THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE
AUGUST 7, 2020 | VOL. 55 NO. 38 WWW.ALMANACNEWS.COM High school promises better virtual learning after ‘less-than-optimal’ spring
By Tyler Callister “equivalent to in-person instruc- Almanac Staff Writer tion,” despite being online. Stu- dents will receive letter grades, enlo-Atherton High a significant change after the School administra- school district had switched to Mtors say that they’re a pass/fail grading system on improving the school’s online April 15, midway through the learning program for the com- spring semester. ing fall semester, following a The administration’s bumpy spring program which announcements come as many drew strong criticism from some school community members parents and students. have been expressing concerns School administrators, who about virtual learning since gave a virtual presentation on March. the topic July 22, said that Menlo-Atherton parent Kari changes coming this semester Mueller, whose daughter will include daily live instruction be a senior, called the school’s from teachers, a consistent bell spring virtual learning program schedule, and taking atten- “erratic.” dance — all of which the Mueller said that in addition school stopped requiring after to having inconsistent class COVID-19 health orders sud- schedules and some classes with denly forced campuses to close no live meetings, truancy was in mid-March. high. Many students skipped Menlo-Atherton administra- scheduled Zoom meetings, she tors also said that when school said, and the incentive to show begins again on Aug. 17, stu- up deteriorated further when Magali Gauthier dents will receive challeng- Grace Glader, an incoming Menlo-Atherton High School senior, said she found it hard to stay motivated when classes moved online in March. School officials are promising a better distance learning experience ing class assignments that are See DISTANCE LEARNING, page 16 when the new year starts Aug. 17. Shut down again, local businesses grapple with next steps By Kate Bradshaw As of Tuesday, Aug. 4, San County health leaders have communities and owners of Church of the Nativity, a Almanac Staff Writer Mateo County has had 5,758 also been pushing back against local gyms and salons, it’s a Catholic church at 210 Oak confirmed cases of COVID-19 the state’s mandate. Dr. Lou- challenge to figure out what to Grove Ave. in Menlo Park, has fter San Mateo County and 120 deaths, and California ise Rogers, chief of San Mateo do next, given the halting green gone through several iterations spent weeks teetering on has had 519,427 confirmed cases County Health, told the county lights that have been given, then of meeting offerings, accord- Athe brink of joining the and 9,501 deaths. Board of Supervisors Tuesday rescinded, by state and county ing to pastor Monsignor Steven state’s watchlist of counties that Counties have to meet all that the county’s health officer, officials. Here are some of their Otellini. Before the latest shut- are not meeting state metrics of the state’s metrics for three Dr. Scott Morrow, did not see stories. down, the church had streamed for managing the coronavirus consecutive days to get off the the problem of coronavirus services online and cautiously pandemic, the announcement watchlist. transmission in the business Faith communities offered limited indoor services, came Aug. 1. Currently, San Mateo Coun- sectors that were ordered to requiring online reservations, Starting Aug. 2, the mandate ty’s case rate, or number of cases close and “didn’t see (the state) While many churches and spreading out households and said, several specific types of per 100,000 people over a 14-day actions as warranted.” places of worship have remained reducing the church’s capacity businesses and services would period, is higher than the state’s She pointed to problems with shuttered since March, others from about 400 to 90. People no longer be permitted to oper- threshold, according to data on large group gatherings, failure have made efforts to figure out were asked to sanitize their ate unless they could do so out- the California Department of to wear face coverings, increased ways to maintain a sense of hands and wear masks, and side or by pickup. Those include Public Health website. The case exposure among frontline work- community in person. there was no community sing- gyms and fitness centers, places rate should be no higher than ers and crowded housing situ- It appears many are offer- ing, he said. of worship and cultural ceremo- 100 per 100,000 residents, but ations as bigger factors for the ing worship services exclusively The adjustments made ser- nies, offices for nonessential San Mateo County’s is currently transmission of COVID-19 in online, but some were taking vices feel different and more business, personal care services, 114.8, according to the state the community. creative steps to offer limited hair or nail salons and malls. public health department. For leaders of local faith in-person services. See CLOSURES, page 17
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August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ3 4QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 Local News
M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY
Caltrain gets a lifeline after counties strike compromise on tax measure By Gennady Sheyner the SFMTA board of directors (all four are members of the Caltrain eeking to ward off the finan- board of directors). cial collapse of Caltrain, the Both Chavez and Walton had SSanta Clara County Board of advocated over the past month for Supervisors agreed on Tuesday to tying the ballot measure to gov- support placing on the November ernment reforms, while Pine and ballot a sales tax measure to fund Heminger had expressed support the transit agency’s operations — for a “clean” tax measure. a move that offers the proposal The proposed ballot measure, a path forward after weeks of which will go to the Caltrain uncertainty. board for approval on Thursday, The board’s vote offers Caltrain after The Almanac’s press dead- a last-minute reprieve after weeks line, would commit the agency of dispute and acrimony that have to pursue various governance left the tax measure — and the reforms. These include the hiring Sammy Dallal agency — on the brink of collapse. of an independent auditor and an Masked shoppers pass through the aisles at Bianchini’s Market in Portola Valley on March 20. San Despite widespread support for independent counsel for Caltrain Mateo County supervisors approved a new fine for people who fail to wear face coverings while near retaining the popular train ser- by Nov. 30. Caltrain would also people they don’t live with. vice, transit officials and elected be required to recommend a new representatives have clashed over governance structure or proce- the issue of governance reforms, dures to the three counties by no Failing to wear a face mask which some had argued needed later than Dec. 31, 2021. to be included as part of any tax “Taken together, these reso- can get you a fine proposal. lutions will address Caltrain’s Supervisors from San Fran- critical funding need while also County supervisors OK up to $500 fine for violating cisco and Santa Clara counties focusing our efforts on addressing have long complained about the the long standing issues regarding emergency health ordinance fact that San Mateo County has the governance relationships and By Bay City News Service second and $500 for additional officers will enforce the order. the lion’s share of control over management of Caltrain,” the let- violations. Businesses can be This would ease the burden Caltrain operations. But while ter co-signed by Chavez, Walton, eople in San Mateo Coun- fined between $250 and $3,000 on law enforcement officers supervisors from San Francisco Pine and Heminger states. ty can now be fined up to per violation depending on the and would be particularly valu- and Santa Clara counties made Chavez, who had previously P$500 for violations of the gravity of the violation, prior able given the current politi- the case for governance reforms, advocated for coupling the tax state’s COVID-19 health orders, warnings, efforts to comply or cal climate, where many are San Mateo supervisors countered with governance reforms, said such as not wearing a face cover- intent to profit. concerned about the kinds of that including these reforms in that the commitments in the ing in high-risk settings. Supervisor David Canepa, cases prompting response by law the tax measure would be illegal. resolution allow her to support The county Board of Super- who introduced the ordinance, enforcement officers. After the San Francisco Board the original measure, which did visors approved an urgency said at the Aug. 4 meeting Other Bay Area counties like of Supervisors voted last week not include the changes. While ordinance on Tuesday imposing that the new citation structures Contra Costa, Marin and Napa to tie funding to governance the measure still faces numerous fines for individuals and busi- would decriminalize the process have adopted similar citation reforms, the effort hit a seem- hurdles, the Board of Supervisors’ nesses that violate the emer- and keep residents safe. structures that fine individuals ingly insurmountable obstacle last 5-0 vote creates a path forward for gency health orders. Canepa also pointed out at up to $500 and businesses on a Friday, when the San Francisco a proposal that Caltrain leaders Individuals can be fined $100 Tuesday’s meeting that a variety Municipal Transportation Agen- say is desperately needed to ward for a first violation, $200 for a of administrative enforcement See MASK, page 14 cy fell a vote shy of approving the off the service shutdown. placement of the San Francisco- The Santa Clara Valley Trans- approved measure on the ballot. portation Authority will have an Any ballot measure would opportunity to review the resolu- High school teachers union calls require approval from all three tion on Thursday evening and boards of supervisors and four both the San Francisco Board of transit agencies before it can be Supervisors and SFMTA board for removal of superintendent placed on the ballot. had indicated that they could Now, with just days left until schedule special meetings this Sequoia Union High School District’s teachers urge board the Aug. 7 deadline for placing week to consider the “clean” ballot not to renew Mary Streshly’s contract ahead of school board meeting the one-eighth of a cent sales tax measure. San Mateo County and on the November ballot, there Caltrain had already approved By Tyler Callister The Sequoia District Teachers of no confidence. appears to be a compromise. placing the clean measure on the Almanac Staff Writer Association (SDTA), a teachers “It has become clear that Cindy Chavez, president of the ballot. union representing educators the board made a mistake in Santa Clara County Board of While the ballot measure will he local public high in the Sequoia Union High hiring someone with no prior Supervisors and a proponent of not address governance, Chavez school teachers union has School District, cited in its experience managing a large government reform, announced said that compendium resolution Tmade a vote of no confi- statement Streshly’s “lack of and diverse school district like at the Aug. 4 meeting a “com- will address the concerns of those dence in Superintendent Mary experience, poor communica- Sequoia Union,” said SDTA pendium resolution” signed by seeking reform. The point, she Streshly, asking the Sequoia tion, and absence of clear vision president Edith Salvatore. herself, San Francisco Supervisor said, was to “get at least on the Union High School District’s which have led to confusion and After passing a resolution Shamann Walton, San Mateo record a plan for how we could board to fire her, the group said sown division throughout the County Supervisor David Pine in a statement Monday. district,” as leading to the vote See STRESHLY, page 15 and Steve Heminger, a member at See CALTRAIN, page 14
