School aims to reduce pickup, drop-off traffic by 35 percent. Page 5

THE HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER FOR MENLO PARK, ATHERTON, PORTOLA VALLEY AND WOODSIDE

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2 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 UPFRONT Want fresh veggies all Spring? Grow your own!

Chris Zider Scholarship winners and finalists are, from left: Domenic Andrighetto, Michaela Michael, Jenna Swartz (winner), Emma Thygesen, Samantha Bergeson, and Derek Hunter (winner). Finalists not pictured: Ryan Blocker, Austin Marcus and Michael Strong.

Photo by Bob Newell No vegetables taste as good or are as good for you as the ones that come right from your own garden. Come by Ladera Garden and Gifts and let us help you get started Zider scholarship winners named on your very own vegetable patch. By Marjorie Mader competes in track. He delivers HOW TO APPLY Almanac Correspondent N sports equipment and supplies to children at the Ecumenical wo student-athletes — Jenna Tenth-graders now attending a pub- Swartz of Menlo Park and Hunger Program in East Palo Alto lic or private high school and living during the holiday season. -IRRORSsCERAMICSsWALLDECORATIONSsVASESsPICTUREFRAMESsPLACEMATSNAPKINSsAPRONSs Derek Hunter of Portola Val- in Atherton, East Palo Alto, Los Altos T Austin Marcus of Hillsborough CANDLESsGREETINGCARDSsGIFTWRAPPINGsORGANICSPRAYSsSOAPSLOTIONSsBABYANDCHILDRENSGIFTS ley — are winners of the 2011 Chris Hills, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Portola sBABYBOOKSsSTUFFEDANIMALS Zider Scholarships. Valley, Stanford or Woodside may goes to Menlo School, where he Superior rating for quality & price by Consumers Checkbook. Each receives a $15,000 schol- apply for the two $15,000 Chris plays varsity baseball and water Ladera Garden and Gifts t

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 arship that can be used for col- Zider Scholarships. Any sophomore polo. He enjoys robotics and came lege, private high school tuition, who attends Menlo School or Wood- in second in the FTC robotics or for educated-related expenses, side High also is eligible. Preliminary world championship. such as taking a summer course applications are available now at Domenic Andrighetto lives in the schools’ couseling offices or by Portola Valley and attends Saint on a college campus, during the contacting the Beta Group at (650) next six years. Francis High School. He plays 233-8700 and must be postmarked football and competes in track The winners and finalists rep- by March 26. resent six high schools: Menlo- > Go to chrisziderscholarship.com and field. He also volunteers for Atherton, Menlo School, Sacred for more information. 2nd Mile and has been a camp Heart Prep, and Palo Alto, St. counselor at Panthers Camp. Francis and Woodside. Michael Strong lives in Palo Alto Since 1993, when the Zider as a freshman and “most valuable and attends Palo Alto High School. scholarship program was estab- player” as a sophomore. He plays basketball, baseball, and lished, 27 students have received A member of M-A’s Outreach cross country. He enjoys volunteer- !
 scholarships. Club, she tutors students at Willow ing for “Stretch to Kindergarten” The annual scholarships are giv- Oaks Middle School and volun- and has started working as an assis- Sequoia Hospital Emergency Department en in memory of Chris Zider, who teers for Project Backpack and the tant coach of a Little League team. grew up in Menlo Park and Portola Holiday Family Gift Drive. She Samantha Bergeson lives in –



 Valley and was the oldest child of also serves on the Teen Advocacy Portola Valley and attends Menlo Bob and Cheryl Zider of Portola Council that specializes in “My School. She plays lacrosse, soft- –

 

!
 Valley. Chris died in a snowboard- Red Shoes” a nonprofit organiza- ball, and volleyball. She is a ing accident at Lake Tahoe in 1992, tion that promotes awareness of member of the National Charity –


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when he was 15 and a sophomore homelessness. League and enjoys writing and at Woodside High School. He Derek Hunter of Portola Valley photography. Samantha has been

! attended Menlo School his fresh- plays basketball and football at a camp counselor at the Ronald man year after graduating from the Sacred Heart Prep and received McDonald house and at the Palo –

 



Portola Valley School District. the “Hustle” award for basketball Alto Art Center.
!
 Besides their many accomplish- as a freshman and the “Offensive Michaela Michael lives in Hills- ments in the classroom, on the Player of the Year” for football as a borough and attends Menlo School. playing fields, and in the com- sophomore. She plays varsity soccer and varsity munity, the students’ “love for He works at the Riekes Center lacrosse. She has volunteered at the their family comes across,” said his in Menlo Park helping others find Haven House and Fair Oaks, and sequoiahospital.org mother, Cheryl Zider. their own talents. Derek loves teaches students at East Palo Alto music and plays the guitar and Charter School to play lacrosse. The winners piano. He also has started his own Emma Thygesen of Menlo Park Jenna Swartz combines her inter- T-shirt design business. attends Menlo School. She plays est in sports with community ser- varsity volleyball, varsity basketball, vice projects. She was team captain The finalists and is on a club volleyball team. of Menlo-Atherton’s junior varsity Ryan Blocker of Portola Valley Emma is on the student council and Located on the corner of water polo team and received the plays varsity basketball at Wood- has led and planned community Whipple & Alameda, “most inspirational player award” side High, club basketball, and service trips to Taft Elementary Redwood City School in Redwood City and to InnVision in Palo Alto. A CALLING ON THE ALMANAC

THE ALMANAC (ISSN 1097-3095 and USPS 459370) is published every Wednesday by Embarcadero Media, Newsroom: 223-6525 N E-mail news, information, obituaries 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025- Newsroom fax: 223-7525 and photos (with captions) to: 6558. Periodicals Postage Paid at Menlo Park, CA and [email protected] Advertising: 854-2626 at additional mailing offices. Adjudicated a newspaper of general circulation for San Mateo County, The Almanac is N E-mail letters to the editor to: Advertising fax: 854-3650 delivered free to homes in Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola [email protected] Classified ads: 854-0858 Valley and Woodside. Subscriptions for $60 per year or $100 per 2 years are welcome. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the Almanac, 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, Menlo Park, CA 94025-6558. Copyright ©2012 To request free delivery, or stop delivery, of The Almanac in zip code 94025, 94027, by Embarcadero Media, All rights reserved. Reproduction 94028 and the Woodside portion of 94062, call 854-2626. without permission is strictly prohibited.

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N3 WE’RE WORKING TO PROVIDE SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN CALIFORNIA

Our Small Business Bankers are out in the community, meeting face-to-face with clients in California. They know the special needs of small businesses, and all the ways Bank of America can help them.

Additionally, as part of our ongoing commitment to small businesses, Bank of America extended $6.4 billion in new credit to small businesses across the country in 2011 — a 20% increase over 2010.

Combining our local support and expertise with our national resources, Bank of America is working to grow this crucial part of America’s economy.

Hired Extended Increased 213 $6.4 Billion 20%

Small Business Bankers In new credit to small businesses Small business lending in California in 2011. nationwide in 2011. nationwide from 2010.

To learn more about the ways that Bank of America can help your small business, visit bankofamerica.com/smallbusinessbanker

© 2012 Bank of America Corporation. Member FDIC. ARP2P4Z5

4 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 M ENLO PARK | ATHERTON | WOODSIDE | PORTOLA V ALLEY School aims to reduce traffic by 35 percent By Renee Batti dollar donations to help local Almanac News Editor community service and envi- ronmental organizations,” Ms. raffic counts should begin Kasser said. The students choose this month to assess the the organizations. Timpact of Menlo School’s The tally as of early Febru- “Go Menlo” program, launched ary indicates significant par- at the beginning of the school ticipation: According to Ms. year with a goal of reducing Kasser, the middle school earned traffic by 35 percent through $8,688, which it donated to the carpooling, busing, and other Peninsula Humane Society’s alternatives to getting to and Wildlife Care Center; and the from school. upper school raised $7,307 to Atherton City Planner Neal give to Hidden Villa to fund Martin said reducing traffic on science field trips for kids at Taft and around Valparaiso Avenue Elementary School in Redwood was a condition of the school’s City. use permit amendment to allow The school partnered with an enrollment increase of about a Web-based transportation 50 students. With Menlo School scheduling tool, Zimride, for the and nearby Sacred Heart Schools program, Ms. Kasser said. “With fronting Valparaiso, traffic in Menlo School’s private Zimride that area is typically a headache community, Menlo families can just before and after school. find carpooling partners, sign up Menlo School spokeswoman for bus rides, and earn incentive Jill Kasser said the school is still points by tracking their efforts Photo courtesy of Menlo School in the process of collecting data on the Commute Calendar,” she A crossing guard assists students crossing Valparaiso Avenue on their way to Menlo School, which has to assess the program’s success explained in an email. launched a traffic-reduction program. so far, but some preliminary Although Zimride is used by figures are promising. Stanford and a number of local To encourage participation, companies, Menlo School is its with the progress of the Go awareness of the role they play program’s effectiveness. If traf- the program includes incentives first independent school partner, Menlo program to date. There’s in preserving the environment. fic is substantially reduced, it giving those who carpool, bike, according to Ms. Kasser. more to come, and we are Mr. Martin, the town planner, might provide incentive for walk, or use public transporta- Head of School Norm Colb optimistic.” Mr. Colb said the said Atherton officials will be other area schools to adopt pro- tion “points that translate into said in an email: “We are pleased program is deepening students’ paying close attention to the grams of their own, he said. A

Woodside backs concept Atherton changes course on city for banning plastic bags manager hunt; Danielson exits By Renee Batti in San Mateo County tainty over the city manager’s office. Almanac News Editor By Dave Boyce whether Mr. Councilman Jim Dobbie Almanac Staff Writer brought one of their own. imps need not apply. Danielson, agreed, saying that he wants A county ordinance may be on That’s one of the mes- a retired city “someone to tell me to go jump he Town Council in the books by January 2013, accord- Wsages Atherton City manager, would in the lake” if he gets out of line. Woodside has agreed in ing to a Woodside staff report. The Council members want to send be able to con- Also, he said, it’s important that Tprinciple to join a county- supervisors would ask the cities to anyone thinking about tossing tinue receiving the new manager “be capable of wide initiative now in the works and towns to “by reference” adopt his or her hat in the ring for the his pension if John Danielson dealing with the unions.” that would ban the flimsy “single- the same ordinance. city manager’s position. he continued Although the town laid off use” plastic bags at retail check-out A group effort matters because The council met in a special working for Atherton. 13 of its 16 general employees counters. ordinances in session on Feb. 28 to discuss the The town’s goal is to have a per- to outsource services last year, The council’s individual com- process of finding a permanent manent manager in place by May officials say it will look to more 5-2 vote on Feb. A county ordinance munities have city manager, which the town 16, although council members cuts in employee costs when it 27, with council- may be on the books been vulnerable to has been without since October and Interim City Manager The- negotiates a new contract with men Dave Burow court challenges 2010. resa DellaSanta acknowledged police officers this year. and Tom Sha- by January 2013 by deep-pocketed Council members approved that date is optimistic. Council members general- nahan dissent- bag manufactur- budgeting up to $17,000 to hire The council also discussed ly agreed with job qualifica- ing, adds support to the San ers. This ordinance would be a recruitment firm, abandoning what it wants in a city man- tions outlined in advertisements Mateo County Board of Supervi- based on a county-funded envi- their original plan to hire the ager. Councilman Jerry Carlson already published, including a sors’ plans to craft an ordinance ronmental impact report, Dean recently resigned interim city listed three criteria he felt were strong financial background, that, in addition to banning the Peterson, the director of the coun- manager, John Danielson, to most important. Number one: municipal management expe- bags, would require merchants ty’s Department of Environmental conduct the search. The new manager has to have rience, and a commitment to to charge customers a small fee Health, told the council. Mr. Danielson and town offi- “backbone enough to stand up to efficiency of services. for a paper or durable reusable cials decided the town should council members.” In summary, bag if they need one and haven’t See PLASTIC BAGS, page 6 switch course because of uncer- he said, he didn’t want a wimp in See MANAGER, page 6

