Palo Vol. XLII, Number 48 Q September 3, 2021 Alto Getreu trial: Evidence suggests struggle before 1974 killing Page 5

www.PaloAltoOnline.com

Fall Class Guide Page 29 Read up-to-the-minute news on PaloAltoOnline.com QUpfront Downtown bears brunt of economic recession Page 5 QUpfront Youths hit the streets to boost vaccinations Page 8 QA&E Musical lampoons tech’s embrace of Burning Man Page 27 LA monthly i special v section i n of news g Wel& information for seniors l BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY Off the clock, these Avenidas honorees laid the groundwork for a better community 33

ach of this year’s nine Avenidas Life- Gay and Bill Krause, Alma and Jim Phillips, Tickets for this public event are $75 and gifts times of Achievement honorees has Stephen Player and Eliane and Armand Neuke- may also be made in honor of one or more of the gone beyond the call of duty year in and rmans have distinguished themselves as deeply honorees, with proceeds benefiting Avenidas’ yearE out for decades to create positive changes committed to making their communities a bet- programs for older adults throughout the area. in the community by donating countless hours ter place. Ticket holders may choose to have a box of sa- of hands-on service to local organizations and To honor them, the senior-serving nonprofit vory snacks, dessert and a bottle of wine deliv- programs aimed at improving education, health Avenidas and the Palo Alto Weekly will host a ered to their home before the event. There also care, the environment and services for seniors, virtual celebration on Sunday, Sept. 26, from 3 will be live guitar music, the chance to meet among other areas. to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. and welcome new Avenidas President and CEO From launching an innovation center aimed “While the date and venue may have changed Amy Yotopoulos and the opportunity to learn at providing cutting-edge resources for teach- a few times due to COVID, the spirit of coming about the honorees’ contributions, as presented ers and students, to raising millions of dollars together and celebrating will carry on as we will by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. for cancer research, to initiating programs to all raise a glass to toast this outstanding group To reserve a Zoom link for this festive online foster diversity and social justice in and out of of achievers,” said Kari Martell, Avenidas VP party, visit avenidas.org by Sept. 17. For more the workplace, Fran Codispoti, Helen Gifford, of Marketing and Communications. information, call 650-289-5445.

LIFETIMES OF ACHIEVEMENT FRAN CODISPOTI

She’s raised millions of dollars as an advocate for people young and old By David Goll

os Altos Hills philanthro- plans events. Rao is on the inter- pist Fran Codispoti isn’t national organization’s board of L one to shy away from life’s directors. unexpected challenges. After re- covering from Hodgkin’s lym- phoma, she decided to turn her ‘Feminism has been attention away from a lucrative career in tech to focus exclusive- a continuous thread ly on improving the well-being of throughout my life.’ people young and old who might be experiencing hardships. — Fran Codispoti Palo Alto’s Amy Rao, who met Codispoti seven years ago while Human Rights Watch is just doing advocacy work, has a suc- one of many nonprofit and chari- cinct description of her relation- table organizations where Codis- Magali Gauthier ship with her. poti has worked tirelessly for over “I tell everyone I want to be many decades. Fran when I grow up,” Rao said Among Codispoti’s many tal- with a chuckle. “She has incred- ents are her formidable fundrais- A survivor of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Fran Codispoti first got involved with the Under One Umbrella ible energy and passion when she ing abilities, often the least popu- annual fundraising event in 2011. Over the years, she has raised more than $1 million annually on is working for a cause.” lar duty in charitable or political behalf of the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center. Rao and Codispoti met through campaign work. their activism in the Democratic “She has no problem asking Party and membership in the people to open up their wallets involved with Under One Um- annually, and Kidman has been Codispoti credits her political Silicon Valley chapter of Human and their hearts for a good cause,” brella in 2011 — and helped joined on stage by her country- awareness, dogged determination Rights Watch, a -based Rao said. raise $800,000 for the Center by singer husband, Keith Urban; by and large reservoir of empathy for non-governmental organiza- Among her most notable fun- snagging none other than famed fellow husband-and-wife country others to her parents. tion that conducts research into draising accomplishments is the actress Nicole Kidman as the music luminaries Garth Brooks “I was raised in a family that and advocacy for human rights annual Under One Umbrella featured entertainment. Over the and Trisha Yearwood; and by greatly valued a strong work eth- causes worldwide. Codispoti is a event on behalf of the Stanford years since, the event, now held another famous married duo — ic,” she said. member of the chapter’s executive Women’s Cancer Center. A sur- at Stanford’s Bing Concert Hall, movie-industry actors and royalty committee that targets causes and vivor herself, Codispoti first got has raised more than $1 million Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. (continued on page 24)

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 3, 2021 • Page 21 Living Well

