman Transi- with Troop 222 have attained tion Team for two years. the rank of Eagle Scout. On May The son of Joanne and Roger 20, the troop, sponsored by the Merrill, he has been selected to Menlo Park Presbyterian Church, attend the highly competitive will hold an Eagle Scout Court of Naval Academy seminar this sum- Honor for David Gleason Merrill, mer. He plans to apply to the U.S. Thomas Duncan Kozlowski and Naval Academy next year. Andrew Ross Holmgren. For his service project, he led a The three began scouting with team of scouts and adults to repair, Cub Pack 222 in Menlo Park and clean and upgrade picnic benches joined the scout troop in 2000. and grills in Flood Park on Bay To receive the Eagle Scout rank, Road in Menlo Park. scouts must earn at least 21 merit badges; serve six months in a posi- Tom Kozlowski New Eagle Scouts, from left, Tom Kozlowski, David Merrill and Andrew Holmgren. tion of troop responsibility; and Tom, also a junior at M-A, has organize a service project helpful been on the honor roll throughout engineering or mathematics in Andrew Holmgren in Menlo Park. The project, com- to the community, a school, or a high school. He participated in college. A junior at M-A, Andrew played pleted in February, involved more religious institution. the junior varsity football team His service project involved midfield on the JV lacrosse team than 200 hours of community and the varsity badminton team. building a riparian corridor at in his sophomore and junior years. service. David Merrill He is a member of the National the Hidden Villa farm and nature He is a member of the high school He is the son of Pamela Von David, a junior at Menlo-Ather- Honor Society and the California preserve in Los Altos Hills. The Republican Club and has partici- Wiegand and Robert Holmgren. ton High School, is captain of the Scholarship Federation. project, designed to allow deer and pated in youth ministries with the ■ varsity lacrosse team. Last year, As a sophomore, Tom was other wildlife to cross the increas- Menlo Park Presbyterian Church. INFORMATION he was chosen for the Nor-Cal selected M-A’s outstanding chem- ingly active preserve, involved He is considering studying civil Troop 222 has 42 active scouts All-Star lacrosse team that rep- istry student for an annual Rotary 365 service hours by Troop 222 engineering in college. and meets Tuesdays at the Menlo resented California in a national Club award. He is a member of the members. His service project involved Park Presbyterian Church. For tournament in Vail, Colorado. M-A Finance Club and the M-A The son of Lanette and John leading a team of scouts and adults more information, go to bsa- On the honor roll throughout Quiz Bowl Team, which partici- Kozlowski, he has a brother, in repairing and remediation of troop222.com or call troop chair- high school, David is a member of pates in matches hosted by a local Daniel, who is a Star Scout in the drainage systems for seven man Marty Estkowski at 327-3518. the school’s Leadership Team and TV station. He plans to pursue Troop 222. drinking fountains in Flood Park

oil wells; about 100 years ago, Los Association made a $5,000 contri- ■ Catie’s efforts bring clean AROUND TOWN Gatos even had an “oil boom.” bution to the Boys and Girls Club Dr. Stanley will explain historical of the Peninsula, the association Oil under Silicon Valley? records and modern studies that announced May 16. water to Sudanese village “What Lies Beneath?” will be show sedimentary basins and oil The association made its contri- the topic of geologist Richard G. hidden under today’s computers, bution at an event hosted by the Catie Hag- athlete who has maintained a Stanley’s public lecture at the U.S. chips, and subdivisions. Boys and Girls Club May 13. man of Menlo cumulative unweighted grade- Geological Survey on Thursday, For information call 329-5000. “The Boys and Girls Club does Park took on point average of 3.5 or better May 25, at 7 p.m. in Building 3 at so much for this community,” said as a personal through seven semesters of high 345 Middlefield Road, in Menlo Police give to William Dixon, president of the project raising school. Catie is on the cross Park. Boys & Girls Club association. “We just wanted to funds to build a country team at Notre Dame. When Silicon Valley was be a part of it and help them out well in Lughi, a orchards, there were already a few The Menlo Park Police Officers in some way.” Catie Hagman large village in Kadugli County ■ BIRTHS in Sudan that’s in desperate need of clean water. A senior at Notre Dame High Menlo Park School in Belmont and the Look What’s ■ daughter of Libby and Roger Stacy and Michael Dekshenieks, Hagman of Menlo Park, she a daughter, April 27, at Sequoia Hospital. On Sale. reached her goal of raising $7,000 with the support of family and friends. That’s enough to build a well for 500 people. ÕÀ}ÊÌ iÊÌ ÊvÊ >ÞÊÌ>iÊ A talk two years ago at Notre www.almanacnews.com >`Û>Ì>}iÊvÊÌ iÊL}}iÃÌÊÃ>Û}ÃÊvÊÌ iÊ Dame High by Bishop Macram your online Ãi>ÃÊÊ>À>ÃÌ>°Ê7iÊvviÀÊÌ iÊwiÃÌÊ Gassis from southern Sudan source for local “profoundly affected me and >ÀÀ>ÞÊvÊyÀÊVÛiÀ}ÃÊ>`ÊÜ`ÜÊ motivated me,” she said. news about ÌÀi>ÌiÌÃÊ>ÞÜ iÀiÊÊÌ iÊ*iÃÕ>°Ê Catie was recently honored MENLO PARK, *ÕÃÊVÕÃÌÊ`À>«iÀiÃÊ>`ÊÌ iÊiÝVÕÃÛiÊ by the California Interscholas- ATHERTON, ÕÃÌÀ>Ê iVÌÊvÀÊÕÀÊiÜÊÕÌiÀÊ tic Federation and the Central PORTOLA VALLEY, Coast Section for being a varsity Õ}>ÃÊ7`ÜÊ>Ã ÃÊ>iÀÞ°Ê WOODSIDE iÊÃiiÊvÀÊÞÕÀÃiv]Ê>`ÊiÌÊÕÃÊ}Õ`iÊ ÞÕÊÌ ÀÕ} ÊÌ iÊ`iÌ>Ã° We represent over 20 local and internationally acclaimed artists. The featured art is abstract, contemporary post modernism, classical impressionism -ViÊ£xx and realism. ÎÈäÊ>L>Ê7>Þ] Open Mon-Sun year around 300 Main St, Half Moon Bay 650-726-8932 www.gallerialuna.com ÕÃÌÊvvÊÜÞÊ£ä£ÊÊ*>ÊÌ /i\ÊÈxä{Î£Çää Beautiful Art for Beautiful Living °À°Êx\Îä]Ê->Ì°Ê£ä{ May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 17 COMMUNITY