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XXXSPCFSUTNBSLFUDPN “So far, no one has sued (over an when it would rise to 25 cents. ordinance) with an EIR attached,” In an email explaining his FRESH PRODUCE he said. dissent, Mr. Burow, the Wood- In 2010, the state Legislature side councilman, noted that considered a similar regulation Roberts Market already credits LONG $ 29 DELICIOUS, SEEDLESS that the Assembly passed but the customers 10 cents for their own ASPARAGUS 1 $ 99 Senate rejected on a vote of 21-14. bags, and that “most people” lb RED MUSCAT Eight Democrats voted against it he knows bring their own bags. RUSSET 1lb and no Republicans voted for it. Incentives, not penalties, are the POTATOES ¢ GRAPES Locally, Mr. Peterson is set to way to go, he said. 59 lb speak to the Menlo Park City Woodside town staff, after visit- Council on March 13, county ing Roberts, Buck’s of Woodside MEAT AND SEAFOOD spokesperson Robyn Thaw said. restaurant, The Village Pub and There are no plans to contact other retailers, came away with MARINATED Atherton as it has no retail, Ms. the sense that a ban would not be PORK $ 98 Thaw said. a surprise, Town Manager Kevin CHICKEN The Portola Valley council Bryant said. TENDERLOIN 6 lb $ 98 will be inviting Mr. Peterson to a Deputy Town Engineer Eune-

FAJITA 5 lb March or April meeting, Brandi june “EJ” Kim added: “They GROUND $ 98 de Garmeaux, the town’s envi- seemed to be pretty good with it, CHUCK ronmental programs coordinator, that it was a good thing.” 3 lb said in an email. The California Grocers Associa- The ban would not affect the tion approves of the concept, Mr. ON SALE GROCERY more durable clear plastic bags Peterson said. A MANAGER $ 49 a contract that would pay Mr. SPECTRUM ORGANIC CANOLA OIL continued from page 5 Danielson $12,000 per month, for 16 OZ. 4 up to three months, to help find Mayor Bill Widmer is expected a permanent city manager, and to appoint an ad hoc committee to serve as an adviser to the new CHOBANI NON-FAT ¢ SKIPPY $ 39 of two council members to over- interim manager. 95 2 see the recruitment process soon. But Mr. Danielson never signed YOGURTS 6 OZ. PEANUT BUTTER the contract, preferring to wait for 16 OZ. Danielson’s exit a ruling from CalPERS on whether STOUFFER’S COTTONELLE When Mr. Danielson, the for- he could continue working for the $ 99 $ 39 mer city manager of Elk Grove, town and still receive his pension, MACARONI & CHEESE 1 MOIST WIPES 2 was hired as interim city manager Mayor Widmer said. So when 12 OZ. – ALSO SPINACH SOUFFLÉ 42 COUNT TUB in January 2011 at a rate of $15,000 CalPERS informed the town in late per month, one of his major tasks February that it may not decide for was to find his replacement. another two months, Mr. Daniel- DELI DEPARTMENT Because he was collecting a son bowed out of the picture, the pension from mayor said. STOP BY ROBERTS MARKET DELI IN WOODSIDE OR the California The PORTOLA VALLEY AND TRY ONE OF OUR “HOT OR COLD” SALADS Public Employ- Councilman Jim Dobbie council had ees Retirement said he wants a manager allowed Mr. System (CalP- Danielson to Spicy Italian Linguini or Artichoke, We also have delicious who will ‘tell me to go $7.99 lb. $6.99 lb. ERS), his ten- remain in the Prosciutto Fettucini only Twice Baked Potatoes Just ure in Ather- jump in the lake’ town-owned Made fresh in our kitchen! ton was lim- house in Hol- ited to working if necessary. brook-Palmer a maximum of Park, which WINE AND SPIRITS 960 hour per fiscal year, not to traditionally houses the town’s exceed 12 months. If he worked city manager. But now that he’s not Winter Zins These Zinfandels offer rich, hearty, spicy fl avors that satisfy your taste buds, yet are easy on your wallet. beyond that period, he would working for the town, “I’m going Light a fi re and enjoy one of these delicious wine bargains. forfeit his pension, according to to give him a reasonable time to 2010 Sobon Estate Old Vines, Amador County state law. move out,” Ms. DellaSanta said...... By the end of December, the Ms. DellaSanta had never man- Reg. $10.99 Sale $8.99 process to find a permanent aged a city government before Brambly blackberry fruits with lots of spice and pepper. This is Sobon’s fi nest “Old Vines” effort to date! 14.9%ABV manager had yet to be started, January, even as an assistant man- 2010 Hobo “Dry Creek Valley,” Sonoma County but town officials believed CalP- ager. But even though the person Reg. $16.99 ...... ERS would approve an extension who was supposed to offer support Sale $14.99 of the contract. if she needed it is no longer in the This is the epitome of fi ne “Dry Creek Valley” Zinfandel with rich, complex loamy/mineral complexity. A great value! By mid-January, however, the picture, Mayor Widmer expressed 2009 Quivira, Dry Creek Valley state agency ruled that Mr. Dan- confidence that she will do just Reg. $19.99 ...... Sale $16.99 ielson must resign or stop receiv- fine in her interim role. Gorgeous, fresh, juicy, lively red fruits with a stony/spice fi nish. 92 points from Wine Advocate, and for once I agree! ing his pension. He resigned, “I think she’s doing a great job,” effective Jan. 19. he said. “She’s taking counsel from 2009 Cedarville Vineyards “Estate Bottled” El Dorado In late January, the council the city attorney” and staff mem- Reg. $21.99 ...... Sale $17.99 appointed Ms. DellaSanta, the bers who manage individual A party in a bottle. Packed with spicy fruit and creamy, cedary oak. Bold and dramatic. town’s deputy clerk, to the interim departments, and “she’s extremely city manager post, and approved communicative,” he added. A

6 ■ The Almanac ■ March 7, 2012 NEWS REAL ESTATE Q&A by Gloria Darke parole more than 20 times, but Chowchilla kidnapper in October 2008, a parole panel ruled that he was suitable for My House, My Staging parole. However, the panel didn’t may be released set a release date for him. Dear Gloria, we keep hear- dards that are fairly high in our mar- In August 2009, a second panel ing about what a good market it ket place. Almost every property is By Jeff Shuttleworth mid-20s when they ambushed a decided against granting him is in the Bay area and we think freshly painted, floors refinished and Bay City News Service busload of school children July parole, saying that a third panel we should put our house on very painting done as needed. Staging is 15, 1976, from Dairyland Union should consider whether granting quickly so we don t miss it. We have a major part of this preparation. The ne of the three men who School in Chowchilla, a small parole would be “improvident.” done some touch-up painting and staging is done in such a way as to kidnapped a busload of farm community about 35 miles On April 5, 2011, the third panel a little landscaping. In addition, we appeal to the largest number of home OChowchilla schoolchil- northwest of Fresno in Madera held its hearing on the matter at went with the realtors recommen- buyers. The pieces should comple- dren in 1976 and buried them in County. the California Men’s Colony in dation to have the house staged. ment the style of the home and be a quarry in Livermore could be The men left the bus camou- San Luis Obispo, where all three I don’t like the way it looks at all placed in such a way as to minimize released from prison as soon as flaged in a creek bed and drove kidnappers are being held, and it and think my own things looked any floor plan short comings. There is May due to a state appellate court the children and bus driver, Ed ruled that parole would be appro- better. My realtor doesn’t want me often a misunderstanding on the part ruling last week. Ray, to the California Rock and priate for Richard Schoenfeld. to call the stagers back to do some of the home seller as to what the role Scott Handleman, an attorney Gravel Quarry in Livermore. But the panel said that based on changes. It’s my house – shouldn’t I of the stager is. The seller assumes, as for 57-year-old Richard Schoen- The kidnappers sealed their vic- its calculations, he shouldn’t be be able to do what I want? you do, that the stager is their decora- feld, said Friday that he’s “pleased” tims in a large van that had been released until November 2021. —Marlene T. tor and should stage according to the the First District Court of Appeal However, the First District Dear Marlene, Good for you for their tastes. The staging is done to in San Francisco ruled that Mr. Court of Appeal ruled Feb. 28 doing the right things to prepare your ultimately bring the highest possible Schoenfeld has completed his The three kidnappers that the parole panel “erred” property to show it in the best light. price for the home. It has been shown sentence for the crime, which were from families because it violated its own rules Even though it feels as if we are in a time after time, year after year to bring received international head- and lacked authority to increase red hot market there are still stan- the highest return on investment. lines, and must be “immediately in Atherton and his sentence after finding him released on parole,” unless the Portola Valley. suitable for parole. For answers to any questions you may have on real estate, you may e-mail me at gdarke@apr. state files an appeal. Mr. Handleman, his attorney com or call 462-1111, Alain Pinel Realtors. I also offer a free market analysis of your property. The three kidnappers were from said he thinks the ruling means families in Atherton and Portola buried in a cave at the quarry and that Richard Schoenfeld has been Valley. Mr. Schoenfeld and his fitted out to keep the children and “unjustly incarcerated” since he NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING brother James Schoenfeld were driver hostage. was found suitable for parole AND from Atherton, and Frederick The kidnappers then demand- back in 2008. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Woods was from Portola Valley. ed a $5 million ransom for the Mr. Schoenfeld “is clearly reha- CITY OF MENLO PARK Mr. Handleman said the court’s return of the 26 children and the bilitated and is no danger to soci- PLANNING COMMISSION ruling on Feb. 28 will become driver. ety,” Mr. Handleman said. MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2012 final at the end of April so he The hostages escaped from the But in opposing parole at the hopes Richard Schoenfeld will be buried van more than 24 hours hearing last April, Ms. Klinge, released in early May if the state after they were first kidnapped the deputy district attorney, said NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City Board of Parole Hearings doesn’t when Mr. Ray and the two oldest she doesn’t think he is eligible for of Menlo Park, California, is scheduled to review the following items: file an appeal. children piled mattresses to the parole, in part because of his par- California Department of Cor- top of the van and forced their ticipation in a scheme in which PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS rections spokesman Luis Patino way out. inmates falsified their prison said the board “is analyzing the The three men received life Use Permit/Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club/2900 work time cards in an effort to get Sand Hill Road: ruling and is working with its Request for a use permit to allow Sharon Heights sentences after pleading guilty in more pay and another incident in Golf and Country Club to conduct an annual Fourth of July celebra- legal team to determine what Alameda County Superior Court which he used a computer with- tion. Activities would include, but are not limited to, a fireworks display, steps they should take next.” in 1977 to 27 counts of kidnap- out authorization. children’s carnival, and amplified music. The event hours would gener- Alameda County Deputy Dis- ping for ransom. She also said she thinks he “has ally be between 5 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on July 4th, with the fireworks trict Attorney Jill Klinge, who has In 1980, an appellate court a propensity to be a follower.” display taking place around 9:30 p.m. The fireworks display launching attended parole hearings in recent decided they were eligible for Ms. Klinge said she also dis- site would be located on the driving range area between the 1st and years for the three kidnappers, parole, ruling that the victims agrees with the appellate court’s 18th fairways and would last approximately 15-20 minutes. The pro- said she’s “disappointed” by the didn’t suffer any bodily harm. A calculation about the proper posed event would exceed the noise limits established under Section court’s ruling because she doesn’t key sentencing issue is whether length of his sentence. 8.06.030 of the Menlo Park Municipal Code. think he’s suitable for parole. the victims had been kidnapped Mr. Woods and James Schoe- The Schoenfeld brothers and with bodily harm. nfeld haven’t yet been found NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that said Planning Commission Mr. Woods were in their early- to Richard Schoenfeld was denied suitable for parole. A will hold a public hearing on public hearing items in the Council Chambers of the City of Menlo Park, located at 701 Laurel Street, Menlo Park, on Monday, March 19, 2012, 7:00 p.m. or as near State fines Menlo lab for fatal explosion as possible thereafter, at which time and place interested persons may appear and be heard thereon. If you challenge this item in court, By Sandy Brundage a damaged eardrum. lab for not identifying hazards, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else Almanac Staff Writer The California Occupational lack of training, setting a pres- raised at the public hearing described in this notice, or in written cor- Health and Safety Association sure relief valve to the wrong respondence delivered to the City of Menlo Park at, or prior to, the embrane Technology (Cal-OSHA) inquiry found that level, storing other gases in public hearing. & Research in Menlo pressure in the cylinder, which tanks labeled for propane, and Park faces seven cita- was rated for 300 psi, reached failing to check that all equip- The project file may be viewed by the public on weekdays between M the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and tions and $55,850 in penalties as nearly triple that level. The ment was operated within safe 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, with alternate Fridays closed, at the a result of a state investigation attached pressure relief valve parameters. All seven fines add Department of Community Development, 701 Laurel Street, Menlo into the Sept. 2 laboratory explo- was set to vent only after pres- up to $55,850. Park. Please call the Planning Division if there are any questions and/ sion that killed a 56-year-old sure reached 3,360 psi, about According to Cal-OSHA or for complete agenda information (650) 330-6702. scientist. 10 times as high as the cylinder spokesperson Erika Monterro- Adrian Martin reportedly could safely contain. za, the lab has 15 business days Si usted necesita más información sobre este proyecto, por favor llame was adding methane to a tank The seven citations include six from Feb. 24, the date the cita- al 650-330-6702, y pregunte por un asistente que hable español. containing methane, nitrogen, labeled as “serious.” One cites tions were issued, to appeal. She helium and butane when the the lab for failing or neglecting said the company is expected to DATED: March 1, 2012 Deanna Chow, Senior Planner pressurized cylinder exploded, to do everything reasonably contest the citations. Represen- PUBLISHED: March 7, 2012 Menlo Park Planning Commission blowing the scientist 15 feet necessary to protect the life and tatives from Membrane Tech- into an adjoining laboratory and safety of its employees, in this nology, located at 1360 Willow Visit our Web site for Planning Commission public hearing, agenda, killing him. A woman standing case, not noting that the tank Road, were not immediately and staff report information: www.menlopark.org near the door of the lab was was only rated for 300 psi. thrown clear and survived with Other citations penalize the See EXPLOSION, page 9