33 BETSY GIFFORD

She’s spent hundreds of hours lending a hand to nonprofits By Sue Dremann

etsy Gifford is finally responsibility, and that’s how she getting used to the idea was raised, she said. B of being honored with an Her mother and father were ac- Avenidas Lifetimes of Achieve- tive in their community in Aurora, ment Award. She’s not keen on Illinois; son Peter is past president the spotlight. of the Palo Alto Community Fund “I like to do things quietly in and has been involved with the the background. I don’t want any East Palo Alto Charter School; bugles,” she said on a sunny Au-

gust afternoon. Magali Gauthier But Gifford’s — and her fam- ily’s — quiet imprint is on many ‘There’s nothing things benefiting the Palo Alto, better than to see East Palo Alto and Stanford communities: Stanford athletics the results of quietly From being a Palo Alto Community Fund director emerita to being a 30-year member of the Dirty and arts programs; the YMCA contributing to the Knees Brigade at Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden, Betsy Gifford isn’t shy about one thing: rolling up her in East Palo Alto; the Children’s sleeves. With privilege comes responsibility, and that’s how she was raised, she said. Hospital at Stanford; the Music benefit of all. It fills Guild at Stanford University; your heart.’ of the university. After returning Settling into her new environ- social sciences degree. Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid — Betsy Gifford to his hometown, he recruited ment was challenging. The only “It was my hook to learn about Peninsula; a local PTA, as well as many students for Stanford’s ad- people she knew were her hus- the community,” she said. numerous others. missions office, she said. band and a high school classmate. She first volunteered as a “pink From being a Palo Alto Com- son Jonathan volunteers with He also encouraged his own son, “I had to forge my own way,” lady” at Stanford Hospital in pa- munity Fund director emerita to Canopy and Gamble Garden. John, and John’s friend, Jonathan she said. In the uncharted terri- tient services. Then she was invit- being a 30-year member of the “It’s a family ethic — that’s Berry Gifford, to attend Stanford. tory of Palo Alto, she set out to ed to join the Palo Alto Auxiliary “Dirty Knees Brigade” at Eliza- all,” she said. Jonathan Gifford became an ar- find out “who she was” and how at Allied Arts, which benefited beth F. Gamble Garden, tending Her father, Karl Grube, who chitect and later worked for Birge to be creative in her new environ- the Children’s Hospital at Stan- the flower beds, Gifford isn’t shy graduated from Stanford Univer- Clark’s firm. Betsy eventually mar- ment, she said. ford. After their two sons were about one thing: rolling up her sity with a degree in aeronautical ried him, and the couple settled in Gifford graduated from the sleeves. With privilege comes engineering, was a big supporter Palo Alto in 1966. University of with a (continued on page 25) 33 BILL AND GAY KRAUSE

They’ve spent decades working to improve local education By Chris Kenrick

t felt like an enormous risk to her direction since its founding in Bill and Gay Krause back in 2000, the center has offered profes- I1981. sional training to more than 23,000 Magali Gauthier Bill quit his good management educators in the effective use of job at Hewlett-Packard — where classroom technology and more his personal mentor was the leg- engaging, high-quality instruction endary co-founder Bill Hewlett — in math and related subjects. to join an uncertain but interesting Bill and Gay Krause’s shared passion for education led them to create the Krause Center for startup. Innovation at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills in 2000. Since its opening, the center has provided “There were months when there professional training to more than 23,000 educators in the effective use of classroom technology and were no paychecks,” recalled Gay ‘Education, from our more engaging, high-quality instruction in math and related subjects. in an interview with the Weekly. point of view, is really The startup — 3Com — turned the foundation of all Hewlett-Packard, where on his phase, joining Ethernet co-inventor Smartcar, as well as the privately out to be wildly successful. As very first day in 1967, Krause was Robert Metcalfe and others in the held Veritas. Gay currently serves CEO from 1981 to 1990 and board benefits to society.’ introduced to company president early days of 3Com. Among the on the boards of the YMCA of Sili- chair from 1987 to 1993, Bill grew — Bill Krause Bill Hewlett in the cafeteria. He company’s first customers were con Valley, the Foothill-De Anza the data networking firm into a began accompanying Hewlett on the young Bill Gates, Steve Jobs Foundation, Children Now, the global, $1 billion-plus publicly For Bill, his success at 3Com al- sales calls for an early program- and Sun Microsystems co-founder Mountain View-Los Altos-Los Al- traded company. lowed him to execute on a three- mable machine they called a desk- Andy Bechtolsheim. tos Hills Challenge Team, as well The wealth created from that part idea he’d hazily concocted top calculator. Krause later went on Now in his “giving back” phase, as the community board of the Palo venture has since allowed the Los as a 20-year-old, broke college to turn the money-losing HP 3000 Krause mentors young entrepre- Alto Medical Foundation. Altos Hills couple to pursue many graduate. The plan — which he computer into a $1 billion business neurs through the venture capital For both Krauses, most of the other dreams. calls “learning, earning and serv- for the company and, still later, to firm Andreessen Horowitz and other “giving back” flows from In the case of Gay, a former ing” — was to spend one-third of manage HP’s first personal com- also is a senior adviser to the pri- their shared passion for education. schoolteacher and principal, she’s his career learning about business; puter division. vate equity firm Carlyle Group. They’ve funded the Krause Inno- been able to create and grow her another third building a business Intrigued by the then-novel idea Having served on boards of more vation Studio at Penn State Univer- own startup — the Krause Cen- and the remainder giving back. of connecting PCs into a network, than 15 publicly traded companies, sity — Gay’s alma mater — and ter for Innovation at Foothill Col- His learning phase took place Krause embarked on his risky but he now sits on the boards of two lege in Los Altos Hills. Under at General Electric and then at ultimately successful “earning” startups, Forward Networks and (continued on page 26)