then on the “Available Other annual parcel tax, passed by vot- Humane Society hosts talk on exotic pets Animals” link. ers in November 2001, is used to maintain small class sizes and to Creating a comfortable habitat The talk will be held in the ■ NOTEBOOK Seniors can apply support instructional and tech- for a pet reptile or amphibian Humane Society’s auditorium nology programs in the district’s may not be the most intuitive and is part of the Creature Fea- for tax exemption two schools. of arts. The animals need hous- ian Dr. Chris Sanders of the ture series. The suggested dona- It’s parcel-tax-exemption To avoid paying the tax for the ing that fits their needs, healthy Wildwood Veterinary Clinic in tion is $5 at the door. For more reminder time again for old- 2006-07 school year, qualifying diets and pet owners need to Portola Valley. information call 340-7022, ext. er homeowners who live on residents who are 65 or older as know how to safely handle Dr. Sanders will present 369. their own property in the Las of July 1, 2006, can apply for the them, detect illness and obtain “Exotic Reptile & Amphibian The Humane Society regularly Lomitas Elementary School exemption by calling 854-6311 medical care. Care” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on finds homes for exotic pets that District. The district covers on or before Thursday, June People who either have or Tuesday, May 23, at the Penin- people discard. Adoption fees west Menlo Park, and parts of 1, or visiting the office at 1011 are thinking about having pets sula Humane Society & SPCA vary. For a list, go to peninsu- Atherton and unincorporated Altschul Ave. in Menlo Park. like these may want to attend at 12 Airport Boulevard in lahumanesociety.org, click on San Mateo County. an upcoming talk by veterinar- San Mateo. the “Adopt an Animal” link, The school district’s $196 M-A teacher wins $1,000 for school Mike Molieri, a teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School, was chosen as a local winner in Wal-Mart’s annual Teacher of the Year program. Parents of students being taught by Mr. Molieri chose him for the award because of his “excellent teaching skills and his belief in his students’ ability to succeed,” said Susan Berghouse, spokeswoman for the Sequoia Union High School District. The award includes a $1,000 gift from Wal-Mart to the school and entry into the company’s national Teacher of the Year competition.

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Early CCS exits for M-A baseball, Menlo softball Boy helps team win national title Max Krieg of Woodside, an in-house team at Ice Oasis By Keith Peters singles while striking out nine. only 11, helped ice the National Ice Skating Rink in Redwood Palo Alto Weekly Menlo-Atherton had battled its AA Ice Hockey Championship City and moved up to a travel way into the playoffs by winning for his team, when the Santa team. He is a fifth-grader at St. wo solid and successful 10 of its last 16 contests and by Clara Blackhawks AA PeeWees Joseph’s School in Atherton. seasons came to an end capturing nine one-run games. played in the national cham- Playing for the Blackhawks Ton May 17 in the opening Fifth-seeded Valley Christian, pionships last month in Fort takes serious training and round of Central Coast Section which improved its overall record Wayne, Indiana. commitment. The team prac- postseason play. to 24-8-1, seems to have M-A’s The Blackhawks earned a tices three time a week for In the CCS Division I baseball number in the regional playoffs. In spot to complete in the state three hours each night, includ- playoffs, Menlo-Atherton closed 2003, the last time the Bears quali- regionals in Las Vegas, and then ing one hour of dryland work. its season with a 14-11 record fol- fied for the section tournament, moved on to the nationals. Some would think that the lowing a 5-0 loss to host Valley they were defeated 4-3 by Valley The team once again proved grueling practice schedule, Christian. Christian. that California kids do play travel and expense would burn In the CCS Division III softball The Bears could not solve the hockey when the Blackhawks the kids out. Not so, says Max’s playoffs, Menlo School wrapped hard-throwing Miller, who con- dominated the hometown mom. The group is close, the up a 16-6 campaign following its tinuously fired first-pitch strikes favorites, the Indianapolis Max Krieg of Woodside, who plays families have a great time 10-0 loss to Carmel at the Salinas and kept M-A batters off-balance. Racers, and took the national for the Santa Clara Blackhawks together, and the traveling is Sports Complex. Menlo-Atheton could only muster championship with a 4-0 win. PeeWee AA Tier Team, gets a so much fun that it parlays into Both losses brought an end to a singles by D.J. Johnston (fourth Max, the son of Tish and breakaway during the National the kids enjoying themselves number of careers. inning), Doug Rose (sixth), and Franz Krieg, started playing AA Hockey Championships in Fort and playing without pressure, For No. 12-seeded Menlo-Ather- Tyler Finley (seventh) against hockey when he was 6 with Wayne, Indiana. said Tish King. ton, the loss marked the conclu- Miller. When Finley stole second sion of head coach Joe Fontana’s after legging out an infield hit, he era. After six years with the Bears, was the only M-A player to get into long fly ball to the left-centerfield Menlo softball It also didn’t help that Menlo Fontana is moving his family to Ft. scoring position in the game. fence that appeared to be a home In the CCS softball playoffs, failed to get a hit. Collins, Colo., where he’s taking a Bears’ starter Corey Zirbes did run, but Warriors’ outfielder Tony Menlo senior pitcher Ali Lycette Menlo coach Ladd Yager, who teaching job and will be closer to well to hold the heavy-hitting War- Hall reached up over the top of the saw her prep career come to an end guided his team into the post- other family members. Fontana riors to only four earned runs. The fence and hauled it in. in the loss to No. 6 Carmel (20-5). season for the first time follow- lived in Colorado for 20 years Bears made four errors, but only Along with Brewer, other M-A The Knights fell victim to an ing a six-year absence, said his before coming to M-A. one figured in any scoring. seniors playing their final game attack of nerves as they commit- team was just too tight. Valley Christian ace right hander Senior first baseman Skylar included Rose, Finley, Zirbes, Jon ted eight errors in six innings Lycette did what she could, Kevin Miller closed Fontana’s Brewer, in his last at-bat for the Abramson and Andrew Preimes- after averaging fewer than two striking out six and not allowing career after allowing just three Bears in the seventh, smashed a berger. errors per game this season. a walk.

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May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 19 COMMUNITY