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N7 NEWS

Woodside School seeks community input for its new strategic plan

By Renee Batti K-8 school, said Superintendent intendent Polito said. Almanac News Editor Beth Polito, who also is the school’s There will be “refinement” ses- principal. sions at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April oodside Elementary The survey can be taken by 26; and Friday, April 27, at 8:30 School consistently going to the district website, wood- a.m. At these meetings, the district Wscores high in academic side.k12.ca.us, by Monday, March will present an overview of the testing, and has a curriculum rich 12. There are also copies available survey findings, and gather more in programs that many of the state’s in the school office. On Friday, specific input on themes identified school districts have had to jettison March 9, interested participants during the process to date, accord- because of budget cuts. But there’s can drop by the district office dur- ing to the flier. always room for improvement. Ms. Polito said Beginning this month, the the information and one-school Woodside Elemen- District wants to know: What are the comments gathered tary School District will hold a throughout the pro- series of meetings to gather ideas community’s hopes and dreams for the cess will help the from parents, staff, students and future of the school? school board and members of the community staff develop an about the direction they’d like effective strategic to see the district go in. ing student pickup and drop-off plan to improve the school pro- The first step for people inter- hours for coffee and a laptop on gram over the next five years. Photo courtesy Filoli ested in participating is an online which to take the survey. To spearhead the process, the The Bubblesmith is a favorite among children at Filoli’s Spring Fling. survey, available until March 12. Focus group meetings designed district has hired a consultant and “This is a quick survey with open- to encourage parents and the com- formed a 10-member task force ended questions about your hopes munity to share and brainstorm that includes Ms. Polito, school Spring Fling at Filoli and dreams for the future of the ideas are scheduled for Thursday, board members Rudy Driscoll school,” according to a flier dis- March 15, at 6:30 p.m.; and Friday, and Kevin Johnson, teachers and Visitors will get the rare chance have puppies in training on hand tributed by the district. March 16, at 8:30 a.m. Both meet- parents. to see three historic greenhouses for petting. Children may take The survey and meetings are the ings are in the school’s Wildcat Questions and ideas regarding containing plants that have been home pots they have planted and lead-up to the creation of a five- Room. the process can be directed to the in Filoli’s collection since 1920 decorated. year, comprehensive strategic plan Middle school students also will task force by emailing vision@ during the annual Spring Fling at Tickets are $20 for members, for teaching and learning at the participate in a focus group, Super- woodsideschool.us. A the Woodside estate from 10 a.m. $25 for non-members, $5 for to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31. children ages 5 to 17, and free The family-focused event will for children 4 and younger. Box Supervisor recovering from cancer surgery feature live music groups, a magic lunches, at $18 for adults and $10 show, puppet shows, the Bubble- for children, must be ordered in By Renee Batti son was unable rescheduled date, Ms. Irwin said. smith (who creates giant bubbles), advance. Almanac News Editor to attend the But even if she attends that meet- arts and crafts for children, and Visit www.Filoli.org or call Feb. 28 meet- ing, it’s likely she won’t be working nature walks. Filoli weekdays at 364-8300, ext. upervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson, ing, the Board a full schedule at that point, she The Fortis Agility Sports Train- 508, for more information and who represents San Mateo of Supervisors added. ing Group will entertain with dogs tickets. SCounty District 4, is recover- postponed a Regarding the supervisor’s recov- navigating challenging obstacles Filoli is located at 86 Canada ing well from breast cancer surgery vote originally ery, “she’s just really thankful that and Guide Dogs for the Blind will Road in Woodside. she underwent on Feb. 24, and scheduled for Rose Jacobs she caught it early,” and encour- is out on medical leave from her that meeting Gibson ages women to get mammograms, duties with the county, according to on whether to Ms. Irwin said. a spokeswoman from her office. appoint a replacement for county Ms. Jacobs Gibson represents Grants enable seniors to recover at home The supervisor was diagnosed Controller Tom Huening, who is county residents of Menlo Park, Sequoia Hospital has given Force. with stage-one cancer, and because retiring March 31, or to hold an Redwood City, East Palo Alto, and $100,000 in grants to four agen- The goal is to help seniors it was caught so early, is “expect- election. the unincorporated areas of North cies in San Mateo County that leaving the hospital avoid going ing a full recovery,” said Rebecca “They delayed the vote until she Fair Oaks and Oak Knoll. She will collaborate in administering the to a skilled nursing facility or Irwin, a legislative aide. got back, and we’re hoping that be termed out of office at the end Sequoia Hospital Homecoming being re-admitted to the hos- Because Supervisor Jacobs Gib- she will be back” by March 13, the of the year. A Project, designed to bridge the pital, according to the Feb. 6 gap between an older patient’s announcement by Sequoia Hos- discharge from the hospital and pital. Caltrans joins spraying moratorium that patient’s recovery. In 2011, the program served 70 The four agencies are Penin- seniors, enabling them to recu- By Barbara Wood after March 13th.” Report was presented in January to sula Volunteers Inc., Peninsula perate at home. Services pro- Special to the Almanac The decision comes after Caltrans the environmental committee and Family Service Inc., Samari- vided by Peninsula Volunteers sparked public ire in November will go to the full Board of Supervi- tan House and the San Mateo include home-delivered meals esidents of rural San Mateo when it broadcast sprayed herbicide sors at its March 13 meeting. County Fall Prevention Task (Meals on Wheels). County have one less thing along a 15-mile swath of Highway In the meantime, rural county Rto worry about this spring, 84, despite protests from nearby residents have formed a group, Just The group is gathering signatures maintained roads that were viewed since the California Department of residents and county and Bay Area Say Mow, which hopes to convince at www.change.org. and analyzed as part of the Veg- Transportation has joined the coun- officials who were worried that the the county to mow roadside weeds In June 2010, the Board of Super- etation Management Report are ty in agreeing on a moratorium herbicides could get into the local instead of spraying them with her- visors voted to try to reduce the many in the Almanac circulation on all broadcast roadside spraying water supply. bicides. use of pesticides (herbicides are area, including Alpine Road, Sand of herbicides along Highway 84/ San Mateo County imposed a Patty Mayall, a La Honda area considered a pesticide as the plants Hill Road, Whiskey Hill Road, La Woodside-La Honda Road until at moratorium on spraying in July resident who has led the fight they kill are unwanted) by using Honda Road, Old La Honda Road, least March 13. 2012, when supervisors Dave Pine against spraying, said the group is integrated pest management tech- Kings Mountain Road, Canada Ray Kwan, Caltrans roadside and Don Horsley, the two members gathering signatures “to encourage niques in all county operations. Road and Skyline Boulevard. vegetation manager, said in an of the supervisors’ Environmental the Board of Supervisors to end They cited concerns about water Half of the county roads are cur- email that “no spraying will be done Quality Committee, asked for con- broadcast roadside spraying, and quality and the effects on wildlife, rently mowed only with no herbi- before March 13th” on Highway 84. sultants to report on how to better to mow the roads as they do now including some endangered spe- cide spraying; the other half are “As of now,” he wrote, “no decision manage roadside vegetation. -- just once a year with the existing cies. sprayed, with some sprayed and has been made whether to spray The Vegetation Management budget.” Among the 315-miles of county- mowed. A