Page 22 • September 3, 2021 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com Living Well

33 ARMAND AND ELIANE NEUKERMANS

Together and individually, couple is dedicated to serving local and global communities By Heather Zimmerman Magali Gauthier

t’s certainly not uncommon for to the gnarliest of environmental long-devoted couples to have challenges, with projects aimed at Imet in college, but a truly spe- mitigating climate change. Armand and Eliane Neukermans’ philanthropic work takes a stunningly broad scope, from complex cial partnership was forged some “The only way to live is to share social issues such as education and accessibility to the gnarliest of environmental challenges, with decades ago when an economics what you have with your family projects aimed at mitigating climate change. student met an engineering student and community. We don’t live for at Louvain University in Belgium. ourselves,” Eliane said. engineering, with a doctorate in work has led to everything from of reflecting sunlight back into the That meeting brought together applied physics from Stanford the development of the inkjet atmosphere. It’s being used experi- Armand and Eliane Neukermans, University. printer to innovations in fiber op- mentally to try to cool Australia’s who have been married close to 60 ‘The only way to live The Neukermanses came to the tics, advancements in hearing aids Great Barrier Reef, Eliane said. years, have four children and nine Bay Area in the early 1960s after to transdermal medical delivery “Other people who influenced — soon to be 10 — grandchildren. is to share what you a short time in Arizona, and Ar- systems. Armand’s work for two decades But that meeting in college also have with your family mand, an engineer and physicist, For more than a decade, Armand have been (Stanford professor) brought together two people dedi- and community. worked for early Silicon Valley has been one of a small group of Steve Schneider and (scientist and cated to being of service to others, companies such as Hewlett-Pack- engineers and scientists volun- futurist) James Lovelock who each whose numerous philanthropic We don’t live for ard and Xerox. He went on to cre- teering their time and expertise in their own way promoted the projects make a difference in the ourselves.’ ate his own consulting firm and to tackle one of the biggest chal- need for involvement, action and lives of people both locally and also founded a company based on lenges there is: climate change. research in climate change. We globally. — Eliane Neukermans a revolutionary optical switch. One aspect of their work focuses had several meetings with them. Together and individually, the Armand was named Silicon on a “geoengineering” strategy Armand’s work with fellow en- Neukermanses’ philanthropic Eliane holds degrees in eco- Valley Inventor of the Year in known as “marine cloud bright- gineers and scientists on climate work takes a stunningly broad nomics and philosophy from Lou- 2001 by the Silicon Valley Intel- ening,” which aims to lower tem- change and geo-engineering is the scope, from complex social issues vain, and Armand has degrees in lectual Property Law Association. peratures through a process that such as education and accessibility both electrical and mechanical He holds over 75 patents, and his makes clouds denser and capable (continued on page 26) 33 ALMA AND JIM PHILLIPS

They’ve changed lives through more than a dozen local organizations By Jocelyn Dong

hen Jim Phillips met partnership for life, which has Alma Howard at the taken them from Austin to New University of Texas York to Palo Alto, where they and W Magali Gauthier at Austin in the late 1950s, it was their two children set down roots pretty much love at first sight, he in 1972. recently recalled. But a year later, the soon-to-be graduates faced their first quandary: He was stay- ‘Put a lot of effort Alma and Jim Phillips’ contributions to the Palo Alto area have been broad, spanning education, ing for graduate school at the uni- into doing things for diversity, housing, civic affairs and services to seniors. Their impact also has been deep, helping people versity; she was thinking of mov- in ways that have changed lives. ing to Houston to find work as an others, and you will elementary school teacher since realize a richer life.’ Austin’s school district was so ways that have changed lives. moved to New York, where he wit- considered trouble-makers. — Jim Phillips highly competitive. For Jim, the ethos of service to nessed stark economic inequality. “They’re responsive. They’re But demonstrating a commit- others was planted in him when “I was exposed for the first time willing to learn — and they do, so ment to Jim, as she would for de- Theirs, Jim said, has been a life- he was young, as he observed his to African American people, and it’s rewarding,” she said, her voice cades to come, Alma sought advice time of joy, built on mutual support parents’ volunteerism. His mother, I could see ... how they were liv- still carrying a faint Texas drawl. from her dean, who told her to go and service to others. a registered nurse, provided health ing differently, and that gave me Once the family moved to Palo to the district office immediately. As Avenidas Lifetimes of education to the poor; his father thoughts way back then: ‘Why is Alto, Alma gave up teaching but tu- “You’re the best graduate of your Achievement honorees, the Phil- once learned sign language to this difference going on?’” Jim tored students over many decades. year in your field. There’s no ques- lipses’ contributions to the Palo communicate with a deaf and mute said. Witnessing their progress was tion you’ll get a job teaching in Alto area have been broad, span- couple in their town. For Alma, her desire to help oth- deeply satisfying, she said. She’s Austin,” he said. ning education, diversity, hous- “I thought it was really remark- ers grew as she discovered her tal- even saved a note from a teacher So Alma did. And she got the ing, civic affairs and services to able,” Jim said. “That kind of stuck ent for relating to kids of all kinds, she respected, who’d written: “You job. seniors. Their impact also has with me through all of my years.” including those who were disad- Thus began the Phillipses’ been deep, helping people in When he was 5, his family vantaged and others who were (continued on page 26)