August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ5 NEWS Public Notices Established 1965 Atherton to name new 995 Fictitious Name secured by the property to be sold and Serving Menlo Park, reasonable estimated costs, expenses Statement and advances at the time of the initial Atherton, Portola Valley, library conference room VANADA ROAD COACHING & CONSULTING publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT is estimated to be $195,156.79 (Estimated). and Woodside for over 50 years File No.: 284679 However, prepayment premiums, accrued after Willie Mays The following person (persons) is (are) interest and advances will increase this doing business as: figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at NEWSROOM By Tyler Callister Vanada Road Coaching & Consulting, said sale may include all or part of said the space. “When I approached Editor located at 75 El Vanada Road, Redwood amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee Almanac Staff Writer Mr. Mays to see if he would City, CA 94062, San Mateo County. will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a Andrea Gemmet (223-6537) Registered owner(s): support my proposal to name state or national bank, a check drawn by MARY M. SCHMIDT Assistant Editors he Atherton City Council a room after him, he quickly 75 El Vanada Road a state or federal credit union or a check Julia Brown (223-6531) drawn by a state or federal savings and has voted unanimously to embraced the idea since it didn’t Redwood City, CA 94062 Heather Zimmerman (223-6515) This business is conducted by: An loan association, savings association or name a conference room require additional fundraising savings bank specified in Section 5102 T Individual. Staff Writers in Atherton’s new library after and offered to contribute some The registrant commenced to transact of the California Financial Code and Kate Bradshaw (223-6536) Giants baseball legend Willie historic photos that depicted business under the fictitious business authorized to do business in California, or Tyler Callister (223-6588) name(s) listed above on July 1, 2020 (N/A). other such funds as may be acceptable to Angela Swartz (223-6529) Mays. his most glorious moments on This statement was filed with the County the Trustee. In the event tender other than Slated to open in October 2021, both the NY Giants and the Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold Contributors Kate Daly, Maggie Mah July 14, 2020. the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon the library is currently under San Francisco Giants,” DeGolia (ALM July 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 2020) Sale until funds become available to the Special Sections Editor construction as part of the town’s wrote. THE ALMANAC payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The Linda Taaffe (223-6511) new civic center project. Mays is Mays has long been known ALMANACNEWS.COM property offered for sale excludes all funds Chief Visual Journalist a Major League Baseball Hall of for his involvement in the youth FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT held on account by the property receiver, Magali Gauthier (223-6530) File No.: 284753 if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to Famer and has lived on Mount community, local Little League The following person (persons) is (are) convey title for any reason, the successful Vernon Lane in Atherton for leader Sean Barstad said in a pre- doing business as: bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall DESIGN & PRODUCTION more than 40 years. sentation to the council in 2012, 1.) The Almanac, 2.) Almanacnews.com, be the return of monies paid to the Trustee Design and Production Manager located at 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, The council approved the nam- including the establishment of a and the successful bidder shall have Kristin Brown (223-6562) Menlo Park, CA 94025, San Mateo County. no further recourse. Notice to Potential ing by a 4-0 vote at the July foundation for underprivileged Registered owner(s): Bidders If you are considering bidding on Designers Linda Atilano, Amy Levine, EMBARCADERO MEDIA 27 City Council meeting, with youth, and work with the Boys this property lien, you should understand Paul Llewellyn, Doug Young 450 Cambridge Ave. Mayor Rick DeGolia recused. & Girls clubs. In 2015 a new ball- that there are risks involved in bidding at Palo Alto, CA 94306 a Trustee auction. You will be bidding on a DeGolia was recused because park in Atherton was named in California ADVERTISING This business is conducted by: A lien, not on the property itself. Placing the he and his wife were the donors Mays’ honor. Vice President Sales and Marketing Corporation. highest bid at a Trustee auction does not — at an amount of $100,000 — In addition to the library, The registrant commenced to transact automatically entitle you to free and clear Tom Zahiralis (223-6570) ownership of the property. You should also requesting to name the confer- Atherton’s $32 million civic cen- business under the fictitious business Display Advertising Sales name(s) listed above on 02/15/2009. be aware that the lien being auctioned off ence room after Mays. ter will include new police and (223-6570) This statement was filed with the County may be a junior lien. If you are the highest In a letter to the council, administration facilities, as well Clerk-Recorder of San Mateo County on bidder at the auction, you are or may be Real Estate Manager DeGolia explained that he had as building and planning offices. July 22, 2020. responsible for paying off all liens senior Neal Fine (223-6583) (ALM July 31; Aug. 7, 14, 21, 2020) to the lien being auctioned off, before long been interested in honoring Construction of the facility is well 997 All Other Legals you can receive clear title to the property. Legal Advertising Mays, initially hoping to rename underway, according to a report You are encouraged to investigate the Alicia Santillan (223-6578) Mount Vernon Lane after the from contractors to the council APN: 061-382-270-3467 TS No: existence, priority, and size of outstanding CA01000329-19-1 TO No: 95312671 baseball legend back in 2012. on July 15. liens that may exist on this property by ADVERTISING SERVICES NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE contacting the county recorder’s office or “I had been involved on two In a staff report the council list- IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST a title insurance company, either of which Advertising Services Manager separate occasions working with ed a range of “naming opportuni- DATED March 17, 2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE may charge you a fee for this information. Kevin Legarda (223-6597) ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, If you consult either of these resources, residents on Mt. Vernon Lane to ties,” in which donors to the civic IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF you should be aware that the same Lender Sales & Production Coordinators rename that road for Mr. Mays, center project could designate a YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE may hold more than one mortgage or Diane Martin (223-6584), who lives on it,” DeGolia wrote. piece of the project in exchange NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST Nico Navarrete (223-6582) YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. Deed of Trust on the property. Notice to “To change the street name for donation. Levels of contribu- On August 21, 2020 at 01:00 PM, At the Property Owner The sale date shown on The Almanac is published Marshall Street entrance to the Hall of this Notice of Sale may be postponed required the consent of 100% of tion range from $100,000 to $1 Justice and Records, 400 County Center, one or more times by the Mortgagee, every Friday at those living on the street and that million. Redwood City CA 94063, Special Default Beneficiary, Trustee, or a court, pursuant to 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, couldn’t be achieved on either Mays, considered by many to be Services, Inc., as the duly Appointed Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. Menlo Park, CA 94025 Trustee, under and pursuant to the power The law requires that information about attempt. That failure was very the greatest baseball player of all Q Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 of sale contained in that certain Deed Trustee Sale postponements be made disturbing to Willie, to me and time, was honored by San Mateo of Trust Recorded on March 26, 2008 as available to you and to the public, as a Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 to others.” County Historical Association as Instrument No. 2008-032502 of official courtesy to those not present at the sale. Q Email news and photos with captions records in the Office of the Recorder of If you wish to learn whether your sale date to: [email protected] DeGolia said that he spoke a San Mateo County “History San Mateo County, California, executed by has been postponed, and, if applicable, the to Mays about the conference Maker” in 2012. A Q Email letters to: Alexander Gabovich and Natalie Gabovich, rescheduled time and date for the sale of room, and Mays agreed to husband and wife, as Community Property [email protected] Email Tyler Callister at this property, you may call In Source Logic donate memorabilia to decorate with rights of survivorship,, as Trustor(s), AT 702-659-7766 for information regarding Q Advertising: (650) 854-2626 [email protected] in favor of David R. Hall and Doranne M. the Special Default Services, Inc. or visit Advertising Fax: (650) 223-7570 Fleury, Husband and Wife, as Joint Tenants the Internet Web site address listed below as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC Q Classified Advertising: (650) 854-0858 AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in for information regarding the sale of this Q Submit Obituaries: CRIME BRIEFS lawful money of the United States, all property, using the file number assigned payable at the time of sale, that certain to this case, CA01000329-19. Information AlmanacNews.com/obituaries about postponements that are very short property situated in said County, California The Almanac (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) Two men shot in East Palo Alto describing the land therein as: AS MORE in duration or that occur close in time to is published every Friday by Embarcadero FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED OF TRUST the scheduled sale may not immediately Media, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, The property heretofore described is being be reflected in the telephone information CA 94025-6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at A double homicide investigation is underway in East Palo Alto sold “as is”. The street address and other or on the Internet Web site. The best way Menlo Park, CA and at additional mailing offices. where two men were found shot to death in a car on Sunday common designation, if any, of the real to verify postponement information is to Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation night, Aug. 2, a police spokesman said Monday. property described above is purported to for San Mateo County, The Almanac is delivered attend the scheduled sale. Date: July 14, free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Officers responded to an accident involving multiple cars in be: 1070 Pine St., Menlo Park, CA 94025. 2020 Special Default Services, Inc. TS No. Valley and Woodside. POSTMASTER: Send The undersigned Trustee disclaims any CA01000329-19 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda the 100 block of Gardenia Way at 8:11 p.m., police Cmdr. Jeff Liu liability for any incorrectness of the street CA 92614 (949) 225-5945 TDD: 866-660- de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. said in a press release. The neighborhood is about a half-mile address and other common designation, if 4288 Susan Earnest, Authorized Signatory Copyright ©2020 by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction without away from the intersection of Pulgas Avenue and East Bayshore any, shown herein. Said sale will be made SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED without covenant or warranty, express permission is strictly prohibited. ON LINE AT www.insourcelogic.com Road. When police units arrived at the scene, they found two or implied, regarding title, possession, FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION or encumbrances, to pay the remaining The Almanac is qualified by decree of the men with gunshot wounds in a car. principal sum of the Note(s) secured by PLEASE CALL: In Source Logic AT 702-659- Superior Court of San Mateo County to publish Paramedics were called to provide medical care to the men, said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, 7766 SPECIAL DEFAULT SERVICES, INC. public notices of a governmental and legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued who died of their injuries at the scene, Liu said. The men, both as provided in said Note(s), advances if MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY November 9, 1969. Subscriptions are $60 23 years old, were identified as Antonio Martinez Moradel of any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, for one year and $100 for two years. Go to estimated fees, charges and expenses INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED AlmanacNews.com/circulation. Oakland and Roberto Velsaquez Matinez of Chico. of the Trustee and of the trusts created FOR THAT PURPOSE Order Number 72250, Anyone with information about the double homicide is asked by said Deed of Trust. The total amount Pub Dates: 07/24/2020, 07/31/2020, To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of the unpaid balance of the obligations 08/07/2020, THE ALMANAC of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, to contact East Palo Alto police Detective Andrea Dion 650-853- 94028 and the Woodside portion of 7247. Anonymous tips can be left by voicemail or text message 94062, call 854-2626. Call Alicia Santillan at 650-223-6578 or email to 650-409-6792 or by email to epatipnow.org. [email protected] for assistance with your legal —Sue Dremann advertising needs. The deadline is Monday at noon. See CRIME BRIEFS, page 14
6QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A Seeking broader representation, longtime by Monica Corman Portola Valley resident joins council race Buyers Have An Edge By Julia Brown Almanac Assistant Editor they could have a place to work n early 2019, an architectural Dear Monica: I feel that the and study from home and to be firm presented the Portola market has changed with Valley Town Council with more sellers than buyers at outdoors. Then they went on I vacation. conceptual drawings that depict- the moment. How would you ed 11 new homes on a 1.3-acre describe the current market? Sellers too, who had been parcel next to the Frog Pond Chris D. Open Space. The property was thinking about selling in the among 30 town-owned parcels future moved up their plans and that an ad hoc committee vetted Dear Chris: Covid has made decided to sell now. Thus there for the possible construction of 2020 a different real estate year are more properties on the market affordable housing to meet state and it’s only August. The spring now than there were in May and mandates. market had barely begun when many buyers are away. If schools The proposal drew quick criti- the shutdown happened, and don’t re-open buyers may stay cism from a number of residents, activity stalled for weeks. Then away until normalcy returns. So if the delayed spring market burst you are a buyer, it is a good time including Mary Hufty. Project Magali Gauthier forth with lots of buyers looking for you and this may continue opponents argued that building The Frog Pond in Portola Valley was briefly considered as a site for properties with land so that through the end of the year. on the property would disrupt for possible new housing last year, drawing criticism from residents the ecology of the pond, impact including council candidate Mary Hufty. Contact me at [email protected]; Office: 650-465-5971, the views of some homeowners COMPASS. Ranked in the Wall St Journal’s 2016, 2017, and 2018 near the Windy Hill Open Space graduating with a bachelor’s founded in January “to respond Nationwide list of top 250 Realtors. Preserve and increase traffic in degree in human development to several difficult town issues the area. and biology, she went to Univer- and preserve the town’s rural Recogniz- sity of California, San Diego for nature,” according to its website. ing the oppo- medical school, where she met “The Mission of PVNU is to sition, the her husband Daniel Alegria. help our local community pre- Town Council After medical school, they serve and enhance its small, rural Avenidas at the end of moved back east. They would lat- open space character on the edge the year unan- er return to California, practicing of a rapidly developing urban imously voted medicine in Colfax and Auburn and industrial area by upholding Door to Door to remove the before moving to Portola Valley in and applying the objectives and parcel from 1987. As doctors, having Hufty’s principles of our General Plan GOES THE EXTRA consideration. Mary Hufty mother-in-law nearby to help care and municipal code with trans- “That was a very hard fight for for their children was important. parency and consistency,” the MILE FOR YOU! the Frog Pond,” Hufty said. “It “I was thinking we could website states. became obvious to me that we deduct our bed because we were Hufty, who is president of needed to have a broader base of always on call,” she joked. the organization, says she will To help seniors during this representation for the people of Hufty worked for the Santa decrease her involvement during pandemic, the Avenidas Door to Portola Valley.” Clara County Public Health her campaign. That helped drive her to run for Department for a few years before So far, the group has mainly Door program now provides: a seat on the Portola Valley Town becoming a family physician with focused on issues relating to Council this fall. Hufty, an envi- the Palo Alto Medical Founda- development and wildfire safety. FREE Delivery of your purchased ronmentalist and retired fam- tion, where she worked for 25 It has written several letters to ily physician who has previously years. the Town Council calling on the groceries, prescriptions served on the town’s Westridge “Family practice is always a big adoption of a wildfire prevention & essential toiletries Architectural Supervisory, Con- challenge,” she said. “You have to and safety ordinance that would servation and Trails committees, learn to listen to everybody ... I’m establish a public safety officer to FREE Friendly check-in phone calls is the second person to qualify a good listener, and I’m friendly.” implement and enforce the poli- FREE Library book pick-ups/returns for the ballot. Sarah Wernikoff, Since retiring, Hufty has cies, a proposal Hufty considers a Portola Valley School District increased her environmental one of her goals if elected. Monitored LYFT rides for medical volunteer with a background in advocacy work, particularly PVNU has also come out appointments e-commerce general manage- around Bay restoration efforts. against the Stanford Wedge proj- FREE Personal Protective ment and nonprofit manage- She says she’s a “big advocate” ect, a proposal by the university ment, is also running for one for San Francisquito Creek and to build single-family homes and Equipment (PPE) of two council seats. Mayor Jeff pushed for the passage of Mea- rental units on open space it owns Aalfs, who joined the council in sure AA, a Bay Area-wide mea- along Alpine Road. Hufty said 2011, reaffirmed this week that sure on the June 2016 ballot to she does not believe the site would Discover for yourself he is seeking reelection but had initiate a 20-year parcel tax to be appropriate for development. all the ways that the not pulled papers as of press time raise roughly $25 million annu- “The fire department very Avenidas Door to Wednesday, while Councilwom- ally to fund restoration projects clearly said this was a terrible an Ann Wengert has decided not in the Bay. It passed with 70% place to develop, and it became Door program goes to run again. approval and went into effect the obvious that report wasn’t getting the extra mile to Hufty said she’s looking to following year. attention,” Hufty said, referring help you out! bring a different perspective to Hufty is also passionate about to comments made by Woodside the council. the town’s trail system. Fire Protection District officials Just give us “It’s become sort of a policy “Portola Valley has an unbe- that raised concerns about fire for them that they are always in lievably good trail system,” she hazards. “You just can’t put igni- a call at consensus,” she said. “The ability said. “I don’t know if there is a tion at the bottom of a fire pile.” (650) 289-5411. to have a different point of view huge amount of improvements PVNU collected about 400 on the council would be very nice that need to be made (to trails), signatures asking Stanford to for everybody.” but we need to keep an eye on it.” withdraw its proposal, which is Hufty grew up outside Wash- Her concerns about protecting currently in the environmental ington, D.C., and moved to the environment propelled her review stage. the West Coast to attend Stan- to join Portola Valley Neighbors ford University in 1968. After United, a volunteer-run group See PORTOLA COUNCIL, page 16 www.avenidas.org
August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ7 NEWS David Spiller takes reins as Menlo Park’s interim police chief By Kate Bradshaw and good police recruits. Mountain View Police Depart- Andrea Gemmet As in other communities, ment, according to Jerome- Almanac Staff national events have pushed Robinson. In 2002, he joined the discussions about police reform Pleasanton Police Department etired Pleasanton police to the forefront for local lead- and became police chief in 2011. Chief David Spiller took ers in Menlo Park, and broadly When he retired in Novem- Ron the role of Menlo increased public scrutiny of ber, it was noted that as a Park’s interim police chief on police policies. career police professional, Spill- Friday, July 31. “I think some of the challenges er served in every sworn rank He replaced police Chief Dave for this organization, much like position, climbing from patrol Bertini, who made the surprise any law enforcement agency, officer to police chief. announcement of his departure are staffing and continuing to “I have spent my entire adult during a June City Council dis- recruit qualified police profes- life in public service and I look cussion on police reform. sionals while doing as much as forward to continuing to serve,” Spiller retired seven months we can to represent the diver- he said in the press release. ago from the Pleasanton Police sity of our community, and His educational background Department, and since then to continue to work to build includes an associate degree in has worked with the Califor- meaningful relationships with administration of justice from nia Department of Corrections the community,” Spiller said. De Anza College, a bachelor’s and Rehabilitation’s Office of “Chief Spiller has led a distin- degree in organizational behav- Internal Affairs as a member of guished law enforcement career ior from the University of San the organization’s Deadly Force and is known for cultivating a Francisco and a master’s degree Review Board, according to a Courtesy Pleasanton Police Department spirit of cooperation and com- in public sector leadership from July 30 press release. David Spiller, recently retired Pleasanton police chief, took over as munity building between his Saint Mary’s College, according He said in an interview that Menlo Park’s interim police chief July 31. officers and residents,” said to the city’s press release. He is a the opportunity came up rather Jerome-Robinson in a press graduate of the Senior Manage- unexpectedly. police department in the middle he said, he worked to partner release. “I’m fully confident in ment Institute for Police through Spiller said he hopes to utilize of a pandemic, albeit in an with the community and devel- Chief Spiller’s ability to lead the Police Executive Research his leadership abilities and calm interim role. He said he isn’t sure op trust. In a 2015 interview the department professionally Forum (PERF) and of Califor- demeanor to help the city of how long he’ll be in the position with the Pleasanton Weekly, and with the utmost integrity, nia’s Commission on Peace Menlo Park ease its transition — he serves at the pleasure of The Almanac’s sister publica- transparency and commitment Officer Standards and Training as City Manager Starla Jerome- the city manager — but that he tion, Spiller discussed his goals through this time of transition.” (POST) Command College. A Robinson works through the looked forward to leading the for teamwork within the police Spiller began his law enforce- Email Kate Bradshaw at recruitment process to find a department for the next several department, community out- ment career with the city of San kbradshaw@almanacnews. new police chief. months. reach, embracing