8 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 NEWS Support Local Business

The ÕÃiՓÊ+Õ>ˆÌÞÊ,i«>ˆÀà UÊ*œÀVi>ˆ˜ÊUÊ*œÌÌiÀÞÊUÊ >ÀLiÊ online guide UÊ>`iÊUÊۜÀÞÊUʏ>ÃÃÊ UÊ7œœ`ÊUÊ-̜˜i to Menlo Park Èx䇙{n‡{Ó{x businesses Rendering courtesy of the Menlo Park Fire Protection District This rendering shows how the new Fire Station 2 is expected to look from University Avenue. ShopMenloPark.com www.restorationstudio.com Fire district will nearly triple size of How’s the Market... fire station in $7.6 million rebuild That question can be quickly By Sandy Brundage answered with my one page Almanac Staff Writer the station when it was built in Construction should be fin- 1956, the district said. Statistics ished by December 2013, the Executive Summary reports for: fire station built 56 years showed that during its first district said. Atherton, ago in East Palo Alto will year of operation, fire alarms “One of our goals during Woodside, Agive way to a modern accounted for 54 percent of construction is to make sure Portola Valley and facility during the next year as service calls. By 1985, that had our contractor employs local eports Menlo Park Weekly R the district spends $7.6 million dropped to 10 percent. residents and that we focus on . JUST ADDED to nearly triple the size of the The district embarked on a purchasing U.S. made goods The market data used is updated station at 2290 University Ave. plan to renovate the firehouse such as steel, windows and every week so you are always The Menlo Park Fire Protec- about seven years ago, recently doors and solar panels,” the tion District kicked off the reno- purchasing two homes behind district said in a news release. getting the most current local vation with a groundbreaking the current station at 2290 Uni- “We want this to be a Station housing data available. ceremony at Fire Station 2 on versity Ave. and demolishing that will benefit the commu- March 1. The district nity, the Fire District, Reports can be viewed at... serves Atherton, Men- and be something that www.PeninsulaSpecialist.com lo Park, East Palo Alto, ‘One of our goals during construction is we can all be proud of; 650.743.7702 Atherton, and nearby to make sure our contractor employs it represents another Or call to unincorporated areas. step towards improve- have the report mailed to you. Plans for the new sta- local residents and that we focus on ment of the City of tion include expanding purchasing U.S. made goods.’ East Palo Alto.” from 4,300-square-feet Chief Schapelhouman Steven Gray, REALTOR to 12,000-square-feet CHIEF HAROLD SCHAPELHOUMAN also addressed rumors DRE# 01498634 to accommodate larger that he wants to close 650-743-7702 apparatus bays, storage space, them to make room for the new stations 1 and 5 and consoli- crew quarters, and an emergen- station. date the two into a single sta- [email protected] cy operations center. The added “Prior to making the deci- tion in Flood Park. space will let the district add sion to just rebuild the station, “There’s no such plan,” he ladder trucks and rescue squads, we hired a commercial real said in an email. Should sta- according to staff, and also leave estate agent and looked all over tion 1 need to move, the park room for future expansion. the city for a better, cost effi- may be one option, but there’s /B/AB3=4B63>3<7

EXPLOSION 1]TTSSBSO continued from page 7 Slocum running for county supervisor available for comment. The lab A familiar face in county public office in 1986 and served had no previous record of safety political circles, Warren Slocum until January 2011. 1]\\]WaaSc`1]TTSS1] violations. announced his intention to run Mr. Slocum brings the num- 2801 Middlefield Road, Redwood City Data from the U.S. Bureau for the San Mateo County Board ber of candidates for termed-out (650) 369-5250 9am-5:30pm Mon. - Sat. of Labor Statistics showed that of Supervisors with succinct Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson’s none of the 28 scientists killed at style on March 5 — he tweeted seat to eight. The district she Coffee roasting & fine teas, work in 2010 died due to explo- the news. represents includes Menlo Park, espresso bar, retail & wholesale. sions or chemicals. The former county clerk- Redwood City, East Palo Alto Mr. Martin left behind a wife, recorder-assessor and chief elec- and unincorporated North Fair Livia, and a 17-year-old daughter. A tions officer was first elected to Oaks and Oak Knoll. B]/RdS`bWaSW\¿/BOabS]TbVS>S\W\acZOÀQOZZBVS/Z[O\OQ$#&#" $ $

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N9 NEWS

the city’s redevelopment agency, but was willing to reconsider in a High-speed rail lobbyist sticks around couple of months. By Sandy Brundage sion during the Feb. 28 meeting given Menlo Park’s “do it right” “I think we’re “I want to watch the (high- Almanac Staff Writer suggested that colleagues Kirsten stance on high-speed rail, as going to be out- speed rail) situation,” she com- Keith and Peter Ohtaki were wor- opposed to Palo Alto’s and Ather- gunned and mented. “And I know Ravi’s esidents said “nay,” and ried about the city’s bottom line. ton’s “just say no” position, the outmanned not going away. He’s going to be so did the mayor, but the Councilman Andy Cohen city needs its own lobbyist. again when there.” RMenlo Park City Council recused himself, as he does for Mr. Cline also expressed a lack the EIR comes The subcommittee’s argu- voted 3-1 to retain high-speed rail all high-speed rail discussions of confidence in the California out,” he com- ments for keeping the lobbyist lobbyist Ravi Mehta of Capital because he lives near the proposed High-Speed Rail Agency, which mented. Ravi Mehta appeared to sway Mr. Ohtaki. Advocates through December. line. he said wants to recirculate a still- Before cast- “Both of you are saying this is a The council subcommittee, Previously, Mr. Mehta worked flawed environmental impact ing the dissent- critical time,” he said, and voted consisting of Rich Cline and Kelly for Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and report (EIR) based on a design ing vote, Mayor Keith said she to approve the contract with the Fergusson, had recommended Atherton, but the latter two cit- Menlo Park doesn’t support, didn’t support paying $5,000 a caveat that it be closely super- approving a $50,000 contract ies dropped his services earlier while the governor pushes the month plus expenses for a lob- vised and the cost reduced wher- with Mr. Mehta. But the discus- this year. Mr. Cline reasoned that project forward. byist right now, given the loss of ever possible. A GUIDE TO 2012 SUMMER CAMPS FOR KIDS Summer 2012 Conne For more information about these camps, see our mp ctio online directory of camps at http://paloaltoonline. a n com/biz/summercamps/. To advertise in a weekly C directory, contact 650-326-8210

Athletics Harker Summer Programs San Jose India Community Center Palo Alto/ Sunnyvale/ K-12 off erings taught by exceptional, experienced faculty and staff . K-6 Summer Camps Milpitas/Olema Kim Grant Tennis Academy & Palo Alto/ morning academics - focusing on math, language arts and science - and Join ICC’s Cultural Camps which give campers a quick tour of India Summer Camps Menlo Park/Redwood City full spectrum of afternoon recreation. Grades 6-12 for-credit courses and and its vibrant culture. These camps include arts, crafts, folk dance, Fun and Specialized junior camps for Mini (3-5), Beginner, Intermediate non-credit enrichment opportunities. Sports programs also off ered. bollywood dance, music, yoga, Indian history and geography. Over 1&2, Advanced and Elite Players. Weekly programs designed by Kim Grant www.summer.harker.org 408-553-0537 10 diff erent camps all through the summer for Grades K-12. To to improve players technique, fi tness, agility, mental toughness and all register or for more details visit: around tennis game. Camps in Palo Alto, Menlo Park and Redwood City. iD Tech Camps - Summer Tech Fun! Stanford www.indiacc.org/camps 408-934-1130 ext. 225 Come make new friends and have tons of FUN!! Take hobbies further! Ages 7-17 create iPhone apps, video games, www.KimGrantTennis.com 650-752-8061 Palo Alto Community movies, and more at weeklong, day and overnight programs held at Child Care (PACCC) Palo Alto Nike Tennis Camps Stanford University Stanford and 60+ universities in 27 states.. Also 2-week, Teen-only PACCC summer camps off er campers, grades kindergarten to 6th, a Dick Gould’s 43rd Annual Stanford Tennis School off ers day camps for programs: iD Gaming Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD visual wide array of fun opportunities! K-1 Fun for the youngest campers, both juniors & adults. Weekly junior overnight & extended day camps Arts Academy (fi lmmaking & photography). run by John Whitlinger & Lele Forood. Junior Day Camp run by Brandon Nothing But Fun for themed-based weekly sessions, Neighborhood www.internalDrive.com 1-888-709-TECH (8324) Coupe & Frankie Brennan. Adventure Fun and Ultimate Adventure Fun for the more active and www.USSportsCamps.com/tennis 1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226) iD Teen Academies Stanford on-the-go campers! Swimming twice per week, periodic fi eld trips, special visitors and many engaging camp activities, songs and skits Learn diff erent aspects of video game creation, app development, Oshman JCC Palo Alto round out the fun off erings of PACCC Summer Camps! Registration Exciting programs for preschool and grades K-12 include swimming, fi eld fi lmmaking, photography, and more. 2-week programs where ages 13-18 is online. Open to campers from all communities! Come join the trips, crafts and more. Enroll your child in traditional camp, or specialty interact with industry professionals to gain competitive edge. iD Gaming fun in Palo Alto! camps like Pirates, Archery, Runway Project, Kid TV and over 25 others! Academy, iD Programming Academy, and iD Visual Arts Academy are www.paccc.com 650-493-2361 www.paloaltojcc.org/camps 650-223-8622 held at Stanford, and other universities. Spring Down Equestrian Center Portola Valley www.iDTeenAcademies.com 1-888-709-TECH (8324) TechKnowHow Computer Palo Alto/ Spring Down camp teaches basic to advanced horsemanship skills. Ages & LEGO Camps Menlo Park/Sunnyvale 6-99 welcome! Daily informative lecture, riding lesson, supervised hands- Mid-Peninsula High School Fun and enriching technology classes for students, ages 5-14 on skill practice, safety around horses, tacking/untacking of own camp Summer Program Menlo Park Courses include LEGO and K’NEX Projects with Motors, Electronics, horse, and arts/crafts. Mid-Peninsula High School off ers a series of classes and electives NXT Robotics, 3D Modeling, and Game Design. Many locations, www.springdown.com 650.851.1114 designed to keep students engaged in learning. Class Monday-Thursday including Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and Sunnyvale. Half and all day and limited to 15 students. Every Thursday there’s a BBQ lunch. The options. Early-bird and multi-session discounts available. Stanford Water Polo Camps Stanford www.techknowhowkids.com 650-638-0500 Ages 7 and up. New to the sport or have experience, we have a camp Science and Art classes will have weekly fi eld trips. for you. Half day or full day option for boys and girls. All the camps off er www.mid-pen.com 650-321-1991 x110 Theatreworks Summer Camps Palo Alto fundamental skill work, position work, scrimmages and games. In these skill-building workshops for grades K-5, students engage stanfordwaterpolocamps.com 650-725-9016 Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View in language-based activities, movement, music, and improvisation Summer at Saint Francis provides a broad range of academic and athletic theatre games. Students present their own original pieces at the Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View programs for elementary through high school students. It is the goal of Sports & Activity Camp (ages 6-12): This all sports camp provides group end of each two-week camp. instruction in a variety of fi eld, water and court games. Saint Francis every program to make summer vacation enriching and enjoyable! www.theatreworks.org/educationcommunity 650-463-7146 faculty and students staff the camp, and the focus is always on fun. The www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 x446 program is dedicated to teaching teamwork, sportsmanship and positive Castilleja Summer Day Camp Palo Alto self-esteem. After camp care and swim lessons available. Synapse School & Wizbots Menlo Park Castilleja Summer Day Camp (grades 2-6, CILT grades 8-9) off ers age- www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 x650 Cutting-edge, imaginative, accelerated, integrated, and hands-on appropriate activities including athletics, art, science, computers, academic summer enrichment courses with independent in-depth, writing, crafts, cooking, drama, music classes and fi eld trips. Two Summer at Saint Francis Mountain View project-based morning and afternoon week-long programs for children and four week sessions available. Advanced Sports Camps (5th-9th grades): We off er a wide selection of www.castilleja.org 650-470-7833 advanced sports camps designed to provide players with the opportunity ages 4-12. Young Explorers, Thinking Math, Leonardo da Vinci’s Inventions, to improve both their skill and knowledge of a specifi c sport. Each camp Nature Connections, Girls’ & Soccer Robotics, and more! Camp Imagineerz Mountain View and Los Altos is run by a Head Varsity Coach at Saint Francis, and is staff ed by members synapseschool.org/curriculum/summer 650-866-5824 Building i-can attitudes....In a FUN environment, children discover of the coaching staff . that when you believe you can, you can! Creating and performing www.sfhs.com/summer 650-968-1213 x650 Write Now! Summer Writing Camps Palo Alto original stories, building/making with recycled materials and lots of Emerson School of Palo Alto and Hacienda School of Pleasanton open outdoor play. Grades 1- 4. Fabulous Early-bird discount up to March YMCA of Silicon Valley Peninsula their doors and off er their innovative programs: Expository Writing, 15. See website for details Say hello to summer fun at the YMCA! Choose from enriching day or Creative Writing, Presentation Techniques, and (new!) Media Production. overnight camps in 35 locations: arts, sports, science, travel, and more. www.imagineerz-learning.com 650-318-5002 For youth K-10th grade. Includes weekly fi eldtrips, swimming and Call or visit our website for details. Also Pleasanton. www.headsup.org 650-424-1267, 925-485-5750 Bald Eagle Camps Mountain View outdoor adventures. Accredited by the American Camp Association. Bald Eagle Camps is the only camp Approved by the nationally Financial assistance available. Arts, Culture and Other Camps recognized Positive Coaching Alliance, teaching their principles to www.ymcasv.org/summercamp 408-351-6400 every camper through our Certifi ed Coaches. We off er 3 uniquely Academics Community School of FUN Summer Camps, each of which exude our encouraging team culture: Non-Traditional Sports Camp(1st-8th), Basketball Camp(3rd- Music & Arts (CSMA ) Mountain View GASPA German Summer School Camp Menlo Park 8th), and Leadership Camp(7th-8th only). Come experience our Learn German by way of Fairytale! GASPA is taking Summer Camp into 50+ creative camps for Gr. K-8! Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, positive atmosphere, great coaching, unique structure, inspiring life the world of fairy tales and everything that comes with it…in German of Musical Theater, American Idol Workshop, more! Two-week sessions; full message and 5-STAR service. Bald Eagle Camps is guaranteed to be course! Off ering a 4 week program for children ages 3-12. and half-day enrollment. Extended care available. Financial aid off ered. a highlight of your child’s summer. www.gaspa-ca.org 650-520-3646 www.arts4all.org 650-917-6800 ext. 0 www.baldeaglecamps.com 888-505-2253