Peninsula Ball committee Balsa wood team heads for finals welcomes debutantes By David Boyce Almanac Staff Writer barbell pipe Thirty-seven debutantes were weights introduced at the Peninsula Ball here’s nothing like a real- teaheldrecentlyatthehome world experiment with a plywood of Lynne Olson in Atherton. Thalf-ounce of balsa wood sheet The young women invited their and 420 pounds of weight to mothers, grandmothers and spe- make the principles of mechani- cial guests to the tea, where they cal engineering come alive. greeted committee members and “There were many cracks wood otherguestsinaformalreceiving before it actually collapsed,” said column line. Atherton resident and eighth- The Peninsula Ball is a 46-year grader Sarah Winters of the tradition of support for Fam- Photos by Chris Moser balsa-wood structure she helped ilyandChildrenServices,anon- Deb Katie Bouret and her design. “There was so much force balsawood structure profit agency providing families mother, Lori Bouret of Atherton, being put on the structure,” she Drawing by Gail Thoreson with counseling, education and attended the March tea held at the said.“Youcouldseethepieces In this test of the load-bearing principles, when the weight becomes too prevention programs. The Penin- home of Lynne Olson. flying.Itjustexploded.” much to bear, the balsa-wood structure supporting the plywood sheet sulaBallhasraisedmorethan$3 The experiment, by the team collapses and plywood sheet comes to rest on the wooden columns. million for the agency. The debs called “Linoleum Blownapart,” will be presented at the Peninsula took second place at the “Desti- thefinals,setforMay23-28at strengthen the panel where it is Ball in June. nation Imagination” state tour- theUniversityofTennesseeat weakest. SueDavisonandAnneEnglert nament held at Elk Grove on Knoxville. Barbell weights of about 45 areballco-chairmenwithDorothy April9.SarahandMenloPark Linoleum Blownapart’s device, pounds each were progressively Cartan as honorary chairman. resident Claire Uschersohn are all of balsa wood, included stacked at the reinforced center Thedebsbytownofresidence team members with Natalie an open-sided box measuring spot. The structure collapsed are: Morin, Blake Tacklind and Marc aboutafootpersideandtopped under 420 pounds of weight. Q Atherton: Galen Avery, Slakey of Palo Alto and Matthew byapanelaboutaninchthick. The team has been together Brooke Badger, Rachel Bolten, ColfordofLosAltosattheInter- Wedged under the center of since the second grade, Sarah Katie Bouret, Becca Carr, Rebec- national School of the Peninsula thetoppanelwasadelicate said.Thiswastheirthirdproject ca Child, Christie Clark, Mattie Carmen-Rosa Wishart, left, and in Palo Alto. half-ounce wooden structure of that tested weight-bearing char- Goldman, Jen Machlin, Layne Brooke Badger share a moment at Theteamisnowheadedto triangles and cross members to acteristics. A Marr, Tori Patton. this spring’s deb tea. QMenlo Park: Ryan McCann. or collecting phone and e-mail PresidentGeorgeW.Bushthat Q Portola Valley: Ashley hart. N NOTEBOOK Carlisle, Lauren Evans, Melissa QLos Gatos: Avantika Chitre recordsofAmericancitizenson Congress authorized electronic U.S. soil. surveillance of Americans on U.S. Mordell and Molly Troedson. and Caroline Hurley. Eshoo joins effort QWoodside: Lexi Boutacoff, Los Altos: Cait Lighthouse The Lawful Intelligence and soil when it authorized the use of Michelle Bradford, Jessie Foley, and Molly Magnuson. to require warrants Surveillance of Terrorists in an military force in Afghanistan on Melissa Irvine and Sarah King. QLos Altos Hills: Nisha Dixit. Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Atherton, Emergency by NSA (LISTEN) September 14, 2001. QPalo Alto: Brittany Brown, QSan Carlos: Ali Lycette. joined 12 of her Democratic col- Act would also “streamline” the “Through his domestic spying Kristie Flatley and Kathryn Redwood City: Shayne leaguesintheHouseofRepre- procedures to expedite emergency program, the President is offer- Molitor. McGanney, Molly Doran and sentatives in co-sponsoring a bill warrant applications, said Ms. ingtheAmericanpeopleafalse QHillsborough: Sarah Mont- Chelsea Ono Horn. that would require the National Eshoo.ThebillhasnoRepublican choice between their security gomery, Erica Swanson, Megan Lake Forest, Illinois: Lisa Security Agency to obtain court sponsors. and the protection of the law for Teixeira and Carmen-Rosa Wis- Ferch. warrants before listening in on The act refutes the assertion by all Americans,” said Ms. Eshoo. “I refuse to believe that we must be forced to sacrifice one for the other, and the LISTEN Act will give the intelligence community additional resources to protect the American people, while ensuring their personal freedoms are fully protected.”

Sun Micro’s workforce may grow in Menlo The number of employees in the Menlo Park offices of Santa Clara- based Sun Microsystems may soon grow with the company’s announcement of plans to sell its 10-building, 1.4-million-square- feetofficecomplexinNewark. About2,300employeesinNew- arkwillrelocatetothewestsideof the bay as part of the company’s strategy to return to profitabil- ity, said spokeswoman Stephanie Hess in a May 11 San Francisco Chronicle story. Thecomputerserverandsoft- ware maker has lost money for three consecutive years due to competition from lower-cost com- puterchipsandsoftware,thestory said.

20 N The Almanac NMay 24, 2006 SPORTS

Sacred Heart names water polo coach

Jon Burke is the new Sacred Heart Prep women’s water polo coach. He will also become the Sixth grade All Net team aquatic director at St. Joseph’s School on the Atherton campus. The sixth grade Redwood National Junior Basketball All Net For the past four years, Burke team recently returned from Los Angeles where it competed has served as assistant coach for for a second straight year for the NJB national championship. the UC Davis men’s and wom- The team, which won the fifth-grade national title last year, lost by one point, to the Fairfield All Net team. Redwood team en’s water polo programs. He members shown here are, kneeling in front, from left, Ricki has coached the Aggies to a 128- Hoffer, Miles Weiss and Jesse Perkins; and standing, from left, 97 overall record, one NCAA Christian Perkins, James Shaw, Zac Thomas, Richard Harris, championships appearance, one Cole McConnell, Coach King Christian and Sam Carver. Western Water Polo Association title, and one WWPA runner-up finish. The appointment was announced by Dr. Joseph Ciancaglini, director of Sacred Heart Schools.

PV council looks at reimbursement .FFU The Portola Valley Town Coun- cil may approve a program to reimburse members of the council and the town’s two commissions — planning and architectural & 4UFWF site control — for expenses on out-of-town business. The council is also set to vote on whether to use a general contractor for the new Town Center complex or, as recommended by town staff, have the town seek bids from separate contractors for each trade and hire a construction manager to coordinate the project. The meeting begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at the His- 4UFWF'JDLNBOBHFTPVS-PT"MUPTPċDF8JUIǺǻZFBSTPGTFSWJDF toric Schoolhouse at 765 Portola BU#PSFM1SJWBUF#BOL IFLOPXTCBOLJOH BOEIFLOPXTIJTDMJFOUT Road. "OBWJEDZDMJTU ZPVDBOPGUFOmOE4UFWFCJLJOHJOUIFGPPUIJMMT

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May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 21 FOR THE RECORD