technology Diego’s police department, then com and Andrea Gemmet at He’s taking the reins of a new As police chief in Pleasanton, and the difficulty in finding worked for 11 years with the [email protected] Woodside: Council OKs leaf blower ordinance Town sets hours for commercial use, but exempts residents By Heather Zimmerman according to Town Manager The council voted 6-0 to item on the agenda, including in situations where land must Kevin Bryant, in which com- approve two documents pre- the council’s consent calendar, be restored to natural state, he Woodside Council plaints typically lead to violators pared by the Volunteerism/ he said. Council members noted (through grading or native took the first step toward receiving an initial warning Volunteer Liaison Engagement that inviting public comment on planting, for example), explore Ta new leaf blower ordi- from a sheriff’s deputy. Committee: the Public Meeting the consent calendar has been creating reclamation standards nance at its July 28 meeting. “For most of those things, that Decorum and a Guide to Public inconsistent in meetings. prepared by a town biologist; With Councilman Sean Scott one interaction takes care of it,” Participation at Town Council In a study session, the council clarify the natural state defini- absent, the council voted 4-2 Bryant said. Meetings. also explored amendments to tion and include allowances for to introduce an ordinance that Setting hours for commercial The document on decorum the zoning code related to “natu- fire safety measures; and exam- would limit the hours for com- use is the first component of the includes rules for civil discus- ral state,” essentially requiring ine the implications of includ- mercial use of leaf blowers to ordinance. Staff is developing an sion and time limits for public that when a property is devel- ing slopes over 35% as natural the same hours construction incentive program to encourage speakers (three minutes per oped, a certain percentage of a state. is allowed: between 7:30 a.m. a switch from gasoline-powered individual and five minutes per hillside lot be left undisturbed The council voted to direct and 5:30 p.m. Monday through blowers, which tend to be noisier group). to help maintain natural habitat staff to come back with regula- Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on and cause more pollution, to The committee recommend- and rural character. Planning tions for the first three items, Saturdays. electric-powered ones. ed that the Public Meeting Director Jackie Young noted but to hold off on the fourth Councilmen Dick Brown and Town staff also will develop Decorum document be shared that natural state is most appli- item due to its complexity and Chris Shaw voted against the educational material with the with all town boards and com- cable to the Western Hills area. likely impact on the Western introduction of the ordinance, objective of having a mailer or mittees, according to a staff The percentage that must be left Hills area. Council members with Shaw calling it an “empty Woodsider article announcing report, with further recommen- as natural state is determined said they wanted to take more vote.” the new commercial leaf blow- dations to post the document at by a measurement that gives time to study the issue, get resi- The ordinance regulates com- ing hours, the incentive pro- the entrance to Independence average ground slope on the dent input and possibly include mercial use of leaf blowers and gram, and educational material, Hall (when in-person meetings property, Young said. the item as part of a larger plan does not place restrictions on according to a staff report. resume) and include it in the The natural state ordinance for the Western Hills and Old La property owners’ use of the The ordinance will be up for a town’s Volunteer Handbook. dates to 1980 and would be Honda Road areas. equipment. Public comments second vote at the Sept. 8 coun- Brown pointed out that lack updated in four key ways, based The council typically goes on at a council study session last cil meeting and, if approved, of decorum has rarely been an on recommendations from the hiatus for August, but Mayor month revealed concerns about would go into effect 30 days issue in public meetings. Planning Commission that, Ned Fluet floated the idea of limiting noise and disruption later. The public meeting guide is according to a staff report, holding one meeting this caused by leaf blowers, but also At the meeting, the council more educational, Bryant said, the council initially reviewed month to allow the council to pointed to the need for property revisited older business, approv- “so people who are coming for in September 2018: Make an start catching up on business owners to be able to efficiently ing documents for decorum and the first time, they have a sense inventory of vacant land, iden- delayed by COVID-19. The clear leaves and debris from public meetings and holding a of what to expect.” tify how many undeveloped meeting is tentatively scheduled large areas to ensure fire safety. study session on zoning code The guide would help demys- properties can be subdivided for Aug. 18. A Enforcement of the ordinance amendments for “natural state” tify the process of public meet- and look at also applying natu- Email Heather Zimmerman would be handled much the requirements that had first gone ings and emphasize that the ral state requirements to unde- at hzimmerman@ same as for construction hours, before the council in 2018. public may comment on any veloped lots less than 1 acre; almancnews.com
8QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 NEWS Menlo Park City School District students will learn from home when school starts
By Tyler Callister said. “The concerning health ability to learn over Zoom.” Almanac Staff Writer data showing rising cases in “With 85% of the district in San Mateo County was an favor of going back to school, ll elementary and mid- overarching reason the board I don’t understand why the dle school students in made the decision to open in board would not at least vote to AMenlo Park City School distance learning. Providing move forward with the waiver District will learn online from clarity and a stable planning process,” she said. home to start the fall semester, runway for teachers and fami- District parent Ana Petros the district board decided in a lies was also a priority.” said that “it was really hard to 4-1 vote at its meeting July 30. Public comment at the board deal with distance learning” District schools — Encinal, meeting included many par- with kids at home, and that Laurel, Oak Knoll and Hill- ents who argued for returning the board voting to go online view Middle schools — will students to campus as quickly would be “premature.” Magali Gauthier start the year with distance as possible, citing concerns “It seems to me that the Students in the Menlo Park City School District will learn online learning due to the coronavi- about academic and emotional board is being herded into from home to start the fall semester. rus pandemic, the district said well-being. a vote that contradicts what in a July 31 statement. District parent Sarah Gon- 85% of parents want,” she possible,” he said. cases over the summer, as well In its decision, the board zalez asked the board to con- continued. With its decision, the Menlo as Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recent said it intended to reassess the sider applying for the state’s Board member Sherwin Park City School District joins decision to require that schools health data over the coming waiver program to opt out of Chen said that that it was a dif- a growing crowd of local in counties on the state’s weeks and potentially would online learning in the fall, say- ficult decision, and acknowl- elementary school districts watchlist can’t open until open schools with a hybrid ing that kindergarten through edged that the virus is having announcing distance learning they’ve been off the list for 14 schedule that alternates weeks second graders “need the most “impacts on families beyond to start the fall. Portola Val- days. San Mateo County was of in-person teaching with at- face-to-face interaction in the our control,” according to the ley, Ravenswood Elementary, put on the watchlist July 29 home learning as early as Sept. classroom.” district’s statement. Redwood City Elementary and three days later, had to 8. A Menlo Park resident “In the end, the safest deci- and Palo Alto Unified school impose additional restrictions “As the board deliberated its named Marta echoed these sion was to spend at least the districts have all announced on a range of indoor business decision it kept the health and concerns, saying, “We know first two weeks of school in students will start the fall operations. A safety of MPCSD’s students, those children need in-person distance learning with the semester learning from home. Email Tyler Callister at families, staff and teachers instruction and do not have intent to open schools to small District decisions come amid [email protected] at the forefront,” the district the attention spans or the groups of students as soon as a rising number of coronavirus
August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ9 NEWS Bug bombs blamed for house fire ‘This isn’t the first time’ insect foggers have started fire, Chief Harold Schapelhouman says By Tyler Callister property loss. amount for the 1,400-square-foot Almanac Staff Writer Shortly after the fire was extin- home. guished, Fire Marshal Jon John- “Ten would seem to be way past home on the 1300 block of ston determined that the cause what you would need if you read Madera Avenue in Menlo of the fire was accidental. A hot the instructions, which clearly, APark caught fire July 28 water heater pilot flame appeared either they did not, or did not when gases from bug bombs were to be the ignition source for understand that this is an explo- ignited by a water heater pilot the activated bug fogging canis- sive hazard,” he said. light in the garage, Menlo Park ters, which the department says Schapelhouman confirmed that Fire Protection District Chief were clearly marked as “highly the bug fogging product that Harold Schapelhouman said. flammable.” ignited the home was Raid. Sev- Firefighters arrived on the scene Schapelhouman said that peo- eral widely available insect foggers at 12:01 p.m., four minutes after a ple often misuse such bug fogging warn users to turn off all flames neighbor had spotted smoke com- products. and pilot lights before use, includ- ing from the single-story home “This isn’t the first time we have ing Raid, Hot Shot, Spectracide and called 911. had a fire caused by one of these and Black Flag. The crew, led by Capt. Tony bug bombs,” he said. “Unfortu- Similar precautions are pro- Eggimann, contained the blaze nately, we’ve even had people who moted by the Environmental by 12:10 p.m. and inspected didn’t read the instructions and Protection Agency. A cartoon the smoke-filled house, finding stayed inside their homes while safety precaution video posted to numerous bug fogging canisters the fogging occurred, only to YouTube by the EPA in 2012 throughout. complain of respiratory difficul- warns people of activating bug Residents weren’t home when ties and chest pain.” foggers near open flames — illus- the fire started, Schapelhouman Schapelhouman said that fire trated by several frames in the Courtesy Menlo Park Fire Protection District said. Damage costs are estimated investigators found seven bug video which read “Boom.” A Firefighters walk through debris as they put out a fire at a house on at $175,000 in structural dam- fogging canisters in the house and Email Tyler Callister at age and an additional $30,000 in three in the garage — an excessive Madera Avenue in Menlo Park. Flammable insect foggers are blamed [email protected] for the blaze. State reports technical glitch resulted in COVID-19 underreporting By Embarcadero Media staff person has died since Friday, technical issues, state health the state are not getting a full department said. raising the death toll to 192. officials said Tuesday. picture of who and how many “Laboratories continue to an Mateo County reported There are 169 people hospital- “We’ve discovered some dis- are testing positive. That lack report test results directly to 14 new cases of COVID-19 ized in the county due to COV- crepancies,” said Dr. Mark of information hampers the providers and hospitals, and Son Tuesday, bringing the ID-19, 10 of which are new. Ghaly, the state’s health and counties’ ability to investigate hospitalization and death rates county’s total to 5,758. The human services secretary in a cases and initiate contact trac- are not impacted as they are death toll has stayed at 120 Technical glitch led to press call. Data, he said, is “get- ing, Ghaly said. reported directly to the state since Aug. 3. Sixty people are undercount ting stuck” in the electronic “There is no doubt that their through different systems,” a hospitalized as of Tuesday. system that feeds informa- ability to address in a timely department spokesperson said Santa Clara County reported California’s daily count of tion from test labs to both the way specific cases around case in a statement. 