10 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 NEWS

Alberta Martin, longtime M-A teacher, dies at 96

Alberta Martin, who taught N OBITUARIES business classes at Menlo-Ather- ton High School from 1951 to Ohio. He graduated from Ohio 1980, died Feb. 16 after a brief State University, where he was illness. She was 96. an All-Star defensive back for his Born in Marshall, Missouri, lifelong mentor Woody Hayes. At Ms. Martin moved to San Jose Ohio State, he met and married with her family in 1925. She Mary Suzanne (Sue) Griffin. graduated from San Jose High Following his father’s foot- School and State Jose State Col- steps, he graduated from Cincin- lege. In 1939 she married Rich- nati Medical School in the class ard H. Martin. of 1957. For the next four years, During World War II, Ms. he was stationed with the Public Martin accompanied her hus- Health Service in El Centro and band to his U.S. Navy postings the San Francisco Presidio. In throughout the country. In 1949, 1963 he completed his medical she joined the faculty at Sequoia training and chief residency at High School and later taught at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital. the brand-new Menlo-Atherton In 1963 Dr. Beekley began his High School. She taught both lifelong career with Kaiser Per- night school and summer school manente. He served as assistant year after year, in addition to her chief of pediatrics at the Santa regular teaching duties. Clara Medical Center and chief Ms. Martin was a member of of pediatrics at the Redwood City the Menlo Park Garden Club Medical Center. for many years. A member of Following his father’s teaching the Menlo Park Presbyterian to “make the most of life in work Art for art’s sake Church since 1956, she was also and play,” he devoted himself to “Bergman’s Towel (Faro),” 2011, an oil on linen work by Mitchell Johnson, is among the Menlo Park artist’s a member of Theta Alpha Delta winemaking, say family mem- paintings now on exhibit through April 15 at Cafe Borrone, 1010 El Camino Real in Menlo Park. Mr. Sorority for businesswomen. bers. He was a member of the Johnson, whose work is exhibited and collected internationally, will donate the proceeds from any sales She is survived by her sons Society of Medical Friends of in March to Art in Action, a locally based nonprofit elementary school arts program (artinaction.org). An Joseph of Manassas, Virginia, Wine, the Santa Cruz Mountains artist’s reception is set for Thursday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the cafe, next to Kepler’s bookstore. and Richard of San Jose; sisters Winegrowers Association, and Irvina Fammatre and Janice the Peninsula Wine Group. He Petrinovich, both of San Jose, pruned every vine by hand and Born in Warwick, Rhode Dick and Dan Rubin; a grand- lerton. He attended Fullerton brothers Leland Jones of San made a yearly celebration of the Island, Ms. Rubin grew up there son; sister-in-law Betty Rattigan; High School, Fullerton College, Jose and Gayle Jones of Fremont; harvest with friends and family. and in Washington, D.C. and several nieces and nephews. and the Art Center College of four grandchildren; and two He is survived by his wife of 58 After graduating from Trinity She was preceded in death by her Design in Pasadena, earning his great-grandchildren. Her hus- years, Sue; sisters Jane Foulser College in Washington in 1934, husband, Jerome R. Rubin. bachelor of arts in illustration. band, Richard H. Martin, died and Barbara Bachman; son she began her career in govern- The family wishes to express His studio was in San Fran- in 1960. Bruce Beekley, daughters Sarah ment. In 1941, she became the its gratitude to her caregiver and cisco’s Hunter Point Shipyard. Ms. Martin will be interred Hahn and Ellen Page; and eight 26th employee of the Office of companion, Sela. Memorials may His work was diverse, with more with her husband at San Joaquin grandchildren. Strategic Services (OSS) under be made to a favorite charity. than 30 years of painting, print- National Cemetery. The fam- Donations may be made to William J. Donovan. making, photography, digital art ily welcomes donations to the the JW House (JWHouse.org) She moved to San Francisco Mitchell Dean Confer and illustration. His subjects in 1945. After a brief time at were as diverse and included Paralyzed Veterans of America. or the Christ Church of Portola Artist and photographer Doubleday, she returned to the cityscapes, freeways, landscapes Valley Outreach Charities. Mitchel Dean Confer, whose OSS, which became the Central and patterns from nature, say Marts Edward Beekley illustrations and photogra- Intelligence Agency. She was family members. He also taught Eleanor Rubin phy appeared in publications, Chief of pediatrics with the CIA until retiring as a art. including Time magazine and A memorial service will be Retired research analyst research analyst in 1969. Mr. Confer lived in New York the New York held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March Eleanor Rubin, a resident of That year she married Jerome City, Palo Alto, and Hong Kong Times, died 17, at Christ Episcopal Church, Menlo Park for more than 40 R. Rubin, whom she had known before becoming a resident of peacefully Feb. 815 Portola Road in Portola years, died peacefully Feb. 17 at and worked with for many years. Menlo Park in 1999. He enjoyed 20 at his Men- Valley, for Dr. Marts Edward the age of 98. They enjoyed a wonderful life golf, fly fishing, and other out- lo Park home Beekley, who died at his Atherton Ms. Rubin had a long career together, say family members. door activities. after battling home, surrounded by family and with the federal government, Ms. Rubin, a lifelong Catholic, Surviving are his son, Jackson; melanoma. friends. He was 80. including positions with the was a parishioner at St. Ray- and sisters Sally Confer and Mr. Confer Born in Glendale, Ohio, Dr. Department of Agriculture and mond Church in Menlo Park. Nancy Cassillias. grew up in Ful- Beekely grew up in Sharonville, the National Archives. She is survived by her stepsons Mitchell Confer

Portola Valley woman on tennis title team World Team Championships is the most coveted team event Leslie Airola-Murveit of Por- two sets overall. the finals. on the ITF Seniors circuit. The tola Valley was a member of a Team USA demolished Swe- The victory ensured that the Seniors World Championships four-woman team that captured den and Canada, and swept Maureen Connolly Cup will is divided into two groups — the Maureen Connolly Cup South Africa in the semifinals remain in Connolly’s home seniors for the 35-55 and over Senior World Championship before finally giving up a match town of San Diego for the sixth and Super-Seniors for the 60-80 competition recently at the Bal- to Great Britain in the finals. straight year. and over. boa Tennis Club in San Diego. Airola-Murveit competed in The Connolly Cup team was — Palo Alto Online Sports The American team domi- the doubles spot with Carolyn the only American squad to nated the competition while Nichols of Rancho Santa Fe win a team title at the Senior Leslie Airola-Murveit won three losing just nine games in eight and won three straight matches World Championships. The straight doubles matches before singles matches and losing just before losing to the British in ITF Seniors/Super-Seniors losing to the British in the finals.