■ OBITUARIES long hours as an embroiderer to At this time she also moved to she was a Brownie and Girl Scout dren. Her first husband, Joseph O. support her family and had to cut Menlo Park. leader and a nurse for Girl Scout Yount, and second husband, Col. Gisela Roizen short her formal education. Ms. Roizen enrolled in DeAnza camp. She was active in the local John E. Hendry, preceded her in During the war she met and Community College when she Order of Eastern Star, First Con- death. Native of Germany married Joseph Roizen. The young was past 60, receiving an associate gregational Church in Palo Alto, A private gathering was held for Gisela “Doris” Roizen, a Menlo couple moved to the San Fernando of arts degree. She retired in 1992. the PTA, a bridge group and folk family and friends. Memorials Park resident until last year, died Valley in 1950 and to Palo Alto in In October, 2005, she moved to dancing. may be made to Wailuku Union May 5 at Mountain Valley Care 1956. After the couple divorced in Idaho to be nearer her son, Ron. She is survived by her daughter, Church, 327 High St., Wailuku, HI and Rehabilitation in Kellogg, 1969, Ms. Roizen moved to Lake Ms. Roizen is survived by her Alice Y. Miller of Modesto; step- 96793; or Clan Sinclair Charitable Idaho. She was 86. Tahoe, returning to the Bay Area three children, Ron of Wallace, children Dr. John E. Hendry of Trust, c/o Mary Selver, 89 Sentry Ms. Roizen was born in Cologne, in 1971. Idaho, Peter of Los Gatos, and Fair Oaks and Jacqueline Smith Way, Merrimack, NH 03054, for Germany, in 1919. In 1930, she and She worked for the Union Heidi Roizen of Atherton; sis- of San Jose; and two grandchil- Sinclair Castle restoration. her mother joined her father in School District in San Jose then ter Susan Gill of Victoria, B.C.; Montreal, Canada. During World took a job at T/Maker Co., an brother Manfred Holl of Carmel ■ POLICE CALLS War II, while in Candada, her early personal software maker in Valley; and seven grandchildren. Hedge Road, May 11. This information is from the Atherton and ■ father was detained for many Mountain View, which was start- She was preceded in death by Menlo Park police departments and the Property stolen from two dormitory rooms, months because of his German ed and developed by her son and her ex-husband Joseph Roizen and San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. Under St. Patrick’s Seminary at 320 Middlefield nationality. Ms. Roizen worked daughter, Peter and Heidi Roizen. brother Fred Holl. the law, people charged with offenses are Road, May 15. considered innocent until convicted. ■ Shower head stolen from vacant home, 600 block of Woodland Avenue, May 16. ATHERTON Robbery report: Man robbed of wallet at gunpoint, Ringwood Avenue pedestrian Grand theft reports: Isabelle Yount Hendry overpass, May 16. A TASTE OF THE PENINSULA ■ Personal electronic device, camera, Grand theft reports: Former Menlo Park jeans, sunglasses and DVD stolen from ■ A cornucopia of restaurants and cafes providing dorm room, Menlo College at 1000 El CDs stolen from residence, 200 block of resident Camino Real, May 3. Terminal Avenue, May 6. the finest dining from brunch to dessert. ■ ■ Jewelry and watch stolen from bedroom, Laptop computer stolen, Opportuni- ties Industrialization Center West at 1200 Isabelle Yount Hendry, whose Bergesen Court, May 17. O’Brien Drive, May 12. Burglary reports: husband, the late Joseph O. (Jack) ■ Four mud-going tires and rims stolen, 200 Yount was a Menlo Park chief of ■ Construction tools stolen, 200 block of block of Waverley Street, May 13. Woodside Delicatessen police in the 1940s, died May 3 in Atherton Avenue, May 10. ■ Unattended purse stolen, Safeway Super- ■ Cottage apparently ransacked, first block 1453 Woodside Road Modesto. She was 97. market at 525 El Camino Real, May 15. of Stockbridge Avenue, May 11. ■ Bicycle stolen from carport, 400 block of Woodside. Open 7 Days. Ms. Henry was a native of Ravenswood Avenue, May 16. MENLO PARK (650) 369-4235 Specializing Maui, Hawaii, and had resided in ■ Bicycle stolen, 1000 block of Noel Drive, in Italian Delicacies. and Modesto for the past five years. Burglary reports: May 16. Party Trays. She lived in Menlo Park from 1943 ■ Copper pipe stolen and compressor Auto burglary reports: to 1967. She attended Pomona damaged, Bay Associates Electrical Wire ■ Ice skates and personal items stolen Products at 150 Jefferson Drive, May 8. after window smashed, first block of Willow College and graduated from Stan- ■ Police arrested Justin Wallace, 18, of Road, May 7. ford University with a degree in Menlo Park on burglary and stolen-property ■ Car stereo stolen, 300 block of El Camino nursing. charges related to DVD thefts, Menlo Park Real, May 12. While a resident of Menlo Park, Public Library at 800 Alma St., May 9. ■ Car stereo and CDs stolen, 600 block of Connoisseur Main St. Coffee ■ Residence ransacked, 200 block of Willow Road, May 17. Coffee Co. Roasting Co. 2801 Middlefield Road 150 Elm St., Redwood City Redwood City (650) 368-3430. M - F (650) 369-5250 6am-2pm, Sat. 7am-2pm 9am-5:30pm Fresh roasted coffee beans Mon. - Sat. – European style. Full Coffee roasting & fine teas, coffee bar. Now serving espresso bar, retail breakfast: M-F 6am-11am; & wholesale. Sat. 7am-1 pm Lunch: M-F 11am-2pm

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Continued from previous page Schools honor their stars Men robbed in parking lot Theft reports: ■ NOTES ■ Pressure washer stolen from truck, 800 People who have made out- A little after midnight on Sat- given by the victims about 25 block of Arnold Way, May 10. ■ Marie Shawana, 41, of East Palo Alto standing contributions to the siding juvenile court judge since urday, May 20, three men in their minutes later in an East Palo arrested on shoplifting charges, Draeger’s Menlo Park City School District’s 2000. late teens to early 20s reportedly Alto gas station and attempted Supermarket at 1010 University Drive, May four schools will be honored at a Valedictorian is Andrea Griffin, used a handgun to hold up a man to detain the occupants, police 18. “Pillars of the Community” cel- 29, a former eighth-grade dropout and a woman in a parking lot said. Child protective services reports: Two on May 12 and one on May 16. ebration on Thursday, June 1. who returned to school to earn in the Flood Triangle neighbor- The driver was arrested on Adult protective services report: 1300 The annual event will be held straight As and finish at the top hood of Menlo Park, said Sgt. Jim robbery charges, but the others block of Hollyburne Avenue, May 16. at Jennings Pavilion in Holbrook of her science classes. She plans Simpson of the Menlo Park Police got away on foot, said Sgt. Simp- Spousal abuse reports: Palmer Park in Atherton from 3 to study nursing in the Sequoia Department. son. Police would not release the ■ 1300 block of Modoc Avenue, May 10. to 5 p.m. Hospital/ San Francisco State No one was injured and the name of the driver. ■ 700 block of El Camino Real, May 13. ■ Hosting the reception are the University nursing program at robbers got away with $30 to $50, At the time of the robbery, the 1100 block of Berkeley Avenue, May 17. Menlo Park Parent Teacher Orga- Canada’s University Center. police said. suspects were all wearing dark Fraud reports: ■ Credit card fraud, Kaiser Family Founda- nization (PTO) Council and the A majority of Canada’s 250 Officer Kevin Paugh spotted clothing. Anyone with information at 2400 Sand Hill Road, May 9. Menlo Park-Atherton Education graduates are either the first in a car matching the description tion should call 330-6300. ■ Resident received counterfeit check, 400 Foundation. their families to earn a college block of Ivy Drive, May 10. More information about the degree or are re-entry students ■ Credit card fraud, 400 block of Laurel people being honored will be pub- who have returned to school after Avenue, May 12. Obituary policy ■ Identity theft, 1300 block of Bay Laurel lished in the May 31 issue of The raising children or starting their Drive, May 15. Almanac. careers. The Almanac publishes obituaries about people who lived in Atherton, Men- ■ Identity theft, 1300 block of Madera Founded in 1968, Canada lo Park, Portola Valley and Woodside, or played a prominent role in these Avenue, May 16. College has more than 6,000 communities. These are news stories and may not include all the informa- ■ Canada College tion a family wishes. Some families choose to write their own memorial Credit card fraud, 400 block of Laurel students. It was the first com- Avenue, May 17. commencement announcements, and purchase space to publish them in the Almanac. For ■ Forged signature on checks, 1300 block munity college in California information about that, e-mail Blanca Yoc in the Advertising Department at of Almanor Avenue, May 18. San Mateo County Superior to offer university courses and [email protected], or call 326-8210, ext. 239. Court Judge Marta S. Diaz will be programs onsite through its WOODSIDE guest speaker at Canada College’s University Center. Auto burglary report: Stereo faceplate stolen after window smashed, Canada Col- 38th annual commencement on lege at 4200 Farm Hill Boulevard, May 6. Friday, May 26, starting at 7 p.m. in the school’s main theater, 4200 PORTOLA VALLEY Farm Hill Blvd., Woodside. Ms. Vandalism report: Vehicle window smashed, 200 block of Shawnee Pass, Diaz has been the county’s pre- Coming September 13th! May 4.