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 3, 2021 • Page 23 Living Well

33 STEPHEN PLAYER

He lent his legal expertise to help launch startup nonprofits By Lloyd Lee

rom the get-go as a fresh paper and pen.” law school graduate, Palo At the time, Player didn’t know F Alto attorney Stephen much about Finch or whom the Player spent much of his 30- firm represented. He was most- year career lending his skills to ly happy for the opportunity to help local nonprofits get off the work as a lawyer in the Bay Area. ground all while working full- Finch, it turned out, had been Da- time representing some of Silicon vid Packard and Bill Hewlett’s Valley’s biggest tech names. personal lawyer through the Player was among those who founding of Hewlett-Packard, and helped form the Senior Coor- the firm also now performed cor- Magali Gauthier dinating Council of Palo Alto, porate work for the tech company. which later became Avenidas. He This association with HP led also assisted with the launch of to the beginning of Player’s foray Center for a New Generation, an into the nonprofit sector. Player afterschool enrichment program said Packard approached the Stephen Player spent much of his 30-year career lending his skills to help local nonprofits get off the in East Palo Alto, and Foundation firm with a request from fellow ground all while working full-time representing some of Silicon Valley’s biggest tech names. for a College Education, which Stanford University alum John helps students in underrepresent- Gardner — who at the time was grunt work necessary to establish Condoleezza Rice, to help start and development legal counsel, ed communities pursue college. serving as secretary of health, a nonprofit organization: filing Center for a New Generation in to ask him to give a talk about Looking back on his accom- education and welfare in the Lyn- papers with the IRS to get a tax 1991. The organization now oper- planned giving and how to raise plishments, Player, now 80, de- don Johnson administration — to exemption, writing the articles of ates as an extension of the Boys & endowments. scribes his life trajectory as a help establish a local chapter of incorporation and by-laws, and Girls Club. And in tune with Player’s ser- series of serendipitous moments, the nonprofit Urban Coalition. offering legal consultation pro In his sole practice as a gen- endipitous world, when he called with one thing unexpectedly bono. eral business and real estate to confirm Pearson’s appoint- leading to another. “It was a wonderful opportu- lawyer after he left Finch’s law ment, Pearson’s administrative “It was just kind of a series of nity to really deal with some real firm, Player became known as assistant asked if Player would decisions, or non-decisions, that ‘It was just kind of a life issues, and Urban Coalition a friendly neighborhood lawyer, be willing to take a half-time job helped me through my career,” series of decisions, or was right on top of things,” Player settling disputes between Palo as the university’s planned giving he said. non-decisions, that said. Alto residents and the city. If a officer. From day one, Player said, his Player’s involvement with resident’s fence was too high or “I said, sure. ... That’s why I career as a lawyer started with a helped me through the Urban Coalition opened the their home was too close to some- talk about serendipity,” he said. stroke of good luck. After gradu- my career.’ floodgates for what would amount one else’s, for example, Player Player lives in his longtime ating from Stanford University — Stephen Player to several decades of volunteer le- said he would often step in as a residence in the Leland Manor and University of , gal work for nonprofits and a seat mediator to help both sides come neighborhood with his wife, Nan- Hastings College of the Law, on more than a dozen nonprofit to terms amicably. cy Player, who has been involved Player said he took a gap year in The national program aimed boards, including the Palo Alto “The thing about law — some- in much of his volunteer work England. When he returned to the to bring together leaders from Chamber of Commerce, Palo times it’s about beating the other since the ‘80s. Currently, Player’s United States, Player struggled businesses, local government Alto Recreation Foundation and person,” he said. “I was never that on a committee trying to get the for a few months to find a job. His and civil rights organizations to Palo Alto YMCA. way. I always felt there had to be a Palo Alto Museum off the ground prospects finally changed in 1967 spearhead solutions to race and He was approached to help start meeting point somewhere.” and raise money. when his former wife’s uncle in- poverty issues following the 1967 Foundation for a College Educa- In his 60s, Player’s career took “I was really blessed as a troduced Player to a close friend Detroit riot, which spurred pro- tion, a nonprofit by Christopher another unexpected turn. young lawyer to have a chance named Nathan Finch, who ran a tests nationwide. Roe and Glenn Singleton, who While serving on the board to meet all these people,” he small law firm in Palo Alto. “Since we were (Packard’s) were interested in helping minor- of the Midpeninsula Hospice said. “As I get older, I look back When the two met, Finch told lawyers, we got involved with set- ity high school students get into Foundation, which later became and think, ‘I was a lucky son of Player, “Hey, we just terminated ting up the local chapter,” Player college. He also was tapped by Pathways, Player called his friend a gun.’” Q a lawyer. I happen to have an said. John Wesley Rice, the father of Howie Pearson, Stanford’s cur- Email Staff Writer Lloyd Lee empty office; here’s a pad of His job involved a lot of the former U.S.Secretary of State, rent senior philanthropic adviser at [email protected].