240 new cases of the corona- COVID-19 cases appears to state and local public health investigation and contact trac- Ghaly said it is unclear how virus on Tuesday, bringing be falling, but that may be due departments. ing is limited,” Ghaly said. This long it will take to resolve the the total to 11,030. One more to underreporting caused by This means counties and is on top of the high volume of underreporting. A team from cases that already were over- the department of technology whelming counties’ efforts to is looking at the issue, and the conduct timely and effective state has instructed all labs to investigations and tracing. manually report positive cases And “the seven-day positiv- to local public health depart- ity rate is absolutely affected by ments, according to a state this,” he added. public health spokesperson. A spokesperson with the In the past, testing backlogs California Department of Pub- and other slow reporting have lic Health said in an email that resulted in delayed data, which the state is still assessing the is in part why health officials Let us take the stress of running errands off your plate. magnitude of the undercount, often look at the longer, 14-day We have a large team of caregivers ready to travel but did not say how many days average, Ghaly said. throughout the Bay Area. CareIndeed The Heart of Home Care. the system was buggy. “We often don’t see high CI-GO Offers: On Tuesday, state data showed numbers on Monday morn- ERRANDS TO RUN? 4,526 new cases, down from the ings because Sunday becomes a Grocery Dry LEAN ON US! 5,739 reported on Monday and slower reporting day for a lot of shopping Cleaning the 9,032 reported on Sunday. operational issues,” he said. All Your Essentials Delivered The seven-day average number Safely to Your Front Door of new cases is 7,554 per day. Medication Mail State outlines school Pick Ups Services In comparison, the seven-day waiver process average from the week before was 9,397. State epidemiologist Dr. Erica Our top priority is the safety of you, your loved ones, This technical issue, how- Pan on Tuesday outlined the and our community. We’re Here to Help! ever, does not affect the hos- state’s waiver process for K-6 Order online and get 10% pitalization or intensive care schools that seek to hold classes Call us today at (650) 352-4007 or unit numbers, which also have in person even if they are in a [email protected] to find out more off your first service about our program! Promo code: CAREINDEED seen recent declines, state data county on California’s corona- show. This data snafu also does virus watchlist. www.careindeed.com https://info.careindeed.com/ci-go not affect patient care or test results, the state’s public health See CORONAVIRUS, page 15
10QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 NEWS County allocates $2 million to aid struggling child care facilities By Kate Bradshaw that serve families that receive Almanac Staff Writer CalWORKS subsidies, are located in high-need zipcodes, are finan- he San Mateo County cially sustainable or participate in Board of Supervisors vot- county educational partnerships, Ted unanimously July 21 like “The Big Lift,” a multiyear to allocate $2 million in federal initiative aimed at improving funding received from the Coro- reading proficiency for under- navirus Aid, Relief and Economic served kids through early educa- Security Act (CARES) to create a tion programs. Child Care Relief Fund. The grant program will be The $2 million represents about administered by the Community 1.5% of the $134 million the Equity Collaborative and is set county received through the to launch in mid-August or ear- CARES Act. ly September. The Community The new fund will help child Equity Collaborative will work care providers that have been with the Board of Supervisors financially impacted by the pan- and a coalition of other organi- demic, providing 25 grants for zations that are represented on child care centers of up to $55,000 the county’s COVID-19 Child each and 65 grants for family child Care Response Team, including care homes of up to $10,000 each. First 5 San Mateo County, the “The grant program will pri- Natalia Nazarova county’s Office of Education, the oritize funding providers serving Children play together at the Belle Haven Child Development Center. Child care programs struggling during Child Care Partnership Council, the most vulnerable San Mateo the pandemic may be eligible for aid from a new $2 million fund created by the Board of Supervisors July 21. the Silicon Valley Community County residents, such as those Foundation, 4Cs of San Mateo who receive CalWorks subsidies wages of $6.4 billion, according to will create an additional short- operating expenses on hand. And County and Build Up for San or are located in the highest need a county staff report. Without age of 19,764 spots, yielding a 42% of family child care homes Mateo County’s Children. zip codes,” said Dayna Chung, child care, people will be forced to total projected shortage of 43,355 and 71% of child care centers “I’m just really excited by the executive director of the Com- leave the workforce, which could child care spots countywide. And project a net income loss in the enthusiasm about the proposal munity Equity Collaborative, result in a decrease in economic that figure does not account for fall, according to a press state- and its potential to make a big which will work with county staff activity of up to $3.6 billion in lost school-aged kids doing distance ment from county Supervisor difference for child care in this to administer the fund. wages, the report said. learning. Dave Pine’s office. county,” said Pine. “I think it’s a Before the pandemic hit, about San Mateo County had a child A recent county survey found Child care centers will be eli- really wise use of our CARES Act 104,712 San Mateo County resi- care shortage of about 23,591 that 59% of family child care gible for funding based on a point funding.” A dents used child care to enable spots. Reducing capacity at exist- homes and 30% of child care system, with priority for grant Email Kate Bradshaw at full-time work, generating annual ing child care centers by 50% centers have a month or less of funds going to care providers [email protected]
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August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ11 12QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ13 NEWS
CALTRAIN supervisors in the three counties provides critical alternatives to continued from page 5 stating that Fine represents only single-occupancy vehicle travel,” his own views and not those of the Palo Alto’s letter states. “Thou- address governance issues in a council, which had yet to discuss sands of essential workers and timely manner.” the issue. transit-dependent riders continue “These questions have been On Monday night, the council to use the service.” swirling around for a while,” overcame the epistolary spat and Palo Alto Councilwoman Liz Chavez said. “I appreciate that unanimously supported a letter Kniss, a former Caltrain board folks weren’t afraid to roll up their to Santa Clara County advocating member, likened the current sleeves, keep talking and get to for placing the measure on the funding mechanism for Caltrain yes.” ballot. The letter also requested to a “handshake” deal between In Palo Alto, the issue of Cal- that Caltrain and Santa Clara the three counties, and had advo- train governance also became a County address the “longstand- cated for governance reforms in sticking point last month, when ing and complex issue” of gov- the past. Palo Alto Mayor Adrian Fine ernance. Without a solution, the “When the money is there, submitted a letter on behalf of letter noted, Caltrain is likely to everything works out well. When the city advocating for placing run out of funds before the end it isn’t, you get back into a situation Magali Gauthier A woman sits by herself on Caltrain as it pulls into the Menlo Park the tax on the ballot. Vice Mayor of the year and face a $71 million as we (have) today,” said Kniss. A Tom DuBois responded by send- deficit in the next fiscal year. train station around 5 p.m. on March 13. When the pandemic struck, Email Gennady Sheyner at ridership on the commuter rail service plummeted, causing a funding ing his own letter to the various “Caltrain is a vital link in the [email protected] transit agencies and boards of region’s transit network, which crisis that made seeking a sales tax measure all the more urgent.
CRIME BRIEFS Committee, which advises the displaying oncoming drivers’ MASK communities are bearing the continued from page 6 Town Council on roadway speed compared to the posted continued from page 5 brunt and a vaccine is still not in safety and traffic enforce- speed limit. reach. We can’t know when this Speed trailer vandalized ment. Hui said that the trailer The Four Corners intersec- sliding scale based on the extent virus will be defeated but what was parked just south of Four tion, where Skyline Boulevard of the violation. we do know is a key step to stem- A San Mateo County Sher- Corners on Skyline Boulevard crosses Highway 84, has long The ordinance comes after San ming its spread — wearing a face iff’s Office speed trailer used and was measuring the speed raised concerns from residents Mateo County was added to the covering,” president of the board to collect traffic data tumbled of northbound traffic. over drivers speeding and state’s COVID-19 watchlist last Warren Slocum said in a news 200 feet down a hillside last “It was definitely vandal- sometimes racing each other week. Businesses such as hair release. month in Woodside, appar- ism. They just picked it up and through the area. salons, fitness centers and places In addition to wearing a mask ently thrown off the road in an threw it over the cliff,” Hui said Hui and the committee dis- of worship are now subject to when around people outside of act of vandalism. at the meeting. cussed options for replacing additional restrictions and must one’s household, the county also Sergeant Andy Hui discussed In addition to measur- the trailer but said the sheriff’s provide outdoor or curbside ser- requires social distancing, social the trailer’s demise during the ing traffic and speed data, office hasn’t yet decided how to vices only. gatherings of 50 people or less, July 23 meeting of the town the trailer was also placed proceed. “Our case counts continue to and implementation of social dis- of Woodside’s Circulation as a deterrent to speeding, —Heather Zimmerman rise, our Latino and low-income tancing in business places. A
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14QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 NEWS