WEST MENLO PARK 3576 Alameda de las Pulgas, May 9. Theft reports: ■ Pieces of car side molding stolen, 2000

DSIDE D WOO LEY AN LA VAL PORTO OUR ANNUAL N, block of Sterling Avenue, May 10. THERTO ■ K, A PAR Cell phone stolen from unlocked vehicle, MENLO FOR ANAC HE ALM DBY T UBLISHE UIDE P URCE G ■ L RESO A 2000 block of Camino A Los Cerros, May 9. Boxes stolen from carport, 3600 block of A LOC

■ Bicycle stolen, Dutch Goose restaurant at Alameda de las Pulgas, May 15.

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May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 23 VIEWPOINT Sequoia should approve charter By Diane Tavenner mit is one of the top 30 high schools in and support from parents and a mentor for no more than the state per-student n May 31, families in the Sequoia all of California, according to the 2005 who stays with the student for all four of allotment. This commitment is not a Union High School District will California Academic Performance Index his/her years at Summit. stretch for Summit, which has provided Olearn whether an outstanding (API). Scores for Summit pro- the same quality of education at increas- educational option will become part of the California ■ GUEST OPINION vides every sin- ingly lower cost per student for every year the district’s offerings. That’s the night Standards Exams gle student with of its existence. that the Sequoia school board votes and High School Diane Tavenner is the coursework Third, Summit has raised some $2.2 whether to grant a charter to Summit Exit Exam, which executive director of and programs to million over the previous three years. Preparatory Charter High School. comprise the API, Summit Preparatory prepare for col- The money has been used to create the Since the 2003-2004 school year, Sum- show that Summit High School. lege, rather than school, educate students, and otherwise mit has compiled a striking record of students are excel- “tracking” stu- fund ongoing operations. If the school academic success while demonstrating the ling scholastically. dents into dif- board grants the charter, the district will value of its unique educational philosophy. For example, 84 ferent level pro- get full benefit of this investment without Until now, it has done this with a charter percent of Sum- grams as most having had to pay for it. from the Summerville Union High School mit’s sophomores public schools do. Fourth, Summit’s excellent financial District in Tuolumne County. scored “proficient” There has been track record includes two “clean” finan- Now, Sequoia has the chance to embrace or “advanced” on the 10th grade World overwhelming public support for Sum- cial audits. this remarkable program as its own. History exam, compared to only 34 mit to receive the charter, as evidenced Fifth, even if for some reason Summit The signs are positive: Summit meets percent of total students in the state. For by the scores of people who attended a did create a negative financial impact on all the state criteria for school charters the 2004-005 school year, 92 percent of public hearing this month. the district — which again, it does not — academically, organizationally, and Summit 10th graders passed the Califor- But one or two attendees expressed — that impact would not be legitimate financially. Summit received its original nia High School Exit Exam on their first concerns that granting a charter to Sum- legal grounds for rejecting its charter charter in 2001, but a recently amended attempt. This is much better than the mit would drain resources from other application, as acknowledged by Sequoia state law requires Summit to apply for state average of 76 percent. public schools. These fears are based on Superintendent Pat Gemma. a new charter in the district where the Summit serves its diverse student misinformation about charter schools in In just a few more weeks, the Sequoia school is physically located. Because body well. Its API scores for its Hispanic general and Summit in particular. district should be able to boast of edu- Summit’s charter is now up for renewal students were among the top 15 in the First, the state already allots funds to cational opportunities that few districts and the school is located in downtown state. The excellent scores turned in by educate all the students in the district. So anywhere in the state can match. This is Redwood City, the Sequoia district must Summit students reflect benefits of the the district has already received money to not just a gain for Sequoia families and grant the new charter. school’s personalized learning approach. educate Summit’s students. students. The entire community will Here is an overview of what Summit Each student helps create his/her aca- Second, following the start-up period, benefit, for years to come, as Summit can add to the Sequoia district: Sum- demic plan and goals, with guidance Summit has committed to teach students graduates take their place in its daily life.

LETTERS tie-in at this point; We were led to believe, through Unfortunately, the quarter ported the project. continued from page 27 ■ Inclusion of a voter validation by the “Your City / Your Decision” million dollar indirect overhead The appellants and their sup- way of a possible bond measure; process, that the amount of this remains as an albatross. It has porters are, variously, ideological I was coming from the place of ■ Potential positive impact on subsidy was $444,000. Looks little to do with direct child care property rights advocates, sup- being somewhat negative about our home values by having a more pretty dispassionate, doesn’t it? and I doubt any child care pro- porters for the rescinded zoning a number of aspects of the Town attractive center of activity; Yet, despite how “objective” we gram of similar size elsewhere, Ordinance 926, campaign insid- Center plans, and now I can see ■ Potential positive impact on believe numbers are in general, be it public or private, carries ers for candidates defeated by Ms. that there is significant support our way of life in town by having a they are still crunched by human that much overhead (over 20 Fergusson, residential developers, for the project. more attractive center of activity. beings. In this case, human percent). After paying all the and political operatives for the Most residents believe that the Given how far down the path beings are crunching the bane of direct costs, parents should not council majority faction that project will become a vital and we are with this current plan, it all managerial cost accounting be expected to pay the city’s includes Mayor Nicholas Jellins. necessary addition to our com- is now very hard to criticize the numbers: indirect overhead. indirect administrative over- All phrases describe architect/ munity. I am personally more sat- final decisions that have now Indirect overhead matters in head as well. builder Sam Sinnott, who appears isfied with the significantly scaled been made in light of the myriad this debate because it represents If parents are asked to pay that at the heart of this operation. back plan that should provide of committee, Town Hall and over half of the subsidy, approxi- much overhead, then it is truly Ironically, these appellants more attractive, functional and Town Council meetings that mately $260,000 I’m told. the parents who are subsidizing have publicly called to restrict self-sustaining green buildings. have taken place over such a In an absolute sense, that the city. No other city program jurisdiction in the appeal pro- We are truly involved with great period of time. $260,000 represents a portion even comes close to paying its cess, citing as potential abuse a decision that will influence I am very interested in anyone’s of the overall “indirect” city own costs. Only gymnastics that an appeal could be raised by many generations to come. As open comments on this and have administrative costs (city man- and child care carry their direct someone who lives nowhere near a result of all these discussions, established a Web site: www.sd- ager salaries, and so forth) that costs (sense a theme there?). I’m the applicant. And yet, they all here are the key points that I can dd.com/pvtowncenter to estab- can’t be directly attributed to a Menlo Park landowner who live miles from Kelly Fergusson. see with the current plan: lish a place where, we, as citizens, any one program.The true lit- pays his share of taxes — taxes Mayor Jellins abstained, later ■ 12 percent reduction in the can share our opinions. mus test of how to determine that support the central city explaining his non-vote with plan- building footprint from its Stephen Dunne indirect overhead is whether the administration. Asking me as a ning legalese. For at least a decade, original proposed design; Canyon Drive, Portola Valley “incremental” assigned amount parent to pay twice for that cen- the Menlo Park City Council ■ 20 percent reduction in the of overhead goes away as a result tral administration is effectively hasn’t denied a variance, and impervious surfaces compared Child care parents of shutting down the program double taxation. Mr. Jellins, a real estate attorney to the current structures; it was assigned to. In the case Paul Roberts and property rights advocate, ■ Green building design and paying big for overhead of child care, will that $260,000 Menlo Park parent and resident never opposed or scrutinized lower maintenance costs; Editor: overhead go away if child care one. If he applied any standard ■ Buildings that are more Like many other Menlo Park was privatized? I don’t think so. Irony in Fergusson’s of review besides his usual laissez- congruent with the center’s budget issues, child care has now Now that we parents will pay faire stamp of approval, it would intended purpose; been polarized to the extent nei- higher fees and the cost of the remodel appeal constitute political abuse, “as- ■ More earthquake-safe fea- ther side really listens to the other. two childcare programs have Editor: applied” discrimination against a tures in the buildings to protect What’s been lost in this whole been lowered with one less Recently, known political political opponent, not principle. staff and visitors; debate is what brought up the supervisor and one less leased opponents of City Council Mem- To sin by silence when they ■ A more expansive, free flow- issue in the first place: money. modular building, the extent of ber Kelly Fergusson appealed a should protest make cowards of ing activity area that is not inter- Specifically, it’s the size of the the “subsidy” will go down to use permit and variance for Ms. men. Fortunately, the remodel was rupted with black top; “subsidy” that the city suppos- the point where the parents of Fergusson’s remodel granted by approved by most, including cou- ■ Future opportunity to restore edly pays over and above what both programs will effectively the Planning Commission. rageous property rights partisans the creek, although there is no parents who use the service pay. carry all of the direct costs. All immediate neighbors sup- on the Planning Commission and