Codispoti Life Co. in New York City follow- party she hosted a few years later a high-tech industry generally that time, Codispoti also became ac- (continued from page 21) ing her graduation from Syracuse in California. is still struggling with misogyny tive with Avenidas, the Palo Al- University in 1965 that ended up “We have developed an amaz- nearly five decades later. to-based nonprofit that provides having a profound effect on Codis- ing friendship over the years,” said “Feminism has been a continu- programs and services for Mid- “As a kid, there was one Christ- poti’s life. When her father accept- Wolken, who also resides in Los ous thread throughout my life,” peninsula seniors. mas when I needed money to buy ed a military assignment in Japan, Altos Hills. “Fran and I really con- Codispoti said. Among the projects she led for gifts, so I went door to door in my she decided to leave the Time Life sider ourselves to be sisters.” In the midst of working, having Avenidas was the capital cam- neighborhood selling Christmas job and join her parents and sisters A friend of Wolken hosted the children and pursuing an MBA paign to remodel the organiza- cards. I made enough money not in the Far East. While working as outdoor wedding of Codispoti and at Santa Clara University, Codis- tion’s aging headquarters at 450 only for gifts but to buy a savings a social studies teacher in a school Schroeder at their home in Portola poti had to undergo six months of Bryant St. bond, too,” she said. for the children of American mili- Valley. chemotherapy after discovering a All in a day’s work for Codis- Codispoti said that, because of tary personnel in Japan — despite Their friendship grew ever stron- lump that led to a Hodgkin’s lym- poti. Her unique talent, according her father’s employment in the lacking a teaching credential — ger during the ensuing years, as phoma diagnosis. to her legions of friends and fans, military, her family moved every Codispoti befriended a fellow Codispoti juggled starting her own Emerging from that health is dedication. two years when she was growing American teacher. family — having a son and daugh- scare after several years of treat- “This is her gift,” Wolken said of up. Along with such domestic loca- Though her new friend eventu- ter — with working as a sched- ment, Codispoti became involved her dear friend’s devotion to chari- tions as Washington, D.C., North ally had to return home to Ohio uler at Hewlett-Packard during the in charitable work for many dif- table groups and causes. “Fran is Carolina, and California, due to the death of her mother, 1970s. Channeling her own mother, ferent schools and organizations, fiercely dedicated and loyal to her her father also was stationed in Codispoti forged a now 54-year whom she described as a mid-20th including Gunn High School and causes, her family and all the peo- Santiago, Chile, where she and her friendship with Judie Wolken, century feminist, Codispoti ad- the Palo Alto Unified School Dis- ple in her life.” Wolken said. Q sisters learned to speak Spanish. which included the latter intro- vocated and agitated for her own trict. Becoming acutely aware of Email Contributing Writer But it was the move she made ducing the former to her future career advancement, as well as for issues involving aging, since her David Goll at David.W.Goll@ after accepting a position at Time husband, Kenneth Schroeder, at a other women, not only at HP, but in mother was in her late 80s at the gmail.com.

Page 24 • September 3, 2021 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com Living Well

Gifford the whys and the hows. You can’t let (continued from page 22) yourself stay stagnant. It’s the pleasure of seeing — to give where you live — while you’re alive. There’s the pleasure born, she volunteered with the Junior of seeing the accomplishments of what League and PTA in Palo Alto. has been quietly underwritten, of see- When her husband died — Gifford ing the rewards of the investments in was in her early 40s — her volun- the community,” she said. teerism and giving intensified. Leon- Gifford is animated by this excitement ard Ely conscripted her to join the Palo and energy. But she laments what she feels Alto Community Fund in 1993, and she is a general disinterest today among those began directing her attention to East who have the most to give. Palo Alto. “It’s hard to recruit board members for “It was a ticket for me to learn about important nonprofit institutions. Some- the community on both sides of Bay- how, people feel entitled, and they feel shore Freeway,” she said. they don’t have to contribute. It’s a conun- Gifford wanted to continue her fam- drum. How do you get people to engage?” ily legacy of involvement with the Everyone has something to offer. YMCA, so she and her family con- Growing up in Aurora, a community in tributed to the building of the Lewis the Chicago metropolitan area, Gifford and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family was around “a wonderful mix of different YMCA. types of people,” she said. Gifford met her husband, Jon, at a “We were taught that everyone comes YMCA in their hometown; in the Bay to the table and has something to contrib- Area, he was a past-president of the ute.” Q YMCA of the Mid-Peninsula; her fa- Email Staff Writer Sue Dremann at Hire a Nurse ther was president of the YMCA in [email protected]. Illinois and her mother also was in- volved with the YWCA in her home- for Peace of Mind town, she said. When Gifford visits East Palo Alto’s About the cover: Your loved one deserves the best care. YMCA and sees the community enjoy- The 2020 Avenidas Lifetimes of ing the programs, she feels satisfaction. Achievement honorees include, from “There’s nothing better than to see left to right, Betsy Gifford, Stephen the results of quietly contributing to the Player, Eliane Neukermans, Armand Call NurseRegistry at (650) 523-9149 to get started. benefit of all. It fills your heart. Money Neukermans, Fran Codispoti, Gay can’t build those feelings,” she said. Krause, Bill Krause, Alma Phillips and Jim Phillips, shown here at Avenidas Volunteering and donating “gave me in Palo Alto on Jan. 23, 2020. Photo the opportunity to expand my curiosity. by Magali Gauthier. Cover design by The curiosity of my surroundings has Douglas Young. taken me on this journey of commu- nity involvement. It’s wanting to know