STRESHLY distancing or what the ventila- “COVID-19 has created an envi- suitable arrangement our deci- is aware of the SDTA’s con- continued from page 5 tion/disinfection needs are,” ronment where district leader- sion needs to be based on facts. cerns about Streshly and would Salvatore said in an email. ship is working hard to balance The fundamental truth is that address them in a closed-session at the SDTA’s Representative Salvatore also alluded to Gov. the union’s contractual rights the entire world is concerned meeting, according to rules for Council, the group said, the Gavin Newsom’s recent decision with our absolute duty to pro- about the current crisis. How- discussing personnel matters, resolution received 200 signa- to require that schools in coun- vide our parents and students ever, as concerned as we may which are exempt from the tures in under 24 hours. The ties that are on the state’s watch- with critical support during be, that concern does not mean state’s open meeting require- final number of signatures was list be off the list for 14 days this difficult time ... Although I that we completely shut down ments that elected officials con- 300, representing roughly 60% before opening. “The move to understand the union’s fears, as and not provide our parents and duct the public’s business in of the active membership of the full distance learning only came everyone else in the world shares students with critical support by public. union, the group said. when the governor essentially them, that fear can not prevent all means we have at hand.” The school board was set to In its resolution, the union forced the district’s hand with us from doing more to support Streshly also responded to discuss an evaluation of the charged that during her three-year his clear declaration that a coun- our families during this crisis. the SDTA’s charge that she superintendent in a closed ses- tenure, Streshly ty with rising COVID numbers Without putting anyone at risk, allowed “teacher-bashing” in a sion during its meeting on Aug. has “failed to could not return students to the there are a myriad of options June 10 school board meeting. 5, after The Almanac’s press include teachers classroom,” she wrote. that we can take that will allow She said she recognizes that deadline. Visit almanacnews. and other key “After three years of strug- for our students to receive a the SDTA is upset because they com for updates. stakeholders in gling under (Streshly’s) inef- quality education.” believe she “did not defend In its statement, the SDTA conversations fective leadership, educators On Aug. 4, Streshly publicly teachers to parents” during also said that a group of “ten- and decisions urge our Board of Trustees to released a letter to the SDTA on the meeting, and that although ured administrators” had sent a that directly do what’s best for students, and July 31. In it, she addressed the she didn’t make any comments letter to the board expressing no impact teaching Superintendent make a change that will put our union’s charge that she hadn’t at the moment, “we all under- confidence in the superinten- and learning.” Mary Streshley district back on the path to suc- prioritized staff and student stood that parents needed a dent. After making multiple The SDTA mentioned the cess,” Salvatore said in SDTA’s safety in the decision about fall venue to express how they feel, requests, the district did not district’s decisions concerning statement. school reopenings. “As a former as ultimately until that point, produce a copy of the tenured reopening schools in the fall — The union’s resolution details teacher, I would never do any- they had not had the opportu- administrators’ letter to The first in a hybrid model in a June 19 grievances against Stresh- thing that would put our stu- nity to do so.” Almanac by press time. A 25 announcement letter from ly, including accusations that dents, teachers, and staff at risk,” School board president Allen Email Tyler Callister at Streshly, then later deciding to she has “consistently turned a she wrote. “For us to work out a Weiner said that the board [email protected] start classes fully online in a blind eye to the issues of racial presentation to the school board tensions” in the district; that July 21. she “mishandled the opening “She did not prioritize student and development of the TIDE TOWN OF ATHERTON or staff safety” when making alternative school,” referring to those decisions, the group said. complaints made about TIDE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING “The superintendent made the Academy in April; and that recommendation for students she “allowed teacher-bashing” NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Atherton Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to to return in a hybrid learning to “go-unchallenged” during a YL]PL^HTLUKTLU[Z[V*OHW[LY (JJLZZVY`+^LSSPUN August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ15 NEWS DISTANCE LEARNING home actually helped him. commenter specifically cri- July 21 that schools will open instruction while never losing continued from page 1 “I was essentially able to start tiqued teachers’ role in the online-only for the first quarter sight of the content standards my work whenever and finish spring semester’s distance of the fall semester. An order of our fields.” the school switched to a pass/fail it whenever I could,” he said. learning. by Gov. Gavin Newsom, closely She said that when the coro- grading system. As a result, she “So, I could sleep in and be well “My senior was very disap- followed by San Mateo County’s navirus pandemic forced said, the last few weeks of school rested for once. Thus, I saw an pointed at the near absence placement on the state’s COV- all schools to close, teachers were “nearly a waste of time.” improvement in my grades. of two of her five teachers,” ID-19 watchlist July 29, soon “scrambled to adapt” to online Mueller also said that she I know for many others time wrote Menlo-Atherton parent made it a moot point: Schools instruction, and that at the time, watched her daughter struggle management can be difficult Debra Ver Ploeg. “They basically are not allowed to open for in- teachers didn’t know how long with the online format. especially when procrastination checked out in late March. She person classes until the county distance learning would last, “Trying to stay in front of is possible, but for me, I was able suggested that if students have has been off of the watchlist for what schedule to follow or “the a laptop, Zooming classes for to get everything done on time.” to do distance learning, have 14 consecutive days. best way to deliver instruction.” hours a day, and staying focused Menlo-Atherton parent Sami- the BEST teacher teach each “We did the best we could to is incredibly hard,” she said. ra Jones said she also saw ben- class (e.g. APES, AP Lit, etc.) School responds to continue to teach our students,” “Collaborating with other stu- efits to virtual learning for stu- and let the others be like teach- she said. “But creating ad hoc dents, asking questions back dents, saying that it has “allowed ing assistants. Don’t let the low concerns lessons under constantly shift- and forth with a teacher, and kids to take responsibility for quality teachers (yes, the district In Menlo-Atherton High ing conditions led to a less-than- doing the hands-on things their own schedules,” and that has them and generally knows School’s virtual community optimal learning outcome for required in some classes simply the more flexible schedules who they are!) teach students, meeting held on July 22, school many students.” cannot be achieved through an resulted in a “massive reduction because they don’t.” administrators presented the Fall semester will be differ- online-only format.” in stress.” “And have the teachers teach!” school’s fall plan, responding to ent, according to Strub. “When With all schools in the Sequoia Meanwhile, student surveys Ver Ploeg said. “Posting assign- some concerns raised by parents we start school in August, the Union High School District set done by the Sequoia Union High ments once a week is not over the summer. conditions for distance learning to learn online for at least the School District found a majority teaching.” Instructional Vice Principal will be much more stable and first quarter of the fall semester, favored returning to in-person Menlo-Atherton parent Mike Karl Losekoot discussed a draft consistent,” she said. as announced July 21, Menlo- schooling rather than online. Komadina was another who bell schedule for the school Strub praised the fact that Atherton parent Eric Glader Seventy-six percent of students addressed teachers’ distance week, with three of six class the school will bring back letter said he hopes to see improve- preferred attending school in- learning work. “Our direct periods alternating days on grades this coming semester. ments in the coming semester. person “for as many classes as experience as parents is some of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and “We know our students need He said that last semester possible,” while 22% preferred the teachers were unsuccessful Friday. Wednesday would be concrete goals and measurable students had a “lack of connec- fully online learning, accord- in delivering quality education designated a teacher workday, outcomes to feel successful,” she tion with the teacher,” and that ing to a survey presented by the in a remote format,” he wrote. and students will have a “recom- said. Zoom meetings were few and district in its board meeting July “They simply did not adapt well mended schedule” of work for Many teachers have engaged far between. He said he wants 21. and often gave unproductive all their classes, Losekoot said. in training for online teaching to see the school have more live busywork. And although we A draft schedule sent to par- over the summer and have been classes. School board meeting respect that this is an unprec- ents Aug. 4 showed an 8:45 a.m. setting up lessons using online “My hope is that they’ve fig- edented transition, it appears start time, with classes an hour education software such as Flip- ured that out, and it’s not just draws fiery comments that some teachers are not well and 10 minutes long. grid, Edpuzzle and Pear Deck, lipstick on a pig,” he said. “The After Menlo-Atherton High qualified or well adapted to Losekoot also said that there she said. teachers are home ... so they School’s spring semester came to remote teaching.” will be “some live interaction in With Flipgrid, teachers can certainly have the time to show a close, many parents expressed Lisa Douglass, who has two every period that a student has post discussion topics and stu- up for a 50-minute lecture.” concerns over the summer in children at Menlo-Atherton, on their schedule,” suggesting dents respond through short Glader’s daughter Grace, who anticipation of the new school said that learning from home that will be done through Zoom videos. Edpuzzle is used to cre- is entering her senior year, year. In a June 10 district board has had negative impacts on her videoconference software. ate video lessons, and Pear Deck said she “found it a little hard meeting, amidst over 900 pub- children’s mental health. “One of the things we like to give lecture presentations. to be motivated” during vir- lic comments, 14 identified “The restriction to the home about our schedule is that it’s Speaking with The Almanac tual learning. But she said some themselves as Menlo-Atherton environment has made my going to be flexible,” Losekoot after the meeting, Principal teachers put in extra effort to parents — and all of them daughters noticeably depressed, said. “This is the basic structure Simone Rick-Kennel confirmed help students. “My math teacher firmly criticized Menlo-Ather- has disrupted my 14-year-old’s whether we’re in distance learn- that the school would take offered private Zoom sessions, I ton’s spring semester distance eating patterns and mood in dis- ing, or as we phase in — hope- attendance, and though the could call my teacher whenever,” learning. turbing ways, and has increased fully soon — into in-person details are being worked out, it she said. “It is UNACCEPTABLE to screen time and reduced inter- instruction.” will likely be taken by students “I’m eager to see how the have distance only learning,” personal interaction in ways Menlo-Atherton English signing in to Zoom meetings. online learning will go. I hope wrote Danielle Vontz, a Menlo- that are noticeably damaging to teacher Liane Strub spoke at She also acknowledged the they can find a way for it to feel Atherton parent. “M-A failed at them in a short period of time,” length during the presenta- challenges of last semester, say- at least kind of normal,” she this last semester and it is not she said. tion about teachers’ approach ing the first month of the school said. (based on your survey) what Most comments from mem- to distance learning. She said shutdown, especially, was hard Other students found virtual parents and students want/need. bers of other Sequoia Union that helping students “mas- on teachers and students. learning to be a boon, according We need accountability for stu- High School District schools ter a rich and varied cur- “It wasn’t distance learning, it to incoming senior David Cope, dents and TEACHERS.” implored the board to return riculum ... requires a very was crisis learning,” she said. A who said that learning from More than one M-A parent students to campus in the