24 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 VIEWPOINT

City Council, notably Lee Duboc, Henry Riggs, and Lou Deziel, who from Ladera neighbors, and cross many pri- upheld their standards granting Stanford’s trail offer a bad deal vate driveways at Stanford Weekend Acres. equal protection to the property Spending an astronomical $11.2 million rights of their common political n Tuesday, May 23, from 4-7 p.m., at on the Santa Clara side of Los Trancos/San to expand a three-mile long existing trail opponent Kelly Fergusson. Woodland School in Ladera, Super- Francisquito Creeks (the “C-1” Trail). in Portola Valley and San Mateo County is Paul Collacchi Ovisors Jerry Hill and Rich Gordon Last December, the Santa Clara County not only wasteful, but is inconsistent with Redwood City will solicit community reaction to Stanford’s Board of Supervisors (Liz Kniss dissenting) Alpine Road’s scenic corridor policies and proposed expansion of the existing capitulated to Stanford’s intense numerous county, state, and federal water- A successful Bike Day sidewalk/trail along Alpine Road. lobbying and punted the “C-1” Trail shed protection mandates. On behalf of Committee for out of Santa Clara County and onto Stanford has said that San Mateo and at Encinal School Green Foothills, I urge San Mateo the Alpine Road sidewalk-trail. This Portola Valley can modify the plans. But Editor: County and Portola Valley to facility is not on Stanford lands, is Stanford will not agree to any relocation Last week was bicycle week at decline Stanford’s “offer” of $11.2 already constructed, and there is no of the trail away from busy Alpine Road, Encinal School with two days of million to expand our perfectly funding proposed by Stanford for onto Stanford lands, or across the creek bike safety programs followed usable Alpine sidewalk/trail. An maintenance. into Santa Clara County. by the first bike-to-school day expanded sidewalk does not repay Instead of being a bona fide San Mateo County and Portola Valley on May 18. the debt Stanford owes to the com- mitigation, the proposed urban should reject Stanford’s attempt to fulfill Normally, approximately 60 munity from its expansive devel- GUEST sidewalk would cause significant its mitigation obligations with an unsafe, children go to school by bicycle. opment, and foisting new impacts OPINION new adverse environmental and environmentally harmful, and unneces- On bike-to-school day, 260 on our creeks and communities to community impacts. sary project. Redirecting the $11.2 million energetic kids rode to school solve Stanford’s problems cannot be allowed. Specifically, the so-called “improve- back to Santa Clara County will provide far by bike, which represents about As mitigation for the increased need for rec- ments” would intrude into sensitive creek greater public recreational benefits to Stan- two-thirds of the students at reational opportunities resulting from the five and riparian habitats, armor the creek ford and its neighboring communities. Encinal. The first 50 riders to million square feet of housing and academic banks with engineered walls in 10 loca- arrive that morning received a development allowed by its general use per- tions, require major cutting into the hillside Lennie Roberts is the legislative advocate Bike-to-School bag donated by mit, Stanford agreed to dedicate, construct, opposite Bishop Lane, remove trees that for the Committee for Green Foothills. She the city of Meno Park. and maintain a trail crossing Stanford lands screen Ladera Oaks tennis lights and noise lives in Ladera. School starts at 8 but things were already hopping at 7 a.m. when the first riders came a red-light runner. millions.” Chuck Harvey, CEO already fenced. However, critical ing more fencing is Caltrain’s through the gates to get their bike People who are doing this cre- of Caltrain, states that fencing areas would need more expensive solution to that problem. In any bags. This was a huge success ate a menace that needs to be would cost $100 per foot. He damage-resistant sections. case, $22 million seems like a and the students all felt a com- controlled. Bravo Menlo Park for also calls it “Gaza” fencing. Fence experts tell me that reasonable first estimate. That is munity spirit that was plain to considering installing the camer- Actually, if you call a com- there are several chain-link not “millions and millions and see on their faces! The only prob- as. It’s been a long time coming. mercial fence company (I called solutions that deter cutting. millions.” lems we had were not enough Diane Walter several, including the Chainlink People have been cutting fences Martin Engel bike racks and an over-staffed Mills Court, Menlo Park Fence Manufacturers Institute), to get through, so not build- Stone Pine Lane, Menlo Park carpool lane, which in my mind they will tell you that $30 per foot are good problems to have. Cost not out of line for will buy you a security-grade eight Keep on riding, Encinal, and foot high chain-link fence with let’s all work together to make the Caltrain fencing barbed wire on top, installed. bike routes to our schools safer. Editor: Were Caltrain to put such a Mary Fischer Clearly, Caltrain has turned a cold fence out for bid, they should A proud Encinal Mom shoulder to full corridor fencing. be able to get it for less. At $30 Caltrain’s spokesman Jonah per foot, the total cost would be Reader sees plenty of Weinberg has been quoted as $22,176,000. That’s both sides saying that fencing would cost of the full 70 miles of rail corri- red-light runners “millions and millions and dor. Now, a lot of the corridor is Editor: I don’t know what city Brian Schar is referring to in his May 17 letter when he claims “red light running isn’t a problem in Menlo Park,” but it sure isn’t the Menlo Park I live in. Just to check, I went down to an El Camino intersection near my house and watched red lights being run twice in the first five minutes. I have often seen two and sometimes three cars zoom CHAMPIONSHIPS through after my light is visibly green, so I know their light has May 18-29 been red for quite awhile. Taube Tennis Center Mr. Schar’s assertion that Menlo Park would be liable for accidents Stanford, California caused by the traffic camer- Hosted by Stanford University as (presumably because drivers For tickets call might actually stop at a red light) 800/STANFORD is hilarious. If someone rams another car from behind because the car in front stopped for a light, On May 18-21, fans can capture the thrills, then the car in back is driving too excitement, challenges and spirit of NCAA championships at this free, high-powered fast and too close. He would be interactive event located next to Taube liable, not the city. Tennis Center! I barely escaped being rammed by a red light runner one time For more information go to www.gostanford.com when I had two toddlers in the back seat. And state Senator Jackie Speier lost her husband to www.NCAAsports.com

May 24, 2006 ■ The Almanac ■ 25 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 40 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.

Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Almanac endorsements Editorial Managing Editor Richard Hine believe the best course for the district is to start over again at News Editor Renee Batti Yes on Measure U school bonds Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle Hillview, rather than try to piece together a solution that would Senior Staff Writers or the parents of the 2,134 students in the Menlo Park City not last long term. Besides, construction costs are skyrocket- Marion Softky, Marjorie Mader School District, approval of Measure U, the $91.1 million ing, and even though today’s rates are high, imagine what they Staff Writers Andrea Gemmet, bond issue on the June 6 ballot, is a no-brainer. David Boyce, Rory Brown F would be 10 years from now. Contributors Barbara Wood, They have good reason. Over the last 10 years and even before, The annual cost for residents of the district to pay off the Bryan Wiggin, Kate Daly, Hillview School in Menlo Park City has been one of the best Bill Rayburn, Miles McMullin, bonds will be substantial, but not exorbitant, considering Katie Blankenberg middle schools in the state, earning California Distinguished the huge run-up in real property values in the last 10 years. Special Sections Editors School status not once, not twice, but seven times. In addition, District officials estimate that the 35-year bond will cost $28 Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann the school won a national Blue Photographer Marjan Sadoughi per $100,000 of assessed valuation, with the owner of a home Ribbon Award, an incredibly Design & Production EDITORIAL assessed at the district’s median of $560,000, paying $157 per prestigious ranking. Design Director Raul Perez The opinion of The Almanac year. (Interest on the bonds could total $196 million over the Assistant Design Director Under Principal Mike Moore 35 years, bringing the total cost of the package to just over $287 Katie Cvitkovich for the past 20 years, Hillview Designers Linda Atilano million.) Gail Thoreson, Jessica Mumper, has grown in stature and so has the size of its student body. It is District homeowners already pay $511 in annual school parcel Holly Peters, Michael Villabos, that growth, that comes from expanded enrollment at Hillview’s Elise Eisenman, Sara Rosenberg taxes and an average of $118 a year ($21 per $100,000 of assessed three elementary schools — Encinal, Laurel and Oak Knoll valuation) on the 1995 bond issue. There is no exemption for Advertising — that has made it mandatory for the district’s school board to Advertising Manager Neal Fine seniors on school bonds although they Display Advertising Sales promote a bond issue now to accommo- can opt out of paying parcel taxes. Erin Sokol, Roxanne Bates date what is expected to be an increase of In part, the district’s enrollment bulge Real Estate Account 329 students district-wide in five years, Representative Donna Berryhill comes from the success of the schools, Real Estate Assistant and another 115 by 2015. Primary which are a magnet for the young hom- Monica Asborno That bulge is already showing up in eowners who are moving into Menlo Advertising Services kindergarten classes, which means more Park, and keep property values moving Coordinator M.J. Hayden portable classrooms will likely have to be Election Receptionist Renee Meil upward. In addition, there are several Circulation, Classified, added to the 40 already in use at the four housing projects near approval in Lin- & Legal Advertising campuses. District superintendent Ken Bill Rayburn field Oaks and several others proposed Ranella points out that the bond issue, along El Camino Real that are likely to Published every Wednesday at which is huge for an elementary school add even more students to the district’s 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, district, will pay for new classrooms to Menlo Park, CA 94025 enrollment. (650) 854-2626 house the students already using porta- When the Menlo Park City school FAX (650) 854-0677 bles now, plus the nearly 450 new students 2006 e-mail news (no photos please) to: board suddenly proposed this bond issue [email protected] expected by 2015. just a few months ago, we questioned the e-mail photos with captions to: We believe the numbers provided by strategy, especially the Hillview solution [email protected] Mr. Ranella and the school board speak e-mail letters to: to tear down the entire campus and build [email protected] for themselves. With the state’s class size reduction program in another on the site. But since then, we have toured the sites and The Almanac, established in September 1965, is place, grade K-3 classes must be 20 or fewer students to receive delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, seen for ourselves the rows of portable classrooms squeezed on Atherton, Portola Valley, Woodside and adjacent state funds. And Menlo Park parents are accustomed to seeing unincorporated areas of southern San Mateo the extremely cramped sites at Hillview, Oak Knoll and Laurel. County. The Almanac is qualified by decrees of their children in classes of approximately 24 students per class- the Superior Court of San Mateo There is simply not room to accommodate 100 more students, County to publish public notices of room in the higher grades. a governmental and legal nature. let alone 450 more. Decree No. 13500 continues the That means the district will need 20 new classrooms just to Menlo-Atherton Recorder (granted We urge Menlo Park voters to visit the schools and see for Oct. 24, 1927). Decree No. 147350, handle enrollment growth, plus 40 others to close out the porta- issued Nov. 9, 1969, covers The themselves, and then vote yes on Measure U. Almanac edition. Subscriptions bles. At Hillview alone, the school board estimates that another are available at $25 per year for delivery to ZIP codes 94025, 26, 16 classrooms will be needed. Rough plans for the other cam- 27, 28 and 94062. For other ZIP Nevin for State Senate codes, 1 year is $40, and 2 years $55. puses call for bringing more students to Encinal, which has the largest site, and lower or hold-the-line enrollment at Laurel and ormer county supervisor Mike Nevin is our choice in a close race for the 8th district state Senate seat being vacat- ■ Oak Knoll schools. WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? Without a doubt, the toughest issue for the district is the Hill- Fed by Jackie Speier, who is termed out and now is running All views must include a home address view site, which gained several new classrooms, a new multipur- for lieutenant governor. and contact phone number. Published Mr. Nevin, of Daly City, is up against Assemblyman Leland letters will also appear on the Almanac pose room and some upgrades from a $22 million district-wide web site: www.AlmanacNews.com bond issue passed in 1995. Hillview’s share, $8 million, includ- Yee of San Francisco and former Assemblyman Lou Papan of EMAIL your views to ing some state modernization funds, was used for a new multi- Millbrae. The district covers Portola Valley, Woodside, most of letters@AlmanacNews. use room, several new classrooms, various renovations, includ- northern San Mateo County and about half of San Francisco com. Indicate if it is a County. letter to be published. ing conversion of the old gym to a library. Under one plan on the table for Hillview, an entirely new set We like Mr. Nevin’s promises to work for education, universal FAX to Editor at health care and housing linked to transportation. He has won 854-0677. of two-story classroom buildings would be built on what is now the playing fields, while use of the present campus would con- many prominent endorsements, including the state’s top Demo- MAIL or deliver to: crats: senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, representa- Editor at the Almanac, tinue. When students move to the new campus, the old build- 3525 Alameda de las ings would be leveled and a new, four-acre playing field would tives Anna Eshoo and Tom Lantos, and state Sen. Jackie Speier Pulgas, Menlo Park, emerge, twice the size of the present field. and Assemblyman Ira Ruskin. CA 94025. Other options at Hillview would cost less, but leave much of We believe he will work hard for the district in Sacramento. CALL the Viewpoint desk at the student body housed in classrooms built in the late 1940s We urge Woodside and Portola Valley Democrats to vote for 854-2626, ext. 222. and early 1950s. It will be a tough choice, but in the end, we Mike Nevin in the 8th District Senate race.