Living Well SEPTEMBER 2021 Calendar of Events Sept 1 Book Club: The Sixth Extinction Bilingual Event: Moon Festival Sept 23 Short Story Club – Irish Stories, by Elizabeth Kolbert Virtual Food Tour Celebration Book Club: Circe by Madeline Old and New, via Zoom. 2:30-4pm, Avenidas@450Bryant. 2-3pm via Zoom. Register by 9/3 to Miller 2:30-4pm 10:30am-12pm, every Wednesday. Space is limited. RSVP required. i˜ÌiÀÀ>vyi° “>ˆƂ J>Ûi˜ˆ`>ð Avenidas@450Bryant. Space is Email [email protected] to Email [email protected]. Free. org. Free. limited. RSVP required. Email join. Free. [email protected]. Free. Sept 9 Sept 16 Sept 2 Info Session: ClearCaptions Avenidas Village Coffee Chat, Song Appreciation Group Avenidas Village Coffee Chat, Advanced Telephone Captioning 10am via Zoom. “Songs that Make You Want to 10am via Zoom. 11am-12pm via Zoom. RSVP for log Email [email protected] to Dance,” Email [email protected] to on info to [email protected]. register. Free. 4-5pm via Zoom. Email tkingery@ register. Free. Free. avenidas.org for more info and to Bilingual Event: Moon Festival register. Free. Wonder Women Lesbian Song Appreciation Group Cultural Learning Event Social Group, featuring Jane “Songs that Make You Cry,” 10-11am via Zoom. Register by Sept 24 Fleischman, via Zoom 4-5pm via Zoom. Email tkingery@ ™ÉÎ̜i˜ÌiÀÀ>vyi° “>ˆƂ J Workshop: POLE Walking for 3-4pm via Zoom. Email jenn@ avenidas.org for more info and to avenidas.org. Free. Balance, Exercise & Maintaining seniorshowerproject.com for info and register. Free. Tinnitus Support Group Mobility with Jayah Faye Paley to register. Free. 9-11:30am, Avenidas@450 Bryant. Sept 10 5:30-7:30pm via Zoom. RSVP for log on info to [email protected]. Space is very limited. RSVP required. Sept 3 World Suicide Prevention Day Call 650-289-5400. $45/$60 Workshop series: Creating a If you’re concerned about someone, Free. reach out and ask “Are you OK?” It Lasting Legacy, 3-part workshop Sept 17 Sept 27 can make a difference. with Liza Hanks National Apple Dumpling Day Tech and Innovation Discussion 10-11am via Zoom. Dates: 9/3, 9/24, Yes, please! Group via Zoom and 10/29. RSVP required for log on Sept 13 12-1pm, on Mondays. For info. Email: [email protected]. Bilingual Workshop: Sept 20 info or to register email rsvp@ Free. Telemedicine – An Option for My Book Discussion: The Stonewall seniorplanetavenidas.org. Free. Care presented by Alice Mao, Generation with author, Jane Sept 6 MD via Zoom Fleishman Sept 28 Money Mondays Explore Tech 12:30-1:30pm. Presented in English 2:30-3:30pm, via Zoom. Register by Flu Shot Clinic Lectures and Mandarin. RSVP for log on info 9/13/2021 to get your free copy of Avenidas@Cubberley, 4000 2-3:15pm, on Mondays. For [email protected]. Free. the book. Email LGBTQ@avenidas. ˆ``iwi`,œ>`]*>œƂÌœ°,-6* info or to register email rsvp@ required. Call 650-289-5400 for Webinar: Introduction to org to register. Free. seniorplanetavenidas.org. Free. 0QPƂPCPEKCN4GVKTGOGPV reservation and time. Free. Sept 21 Sept 7 Planning via Zoom Sept 29 1-2 pm. RSVP for log on info Apple Tech Tutoring Techie Tuesdays Explore Tech 1:15-3:30pm, on Tuesdays. Hosting A Zoom Meeting [email protected]. Free. Lectures RSVP required. Email rsvp@ 11am-12pm, on Wednesdays, Senior 2-3:15pm, on Tuesdays. For Planet @Avenidas. RSVP to rsvp@ Sept 14 seniorplanetavenidas.org. Free. info or to register email rsvp@ seniorplanetavenidas.org for log on Wonder Women Lesbian Social seniorplanetavenidas.org. Free. Sept 22 info. Free Group via Zoom 7-8m via Zoom. Email jenn@ Care Forum: What’s new in Sept 8 palliative and hospice care? with Sept 30 Worthwhile Wednesdays seniorshowerproject.com for info and Mandarin Multilingual to register. Free. Drs. Ellen Brown and Rita Ghatak Explore Tech Lectures via Zoom Technology Program 2-3:15pm, on Wednesdays. For 9:00-10:00 am, on Thursdays. RSVP Sept 15 11am-12:30pm. RSVP required. Email info or to register email rsvp@ required. For more info or to register Mindfulness Meditation, every [email protected]. Free seniorplanetavenidas.org. Free. email [email protected]. Free. Wednesday For complete schedule or info about Avenidas events, 2-3pm, via Zoom. Visit www.avenidas. call 650-289-5400 org for log on information. Free.