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N11 725 Welch Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304 (650) 497-8000 | lpch.org

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12 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 NEWS ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Suspect, 70, nabbed TOWN OF ATHERTON after low-speed chase STATE OF CALIFORNIA ■ Menlo Park Village Stationers burglarized 2012 SPRING PATCHING PROJECT by familiar figure. PROJECT NO. 56051

By Sandy Brundage town Menlo Park. Ms. Barron Notice is hereby given that SEALED BIDS will be received at the offi ce of the City Clerk, 91 Ashfi eld Road, Almanac Staff Writer finally grabbed the man by the Atherton, California 94027, until 3:00 p.m. March 28, 2012, at which time they will be publicly opened and arm and patted his jacket, hearing read, for performing the following work: enji Hamasalui returned to the tell-tale rustle of paper bags the scene of the crime when like the sort the store uses to stash Grind and replace 27,000 square feet of asphalt to a six-inch depth. This work to include all necessary Khe strolled into Village Sta- proceeds from the day’s sales. traffi c control and will involve grinding, sweeping, tack coating, replacing asphalt to appropriate depth in tioners on Sunday afternoon, Feb. Breaking free, Mr. Hamasalui an appropriate number of lifts and fi nish rolling per town of Atherton Standard specifi cations (see below) 26, according to the Menlo Park continued his stroll down El and special provisions included in this document. Some hand work around utility access hole covers will be store’s owner, Kerry Hoctor. Camino Real until finally encoun- necessary (special provision #107). Mr. Hamasalui, 70, wasn’t hard tering the police, called by a to recognize — store staff spotted bystander, near Applewood Pizza. The Engineer’s Estimate for the project is: $135,000 the man the previous morning “They asked permission to taking a peek at the back room search, and all our stuff fell out Per Section 6.01 of the Town of Atherton’s Standard Specifi cations, the General Contractor shall perform, where the safe is kept, and also of his jacket,” Mr. Hoctor said. with his own organization, work of a value amounting to not less than 50% of the total contract, excluding remembered him from security The paper bags contained about specialty items as indicated on the bid schedule. video of a burglary in November. $3,500. Bids must be for the entire work, and shall be submitted in sealed envelopes clearly marked: “Bid of (Contractor) That video showed a man “Kathy is my hero,” he added. “I for 2012 SPRING PATCHING PROJECT, Project No. 56051”, along with date and time of bid opening. who reportedly looked like Mr. wanted to hug her, then yell at her, Hamasalui, in what looked like but hugged her first. She said her Plans and specifi cations may be obtained at the Town of Atherton’s website at www.ci.atherton.ca.us the same clothes he wore again on adrenaline just took over because under Bid Solicitation at no cost. Additional important information is contained in Town of Atherton Standard Feb. 26: a black baseball cap, black she was so angry that this was the Specifi cations, which are available on line at www.ci.atherton.ca.us/publicworks.html . Contractor shall jacket and black pants. second time.” be responsible for any addendums that may be posted on the Town’s website. No Planholders list shall be Store manager Kathy Barron Mr. Hamasalui walked into Vil- available. confronted the man on Feb. 26 as lage Stationers trailing a string of he tried to leave through the front convictions as well as a dubious Bids must be accompanied by a bid security in the form of cash, a cashier’s or certifi ed check or bid bond door after darting into the back reputation. He’s been convicted for not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid, as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the room again. He kept walking. She at least three times in San Mateo Contract, will fulfi ll the terms of the bid. pursued on foot. County between 1997 and 2007 for “He’s not running; he’s 70 years theft both grand and petty, accord- The Town of Atherton, The City, reserves the right to reject any or all bids; to make any awards or any old,” said Mr. Hoctor. “So she just ing to the district attorney’s office. rejections in what it alone considers to be in the best interest of the City, and waive any informalities or followed him saying ‘you need to Menlo Park police spokeswoman irregularities in the bids. The contract will be awarded, if at all, to the responsible bidder that submits the stop, give us back that money!’” Nicole Acker said investigators are lowest responsive bid. [NOTE: If there are alternates in the bid, the City will need to state how the low The pair then proceeded on a now looking into possible cases in bid will be determined, as required by PCC 20103.8.] low-speed chase around down- other jurisdictions. A Bidders are hereby notifi ed that, pursuant to California Civil Code Sections 3247 and 3248 and Standard Specifi cations Section 3.02, the successful bidder will be required to provide payment and performance Four locals named candidates bonds in the amounts of 100% of the contract price. Bidders are hereby notifi ed that provisions of California Labor Code regarding prevailing wages and for Presidential Scholars apprentices are applicable to the work to be performed under this contract. Pursuant to Section 1773 et seq. the general prevailing wage rates have been determined by the Director of the California Department of Four local seniors are among Industrial Relations and appear in the California Prevailing Wage Rates. Copies are on fi le at the offi ce of the 291 California students named City Engineer and are available to interested parties upon request. The successful bidder shall post a copy as candidates for becoming U.S. of the wage rates at the job site. Presidential Scholars. They are John (Jack) Beckwith The Contractor may elect to receive 100 percent of payments due under the contract, without retention of any and Mary Kenney of Menlo portion of the payment by the Town of Atherton, by depositing securities of equivalent value to the retention Park, both seniors at Menlo- amount in accordance with the provisions of Section 22300 of the California Public Contract Code. Atherton High School; Andrew Two of the four candidates are Lim of Atherton, who attends Mary Kenney and John Beckwith. All bidders shall be licensed under the provisions of the Business and Professions Code to do the type of Crystal Springs Uplands School; work contemplated in the project. The City has determined that the Contractor shall possess a valid Class and Samuel Trinkaus of Portola Honors for Laura Lauder A license at the time the bid is submitted. Failure to possess the specifi ed license shall render the bid non- Valley, who attends New Sum- responsive. mit Academy. The Oshman Family Jewish Approximately 3,000 high Center honored Laura Lauder of Each bidder shall submit with this bid a statement setting forth his/her/its experience and qualifi cations. The school candidates were selected Atherton for her leadership and statement shall be made on the forms provided by the Town and must accompany each bid. The three lowest nationally based on several philanthropy at the Rambam’s Lad- bidders will be required to submit subcontractor’s experience and qualifi cations statements within 48 hours of factors: their exceptional per- der Gala, held Feb. 11 at the center’s the bid opening, on forms provided by the Town. formance on either the College home on the Taube Koret Campus By submitting a bid in response to this advertisement for bids, the bidder shall be conclusively deemed to Board SAT or the ACT Assess- for Jewish Life in Palo Alto. have read, understood and agreed with all of the information and materials contained in the bid documents, ment, plus their essays, activi- Among her philanthropic pri- including but not limited to the construction contract, the standard specifi cations, the special provisions, the ties, school recommendations, orities are the Jewish Community required nature and amount of insurance and the documentation evidencing said insurance. and school transcripts. Endowment fund, the Socrates Soci- Final selection of Scholars will ety of the Aspen Institute, the Laura Any questions regarding the project should be directed to David Huynh, Project Engineer, telephone: (650) be announced in May. Those and Gary Lauder Philanthropic 752-0555 or by written Requests for Information (RFI) to: Public Works Department, 91 Ashfi eld Road, chosen will be invited to Wash- Fund and the Oshman Family Jew- Atherton, CA 94027, no later than ten (10) business days before bid opening. RFIs may be emailed to ington, D.C., for several days in ish Community Center. [email protected] or faxed to (650) 688-6539. Responses shall be posted on the Town’s website June, where they will be hon- Ms. Lauder was named one of “10 no later than fi ve (5) days prior to bid opening. ored at a recognition ceremony Women to Watch” in 2004 by Jew- and take part in events with ish Women Magazine. In 1999, she By:______their elected representatives was awarded the San Francisco Bay Michael Kashiwagi, P.E., City Engineer and other leading individuals in Area Dinkelspiel Young Leadership public life. Award. Date:______

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N13 COMMUNITY Mitchell Dean Confer POLICE CALLS July 1, 1959-February 20, 2012 N

Mitchell Confer – our wonderful friend, collectors, as well as This information is from the Atherton Grand theft reports: father, brother, uncle, neighbor and mentor -- companies and hotels, and Menlo Park police departments ■ Losses estimated at $800 in theft and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s of copper pipes and fittings and solar passed away peacefully at home on Monday, have commissioned Office. Under the law, people charged February 20. His sisters Sally Confer and his paintings. His with offenses are considered innocent panels from resident’s roof and pool house, Monte Rosa Drive, Feb. 25. Nancy Cassillias, and his son Jackson, survive illustrations and until convicted. ■ Losses estimated at $500 in theft him. Mitchell had bravely battled melanoma photography appeared MENLO PARK of laptop computer, Almanor Ave., cancer. in many publications Robbery report: Losses estimated at Feb. 24. $1,048 in loss of shoulder bag, laptop Fraud reports: Mitchell lived his life to the fullest. He was such as TIME Magazine, The New York Times computer and $18 in cash handed over a great source of laughter, and his sense of and Business Week. in response to demand by heavyset ■ Losses estimated at $1,000 when Pacific Islander or Hispanic man wear- resident purchased “money cards” in humor brought light and fun to all. He always In addition to creating beautiful art, Mitchell ing black hoodie and do-rag, who connection with sweepstakes scam, had an optimistic point of view. He was easy love to share his passion for art through emerged from black Honda Civic, 700 Carlton Ave., Feb. 26. block of Willow Road, midnight on to know and love. Mitchell was kind, generous teaching people of all ages. He was also an Feb. 26. ■ Loss estimated at $500 in unauthor- ized use of bank account funds, Wind- and supportive. enthusiastic golfer, fly fisherman, and greatly Residential burglary reports: ermere Ave., Feb. 28. enjoyed the outdoors. ■ Loss estimated at $10,000 in theft of A Menlo Park resident, Mitchell was black carbon-fiber racing bicycle from an acclaimed artist, with a studio in San Mitchell grew up in Fullerton, California, the open garage, Oak Court, Feb. 28. PORTOLA VALLEY ■ Losses estimated at $8,640 in Francisco’s Hunters Point Shipyard. His son of Stan and Earlene Confer. He attended Theft report: Losses of $1,476 in use break-in through bathroom window work was diverse, with more than 30 years of Troy High School and Fullerton College and and theft of Apple iPad, two laptop of unauthorized credit card, Westridge painting, print making, photography, digital then the Art Center College of Design in computers and miscellaneous jewelry, Drive, Feb. 27. Concord Drive, March 1. art and illustration. Mitchell’s work celebrated Pasadena, earning his BA in Illustration. He ■ Losses estimated at $3,000 in entry ATHERTON color, light and textures, with subjects as lived in New York City, Palo Alto and Hong through unlocked rear door and theft of Apple iPad, video game equipment Theft report: Two cell phone stolen diverse as cityscapes, freeways, landscapes Kong, and became a Menlo Park resident in and laptop computer, Tehama Ave., and one recovered, Menlo-Atherton and patterns from nature. Many private 1999. Feb. 24. High School at 555 Middlefield Road, March 1. PAID OBITUARY

Elizabeth Skrabo Fuellner Barnett December 13,1918 – February 11,2012 Lovingly called Babe or Betty, she was born and raised in Portola Valley and attended the Little Red School House. She graduated from Sequoia High School and then lived in Menlo Park working as a beautician until she retired. She loved the sunshine and was an avid sports fan! She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Stella Skrabo, her brothers Nick and John,her sisters Nellie Shine and Ann Morey Goodwin. She leaves behind her daughter Christine Malone, granddaughter Rachael. Haywood, two great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was loved by all and will be dearly missed ! A memorial Mass will be held Saturday, March 10 at 10:30a.m. at Our Lady of the Wayside Church in Portola Valley. PAID OBITUARY