26 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006 VIEWPOINT Pros and cons of Measure U school bond Huge jump in enrollment forced bond Neighbor outraged over Hillview proposal By Laura Rich recent announcement of a state bond on By Charles Bourne be demolished without replacement. the November ballot, there may be some The Hillview alternatives include s a member of the school board, I state money available for our district. We urge a NO vote on the Measure U a larger playground (a 110-yard soc- would like to share some facts about will apply for all state funding for which bond issue on the June 6 ballot. cer field). No sixth grader needs a AMeasure U, the important local bond we qualify, but the history of state funding I I say this as a 48-year Hillview 110-yard soccer field. Board members proposal before district voters June 6. makes it clear that those funds will require school neighbor, and a witness to the noted, “It was something that some of Additional students are arriving this local matching funds. State money will not Menlo Park City School District dur- our parents said they’d like to see.” year, as predicted by the demo- be available to our district without ing that period. Consider: This is an attempt to trans- graphic studies recently completed Measure U dollars. This school board has no form a neighborhood school- by the district. At the last school Schools facilities are a valuable credibility. The board is ask- yard into “Burgess-West” to board meeting, Superintendent Ken PRO community resource. This coming for $91 million for facility CON gain the votes of advocates for Ranella reported that 311 kindergar- munity clearly enjoys and supports upgrades. A $22 million con- more Menlo playing fields. teners have registered. Next year, a wide variety of activities for both struction bond issue was passed Hillview plans also include a Laurel will have 508 students. If anything, adults and children. The district is proud for the district in 1995; language used large new performing arts theatre for our demographic report was conservative to be able to share our fields and multi- then essentially said, “Trust us. Give community use (read a new Burgess and predicted Laurel would reach 498 stu- Theatre). dents in five years. These are not imaginary This is a stealthy attempt to trans- children. They are living in our commu- form a small neighborhood school site nity today and ready to attend school. into an active community recreation The project needs are clear. The board facility, along with the attendant has identified clear goals of what needs to adverse impacts on the neighborhood, be accomplished at each of our schools. and all done without review and due The specifics are still to be determined with process with the neighborhood. significant comment from parents, staff, Two of the $41.1 million Hillview plans neighbors and the community, but we are would build an entirely new school on clear on what we need. the existing playground, then scrape all We need to replace the portable class- of the existing campus (except for the rooms at all four campuses; we need new multi-purpose building). multi-purpose facilities at Encinal and All this for a predicted increase of Oak Knoll schools; we need to modernize 198 students between now and 2015, existing classrooms to improve operational at a cost of up to $416,000 (with inter- costs and functionality (such as changing est charges) for each predicted new single-pane windows to double-pane); and student. There is no exemption for we need to increase classroom space for the seniors on this bond issue. Architect’s rendering shows one proposal to rebuild Hillview Middle School to children who are joining our district. accommodate more students by building a new campus on the school’s existing playfield. This means that several new build- All specific architectural designs and Students would continue to use the current facilities during construction and move to the ings, and extensions to existing decisions will involve the community. new school when completed. The present buildings would then be demolished. buildings, all built recently, would be We hired an architect to help us identify demolished. Homeowners will still be the needs, the scope of the project and paying the bonds off for those scraped its projected costs. It would have been purpose space with the neighborhood and us the money and we’ll work out the buildings for the next 18 years. imprudent to spend money intended would like to make our facilities as flexible details later.” That didn’t work. Now for students’ education on architectural and community friendly as possible. they’re back, and with essentially the Charles Bourne lives at 1619 Santa Cruz plans before we know we have the sup- Our growth demonstrates that parents same message. Ave. in Menlo Park. port of the community to proceed. are willing to pay a premium for their In my opinion, the district should The term of the bond shares the burden children to attend our schools. The sup- seek funding from the $5.7 billion with future families. It would be inappro- port our community has given to the state bond for school construction See the priate to ask current community residents school district over the years has resulted projects on the fall ballot for this proj- to shoulder the total financial burden of in schools we can all be proud of. Let’s ect instead of the proposed 35 years of VOTER increased school facilities. For the next 35 provide the classrooms and facilities for all local homeowner payments. years, students will be using the buildings our children that support the wonderful Destruction of existing neighbor- GUIDE that are constructed by Measure U and it program our schools offer. hood facilities is called for in the Hill- in Section 2 is fitting that their families help support view alternatives, including the Tinker the cost of these facilities. Laura Rich is board president of the Menlo Playground and public tennis courts page 29 State funding may be available. With the Park City Elementary School District. on Santa Cruz Avenue, which would

LETTERS Our readers write

Election year politics pro-development factions trot ent call for adherence to setback and subsequently rescinded fol- dialogue, restraint, and com- in Menlo Park it out. rules gave me heart. Some lowing a popular uprising). promise, for all? Imagine the Myth: “The power of neighbor among us have long advo- Because Ms. Fergusson’s proj- possibilities. Editor: input to remodel or rebuild a cated compliance with setback ect, on a non-conforming lot, Catherine McMillan This must be an election year: project has become the rule by rules, including for chimneys, receives Planning Commission San Mateo Drive, Menlo Park the fractious issue of residential which we live.” fireboxes, balconies, basement review, her neighbors are able to zoning in Menlo Park is making Fact: We? About 60 percent egress stairs, above-ground bay agree to, object to, or comment Town Center plans look a comeback. of Menlo Parks’ lots require windows and other features — on intrusions into the buffer Last week’s letter titled “Do no neighbor notification and utilitarian or decorative — that zones known as setbacks. On better to former critic we want design by neighbors” receive no Planning Commis- reduce the space between houses my standard lot, I could sock it Editor: is misinformed when it uses sion review. The overwhelming and make a mockery of setback to my neighbors on all sides, and In the past several months, I City Council member Kelly majority of West Menlo lots rules. The current ordinance there isn’t a thing they could do have discussed the Town Center Fergusson’s remodel project are “standard lots” that are gives that space away for free, about it. Is that the community development with many local to repeat a timeworn line that never reviewed by anyone except just as the reviled ordinance Menlo Park wants to be? residents. remains untrue no matter how building department staff. No. 926 did in 2004 (approved Alternatively, shouldn’t the often and how disingenuously However, the author’s appar- by the current council majority city¥s building rules foster See LETTERS, page 24

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28 ■ The Almanac ■ May 24, 2006