fall, a creative approach to teaching Email Tyler Callister at wish that did not come to pass — one that harnesses technol- [email protected] when the district announced ogy platforms best suited for PORTOLA COUNCIL other people living there.” strong committees, but you need continued from page 7 Hufty said she likes the town’s to have them keep improving efforts to engage residents and their information and their While Hufty is against the Stan- the San Mateo County Sheriff’s voice by bringing in people ford Wedge project, she supports Office in discussion around that they know understand the AmiCare To advertise, the development of housing if it police reform and racial equality. situation.” SERVICES INCORPORATED call 650.223.6597 keeps with the town’s character “I think this is a very complex In a follow-up email Tuesday, Quality and affordable or email digitalads@ and is in an appropriate location. discussion and very timely for Hufty acknowledged that, if caregiving services paweekly.com. “I remember when Portola the whole nation if we can do it elected, she “will have lots to right at the comfort of Valley had lots of little houses in a gracious way,” she said. learn about all the town con- your home. that were a lot of fun and could If elected in November, Hufty cerns and projects,” and said she CALL FOR be rented — that is well within said she would also work to allow is not a single-issue candidate. A FREE NURSE the character of Portola Valley,” town committees “to function.” “I am if anything too diverse ASSESSMENT Sign up today at she said. “I am not in support “The committees need to be and open minded in my interests (650) 709-8900 AlmanacNews.com/ of bigger and bigger houses; I’m able to choose their own mem- and enthusiasms,” she said. A express in support of the Portola Valley bers and bring in new people,” Email Julia Brown at where there are students and she said. “We’re good at (having) [email protected] 16QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 NEWS CLOSURES The program, he said, special- continued from page 1 ized in teaching kids things like teamwork, sportsmanship, grit subdued, he said, and atten- and mental toughness, and it dance dropped between a third received good feedback from and a half. But, he added, “The parents. amazing thing is that people are But when the pandemic struck, adapting to it. ... The desire to the youth flag football program, come to church is very important which had been at Oak Knoll to them.” Elementary School for nine To his knowledge, nobody in years, St. Raymond Catholic Ele- the parish had contracted or died mentary for eight, and had just from the coronavirus. launched at Encinal Elementary With the shutdowns in effect, with plans to expand to Laurel the church will close its doors School, crumbled fast. and will be offering masses and Programs halted immediately confessions outdoors, Otellini with the first shutdown orders said. The church has a large land- in March, and then in June he scaped area where services will be received another message say- held, which should work until the ing that after-school programs weather worsens, he said. would be shut down for at least He expressed some frustration another six months. about the categorization of busi- He dug into marketing the nesses and services as essential or Magali Gauthier gym, offering private one-on- Nativity Church in Menlo Park will be offering masses and confessions outdoors now that San Mateo County nonessential, and said he favored one training sessions. But no is on the state COVID-19 watchlist and under additional restrictions on indoor gatherings. them being classified as safe or matter how much he offered unsafe instead. “If we can oper- financial impact on the organiza- state watchlist, indoor gym use is committed to being a place things like extra scrubbing and ate a church and it’s as safe and tion, he said. not allowed at all, leaving owners where people can get the exercise cleaning, or air purifiers, no even safer than being in a grocery The community plans to be and workers with the only option they need to boost their immu- more than a few clients could be store or a Kmart, why can’t we conservative and careful about of figuring out how to conduct nity, reduce stress, stay healthy enticed to work out indoors, he continue?” he said. when it reopens, but before the business outdoors. and do what they can to protect said. Beginning Aug. 9 at St. Antho- latest county orders came, there AXIS, a longtime personal themselves from the coronavi- “The word is out there that ny’s of Padua, a Catholic church were tentative plans to restart training and exercise facility at rus. “It seems that COVID-19 enclosed space is like a death in North Fair Oaks, the church modified Friday services on Aug. 550 Ravenswood Ave. in Menlo is here to stay and workouts, sentence,” he said. “People are will celebrate a shortened Mass 15. Now that start date could be Park, started out with the first proper nutrition, sleep and vita- scared.” — lasting 30 to 40 minutes delayed further, Fallaha said. shutdown in March by putting min D are all important to keep The business did receive a fed- — outdoors. Parishioners are “We pray to God that relief forward a three-month plan, our immunity strong,” he said. eral PPP loan, but the funds were encouraged to bring picnic chairs will be soon, to lift this hardship sharing a commitment to fol- For another local gym, the gone within eight weeks, McNeil and umbrellas. Services are also from all of us as human beings. low public health guidance and latest closure “might be the nail said. being offered online via YouTube Humanity is suffering and we securing a federal PPP loan, said in the coffin,” said Lawrence He’s had to lay off his staff and Facebook, according to its seek his help in lifting this hard- Scott Norton, founder and CEO, McNeil, owner and founder of of eight part-time employees, website. ship,” he said. in an email. Bulldog Sports and Fitness, a canceled garbage pickups and For the local Muslim commu- He added that individuals and Since receiving the go-ahead to personal training and youth flag even electricity for a short time. nity, Friday prayer services have families can also do their part to reopen June 18, the team offered football business located at 1610 He now finds himself running been suspended since March, curb the spread of the coronavi- indoor and outdoor training, El Camino Real in Menlo Park. around town to meet with cli- said Kamal Fallaha, president of rus, too. “God will help us if we limited the number of gym “It’s been terrible,” he said. ents on public fields and tracks the Executive Committee at the abide by science,” he said. guests, mandated masks and The dual business he’s painstak- — and being grateful that some Yaseen Foundation, a Muslim hand washing, and disinfected ingly built over the last decade in have stuck with him. community-based organization Spas equipment after use. Menlo Park — a family-friendly “It could be worse,” he said. in San Mateo County. “We have followed every neighborhood gym and a bur- “I’m healthy. My family’s The community doesn’t have an Kendra Dinh, who has owned guideline possible and have geoning youth flag football pro- healthy.” adequate facility to meet outside, Kendra’s Spa at 1158 Chestnut St. spent so much time, money and gram in local schools — has disin- “As long as I can coach, and hasn’t been able to secure in downtown Menlo Park since blood, sweat and tears to make tegrated over the last few months whether it’s one person per day permits to meet in local parks, he 2001, said that business is not sure we could keep our team and since the pandemic struck. or 10 people, I still feel like I’m said. good. She’s doing what she can to clients safe,” Norton said. Revenue declined 70%, and has completing my life work; still Most recently, for the Islamic pay the rent and keep her clients, Then, Aug. 1, they were told remained so since the schools doing what my heart is made holiday of Eid al-Adha on July she said. Though salons are per- that they would have to halt he works with to run his flag to do,” he said. “I’m just really 31, the Yaseen Foundation host- mitted to operate outdoors, actu- indoor operations. football program have put their sad about my football teams. ... ed a drive-thru celebration, with ally doing so may not be practical, “Having to close again was programs on hold. How are these kids going to get masked volunteers delivering she explained. upsetting,” Norton added, not- “Those who know me best along without teamwork, with- donuts, coffee and children’s For instance, if she were to ing that the large space at the know how the gym is my life’s out competition?” toys to vehicles that passed move her salon’s hair cutting AXIS facility permits people to work,” he said. “I aspired to have “I hope it gets better,” he added. through. operations outdoors, even the stay very spread out. one neighborhood gym and I did The Almanac contacted a When asked how not being able slightest breeze could blow fresh- He also expressed skepticism it.” number of other faith commu- to meet in person for regular ser- ly cut hair toward neighboring that closing gyms like his would He said he was particularly nities, gyms and spas but did vices has impacted the Peninsula’s cafes. Downtown visitors likely help keep the pandemic in proud of how some of the kids not receive responses by press Muslim community, Fallaha said, don’t want hair blowing into their check. he used to train had been work- time. How has your business or “It has impacted us big time.” coffee, so she’s not planning to “We have so many safety ing for him at the gym to help community been impacted by Friday services not only offered offer haircuts outdoors. She said measures in place; we are doing coach the new generation of flag the pandemic? Let reporter an opportunity to worship, he Monday that she planned to offer everything possible, yet busi- football athletes. Kate Bradshaw know by email explained, but people also used manicures and pedicures out- nesses like ours, who are doing “It was just, like, my dream at kbradshaw@almanacnews. that time to socialize and check doors, but had to purchase some all of the right things, still have come true,” he said. com. A in on each other. supplies first. to close. If we felt this would “Now we are disconnected,” he make an impact, we would said. Gyms absolutely support it. How- During these services, some ever, is this really the course Grace Elise Vilez/Butcher attendees also made a habit of Over the last few months, state of action that will decrease the June 19, 1931 – July 9, 2020 making small donations to help and county policy on gyms has spread of COVID-19? When Grace Vilez Butcher, a long time resident of Menlo Park, CA, keep the meeting center clean and varied, starting with mandatory people are gathering in groups at rest July 9, 2020 at Palo Alto, CA. pay for utilities. Without those closures, then pivoting to per- and not wearing masks?” he Funeral arrangements through Spangler mortuary full regular meetings, such dona- mitting indoor operations. Now said. obituary at www.spanglermortuary.com tions are down, which has had a that San Mateo County is on the He added that the gym is August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ17 Artscene PEOPLE AND PERFORMANCES IN ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Screen time with Shakespeare San Francisco Shakespeare Festival takes ‘King Lear’ online and into the modern day By Karla Kane than indoor venues. “We ended up getting one of the Courtesy San Francisco Shakespeare Festival “People said, ‘You’re outside, first Actors Equity Association San Francisco Shakespeare Festival Technical Director Neal an Francisco Shakespeare surely you can do this,’” Ennals contracts in the country for virtu- Ormond at work on “King Lear.” SFestival’s yearly late-sum- recalled. “From an audience per- al streaming,” she said. “They had mer offerings of free shows spective, I’m quite sure we could to work out jurisdiction from SAG enact patriarchy,” Ennals said. a creative, often humorous mini- in local parks are a beloved tradi- have been safe,” she said, using (the Screen Actors Guild). This is “The way they have to ‘mascu- show that introduces audiences tion — a chance to picnic in the masks and spreading out seating for theater actors to perform live.” linize’ themselves in order to (especially kids) to the featured golden late-afternoon sunshine areas, “but the