AvenidasAvenidas presentspresents its its 4th 5th Annual Annual Housing Conference

Saturday, March 10 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Come discover: y Should you rent or own? y How to stay safe in your home y Ways to unlock your home’s value y Other housing options y How to eliminate clutter y Tips on selling your home

Register at Avenidas.org or call (650) 289-5435. Resources and programs for positive aging Special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Nancy Goldcamp

14 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 COMMUNITY Five boys earn Eagle Scout rank Portola Valley Boy Scout Troop his Eagle project, he collected 60 delivered DVD 64 announces five scouts recently used bicycles and tricycles and led players, DVDs, earned their Eagle Scout rank, an effort to clean, repair, and test CDs, shaving including Ben Zdasiuk, who at age the bikes, which were donated kits, clothing, 12 is one of the youngest Eagles in to Haven House, a Menlo Park and more to the the troop’s history. shelter for homeless families. With veterans. Jack- New Eagles Scouts are, from left, Ben Zdasiuk, Jackson Dalman, Gordon Williams, Rahman Ben became a Cub Scout in donated money, he also bought a son is a fresh- Humphries-Hodge and Terry Wang. first grade and joined Troop 64 in helmet to accompany every bike. man at St. Paul’s grade 4. For his Eagle project, he His project involved 18 people School in Con- planned and led the building of with 244 hours of labor. Gordon cord, New Hampshire. Terry Wang joined Pack 163 as a in the student store at Corte Mad- 15 wooden benches for Deer Hol- is a freshmen at Menlo-Atherton Rahman Humphries-Hodge, a fourth-grader and became a Boy era School, where he was store low Farm at Rancho San Antonio High School. freshman at Woodside High School, Scout in grade 5. For his project, manager. His project involved 18 Preserve. Sixteen people helped in Jackson Dalman was a Cub has been involved with scouting he designed and led the building people for a total of 164 hours. the project for a total of 173 hours Scout until joining Troop 64 in since joining Cub Scout Pack 163 as of plastic display cases, wooden He is a freshman at the Woodside labor. Ben is a seventh-grader at fifth grade. For his Eagle project, a first-grader. For his Eagle project, shelves, and cabinets for storage Priory. Corte Madera School. he and 11 helpers solicited and he built eight cat “condos” for the Gordon Williams joined the collected goods and money for Peninsula Humane Society. He Cub Scouts in first grade and injured veterans at the Palo Alto worked with nine people for a total the Boy Scouts in grade 5. For VA Spinal Cord Injury Unit. They of 178 hours. Portola Valley charging stations now running

Two electric charging stations, the southern end of the parking N BRIEFS each capable of simultaneously lot in front of the Historic School- recharging the batteries of two house. page. A two-hour interview and electric vehicles, are up and run- town hall meeting will stream live ning at the Portola Valley Town Israeli president starting at 7 p.m. Center at 765 Portola Road. visits Facebook Go to tinyurl.com/FB-Peres to For the moment, recharges are watch the interview. free. The town will evaluate the Israeli President and Nobel Peace situation to determine what cus- Prize recipient Shimon Peres is Book sale tomers should pay. The pumps visiting Silicon Valley this week. are equipped with credit card pay- His itinerary for Tuesday, March 6, Running short on reading mate- ment systems. includes a visit with Facebook CEO rial? The Friends of the Menlo The stations are located behind Mark Zuckerberg at the social net- Park Library may have the solu- the library near the creek and at working company’s Menlo Park tion: Drop by their book sale on headquarters to launch a Facebook Sunday, March 18. All proceeds benefit the city’s libraries. The sale runs from noon to 4 p.m. in the downstairs meeting Baby Boomers: room of the main library at 800 Alma St. Seeking Community? The Friends are also looking for volunteers willing to work a few We’re building a new “old fashioned” hours a week. Call 330-2521 for neighborhood of upscale, energy-efficient more information. condos just blocks from downtown MV.

Own a private home but also share common Inspiring children facilities such as a crafts room, to achieve media room, workshop, roof deck and since gardens. Plenty of fellowship and activities with your neighbors, but also private spaces for your own pursuits.

We’re 14 households strong and are looking for 5 more to join us. Construction starts this spring, with occupancy by late 2013. Endorsed by the Greenbelt Alliance.

To find out more or to make reservations for our next social on March 18th:

650-479-MVCC (479-6822) www.MountainViewCohousing.org

10 Bay Area locations. Visit a classroom today. Because You Know the Value of Education 
   
 
 
  
  
 





     © 2012, Barbara B. Baker

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N15 SPRING

at Bethany Lutheran Church Class Guide Menlo Park NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2012-2013 ant to take advantage of and kickboxing movements into fun Istituto Educazione and high school recognized for academic Summer Camp the warm spring weath- dance routines set to new music. All fit- Italiana excellence and great teachers. Lydian W ness levels welcome. Classes are ongo- has rolling admissions and welcomes Enrollment Now Open er this year? Looking to ing. Go directly to class to register. 1000 El Camino Real, Room 8, new students every week, year round. get a jump on your studies? Try Atherton 2 YEAR-OLD PROGRAM a bird identification class or a Earn your diploma from Lydian or get 650-868-5995 ahead by taking UC-approved and AP 9:00 am - 12:00 pm rowing class. Maybe a language 2, 3 or 5 Days LANGUAGE www.italybythebay.org classes in Lydian’s after-school and sum- class is the best fit. All the classes [email protected] mer programs. Potty training not required listed below are local, so give one COURSES Italian language for adults in the evening a shot. on the campus of Menlo College. Work- Circle of Friends 3 YEAR-OLD PROGRAM The Class Guide is published shops in painting Tuscan and Venetian Preschool 9:00 am - 1:00 pm quarterly by The Almanac and ABC Languages landscapes/cityscapes using acrylics. 3214 Alameda de las Pulgas, 2, 3 or 5 Days includes offerings along the 585 Glenwood Ave., Workshops in Florentine silversmithing Menlo Park Potty training not required Midpeninsula. Menlo Park at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park. 650-204-7908 Classes start March 26. Full fee and 650-854-2468 [email protected] PRE-KINDERGARTEN www.abclanguagesf.com/ schedule information can be found 4 & 5 Year Olds [email protected] online. Circle of Friends Preschool offers a well- ssHEALTH & rounded curriculum in a warm personal ABC Languages offers up to 20 dif- 9:00 am - 1:00 pm environment. The goal is to promote FITNESS ferent language classes to adults and 2, 3 or 5 Days the development of the whole child: children either in groups or privately. SCHOOL DAYS physical, emotional, social, lingual and Before and After-School Care ABC’s teaching staff is composed of intellectual. Detailed assessment of each Available for ages 3 & older Jazzercise at Little experienced instructors who are native child helps build partnerships with fami- House Activity Center speakers of the language they teach. Lydian Academy lies to support emerging competencies. 650-854-4973 800 Middle Ave., Menlo Park All this in a play-based program where 815 El Camino Real, Call to schedule a Tour 650-703-1263 children have opportunities to create, Menlo Park www.bethany-mp.org/preschool www.jazzercise.com explore, problem solve, learn concepts 650-321-0550 Since 1996 [email protected] and integrate knowledge in a hands-on License# 414000219 www.lydianacademy.com environment. Jazzercise blends aerobics, yoga, Pilates Lydian Academy is a personalized middle

16 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 Class Guide

AT CHILDREN’S HEALTH COUNCIL German-American students in pre-kindergarten through ADVERTISER 650 Clark Way, Palo Alto, CA 94304 International School fifth grade, prepares each student to live 650.688.3605 | [email protected] a creative, humane and compassionate www.sandhillschool.org 275 Elliott Drive, Menlo Park DIRECTORY life, and to be a contributing member 650-324-8617 of society. The curriculum emphasizes www.gais.org the basic academic disciplines and their Challenger School ...... 15 [email protected] integration into everyday life while German-American International Sschool developing the foundation for individual Littlest Angels, Menlo Park ...... 16 For young (GAIS) is an international school serving scholastic excellence and inspiring an Lydian Academy, Menlo Park...... 16 enthusiasm for life-long learning. The approximately 300 students in preschool Mid-Peninsula High School, overall school experience weaves the through 8th grade. GAIS offers a Ger- Menlo Park ...... 17 minds, man bilingual program through 5th intellectual, spiritual, social and physical grade, and welcomes English-speaking areas of growth into the fabric that is the Palo Alto Prep, Palo Alto ...... 17 one size students in a new English language Phillips Brooks School community. Sand Hill School, Palo Alto ...... 17 middle school program that offers Ger- doesn’t fit all. man, Spanish and French as additional The Class Guide is published quarterly. language options. GAIS follows the Trinity School Classes in Atherton, Menlo Park, Portola Compassionate, skilled support academically rigorous, inquiry-based 2650 Sand Hill Road, Valley and Woodside are given priority. programs developed by the International Menlo Park The summer Class Guide will publish on for your child’s learning needs. Baccalaureate Organization. 650-854-0288 May 9, 2012. Deadline for submissions is www.trinity-mp.org two weeks prior to the publication date. s Grades K-4 [email protected] To inquire about submitting a listing, Parent Information Night: Jim Gorman Swim email Eric Van Susteren at evansus- s 5:1 student/teacher ratio Early childhood through grade 5. Trinity MAR 29 & APR 18 [email protected] or s Curriculum supports social-emotional School School encourages preschool to grade 6:30 – 7:30 PM call 650-223-6515. To place a paid ad, and academic learning 3249 Alpine Road, 5 children from all backgrounds to love Pre-register online! call our display advertising department s Outstanding support from Children’s Portola Valley learning. Trinity fosters rigorous academ- at 650-326-8210. Health Council professionals 650-854-6699, ext. 100 ics grounded in child-centered content. [email protected] The legacy of a Trinity education is a curi- Patient, professional instructors and ous mind and a discerning heart. warm, clean pools make it fun to learn to swim. Private and small group lessons for all ages and abilities, from water Woodland School babies (3-30 months) to national cham- 360 La Cuesta Drive, pions. Weekday and weekend lessons Portola Valley available for sign-ups now. 650-854-9065 www.woodland-school.org
ÊÓ>]ÊV>Àˆ˜}]ʈ˜˜œÛ>̈Ûi Preschool-8th grade. Woodland School’s Kirk House Preschool focus is a challenging academic program Ê ˆ} ÊÃV œœ 1148 Johnson St., Menlo Park with a strong enrichment program of art, 650-323-8667 music, drama, computers, gymnastics UÊÀ>`iÃʙ‡£Ó www.kirkhousepreschool.org and physical education. Science, math UÊ1 Ê>VVÀi`ˆÌi` and technology are an integral part of [email protected] UÊ£Ó\£ÊÃÌÕ`i˜ÌÊ̜ÊÌi>V iÀÊÀ>̈œ Kirk House Preschool is a half-day pre- the 5th-8th grade experience. Extended school with both morning and afternoon care is offered 7:30 a.m-8:15 p.m. and UÊ"˜Ê}œˆ˜}Êi˜Àœ“i˜Ì classes for children aged 3-5 (Young 3-6 p.m. Call for a brochure or to set UÊ-ÌÀœ˜}]Ê>VVi«Ìˆ˜}ÊVœ““Õ˜ˆÌÞ Fives class). Kirk House Preschool is up a tour. Uʏi݈Li]ÊÃÌÕ`i˜Ì‡vœVÕÃi`Ê«Àœ}À>“à a Christian, play-based school which offers a development-oriented curricu- UÊ->vi]ÊÃÌÀiÃÇÀi`ÕVi`Êi˜ÛˆÀœ˜“i˜Ì lum in a park-like setting. The Talking Playhouse 595 Price Ave., Suite A, "* Ê"1- Ê
*,ÊÓ£ÊUÊ£ä\Î䇣Ó\ää Redwood City Phillips Brooks School 650-678-9769 £Î{äÊ7ˆœÜÊ,œ>`ÊUÊ i˜œÊ*>ÀŽ 2245 Avy Ave., Menlo Park www.talkingplayhouse.com 650.321.1991 650-854-4545 [email protected] www.phillipsbrooks.org Social-learning and social-skills classes WWW.MID-PEN.COM and activities for all age groups, includ- The Phillips Brooks School, an inde- iiLÀ>̈˜}ʜÛiÀÊÎäÊÞi>ÀÃʜvÊ}ÀœÜÌ Ê>˜`ÊV >˜}ˆ˜}ÊÃÌÕ`i˜ÌʏˆÛið pendent co-educational day school for ing theater games and writing groups.