www.PaloAltoOnline.com • Palo Alto Weekly • September 3, 2021 • Page 25 Living Well

Krause “So, we’re trying to give them (continued from page 22) some of the basics and make them more highly engaged in robotics and computer science — to make the Krause Center for Leadership them more excited about teach- and Ethics at The Citidel, Bill’s ing and excite the students about alma mater. learning.” An early agenda for the Krause The center operates five state- Center at Foothill College sprang approved certificate programs in from Gay’s observation, as a local areas such as technology, online school principal in the 1980s and and blended learning and STEAM ‘90s, that computers and printers (science, technology, engineering, in many classrooms were gathering arts and math). dust because teachers didn’t know When the coronavirus pan- how to use them. She set about demic closed schools last year, helping educators master the new the center was well-positioned to machines to improve student out- work with teachers who needed Magali Gauthier comes. Today’s young teachers are intense help in online and blend- well-acquainted with technology, ed learning. and the focus of the Krause Center Both Krauses are particularly for Innovation has shifted. enthusiastic about the Krause Each of this year’s nine Avenidas Lifetimes of Achievement honorees have donated countless hours of “We still do a lot of the technol- Center’s bright and airy, state- hands-on service to local organizations and programs aimed at improving education, health care, the ogy-based training, but that isn’t of-the-art makerspace at Foot- environment and services for seniors, among other areas. The honorees, who will be recognized during a the driver now,” Gay said. “One of hill, which is equipped with laser virtual celebration on Sept. 26, include, from left to right, Betsy Gifford, Stephen Player, Eliane Neukermans, the things that most concerns me cutters, 3D printers, sewing ma- Armand Neukermans, Fran Codispoti, Gay Krause, Bill Krause, Alma Phillips and Jim Phillips. is that, here we are, a math-driven chines, vinyl cutters, soldering society (where) computer science is irons, hand and power tools, and to bring many processes back to our philanthropy,” Bill said. “Edu- successful economic environment so big in our valley, and yet most more. the U.S. The Krauses thus feel it’s cation, from our point of view, is so the Social Security checks can of our teachers only have had one Bill Krause believes 3D print- critical to educate students in the really the foundation of all ben- keep coming.” Q semester of math in college so they ers will become to manufactur- skills available in the MakerSpace. efits to society. An educated per- Email Contributing Writer aren’t really well prepared to teach ing what microprocessors were “Given Gay’s involvement, edu- son is fundamental to a successful Chris Kenrick at ckenrick@ students. to computing, making it possible cation has been a natural focus for society, to a peaceful society, to a paweekly.com.