challenge is get- Normally, the cities of San Fran- be taken seriously. Especially play in a fun, breezy way. This and early evening twilight, sur- ting the cast and crew together cisco, Redwood City and Cuper- what white women have done to year, the Green Show, starring SF rounded by the beauty of nature, in a way that’s safe. The actors’ tino each fund several weekends become white patriarchy in this Shakes’ college interns, is avail- while enjoying engaging takes on union has not approved that.” of performances on location. culture.” able in 15-minute video form, classic dramas. This summer, of The company quickly began Happily, this is continuing, with While Powell’s Lear is a white viewable at any time. course, is different. experimenting with technologi- each city sponsoring a slew of woman, her three daughters are “We kept the spirit of it, the But Artistic Director Rebecca cal possibilities for “King Lear” performances despite widespread biracial characters. irreverence,” Ennals said. “We Ennals and the entire San Fran- with the goal of avoiding a budget cuts, allowing SF Shakes “Most of the younger char- get that there are words that cisco Shakespeare Festival (SF production that “looked like a to still offer the production free to acters in the play are played by are unfamiliar, there are things Shakes) crew are still bringing corporate meeting. The novelty viewers at home. actors of color. It’s a very deliber- that need to be explained. We free Shakespeare to the people, of watching people on Zoom has “The two South Bay cities ate look at the colossal shifting want to get rid of all the anxi- with their production of “King really worn off by now,” she said. really embraced the idea. We’re of culture that’s happening now ety people have about watching Lear” streaming live each week- Instead, the production utilizes really grateful for that,” she said. and the way that’s affecting Shakespeare.” end via YouTube. Peninsula fans tech that allows for capture of Performances run now through leadership,” she said. “(Carter) One has to wonder, what would who normally catch shows on separate actors’ videos into one Sept. 27, with shows at 7 p.m. on is a Black queer woman whose the Bard make of it all? While the lush grounds of Redwood picture, which is then broadcast Saturdays and 4 p.m. on Sundays mother is white. It’s a very per- he couldn’t have predicted the City’s Sequoia High School will live to YouTube. (with an additional performance sonal thing for her. She is the ability to livestream shows over find a banner on the campus “We’re all in it together,” she said. at 4 p.m on Labor Day, Sept. 4). right director for this project — the internet, he’d certainly have fence letting them know that Free “People tend to forget the actors “King Lear,” the tragedy involv- she has that perspective.” been no stranger to plagues — or Shakespeare in the Park is now aren’t in the same room. The actors ing the downfall of a monarch Opening a traditionally male gender-bending casting. Free Shakespeare at Home. aren’t really seeing each other but it attempting to divide a king- role to female actors also offers “I like to think Shakespeare “We miss being outside; we looks like they are.” dom among three daughters, has an opportunity for an overlooked would not be precious about miss being in the park,” Ennals Though everyone’s mourning themes that resonate strongly community of artists. what people would do with his said in a recent phone interview. the loss of the annual outdoor today, Ennals said. “Women over 50 get shut out plays,” Ennals said. “He’d have (As is the current reality for tours, Ennals said there are “some “It’s about society going of Shakespeare often. It’s a whole no problem at all that we have many working parents, espe- really nice silver linings involved” through a really unusual time unexplored pool of talent. Why a woman playing King Lear as cially mothers, she kept an eye with the virtual format. Dra- and an unusual struggle; some- limit yourself to some very narrow a woman. We know that they on her two young children at the maturgs are able to offer helpful thing that’s really throwing off definitions of what a character did a lot of cutting and editing same time.) tidbits throughout the perfor- the entire culture; that feels really should look like based on histori- along the way. He wouldn’t be “I usually get quite a suntan mances, such as defining anti- relevant right now,” she said. cal precedence?” Ennals said. surprised that we do the same.” and my hair starts getting lighter. quated phrases unfamiliar to “There are uprisings staged in One of the most cherished More information is available This is the first year in many some viewers. Audiences can also the production, there are people parts of the annual Free Shake- at sfshakes.org. A years where I’m pale and my hair watch the lengthy show in mul- questioning what’s going on with speare in the Park events is the Email Karla Kane at kkane@ is very dark,” she said, laughing. tiple sittings. And, of course, the the leadership of the country.” pre-performance “Green Show,” almanacnews.com When live theater started shut- performances will be accessible The titular Lear is portrayed in ting down in March, SF Shakes to folks anywhere, not only those this production by Jessica Powell. realized its summer plans may be who can make it out to a live event. Director Elizabeth Carter chose A&E BRIEF in jeopardy, even with the open- New flexibility from unions has to have a female Lear partly to air spaces of parks proving safer also been a beneficial result. explore the fraught dynamics of Talk on historic restoration by Filoli curator mother-daughter relationships When a historic home is restored to its original appearance, and the intersection of gender, how does anyone really know what the rooms looked like, let race and power. alone where to find wallpaper, furniture or art similar to what “It does open your ears to some the rooms might have had? of the lines in a different way, to Julie Bly DeVere, director of museum collections and curator Employment how women in politics have to at Woodside’s historic Filoli estate, will discuss a current res- toration project at Filoli in an online talk, 7-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, by the Woodside Arts & Culture Committee. LLEHUAEHUA GGREENMANREENMAN DeVere and other Filoli staff members are restoring the draw- The Almanac offers advertising ing room of the estate’s 1917 Georgian revival mansion. She will for Employment, as well as "Life comes talk about the detective work that has been key in returning with many the room, floor to ceiling, to its original look, which includes Home and Business Services. challenges. The everything from restoring wall coverings and light fixtures ones that should to tracking down an antique print collection that belonged to If you wish to learn more about Agnes Bourn, one of the home’s first residents. She will also talk not scare us are about how such a room restoration, once completed, is put on these advertising options, the ones we can display for visitors. please call 650.223.6582 or email take on and The talk is presented as part of the Woodside Arts & Culture take control of." Committee’s Virtual First Friday series. For more information, [email protected]. visit woodsideartandculture.org. 650.245.1845 —Heather Zimmerman 18QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 Food&Drink ‘Buck’s will never die.’ After 29 years, owners pass quirky Woodside institution to their sons By Elena Kadvany “We watched babies on their second, third day of life come in and watched fter nearly three decades at the some of our regulars on the second or A helm of the irreverent Buck’s of third last day of life. That’s been the Woodside, owners Jamis and true magic of Buck’s. It’s a place where Margaret MacNiven have retired and life can be experienced,” he said. “My turned the restaurant over to their brothers and I are pretty keen on keep- three sons. ing that aspect of it alive.” The younger generation reopened Dylan said they’re not trying to the Woodside restaurant last week for recreate the “old Buck’s” outside and outdoor dining and takeout, with a that the pandemic required a new new patio in the parking lot and a new style of service and pared-down menu. menu. Buck’s now serves smashburgers, with “We’re happily passing the crown to options for plant-based Impossible the boys,” said Jamis MacNiven, who Meats and vegan cheese, fish tacos, opened Buck’s in 1990 with his wife two salads, milkshakes and beer and Margaret. “They have a good view of wine. They plan to add more items the future.” soon, including breakfast. August Dylan MacNiven said his parents Schuchman, the executive chef for had been debating this future since the sons’ San Francisco restaurants, is closing in March when the coronavi- overseeing the menu revamp. rus shelter in place took effect. They Diners can eat in the parking-lot- had many family meetings to discuss turned-patio created with wooden how to best reopen Buck’s — whose tables and chairs, plants and some of dining room, decorated floor to ceil- the interior decor, including the Statue ing with artwork and funky collect- of Liberty that pre-pandemic greeted ibles, is the heart of the restaurant but customers inside the front door hold- cannot legally accommodate custom- ing not a torch but a dripping ice ers right now — amidst constantly cream sundae (she’s now wearing a changing public health mandates. mask). “They’ve been running Buck’s for Since reopening, they’ve been able to almost 30 years and there was prob- bring back about 12 of Buck’s 45 staff ably retirement on the horizon any- members. way,” Dylan said of his parents. Dylan said they hope the outdoor “When we were offered to do an patio will sustain the restaurant outdoor dining area in the front ... it through the summer and fall while seemed like a really good opportunity they wait for indoor dining to be to at least provide something for the allowed again. Long term, they’re town.” thinking about “how to move Buck’s Over the years, Buck’s became a into the next phase of its life,” he said, one-of-a-kind community institution which will require a balance between that drew generations of children and updating the longtime community families as well as Silicon Valley entre- favorite and maintaining its unique preneurs, heads of state and famous feel. actors. Jamis MacNiven was known “We’re from a different generation. for writing the cheeky menu descrip- There’s a lot of experience and things tions and a quarterly travel column that we would bring back, as far as our that sounded fabricated but was true, style of service and culinarily,” Dylan more often than not. said. “Buck’s has such a unique look — In late May, before Buck’s had it’s not like we’re looking to just paint reopened, MacNiven said he was the walls white and remove all the art.” thinking about turning the restau- In fact, they plan to continue their rant over to his sons Dylan, Tyler and father’s tradition of collecting uncon- Rowan with “an eye toward the 21st ventional art to decorate the dining century.” room, Tyler said — as well as hav- “Much of Buck’s is about the past,” ing their young children work at the he wrote in an email, “but we see that restaurant. an update at some point is necessary.” He summed it up succinctly: “Buck’s The sons, who grew up working at will never die.” Buck’s, operate four restaurants in Buck’s, located at 3062 Woodside San Francisco. Tyler also co-founded Road, is open daily from noon to 8 Sun Basket, a popular meal delivery p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Magali Gauthier From top: A Statue of Liberty replica wearing a mask stands outside Buck’s, bringing service. Saturday. A some of the Woodside restaurant’s kitschy decor to its outdoor patio; from left, Tyler, Tyler said they want to modern- Email Elena Kadvany at Rowan and Dylan MacNiven, holding Tyler’s son, Aden, stand with executive chef August ize Buck’s while still “preserving the [email protected] Schuchman; Buck’s new outdoor dining area offers a limited menu. integrity of the specialness of Buck’s.” August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ19 20QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ21 22QThe AlmanacQAlmanacNews.comQAugust 7, 2020 August 7, 2020QAlmanacNews.comQThe AlmanacQ23 OpKoWlsWdbà 35. All material 35. All material 15272 . License Number 0 . 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