YEAR-ROUND Palo Alto Prep ENROLLMENT

Palo Alto Prep is a unique private high NEmpowerment through NEnhance the self-esteem of NUC/A-G certifi ed Accountability our students through outdoor school designed to help students succeed NCertifi ed by State of NProvide 8 to 1 student-teacher ratio activities and programs California as a in every aspect of life. We believe that N NDeliver innovative and creative Create a supportive environment Non-Public School school should be enjoyable and every programs that develop academic and and safe community student experience the pride of personal behavioral success NCollege prep curriculum and academic accomplishment. NOffer challenging academic N95% college enrollment opportunities We’ve moved to a new location into a brand new beautiful building! Celebrating Our 2462 Wyandotte Street, Mountain View 25th Year! TEACHING. LEARNING. CARING www.paloaltoprep.com 650.493.7071

March 7, 2012 N The Almanac N17 Serving Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley, and Woodside for 44 years. Ideas, thoughts and opinions about local issues from people in our community. Edited by Tom Gibboney.

Editor & Publisher Tom Gibboney Newsroom Managing Editor Richard Hine Deal on housing could set trend News Editor Renee Batti Lifestyles Editor Jane Knoerle Staff Writers enlo Park has been tied up in knots over how to cope acre site, was shouted down by residents who live nearby on Par- Dave Boyce, Sandy Brundage with the gaping open spaces left on El Camino Real when tridge and College avenues. They charged that the 60-foot-high Contributors Marjorie Mader, car dealers packed up and left town. buildings were out of character and did not blend with the Allied Barbara Wood, Kate Daly M Critics often blame the city for the remaining eyesores, but in Arts neighborhood, where walking residents and playing children Special Sections Editors fact, the city has spent some five years and more than $1 million on adorn the quiet, tree-lined streets. Carol Blitzer, Sue Dremann a consultant to get local residents involved in creating a new zoning Matteson pulled back, and four years later, was able to produce Photographer Michelle Le plan for El Camino, as well as portions of downtown and the area a plan that not only pleased the city, but the neighbors as well. Design & Production near the Caltrain depot. Now the plan is nearly complete, but still Matteson’s strategy was not unique: after many rounds of talks, Design Director Raul Perez must undergo a full round of public hearings before the Planning the company agreed to significantly scale down the proposal, Designers Linda Atilano, Lili Cao, Commission and City Council seeking approval to build only 26 homes, including nine two- Shannon Corey, Diane Haas, Paul that will continue this spring. story single family homes across the back of the site facing the Llewellyn, Scott Peterson EDITORIAL It’s become clear that the city neighborhood, and 17 townhouses around the rest of the prop- Advertising will zone the relatively shallow The opinion of The Almanac erty. Three units will be set aside for the city’s below-market-rate Vice President Sales properties on the east side of (BMR) housing program. and Marketing Tom Zahiralis El Camino, including the shut- In our view, this project shows that despite claims from devel- Display Advertising Sales tered car dealers, for dense housing over ground floor retail. The opers that they need ultra-dense projects to reach their profit Adam Carter Real Estate Manager Neal Fine buildings are likely to be three and four stories, with small parks goals, smaller designs can succeed and at the same time prove Real Estate and Advertising in between, and feature underground parking. It is not the type of much more appealing to neighbors and buyers. Coordinator Diane Martin housing that many Menlo Park residents prefer, but developers say It’s too early to say whether the Matteson project will impact the Classified Legal Advertising they could not make a fair profit on smaller buildings. zoning permitted in the downtown plan, but we are certain the Alicia Santillan But that concern about profits may be undermined by the City Council and Planning Commission are paying attention. Even recently unveiled project across the street at 389 El Camino, a though it took four years, it is refreshing to see developers, neighbors Published every Wednesday at small, bare lot that once was used to sell small trucks for Ander- and the city all collaborate on a project that initially was not given 3525 Alameda De Las Pulgas, son Chevrolet. In 2008, after purchasing the property, Matteson much chance of success. We look forward to seeing these homes Menlo Park, Ca 94025 Companies tried to win approval to build dense housing there. under construction and perhaps setting the stage for similar projects Newsroom: (650) 223-6525 The first effort, to squeeze 48 condominium units on the 1.23- on the vacant lots remaining across the street. Newsroom Fax: (650) 223-7525 Advertising: (650) 854-2626 Advertising Fax: (650) 854-3650 LETTERS Email news and photos with Our readers write captions to: [email protected] Email letters to: Lesson for Atherton in [email protected] library parking issue? The Almanac, established in September 1965, Editor: is delivered each week to residents of Menlo Park, Atherton, Portola Valley and Woodside and The Feb. 29 Almanac carried adjacent unincorporated areas of southern San several instructional articles, Mateo County. The Almanac is qualified by decree including the editorial about of the Superior Court of San Mateo County to the current library parking publish public notices of a governmental and “crunch” in Menlo Park. legal nature, as stated in Decree No. 147530, issued December 21, 1969. Unfortunatenly, the “crunch” Subscriptions are $60 for one year and is perhaps the result of a plan- $100 for two years. ning oversight in working out the details of the beautiful new Arrillaga gymnasium there. We hope the Atherton Library Building Steering Committee takes note to further inform their Menlo Park Fire Protection District ■ WHAT’S YOUR VIEW? shortsighted, in our opinion, Our Regional Heritage insistence that a glorious state- Bow ties were the order of the day in 1922 when members of the Menlo Park Fire District posed for this All views must include a home address of-the-art facility (a new library and contact phone number. Published photo in front of Station 2 on University Avenue in East Palo Alto. The station preceded the building that letters will also appear on the web site, structure) would have a minimal now will make way for a new, $7.6 million structure on the site, which the district says at 12,000 square www.TheAlmanacOnline.com, and negative effect on the existing feet will nearly triple the size of the current facility. occasionally on the Town Square forum. Holbrook-Palmer Park. The traffic circulation and TOWN SQUARE FORUM parking dilemma would be less This demographic profile is said Applications open a full year of productive work? Post your views on the of an issue by far if an alterna- to be uniformly mature, married, for civil grand jury Can you keep a secret? Can you Town Square forum at tive site such as the present highly educated and wealthy. cooperate with 18 other diverse www.TheAlmanacOnline.com library location were selected. One would expect that such a Editor: personalities? Can you ask EMAIL your views to: The steering committee’s Needs “highly educated” population You might make a good grand thoughtful questions, review [email protected] Assessment (available at the would have the ability to utilize juror if you can answer “yes” to documents, and help write and note this it is a letter to Atherton library) states that well-meaning criticism and to the following questions: lucid reports? the editor in the subject line. “demographically Atherton is a profit from the mistakes of oth- Are you a good listener? Are Can you chair a committee? very uniform community” with ers to ensure a workable as well you interested in trying to Can you devote a minimum of MAIL or deliver to: predominantly similar socio- as pleasing project. A consensus increase the efficiency of local 20 hours of service per week? Editor at the Almanac, economic lifestyles.” might be that the town of Ather- government and save taxpayer If you can say “yes” to all of 3525 Alameda de las Pulgas, It goes on to say that an over- ton already has enough trouble- dollars? Are you willing to the above questions, the San Menlo Park, CA 94025. whelming majority of Atherton some baggage to sort out. serve without personal gain or Mateo County Civil Grand Jury CALL the Viewpoint desk at residents (99.5 percent) fall into Stuart Awbrey hidden agendas? Have you the invites you to apply for its 2012- 223-6507. Segment 01, titled “Top-Rung.” Rittenhouse Avenue, Atherton stamina to commit yourself to Continued on next page 18 N The Almanac NMarch 7, 2012 VIEWPOINT

Open to LETTERS interview process by Judge Liv- and punishes originality. the public: Our readers write ermore, jurors will be selected Because of the inherent ineq- through a random draw. uities of Proposition 13, older Shop our Application forms can be companies such as IBM that Continued from previous page healthful food obtained by writing Grand Jury have owned property for genera- Clerk, Court Executive Office, tions pay one-tenth the property marketplace 2013 term. 400 County Center, Redwood tax paid by new companies such and save Applications are now available City, CA 94063 or telephon- as Google and Facebook. and are accepted until April 3, ing 650-599-1200. If you have I congratulate Emmett Carson 2012. The next term begins July questions you may contact me: of the Silicon Valley Commu- 20% Off 1, 2012, and ends June 30, 2013. [email protected]. nity Foundation for having the your entire Any resident of San Mateo Mickie Winkler courage to suggest at this year’s County for more than one year, Menalto Avenue, Menlo Park State of The Valley Conference purchase* who is a citizen of the United Editor’s Note: Mickie Winkler is a that it is time to discuss reform- Low Carb, Low Sugar, Gluten Free States, 18 or older, of sound member of the current grand jury ing Proposition 13. *Expires 3/30/2012 713 Oak Grove Ave, Menlo Park Menlo Park location only judgment and good character, and is a former member of the A large majority of the approx- 650.323.5483 with sufficient knowledge of Menlo Park City Council. imate 1,000 people attending the English language, is eligible agreed in an informal poll. for selection by the Honorable Time to reform Silicon Valley’s and California’s Richard C. Livermore of the Proposition 13 children deserve better educa- San Mateo County Superior tion funding than our current No Fix / No Pay Guarantee Court. Elected public officials Editor: 49th in the U.S. It’s high time are not eligible. How ironic that Silicon Valley, for us to compel our elected offi- The court encourages all inter- the very center of innovation cials to exhibit leadership and ested individuals to apply. The and creativity envied the world spearhead meaningful reform court strives to obtain a cross over, is saddled with Califor- of Proposition 13. Computer Help-Your Way! section of the county popula- niaís outmoded form of taxa- Kaia Eakin tion. After the completion of an tion that rewards the status quo Redwood City

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