Neukermans Rights Watch, the Thomas Merton prosthetic called the Stanford-Jai- satisfying,” she said. the efforts of others — and not (continued from page 23) Center, St. Elizabeth Seton School, pur knee. One such symbiotic project grew on themselves. For instance, Ar- Portola Valley Ranch, Global “D.R. Mehta was a true inspi- out of inviting Judy Koch of the mand was knighted several years Women’s Leadership Network, ration on how to go about phi- children’s literacy nonprofit Bring ago by the king of Belgium but is product of this,” Eliane said. the Jaipur Foot Organization and lanthropy,” Eliane said. Armand Me a Book Foundation to visit Palo modest about the honor. The couple have been longtime Amici Lovanienses. is now supporting research for a Alto’s St. Elizabeth Seton School. Looking at their impressive leaders in the fight against climate It was a social entrepreneurship hand prosthesis with Santa Clara Koch, in turn, brought a friend, philanthropic resume together change, including helping to lead project at Castilleja School that in- University following the retirement Deborah Mudd, the Stanford Dean and individually, the Neuke- the early adoption of home solar troduced the Neukermanses to the of Professor Thomas Andriacchi, of Education on the trip. rmanses’ long list of accom- panels in 2006 in Portola Valley Jaipur Foot Organization, a project Stanford’s lead researcher on the “This developed into a train- plishments inspires — and with Ranch, the neighborhood where based in Jaipur, India, and led by project. ing program for teachers offered so many needs in the world, they still live. That project became D.R. Mehta, that provides prosthe- Eliane counts many nonprofits by Stanford in collaboration with may lead to wondering how to the model for Solar City’s Commu- sis to the very poor. and schools among her philan- principals as well as a Stanford tu- possibly take the first step in nity Solar program. “His example of giving dignity thropic projects, but she notes that toring program for preschool-aged voluntarism. For her part, Eliane has taught at and help to those people was very her focus is introducing others, children,” Eliane said. She notes “To get started, support the Arizona State University’s Thun- influential for us,” Eliane said. bringing people together. that when visiting scientists, aca- people you know that are mak- derbird School of Global Manage- When Mehta came to Castilleja “Often people refer to me as demics and nonprofit leaders come ing a difference. Don’t stand by ment and Sacred Heart Preparatory to share his work with students, more of a facilitator with all the to town, she is frequently organiz- the sidelines. (Justice advocate) and Castilleja schools. faculty and parents at the school, projects that we have done together. ing the visit — especially because Bryan Stevenson says it well: Her volunteer work has touched he stayed with the couple, and Ar- I know quite a few organizations, as she says, “They often become ‘Get proximate. Change the nar- numerous community organiza- mand introduced him to research- and one thing that I really do like houseguests.” rative. Do uncomfortable things. tions: Palo Alto Community Fund, ers at Stanford and hosted their to do is try to bring them together Though the couple happily Stay hopeful,’” Armand said. Q Foothill College, Environmental meetings at the Neukermanses’ so they can work on projects. I like discusses the projects they sup- Email Arts Editor Heather Volunteers, Avenidas, the Big Sur home — meetings that led to bringing different interests and dif- port, it’s clear that they both Zimmerman at hzimmerman@ Environmental Institute, Human the development of a low-cost ferent talents together. That’s very prefer to shine the spotlight on embarcaderomediagroup.com.

Phillips Council campaign of Ellen Fletch- speaker from Apple to talk to the program called Camp Anytown, The Global Uplift Project (former- (continued from page 23) er, who won a seat in 1977. She got management, and afterward, Lock- donating thousands of dollars to ly One Dollar for Life) — includ- involved with Midpeninsula Citi- heed’s president decided to form a enable youth to attend. Jim and ing serving in leadership roles. zens for Fair Housing and League president’s advisory committee for Alma went to one of those camps The decades of coming along- are amazing. I wish you knew how of Women Voters along the way. diversity. and recalled an activity in which side others have made him hum- many children are better readers For his part, Jim pursued a ca- “I said, ‘That’s a great idea. I’ll students stood in a line. bler, Jim said, and taught him that because of you.” reer in the aerospace and defense form one in my department,’” Jim “Everybody is asked a ques- the key to living a life of achieve- “The kids love Alma,” Jim said, industry. During his career, he was said. tion: Did you ever get into a fight ment, meaning and joy lies in sitting at the kitchen table of their a development engineer, adjunct Jim then decided that the diver- to prove your manhood? Were you serving others. Eichler home recently as birds professor, technical manager and sity movement was so powerful, it ever attacked with a knife? Did you “Don’t just concentrate on your chirped outside. “I think it’s her managing executive responsible should be shared with the broader ever lose a family member to vio- own success and appearance. Put strong understanding of education for a third of the business in Lock- community. He spoke with Kay lence? That kind of stuff,” Jim said. a lot of effort into doing things and her way of connecting with heed’s Space Systems Division. Phillips, the head of the YWCA in “And the kids could see what was for others, and you will realize a children that makes such a beauti- It was as a Lockheed line ex- Palo Alto, and with fellow Palo Al- going on with the other kids, and richer life,” he said. ful combination.” ecutive that he started taking an tan Ray Bachetti launched “Com- they really did develop a lot of em- Alma offered her own words of Alma also lent her teaching interest in employees’ well-being, mitment to Diversity” annual con- pathy across racial and economic wisdom: “Follow your talents and skills to nonprofits including En- noticing in his daily walkabouts ferences in the 1990s, which were lines. It really was worthwhile.” where your interests lie.” vironmental Volunteers and Deer that many people were unhappy well-received. Next came “study Beyond diversity work, Jim’s “That sort of says, ‘Be your- Hollow Farm. She made an impact and disgruntled, he said. circles” — discussion groups in commitment to lifting others up self,’” Jim said to Alma, “‘and on civic affairs, too. Concerned Groups formed in the company which members actively listened led him to the nonprofits Ave- don’t try to be somebody else!’” about nuclear arms proliferation, to support gay and lesbian workers, to one another talk about difficult nidas, Palo Alto Kiwanis Club, Now silver-haired and decades she wrote educational mailers for mentor Black staff members and issues of race. Peninsula Habitat for Humanity, from their coed days, they looked Physicians for Social Responsibil- advocate for Hispanic employees. He and other diversity advocates YMCA and YWCA, Palo Alto at one another and laughed. Q ity in the 1970s. Closer to home, When Jim saw an opportunity then turned to supporting young Community Child Care, Founda- Email Editor Jocelyn Dong at she chaired the successful City in the 1980s, he invited a diversity people through a school district tion for a College Education and [email protected].

Page 26 • September 3, 2021 • Palo Alto Weekly • www.PaloAltoOnline.com